What is Paganism?
Sadly, when people first hear the words Pagan or Paganism they tend to think, "devil worshipper", or they picture some wild, orgiastic, way-out individual with no regard for what is sacred or for "God"; a cult member who sacrifices babies. This kind of thinking couldn't be farther away from the truth of who Pagans are and what Paganism really is!
So what exactly is Paganism, you ask?
Many standard dictionaries define the word "pagan" as being a person who is not a Christian, Jew, or Muslim. This is far too broad a definition and many peoples who fall outside of these mainstream religions may not consider themselves to be Pagan, moreover, this definition conveys practically nothing about Paganism itself.
Pagans may practice different religions based upon their geographical location or cultural background. Or they may practice based upon a spiritual affinity for a specific tradition. For example, in Africa pagan practice includes tribal religions; in Europe, some traditions include Norse, Celtic, Greek and various traditions of Witchcraft and Wicca; in the Americas, Native tribal religions and offshoots may include or combine beliefs such as Brujeria, the Medicine Societies, etc. Some common beliefs and practices between the differing pagan religions include:
Although some Pagan religions are inherited and may not be practiced by outsiders except by invitation, most traditions welcome new members but do not proselytise or seek to convert anyone.
How Do Pagan`s Define "God"?
Pagans celebrate the sanctity of Nature, honouring the divinity present in all things. From a pagan perspective Earth is the mother of us all. We are all relations.
To a Pagan every person is a wondrous, sacred, creation. Every plant, rock, tree, everything seen and unseen, is unique and beautiful. The purpose of life as seen through a Pagan's eyes might be best described as:
What Do Pagan`s Do?
Pagans are dedicated to spiritual growth and personal development. One way we achieve these things is by communing with nature, attuning ourselves to its cycles, it's continual ebb and flow.
Most Pagan religions revere the God and Goddess (or some aspect of the Divine in whatever form it is perceived as) through ritual or ceremonies of various kinds.
Pagan Holidays are known as Esbats and Sabbats. Something all Pagans take very seriously is planet Earth. We are all aware of the dire environmental issues facing the human race today. Many Pagans' deep respect for the Environment has led to our participation in eco-aware causes, as we strive to responsibly develop a safe and fruitful existence for all of Earth's creatures. In short, Pagans are peaceful people who hold nature in high esteem. They seek to enhance the quality of life by bettering themselves and the world around them through dedication to their chosen spiritual path.
Want To Learn More?
Paganism is a rich subject. People who follow this path are diverse and its traditions are many. .
All Rights Reserved. If you are interested in reading more about Paganism, check out these books:
Drawing Down the Moon, by Margot Adler The Spiral Dance, by Starhawk ORDER through Amazon UK. ORDER through Amazon Com Ancient Ways: Reclaiming the Pagan Tradition, by Pauline Campanelli ORDER through Amazon UK. ORDER through Amazon Com The Witches' Goddess, by Janet and Stewart Farrar ORDER through Amazon UK. ORDER through Amazon Com The Witches' God, by Janet and Stewart Farrar ORDER through Amazon UK. ORDER through Amazon Com Magical Rites from The Crystal Well, by Ed Fitch ORDER through Amazon UK. ORDER through Amazon Com Positive Magic, by Marion Weinstein ORDER through Amazon UK. ORDER through Amazon Com The Way of The Shaman, by Michael J. Harner ORDER through Amazon UK. ORDER through Amazon Com The Urban Pagan: Magical Living in a 9-5 World, by Patricia Telesco ORDER through Amazon UK. ORDER through Amazon Com
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