"I know what I am fleeing from, but not what I am in search of." - Michel Eyquem De Montaigne

Determining the role of contemporary Paganism is a personal experience, moulded by the values, perceptions and experiences of each individual. Certainly, some aspects are universal, but the personal conclusion of what a Pagan is and does is ultimately the most important. This is especially true for those who feel the call of this path, for without a clear purpose in mind and spirit, a sincere following of any path is difficult at best.

There is a missing link in what the western way of life has become. Many people know intuitively that this missing link must be spiritual, yet they often fail to recognise it, and when they do many ignore it.

The answers that have been provided by science and many established religions have failed to provide the sense of homecoming for which most people long. And it is here that Paganism, in all its forms, can play a role.

Following the Pagan path allows us to find ourselves and the Divine. In Paganism the doors that lead to the paths are open and everyone can safely believe what they believe, without fear of excommunication or eternal punishment. Pagans can seek the Truth that they feel is calling to them and can listen to the whisper of their own spirit without a feeling of guilt. Pagans can follow the path where it takes them individually, instead of relying upon dogma or another person to tell them what is true.

Pagans can also, with openness and guidance, be of service by accepting (instead of merely tolerating) and even encourage the beliefs of all others, for although there are many paths, the journey is the same for all.

Science has unravelled many mysteries, and in the process has diminished our sense of wonder, but the needs of our individual spirit have not changed, the seeking has not lessened and our experiences with the Divine can be just as encompassing as it ever was.

The human spirit is ever expanding and it longs to connect with other spirits. Many people have forgotten to listen to the guidance of their own spirit and look instead to temporal things to ease the longing they are only subconsciously aware of.

The human spirit is constantly in a state of oneness with the Divine. This too, too many have forgotten. We should remember that our spirit embraces us and we are one with it, and with the Divine it forms a sacred bond, and it is this bond that already holds the answers we seek.

"People spend a lifetime searching for happiness; looking for peace. They chase idle dreams, addictions, religions, even other people, hoping to fill the emptiness that plagues them. The irony is the only place they ever needed to search was within." - Ramona L. Anderson