Pagans and Wiccans do not have any active recruiting and converting methods (Some people may try to convert, but that is looked down upon). We are very open teachers. Some people like our beliefs and philosophies enough to become Pagan or Wiccan. But there is absolutely NO pressure. It is important for each person practicing the Craft to be honest about who they are, and what they want out of life. If you are pressured into the Craft, or coerced, then that's worse than not having you around at all. To most Pagans it is very important that you are comfortable with what you believe, no matter what it is you believe.
The Pagan/Christian duality is an interesting one... Myself, I do not see Christ as the son of god... Because of my Relationship with the Universe, I believe that we are all the sons and daughters of God. I do believe that Jesus was an absolutely incredible philosopher and teacher, and I have great respect for him.
I have many Pagans on my site that are both Christian and Pagan. Because of a lot of Pagan beliefs were incorporated into Christianity to convert the original Pagans to a unified belief system, the two blend together very readily. Again, it would take time for you to fit the pieces together to create your own beliefs. There are often problems, however. Usually these problems come from the close-mindedness of Christians who were always taught that Pagans were devil worshippers. It is difficult to defend yourself against something like that. Usually because it is something they have been taught their whole life, yet without any real support or evidence.
I have literally seen arguments that went like this:
"You are a devil worshipper!"
"Uh, no I'm not. There is no devil in the Craft"
"Yes you are! The Bible says so!"
"No it doesn't."
"Well you still are! I know it!"
"Uhm... I do not worship the devil. I worship nature."
"Don't try to trick me!"
"(Sigh) I hope you do as much research into my religion as I've done into yours one day. Until then, goodbye."
The same holds true for many religions and faiths, honestly. The Pagan religions are very flexible and forgiving by nature. Every now and then you'll meet up with a religion that is too close-minded and strict to allow for any kind of mixtures of beliefs. But then, usually followers of those faiths are either really not interested in the Craft, or are perfectly willing to leave their old religion behind.
The rings you talk about are usually specific to the person. Often you'll see rings with commonly used symbols. However, there are no rings that carry meaning the same way as a wedding ring does (for example).
The direction you should face when you are practicing Magick depends on the spell. If there is no direction specified, East is a preferred direction, for exactly the reasons you mentioned.
As for candles/herbs/scents, use whatever feels right. Most spells give a list of ingredients such as this, but it's often just a starting point. If you think you want to use a scent not listed, or change a candle's color, than that makes the spell more personal to you, and therefore more likely to succeed.
Bright Blessings
Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):
Charles Wentworth Upham - Salem Witchcraft And Cotton Mather A ReplyLouise Jackson - Witches Wives And Mothers
Tom Peete Cross - Witchcraft In North Carolina
Kathryn Paulsen - Witches Potions And Spells
