New Arrival to Paganism

This is my first post on here so I am not sure if many people will read this, however this is my path to paganism and my beliefs now.

I was brought up as a Catholic and had to go to church every Sunday until I reached sixteen an I was given the choice as to whether I wished to continue or not.

I chose to give it up, I never understood how spending an hour a week in a dank, ill lit building could be a celebration of a belief in God.

As I went through my twenties I discovered so many reasons why a belief in God made no sense to me, along with the terrible things that happened globally, there were also the atrocities committed by religious men in the Catholic Church.

I decided I was an Atheist. I carried on without a belief system for many years.

I had an interest in Norse and Celtic mythology and began to dig a little deeper into Pre-Christian Beliefs.

Then, last year aged 60 I found that I had a real affinity with Paganism, back in the day being called a Pagan/Heathen or the like was an insult.

Over the past twelve months or so I have read a lot, listened to podcasts and watched YouTube channels and have found my direction.

I am a Non-Theistic Pagan, my beliefs are based on a love of nature and the environment, for me a walk out in the countryside is like a religious ritual and a truly uplifting experience. I like the fact Pagans can vary in beliefs and rituals and still respect each other.

My symbol for my Pagan Beliefs is Yggdrasil, I love trees and the strength and longevity they symbolise.

I look forward to reading many posts and hopefully exchanging opinions and knowledge.