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"Thats true Chiron...... but read what Jape wrote again.  He has actually given absolutely excellent advice, and well thought out.  And he has done this to help a person who is asking for guidance.  Its a matter of personal style and although Jape hasn't gone for the \"sugar dumpling\" language, he hasn't been rude!   \n  \nI particularly like what he says about how one might approach nature.  It is beautiful, but terrifying.  To concentrate on bounty and beauty is to do nature a great disservice.  Bounty and derth, life and death, joy and terror.  Nature is amazing, but it is not kind and it is not unkind.......... it can give and it can take, and we forget this at our peril. \n  \nElven, you talk about the need for us to protect nature.  I wonder if this is something you might explore a little.  Does nature need us and our protection?  What you say also implies an \"us and it\" approach..... but we are not separate from nature.  We are nature and a product of evolution just as much as any other living creature or plant on this planet.  We should protect the natural environment...... we'd be idiots not to, but don't think Nature cannot look after itself!  \n  \nIf you are at the start of your journey you have many choices ahead of you.  Spend a little time thinking about what you really believe (and being atheist does not make you narrow minded by the way, you can be atheist an pagan you know).  See nature for what it is and then work out your relationship to it...... Being a Pagan doesnt have to be love light and tranquility..... it can be hate, darkness and turmoile.  Perhaps a healthy approach would be for you to see the balance in these things. \n  \nMike \n"
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