Mina

Hello and Happy Saturday!

I wish to thank Nar for her wonderful interview! I very much enjoyed reading your answers and learning more about your faith. Thank you so much for sharing with us all Nar!

Today we have a new interview so please welcome Mina.
Mina is a Pagan and I know you'll enjoy her interview as well!

Here Is Mina's Introduction:


My name is Mina. I am a pagan and solitary green witch. As my blood line is largely Scandinavian, I honor many Nordic/Heathen traditions as well. I am a writer and a lover of the earth as well as all of her inhabitants. I reside in Tennessee with my husband, a dog and 2 cats. I'd love for you to visit my blog, “Green Witch With Sprinkles”, or stop by my monthly column at Pagan Pages, “Gems of the Goddess.” Brightest Blessings.


http://greenwitchwithsprinkles.blogspot.com/
http://paganpages.org

1) What religion do you practice?

I see a difference in religion and spiritual practice. My spiritual path is who I am when I am alone, how I speak to the Divine, and how I feel about the world without the confinements, rules or regulations that have been established outside of myself. I actively practice Green Magic, Paganism and several Heathen traditions

2) Are you a convert/revert or were you raised within this religion? If you converted, what did you need to do to convert? And what did you practice prior to converting?
As a child I did not attend a church, nor did my mother or grandmother call themselves pagan. In our home, traditional holidays were always celebrated but natural life (the earth, animals) was always included. For instance, at Christmas we went outdoors as a family to leave various foods for the wildlife; at Easter, our days were filled with the marvels of springtime gifts. We were taught that all actions had a reaction and that what you did mattered, be it positively or negatively. You had to be responsible for your actions.

3) Within your religion are there degrees of observance (ie. Orthodox,conservative, moderate, liberal)? What are the defining differences between the degrees of observance?
This does not apply to my beliefs

4)Within your religion what degree of observance are you ((ie. Orthodox,conservative, moderate, liberal) ? Why did you choose this degree of observance?
This does not apply to my beliefs

5) What is the Afterlife within your religion? For example: what happens when a person dies? Are there places for reward/punishment? (such as a Heaven/Hell concept)
The afterlife is a vision that I contemplate often and may change my view on any given day. However, what I do tend to always come back to, is the belief that nothing could be more peaceful than to be “home”, to have your “spark” reabsorbed into a protective womb.

6) In your opinion, does everyone make it into heaven/paradise? If they do not, why?
It is my opinion that everyone’s soul gets what it needs to be whole, to learn what it lacks, to experience all there is.

7) What makes your religion a good fit for you?
It is not stagnant. It grows and expands just as I do as a human. It does not belittle me in any way and never do I feel unworthy.

8) What are your holy days and what do you do to celebrate them?
My main holy days are the solstices and equinoxes, which mark the four seasons. I celebrate with a ritual and family meal unique to that time, and attend events related to the seasons. I do observe all other sabbats as well as cultural holidays. Honestly, there is not a day in life that should not be celebrated.

9) Do you consider people of other faiths to be your friends?
My friendships are only based on the individual and have no bearing on their chosen spirituality.

10) Would you ever join people of another faith to celebrate one of their holy days? Please explain why?
Yes, providing it is a respectful and heartfelt ceremony

11) What are your thoughts on the burka, and Shariah Law?
Everyone should be free to live their lives as they choose, providing they do not cause intentional harm to any other living thing.

12) Are women allowed to hold religious office (priest, minister, rabbi, iman etc) in your religion and how do you feel about it?
Yes. Gender has no bearing on one’s ability to lead

13) Does your place of worship segregate? If yes, how does this make you feel?
This does not apply to my beliefs

14) How much does your religion affect your daily life and how much thought do you give it when making a decision? Does it affect in any way your decision on abortion, gay marriage, etc?
I live by my religion and every decision I make must meet my own moral code of honor, justice and integrity.

15) How would you react/feel if your child wished to marry outside your religion?
I have no preconceived judgments or intolerances for any other religion so they would have my blessings. I am far more concerned that they choose a mate who honors and loves them as the unique individuals they are.

16) In your opinion, if someone is not of your faith, will they go to hell?
I don’t believe in hell or the devil, but I do believe there is evil in humanity which is often bred by judgment, intolerance and ignorance.

17) Who do you think is not a practicing ----- in your religion and why? ie who in the public domain claims to speak for your religion? Do you agree with them or not?
This does not apply to my beliefs

18) Have you ever been the target of a hate crime? Please explain.
Thankfully, no.

19) Do you ever feel like your religion devalues you?
Never. My religion lifts and supports me

20) Does your religion give you peace of mind?
Yes, when I am able to hush the negative outside voices that trouble me, I can find peace in what I believe is really important in life.

21) Do you believe in reincarnation? Why or why not?
I believe in reincarnation for many reasons but will list two here. First, I cannot tell you how many children I have encountered or heard of other’s conversations with small children that begin with a variation of, “remember when I was big and you were small?” which are then followed up by entire tales of love, tragedy, or both that far surpass the knowledge of the child. Second, given the inequities in life, the flawed nature of humans, and the many conditions of the world, it would take more than one lifetime for a soul to fully experience and learn balance and justice.