Early in the planning phase of our blog, Jax and I discussed having conversations with loved ones about their journey towards finding a faith that fits, regardless of what that faith is (we won’t just talk to pagans!). We hope this is the first in a series of open talks with family and friends on this topic. Our first conversation is with my niece, Samantha (sadly, not Samantha Stevens, har har).

Note: Opinions expressed by interviewees do not necessarily reflect the views of the Pagan Princesses.

How would you describe your faith?

I would definitely identify with the Pagan archetype (a pantheon of gods), though I didn’t start that way.

So, how did you start? Did you follow another faith before looking to paganism?

Yes, I attended church regularly, when my mom was in the choir. I loved it. We went to a Methodist church.

What did you love about it?

Honestly, I don’t know. Probably the structure and I guess the companionship because it was group worship.

When did you start thinking or feeling that wasn’t a good fit for you?

None of my prayers were being answered, even the reasonable ones.

So, the lack of divine intervention turned you away from Christianity?

It wasn’t so much the lack of intervention. I just knew Christianity wasn’t a good fit. I trusted my intuition more than church doctrine. And I disagreed with a lot of the doctrine in general.

If someone had been listening, if your prayers had been answered, would you have remained Christian?

I just felt like no one was listening. He may have been listening to other people, but He wasn’t listening to me.

What about paganism was different?

I felt like someone was listening. I reached out to the universe and it reached back. It sounds kind of crazy, but it was an internal voice…but that voice said things that I would never say.

Was this a process or was there an epiphany?

It was closer to an epiphany…really more of a predisposition. I have always felt closer to the mythology of ancient gods, i.e. Greco-Roman, Norse. Did you know the original meaning of myth was “truth”?

No, I did not. <confers with the Oracle (aka Google)> Ah, the Oracle states, “Myths are “stories about divine beings, generally arranged in a coherent system; they are revered as true and sacred; they are endorsed by rulers and priests; and closely linked to religion.” From Online Etymology Dictionary.

You learn something new everyday.

If you’re lucky.
Is there any branch of paganism you identify with?

I identify with Greco-Roman gods, but my patron is Norse…Freyja. I feel like I understand the concepts the Greco-Roman gods represent because they are familiar to me. We’re surrounded by these gods moreso than others…in ancient art and modern symbolism (like Venus and Aphrodite as symbols of love). But Freyja just came to me. I worked with Tarot several times and every time, Freyja come up. I tried to resist her because she’s a popular deity and I didn’t want to delude myself. But no matter how many times I reached out, she was the only one who answered. She doesn’t answer all the time, but she does answer.

Did you know I was pagan when you started this journey?

No, I didn’t. But your personality and how you choose to live your life gave me the confidence to pursue. I probably would have never had the strength to go on this journey if it wasn’t for you.

<wipes a tear> That’s so sweet!

I even use the journal you gave me for my pagan musings.

<still touched> Is there anything else you would share with strangers about your experience? Would you call it a conversion?

I had to learn to trust what the world was telling me. I went out on a limb a few times and figured out what was right for me. I don’t know if I would call it a conversion so much as calling it, “finding my true faith.”

Do you practice regularly?

No, but I want to start doing that. I want to touch base [with my faith] as often as I can.

Well, thanks for talking with me about this. I know it can be deeply personal and hard to put into words.

That’s the truth. And it’s intimidating. You never know how people are going to receive these kinds of conversations.

<laughs> She said to the blogoshpere!

Thank you, Samantha! Would anyone else like to converse about finding their faith with a Pagan Princess? We promise to give you the royal treatment!