Clarisse McClellan's Daughter

I'd say look in-depth at each of the categories you're interested in. Also, neo-paganism encompasses a nearly bewildering array of things... for instance, there's Wicca, Druidism, any of the Eastern religions (Buddhism, Taoism, Tantric, and I know there's another Indian one I'm forgetting, as well as the Japanese and others), Kimetic, the many and varied Native American, Aboriginal (from Australia)... those are all relatively big in the pagan area, and those are all just off the top of my head! There's also solitary practitioners, groups, covens...

Myself, I'm Daoshadru Alchemist, which combines everything. I go to a group, but not a coven, and the stuff you'll see in my LJ is Daoshadru Alchemy related. Basically, as with any religion, you have to do your research, and figure out what works for you. I have a real problem with religion that tries to change a person to suit them. Also, if you're planning to research paganism, be prepared to slog through a LOT of crap, but even that can help, by making you aware of what you believe and what you instinctively are repulsed by. Sometimes you have to examine why you're repulsed, but that's another good thing.

Really, for me, it's been an exersize in getting to know myself, and I've just scratched the surface as of yet. And if you have any questions, you know my email address... I'd be more than happy to share what I know, and if I don't know, I'll try to find out. :)

p.s. Believe it or not, I still haven't officially committed to this path. I recommend taking at least a year to research any path you're considering, even if you're actively participating at the time, before you actually commit. After all, you wouldn't want to commit to a path and later find out they expect, say, your first-born! ;) (Just kidding, nobody that I know of does that... it was an example.) With that much research, you'll have a better idea what to expect if you commit. (For this reason, I'm not too big on 'mystery' religons... yes, I understand that people have been persecuted for their religious beliefs, but if you can't find reliable information, how do you know they won't ask you to do something against what you believe?) I'm getting long-winded here, so I'll wrap this up, but like I said, if you have any questions I can help with, please feel free to email me and I'll do the best I can to answer you. :)