[keri]

While I'm at it, how do you other pagans have any idea whether or not you've gotten the "old formula" right, given that all you've got is some sketchy ancient sources?

I think it's true that Wiccans do a lot of research:-) I call myself pagan because others at FR have defined "pagan" as anyone not being Christian, Muslim, or Jewish. That is correct, but not the way it's most often used.

Some of the ancient sources I base my beliefs on are older than the Bible by hundreds of years, it is true, but they aren't sketchy. (anything but)

I don't understand what you mean by "old formula", since I don't practice sorcery. The closest I've been to that is reading Carlos Castaneda:-)

Religious wars are no fun, but learning about another religion can be, at least for me.

[A.J.Armitage]

Some of the ancient sources I base my beliefs on are older than the Bible by hundreds of years, it is true, but they aren't sketchy. (anything but)

Which sources are those?

I don't understand what you mean by "old formula", since I don't practice sorcery.

I didn't mean formula as in spells, I mean it as in rituals, doctrines, and everything else in the "recipe" for a religion.