I have been contemplating the idea of becoming a pagan nun.
To many this seems like a very foreign and scary concept.
The misconceptions placed on this role by the catholic church are not what I am referring to when broaching the idea. Whatever limitations anyone decides to put on themselves in regards to the title are choices of their own. To abstain from others and sexual contact is not part of claiming the title. Now those are choices one might make.
Wikipedia defines a “Nun” as:
“A Nun is a woman who has taken special vows committing her to a religious life.[1] She may be an ascetic who voluntarily chooses to leave mainstream society and live her life in prayer and contemplation in a monastery or convent. The term "nun" is applicable to Roman Catholics, Eastern Christians, Anglicans, Lutherans, Jains, Buddhists, and Taoists, for example. While in common usage the terms nun and sister are often used interchangeably, properly speaking a nun is a female religious who lives a contemplative life of prayer and meditation within a monastery while a sister (in the Christian religions) lives an active vocation of service to the needy, sick, poor, and uneducated.[2]”
No where in that definition does it state “No Booty!” I am a person who believes in life. Life in all forms, from creation to destruction, is sacred. All should be treasured and honored with the same respect. In the wheel of our year we experience all aspects, none better than the other. I feel to refrain from one is to deny part of the cycle of life. I will not do it. (Besides I enjoy it too much)
But I do aspire to learn more about my beliefs. To turn my life and focus on those teachings that have made me a better person. I am not planning on getting all fanatical about my beliefs. But I feel the urge, almost need, to devote myself to my beliefs. And to study, to learn, to teach has always been part of my calling. I have always been fascinated by different religions and their history. But this step is making a more solid “vow” almost to the path that I have started down. That has filled me so much that I want to dedicate myself not to a person, nor a coven or group, but to the very belief itself. The internal debate is great, for when I decide and give my word to something, I do follow it through till the end. Becoming a Pagan Nun sounds lighthearted and funny, but this will be a choice that will have an impact on the rest of my life till the end.
I am not asking for advice, nor other peoples opinions. This is a choice one must make for themselves. Hell, most people have a hard time showing any sort of dedication to a belief they have claimed. But I am not other people, I am only me. Mulling over my choices in life, the decision that I have already made, and seeing where I want to go in my life physically, mentally and spiritually. I am a very spiritual person, and being such don’t think that I would have too hard of a time with this path. I would be one of the first official nuns. But can I live up to the expectations that I will put on myself in that position? I honestly do not know.