Five common mistakes pagans make:
1)
Generalization: regardless how well it is intended the generalization of assuming that all pagans subscribes to the same set of "rules" is a big mistake to make. There are many differing paths under the pagan banner. there is a base of the interpretation of a pagan. Firstly the subscription of multiple gods and goddesses predating modern day religions, secondly having a lifestyle in harmony and respect with nature . Not all pagans are wiccan and therefore do not subscribe to the wiccan concept of the "rede", harm none, and the threefold law. Each "path" has its own individual mannerisms and beliefs of practice, over and above this each individual so too has individual way of practice.
To make a statement "a true pagan will not do" is a very dangerous statement to make. However of recent there has been many cross breeding that has been brought into paganism, and according to me it is rather an abomination when attempting to "merge" two opposing religions. I do realize that "religion" perse is a ever growing and developing practice, however to the traditionalist it is frowned upon, but i have set aside my emotions attached and read my own statement above of "a true pagan will not do". hence two differing trains of though prevails, the traditionalist and the neo-pagan.
2) Do research, read books, seek informaton and avoid taking one authors opinion or even a teachers guidance as being the one and only perception of the craft. There are basics that just about every author or teacher will share with you such as creating holy ground, tools of the craft, the festivals and mythology of both the base practice as well as the extended path related festivals. Once you have made a start please do not stop at that start, rather continue advancing your path on a daily basis, it is imperative to develop and grow and not to become stagnant. It is a never ending practice with no point of complete understanding and level of knowledge.
Did you read a really awesome book on modern Pagan practice? If you did, it probably covered important information such as the basic magical tools, how to cast a circle, and the eight NeoPagan Sabbats. Great! That’s a terrific starting point.
3)
There is an old statement of "instead of feeding someone by giving him a fish, rather teach the person to fish for himself. Thus making the person self supportive instead of dependent"
Even while researching and studying continually question the information you may find and find balance in the understanding of what you read. As you go down this path of gaining knowledge always remember that there are some writings that does not contain valid information and other sources that will, gain the ability, by questioning, to be able to "filter" through all of this information and take that which balances with you.
4)
Most people who have been part of the Pagan community for any length of time have encountered this phenomena: someone who is new enough to Paganism that they’re still asking very basic questions, and yet who proclaims themselves to be a leader or priestess of a group.
There’s NOTHING WRONG with being new. We were all new at one point. But don’t be in a hurry to claim knowledge you haven’t earned. It’s off-putting to more experienced folks, and worse, you could be responsible for the spread of misinformation that you may have trouble correcting later. When it’s time for you to be a teacher, you’ll know. But in the meantime, be happy to play the role of student.
5)
There’s often an eagerness to trash folks of other religions. While it’s great to be enthusiastic about your new-found belief system, it’s never okay to disparage other people for their beliefs. You may not agree with the principles of Christianity, and you may have had an absolutely terrible experience with being a Christian before you found your Pagan faith. But that doesn’t mean it’s acceptable to tell other people their choice of religion is wrong. Remember, you became a Pagan because it works for you. Other people are following the faith that works best for them - and it’s not up to you to change that.
Most Pagan faiths frown on trying to convert others, too. Don’t be pushy about getting others to join your new set of beliefs - it makes you just as obnoxious as the people who try to convert us away from Paganism.