Is Training Necessary in Todays Paganism?
I think this begs for clarification. Structure helps. Having a framework of ritual (such as a Wiccan Circle Casting or Heathen Blot or a Hellenic Thusia) can lay a solid foundation for approaching the Gods with respect and having a more ready connection therein. Still, with respect to worship, no one is privy to the one correct way (ad nauseum). In my experience (and my honest opinion), the Gods don’t really care about cosmetic details (such as holding the knife this way, or correctly pronouncing archaic Greek or butchered Latin or heavens-no Enochian). They care about the heart, the intent. With regards to magic and more mystical pursuits, I deem structure as necessary. This is true whether you are applying a folk or ceremonial approach. It is especially true if one is working along more (to use the modern umbrella term) shamanistic lines. You can get lost in the Other World, you may encounter forces and entities out there that are way bigger than you (and/or that really dont like hum
