BellaOnline Forums Religion and Spirituality New Age Have You Had a Conversion Experience?

It's always interesting to me to hear of conversion experiences. Some people may have drastic conversion exeperiences where they jump ship to an altogether different religious path.

Other "conversions" are more subtle, with people incorporating different belief systems, but foregoing religious doctrine.

Whether you've "converted" from no religion to a particular religion, Christianity to Wicca, Buddhism to Judaism, Jehovah's Witness to Islam--whatever the "jump", I'm interested to hear of your experience...what brought it about, how it affected you, your relationships and your life, etc.

I've had a sort of convrsion experience in my life, Janet. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I come from a mixed family: my Dad is Jewish, and my Mom is Russian. I've always felt a need for God in my life, and I've been looking for Him in many places, but, because of this "double ancestry", this posed a bit of a problem for me. I can't say I was ever a real Judaist, because you need to change your whole life drastically to follow the rules of this religion. But I tried to observe the major holidays and sacred rituals about Judaism. There was a moment when I thought I've found what I was looking for, but then I understood God was further away from me than ever. I needed something more personal, more warm and intimate than that.
I've met some people who were (and still are <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> ) devout Christians. They talked to me a lot about Jesus and Gospel and suchlike things, and shaped a Christian out of me. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I feel Christianity brings you closer to God, because it addresses purely spiritual matters more directly and openly, than Judaism (that's my point of view, however, I don't claim it's the ultimate one! <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> ) In this religion, much more attention is paid to soul and spirit, and spiritual laws you are to follow - laws of love, kindness, forgiveness, etc. Judaism, to my mind, is more about "knowing" God, experiencing Him through reason, but not "feeling" Him or "living" with Him.
However, I never was an orthodox Christian. I don't treat this faith as the only right one. I believe all people come to God in their own way, and, from this point of view, all religions and beliefs are valuable. I think there is a lot of great things about Buddhism, Induism and some other religious systems, that I accept as well. Tarot are a great part of my life. I think of these cards as of a precious instrument of knowing God and getting closer to Him, but I don't think my Christian friends would have appreciated this. <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> So, I'd rather call myself a New Age kind of person.
Hope you didn't fall asleep in the middle of this! <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />
Elena

Good heavens, no, Elena! <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I found your post fascinating. Many of the reasons you listed is why I consider myself "New Age", although Jesus and the spiritual truths of Christianity are my "home base" so to speak. But as you say, Tarot, mysticism, and such aren't usually "orthodox" anymore. Pity, since it surely was so before religion and egos got in there.

God and personal spirituality are so vast and deep of an experience (and subject!). When I remain open, like a child, wonders never cease to amaze me. And, many times, these "wonders" appear very simple. But to me, they are profound...and as you so aptly said "I needed something more personal, more warm and intimate than that."

I think it's also fascinating that you call Tarot a precious instrument that helps you know God. I'm finding that to be true, as well the more I work with cards. (I didn't start really even looking at Tarot until about a year or so ago. My religious upbringing still prevented me from even considering it!)

What do you find beautiful about Tarot as a tool? How does it bring you closer to God? Would you share some experiences? I'd be very interested in hearing about your journey and insights if it's not too personal. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I'm so glad you found this forum, Elena! Your lights surely shines brightly. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Hello Janet, <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
Thanks for your wonderful post! I never thought all this story could actually interest anyone but me... <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />
Speaking about Tarot, the cards help me in a variety of ways. I try to spend time with my Tarot each day. (Unlike you, I'm a fan of big complex spreads <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> ). This enables me to see clearly that my life is ruled by God, that nothing happening in it is unplanned or just a mistake. For instance, if I do a spread and see a certain card in the "Future" position, and some time later find it in another spread describing the "Present" situation - this happens quite often, by the way - I think, it's a great illustration of how wise and grand God's plan is. This offers you a much greater perspective on life, the way God sees it. People are usually preoccupied with their daily problems and seldom have time or wish to stop and think about the direction in which their life is heading. Tarot cards make you stop and think, and see all this unbelievably great scenario beyond your daily worries.
I also love spreads that are used not to foretell the future or analyze a certain problem, but to analyze one's own personality. There is a great spread called "Spirits of the Circle", that tells you how your birthplace, family, God, etc. inluence your personality. And that's only one of the many I use to gain a depper insight into who I really am, what are my strong and weak points, what's my mission here in this world, etc.
And, lastly, Tarot cards are a great instrument for meditation. I use a wonderful book written by a woman from Poland, who gives not only the meanings of certain cards, but also the archetypes beyond them and the numerological meaning of certain numbers. All this knowledge combined turns Tarot deck into a small model of the Universe, and gives you plenty of food for thoguht and meditation, and sometimes prayer.
Once again: hope you didn't fall asleep in the middle of this! <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> I wish I could make it more clear and concise, but English is not my first language, and you must give me this excuse. :rolleyes:
Thanks for hosting this board, Janet! <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
Love, :love:
Elena :beamedup:

You're most welcome! :love:

I think you're English is great, and that you express yourself very eloquently!

Can you share the "Spirits of the Circle" spread and the title of the book you mentioned? (I love archetypes!) Is it in English?


LOL My mind tends to be complicated enough with out adding complicated meditative tools to the mix! I, too, have experienced the "Future" card becoming the "Present" or even the "Past" as it progresses.

I totally agree. I know I need to spend more time journaling and meditating, especially with the cards I use. But like most, I may know what to do, but find that I don't always do it! (Just like the Apostle Paul, I guess. LOL)

What a beautiful way of looking at Tarot, Elena! I agree with this, as well!

I look forward to hearing more of your thoughts and insights if you're inclined, Elena. Your post was like water for a thirsty traveller. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Many blessings to you,

Evening, Janet! <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> (Well, at least it's evening to me <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> ). The book I was talking about was written by a woman from Poland. Her name is Alicja Chrzanowska. My book is in Russian. I looked it up in Yahoo, Goggle and Altavista and found no information about the English translation. <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> But there is a Tarot deck created by her, called "Tarot Swietlistej Drogi" (this can roughly be translated as "Tarot of Precious Light"). As far as I could understand, one can buy this deck in the US. It has names of cards both in Polish and English, and is accompanied by a softcover book. I wonder if that's the book I'm talking about? Mine is called "The Magic of Tarot".
As for the Spirits of the Circle Spread, here it is. The spread itself looks like this:

2 ..... 7.....4
........1......
5.......6 .....3

1 - the Querent
2 - Spirit of the Ancestors: influence of family elders on the Querent's personality
3 - Spirit of the Tribe - influence of culture
4 - Spirit of Time - influence of the epoch
5 - Spirit of Place - influence of birthplace and residence
6 - Spirit of the Journey - influence of previous lives
7 - Awen - gifts/blessings/graces of the gods of nature

I hope you'll find this spread helpful! <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I also wanted to tell you that I tried the two spreads given in the "Power Tarot" article - they're fascinating!!!!!!!!!! :rolling: Thank you sooooooo much for publishing them! :love:
I'm really glad I've found your webpage, Janet! <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />
Love,
Elena
P.S. Did you really mean it about my English? <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for the spread, Elena, and trying to find out more information for me. I appreciate it! That spread is utterly fascinating. I've not seen one like it before.

You're welcome! I'm glad you're enjoying the spreads I picked from the book. There are quite a few goodies in there!

Of course I meant it about your English! <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I'm not one to speak a compliment unless I really mean it. And I'm glad you found the New Age Channel, too. It's a pleasure meeting people like you who have such a pure sense of wonderment and joy. Your enthusiasm is contagious! <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />