Paganism in all its forms, I believe, is a spiritual Path that encourages open-mindedness, answers, but especially questions.

Critical thinking is a very important tool in my spiritual life and it is an important tool because it provides me with scepticism. I need scepticism to maintain a healthy and balanced relationship with my spiritual beliefs and practices.

I think that when we fail to ask questions, and especially when we do not question our own beliefs or practices, we risk compromising our personal principles. And one should never end up sacrificing the sense of Self.

And the question we should ask is: “WHY?”

Asking the question “WHY?” is really taking a step back from any situation so that you may examine it objectively. Asking why is employing your inborn critical thinking skill (think of children always asking: “WHY?”), and claiming your own sense of empowerment by asking not only your deity, priest, priestess, elder, teacher, or whoever why you are doing something, but also asking yourself: “WHY?”

Another, important question that I always ask is: “What am I supposed to learn from this”. In a word: “WHY?”

This question is important because it allows me to take time to experience what is happening and then reflect upon it. In a spiritual or religious situation it is important to ask what the lesson for the self is, because every experience has something unique to teach.

Asking why is really asking what the lesson is for you, in this situation. It is also asking why you find yourself in this situation, why this particular experience is taking place, and why it is taking place at this stage in your life. It is also a reminder that the ultimate authority for yourself resides within the divinity within you.

It is true that external sources provide inspiration and guidance, but in the end, it is still you who has to know why so that you may have moral certainty that you are indeed staying true to your personal journey.