Just one example, but it serves as a warning across the board. When I was young, I read a lot about Wicca and tangentially about things that would have been relegated to the "spiritual" side of life and worship, and the things people do to get in touch with that side of them range from harmless and silly to sometimes life-threatening. Some seem benign, like sweat lodges, but can have horrible consequences if you don't take proper safety precautions...partially because some people don't give a shit about safety, they just want to make a buck off people like you (that's not meant as an insult) and partially because some people honestly believe in those things but don't have the wherewithal to be safe about it.
Just a kind "be careful" from someone who thinks those things are bunk but understands why they would appeal at some stage of your life or the other. Part of the reason I fell in with a circle of skeptics was because they're all about people being safe as much as debunking whether or not these things have actual 'magical' properties. If you get something out of a sweat lodge (for example) on a personal level, that's cool...I just wouldn't want anyone to suffer for someone else's carelessness or ignorance.
Just a kind "be careful" from someone who thinks those things are bunk but understands why they would appeal at some stage of your life or the other. Part of the reason I fell in with a circle of skeptics was because they're all about people being safe as much as debunking whether or not these things have actual 'magical' properties. If you get something out of a sweat lodge (for example) on a personal level, that's cool...I just wouldn't want anyone to suffer for someone else's carelessness or ignorance.