Let's first start by defining paganism. Paganism: The simplest way to describe paganism is that paganism is a local religion or a native religion, for example the Native American religion is pagan, and Hinduism is also a religion within pagan religions. (“What is Paganism?”) All pagan religions are characterized by a connection to and reverence for nature, and usually have many gods and/or goddesses. Paganism is a nature religion, in other words pagans have a deep respect for nature. Pagans see the divine as existence in life and the universe; in every living being, every animal, plant, earth and man and woman, in the dark side of life as much as in the light side. Pagans live their lives in tune with the cycles of nature; the seasons, life and death. Unlike many religions, most followers of a Pagan religion were not born or raised following a Pagan path. There are many different reasons why a person chooses to follow a Pagan religion, just as there are many different traditions and practices within a given Pagan religion. Among all these different traditions and practices there are shared beliefs such as a Father God and a Mother Goddess and that all things in the universe are interconnected, respecting all life and honoring male and female energies. Pagan religions also share an ethic of self-responsibility, as in my personal religion, the Wiccan Rede, to do what one chooses, as long as it does not harm anything or anyone; “These Eight Words That the Rede Fulfills: An Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will” (“The Wiccan Rede”) At some point in every Pagan's life, we are questioned about the beliefs and practices of these religions because of a widely held belief that the Pagan religion is that of a Cult, or Satanity, as far as it makes sense compared to the teachings of Pagan religions; I searched for my answers and found them in Wicca. I believe that the word "convert" is not suitable to describe those who call themselves pagans, but were born into other religions. Most Pagans describe joining a Pagan religion as feeling like coming home. Even in my personal experience, I was born into this belief, but I drifted away from Christianity for a few years, but I felt like I was out of place. I became increasingly aware of a calling within me, a calling to define my beliefs and feelings. Returning to the pagan religion was simply a revelation that others shared these beliefs and feelings. Therefore, I truly believe that pagans do not by definition “convert” to paganism, but through self-revelation and heeding their calling, they make their journey home..