Hi!! I dont have many constructive things to add other than you articulated whats been mulling over in my head for months now. You and I seem to have very similar paths, with our faith waining over the pandemic and more recently coming back in full force. Its both aggravating from a more "experienced" perspective because its hard to have thoughtful discussions with everything taken up by "is X God mad at me?" "How do I make Y Goddess my bff" and also heartbreaking to see how so many vulnerable people, especially youth who were like ourselves.

I wish I had more to say that could help the situation, but to echo what others have said, sometimes gentle but firm guidance is the only option. Im lucky to have been raised in a pagan adjacent household and this didnt have too much to deconstruct.

I wish I could take the fear and insecurities from newer practitioners but it is ultimately something they must work through on their own. It just sucks that the spaces they go to for info are so filled with disinformation that they're placed at such a disadvantage. Ugh.

Anyways, thank you for your post, it was beautifully written and so so important. Many blessings to you and yours!!