Pastoral Care: 
The Priestly Art of Soul Healing

Recovery Issues

Since the AA model (and that of deriviative 12 Step groups) was based on the Evangelical conversion experience, it's not surprising that the founders expected folks in recovery to come to Christianity eventually. Atheists and Agnostics in recovery have turned to Unitarian Universalist alternatives such as AAAA (AA for Atheists and Agnostics) and Rational Recovery. Pagans have had several experiments with adapting AA, joining UU recovery groups, or experimenting with alternatives.  Here's one being offered now. 

A Pagan Alternative to Christian 12 Step Groups:

Nine Step Pagans

Are you a Pagan or Pagan-friendly adult looking to win or keep your freedom from addictions or compulsive behaviors? Welcome! You are not alone. Join your brothers and sisters in mutual support, helping each other to health and freedom. These words are being typed on the 1st of January, 2001, in preparation for the birth of an organization oriented toward using the healing energy of the Pagan community to offer a way to health and freedom for those who want it. Click on the links below to learn more about Nine Step Pagans, whom it is for, e-mail lists and meeting schedule.

For the purpose of the organization NINE STEP PAGANS, the noun "Pagan" refers to a person whose faith and worship includes a deep, abiding respect and love for the Creation of which humans are a part, and a desire to live in well-balanced relationship with self and the rest of the natural world.

THE NINE-STEP FREEDOM TRAIL

1) We came to feel enslaved by excessive behaviors which were harmful to us, throwing our health and relationships out of balance through addictions, compulsions, or both.

2) We realized that resources were available to help us win our freedom, if we were willing to use them.

3) We became willing to reach out for help, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

4) We sought help from our Deities, fellow humans, healers, clergy, groups, or whatever source necessary, to aid us toward freedom and health.

5) We established a pattern of life-affirming behaviors, avoiding the sorts of isolation which would make us vulnerable to relapses, creating a foundation of supports which could help us recover from whatever lapses we might have.

6) We considered, acknowledged, and took full responsibility for the harm we had done to others and ourselves in the time of our slavery.

7) We considered and discussed with a neutral adult, the harm we had done, and how we might make restitution or otherwise restore balance, facing the fact that in some situations no direct redress was possible.

8) Where possible, and using whatever supports necessary, we endeavored to restore balance in those situations and relationships previously harmed by our servitude to addiction or compulsion.

9) Remaining constructively vigilant in our self-regard, we continued to grow strong in health and freedom, eventually becoming a source of support for others seeking to bring their own lives into healthy balance.

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[For virtual meetings and more information about Nine Step Pagans, please visit their website.  http://www.ninesteppagans.faithweb.com/main.htm#ninesteps
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NineStepPagans/join
http://www.ninesteppagans.faithweb.com 

Unfortunately, their webmaster likes very busy backgrounds which are very hard to read.  You may find copying the page in .txt format helps.]

If you are practicing the 9 Step Program, we would love to print an essay or interview about your experience. If you are interested in forming a 9 Step Program, we may be able to help with space. Contact Christa Landon.

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