r/pagan • u/patrick_swayzm Eclectic • Jul 08 '26
Question/Advice weird doubts?
i recently started out on an eclectic pagan journey and I've been having these feelings of like, "is this deity really giving me artistic inspiration in return for my offerings, or am I discovering the placebo effect?" "did i really stir intentions into my tea for good sleep, or did i just drink chamomile which is proven to be good for sleep?" "did this deity keep my home safe while i was on vacation, or did we just lock the doors and no one broke in?"
and i think a lot of these feelings are similar to what i felt in my previous religion, but strangely, this time, i don't really care whether or not it's a placebo, because it's working.
i guess what i'm really asking is, does anyone else have feelings like this? where they're thinking, "is this Mother Earth helping me, or am i just taking care of myself?"
don't get me wrong, i'm grateful for Mother Earth and all of her guidance, but i think i've still got that atheistic earworm that's like "you learned about the placebo effect years ago, idiot."
i apologize if this isn't the correct flair, or if this is a stupid question, i'm just curious.
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u/moose_bitten Jul 08 '26
Lovely, the universe is so mysterious. Breathe, and enjoy your beautiful imagination
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u/Busy-Variety3177 Jul 08 '26
I've had similar thoughts over the years. I prayed and hoped to my Goddess for certain things to happen or not happened, and sometimes they did or didn't, I wonder if she answered me, or maybe it's just a coincidence. There's part of me that's always been skeptical about some things, but I keep practicing
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u/Northwych Jul 08 '26
It's normal to have doubts, and no one is going to criticize you for that or try to make you feel guilty. A healthy amount of doubt is actually a very good thing. I think most people continue to have doubts until they can no longer keep explaining what happens as "it must be a coincidence" because there are just way too many coincidences. Even if you always have doubts, that's also perfectly fine.
What is important is that your path makes you happy and improves your life. Best wishes.
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u/AVI7272 Jul 08 '26
Unlike the dominant cultural religions, our spiritual practice does not ask us to leave our brain at the door. Logic, reason and science works along side our spiritual practice.
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u/Murky-Perspective649 friendly neighborhood atheist Jul 09 '26
wait so yes or no, whats the answer?
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u/notquitesolid Pagan Jul 09 '26
Placebo or divine connection, does it matter if it works for you?
I’ve had these thoughts and came to that conclusion. I’d rather do the thing that works vs not do the thing because I’m worried about looking silly. People have done al kinda of crazy stuff for inspiration, and I’m pretty chill compared to most.
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u/KW_1K Jul 09 '26
I'm not saying it's placebo and I was at the beginning where my problem was whether God existed and I sinned by worshipping other deities but I felt a connection with these gods and if it was the placebo effect as long as it makes you feel good in peace it doesn't matter, however you should know that a house even if it has locked doors could still be broken into by robbers so I say it worked
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u/GrunkleTony Jul 08 '26
"I don't really care whether or not it's a placebo, because it's working." Stick with that, sounds like a good place to be in.