What is a pagan

[Flint]

Originally Posted by rkzenrage

Did you read the Faces of God?

I think I have that one, somewhere. All my books are in boxes until I build library shelves in my home office. We gave up on stand-alone bookshelves, it just isn't practical to try and find a place for multiple bookshelves, and then still have books stuffed in drawers, on shelves, stacked up elsewhere.

Regarding Joseph Campbell I've watched the Bill Moyers interviews about a billion times, and I read the companion book, The Power Of Myth.

[Stormieweather]

I'm interested in learning about Paganism, specifically Wiccan, also. I know very little other than there are goddesses involved, various rituals, and observances of holidays such as the solstices. So Elspode, Wolf and any others, please enlighten me and a couple of links to decent info wouldn't hurt either .

Stormie

[wolf]

Originally Posted by skysidhe

I like to call myself a pagan as someone who dosn't have a religion but I realize that isn't correct elspode and wolf. I don't intend any disrespect to anyone who is divoted to rutual and form. I should call myself a heathen instead I suppose.

Try areligious or irreligious, if you need an identifying term.

Heathen is generally (in the NeoPagan sense) taken to mean someone who follows a Germanic or Norse-based Pagan path, including, but not limited to Asatru, Irminenschaft, etc.

[wolf]

Originally Posted by Stormieweather

I'm interested in learning about Paganism, specifically Wiccan, also. I know very little other than there are goddesses involved, various rituals, and observances of holidays such as the solstices. So Elspode, Wolf and any others, please enlighten me and a couple of links to decent info wouldn't hurt either .

Links to decent info? Oh, dear, what a can of worms you could open with that one ...

I usually suggest that folks wanting to learn the basics (very basics) of Wicca pick up a couple of Scott Cunningham's books. He had a very sensible approach to instruction about witchcraft and Wicca.

Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner by Scott Cunningham

The Spiral Dance by Starhawk
(I despise her politics, but this book is good)

[skysidhe]

Originally Posted by wolf

Try areligious or irreligious, if you need an identifying term.

Heathen is generally (in the NeoPagan sense) taken to mean someone who follows a Germanic or Norse-based Pagan path, including, but not limited to Asatru, Irminenschaft, etc.

no not areligious

I think I am going to have to go with the Irreligious judging by the music set though :p





Irreligious (album)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Irreligious

"Perverse... Almost Religious" – 1:07
"Opium" – 2:48 (video)
"Awake" – 3:06
"For a Taste of Eternity" – 3:53
"Ruin & Misery" – 3:48
"A Poisoned Gift" – 5:34
"Subversion" – 2:44
"Raven Claws" – 3:16
"Mephisto" – 4:58
"Herr Spiegelmann" – 4:35
"Full Moon Madness" – 6:47



Studio album by Moonspell
Released 1996
Genre Gothic Doom
Length 42:34
Label Century Media Records
Producer(s) Waldemar Sorychta
Professional reviews
All Music Guide (2.5/5) link
MetalStorm.ee (9/10) link
Metal-Observer.com (9.5/10) link
Moonspell chronology

Wolfheart
(1995)
Irreligious
(1996)
Sin/Pecado
(1998)


Druidism is appealing.

I hang on to old pagan holidays absorbed by Christianity. I believe in a 'life force' and the power of nature.

http://www.religioustolerance.org/druid.htm

"Druidry is not a religion. It's a philosophy and you can worship a God or a Goddess, it's up to you. You can be a Christian or a Moslem or anything else and still be a Druid. "But while a Christian will say God made that tree, a Druid will say the energy of a creative force is in that tree." Kieron, a North-East UK Druid.



Moral code of druidism?? Arn't we all a bit of this?

"Briefly stated the virtue of Honor requires one to adhere to their oaths and do the right thing, even if it will ultimately hurt others or oneself in the process. A Druid is obligated to remain true to friends, family and leaders thus exhibiting the virtue of Loyalty. Hospitality demands that a Druid be a good host when guests are under one's roof. Honesty insists that one tell the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth to yourself, your gods and your people. Justice desires the Druid understands everyone has an inherent worth and that an assault to that worth demands recompense in one form or another. Courage for the Druid does not always wear a public face; it is standing-strong-in-the-face-of-adversity, alone or with companions. Sometimes Courage is getting up and going about a daily routine when pain has worn one down without complaint or demur.

[W.HI.P]

Pagan Beliefs

Deity is both imminent and transcendent and therefore
a part of everyone and everything. Deity is perceived as
male, female and androgynous, depending on the tradition
All expressions of deity are acceptable; God, expressed
as the male aspect, Goddess, expressed as the female aspect
Pagans do not believe that an absolute good and an absolute
evil exists, they believe all things exist in there own place
and extremism does not have a place within the philosophy
Most pagans believe in reincarnation, cyclical life patterns
do not end cease to with death of the physical body. There
exists within the pagan religion no concept of heaven or hell
Northern Pagan traditions have a belief in a heaven and
hell like realm but unlike Christian beliefs, The pagan " Hell"
Is not a place of damnation. "The Summerlands" is a place
where souls rest before being re-born.
Each pagan religion has it's own philosophy about the afterlife
and reincarnation. There is no set dogma or set of teachings which
Pagans follow. Paganism is one of the so-called "Mystery Paths"
where each individual experiences a direct divinity. In the Pagan
religion each person is a priest or priestess in their own right.
Pagans do not worship nature but rather revere the divine forces within
it, as with every other thing in the universe - Divinity is within
everything. Pagans do not worship a savior or any leader and Paganism is
therefore not a cult.

Pagan Customs

Individuality reigns supreme in paganism but there are few widespread customs.
Sanctity of nature, environmental concerns acceptance and social responsibly
are the bases of the few customs, which are more frequently
practiced. There are no prohibitions within the philosophy and no dietary requirements. There are no laws of blasphemy - conflict remain between concerned
individuals. There are no penance's or religious punishments. Paganism does not
have certain laws on moral or ethical concerns. It does not promote or condemn
practices related to sexual activity, procreation, and alcohol
or any other mind altering substances. There are certainly pagans who
have personal viewpoints on these subjects but they are very much just
that individuals opinion.
Pagans regard both sexed equally and do not suppress female the
way many other religions do. Pagan Priestess has the same status as
Priests, leading the same religious practices.
Pagans acknowledge "Elders" who are individuals who are more
knowledgeable and experienced and look to them for guidance
A fundamental aspect of paganism is that each individual must
take absolute responsibility for their own actions.

Pagan Practices

Pagans believe that individuals have the right to worship in their own way;
there is no legislation or prescribed manner of worship. Some worship in a formal
way and some more instinctively. Some worship in private and some worship
in groups and in that way make their worship a communion between them as
well as with the god and goddess.
Paganism has a Rite of Passage, a formal set of rituals for Birth, marriage and death
Pagans follow the "Mystery path" which has an initiation rite. Practices like
this do not include animal or human sacrifices nor any other practice which
violates pagan ethics.
The birth ritual includes a naming ceremony but does not promise the child
to the religion. The pagan parents will ask for divine guidance and protection of
the child. Children are taught to honor their family and friends, to have integrity
, honesty and loyalty; to treat earth as sacred and to love and respect all
forms of life. Children are encouraged to question their own spiritual path.

There are a number of Festival Celebrations held throughout the year though within
each tradition there are slight variations, the best known is the Cycle Festivals.
There are eight festivals; Samhein, Yule, Imbolg, Spring Equinox (Eostre), Beltane
Litha (Mid-Summer), Lammas and Autumn Equinox (Mabon). These come from different
Celtic and Saxon sources and they have remained alive through folklore and rural
traditions. Other pagan's traditions celebrate the turning of the seasons.

The emphasis of all practices is always on what is meaningful to each pagan rather
that the physical set of rituals performed.

Pagan Traditions

There are various Pagan traditions. All share a common
String, their individual practices and beliefs may differ.
Most emphasize gender equality
Here is a summary of some of the various traditions

Astru / Norse Paganism:
Originated in Northern Europe and is practiced by those
who have an affinity with Nordic and Teutonic ancestry
or are interested in studying Saga, Eddad and Runes. Asatru
and North Paganism encourages responsibility and spiritual
growth in a noble warrior context.

Celtic Paganism:
Native to Celtic and Gaelic races and widely practice in Australia
Essence of Celtic teachings originated from ancient legends handed
down orally through history. Modern Celtic pagans are attempting to
re-integrate the rich mythological knowledge into the modern
world

Dianic Witchcraft:
This tradition honors and celebrates the feminine aspect of divinity.
Women are greatly respected and rituals are mostly designed to empower
women in their sense of spirituality and value

Druidry:
Modern Druidry emphasizes artistic skills like music and
poetry and encourages member to practice and study these skills
as well as academic and disciplinary skills. Modern druids usually
follow a seasonal cycle of celebrations.

Environmental Paganism:
Pagans tend not to follow specific traditions but most actively
work to save the earth from harm, and honor Earth's sacred position
as the representative of Mother Earth. This method has no
formal rites of worship but encourages individuals to honor divinity
by caring for Earth.

Ethnic Paganism:
Many pagan traditions originate from the practices of particular
ethnic groups, some modern and some ancient. Hellenic, Roman and
Egyptian Paganism fall under this category as well as Voodoo, Santeria
and Native North American traditions. This also includes native pagan
Traditions of the Pacific and Australia's aboriginal people.

[W.HI.P]

Shamanism:
Shamanism uses things such as travel in the spiritual realms, tree lore,
herb lore and the use of totems. Tribal Shamen were the ones responsible
for the spiritual matters of the tribes and also for the traditional birth,
death and healing ceremonies. Shamans are the ones who were capable of
communication with the spirits of ancient ancestors and therefore gain
knowledge. Modern day pagans use these practices.

Wicca:
Modern Revival of ancient folklore and magical practices of Europe. Wiccans
generally think of divinity as the god and goddess who represent many
different aspects. Most celebrate eight festivals each year and meet in
time periods synchronized with the phases of the moon. Wicca itself has
it's own set of traditions, rituals and practices.

Witchcraft:
Witchcraft was originally believed to be an ancient fertility religion. It
is also called the Old Religion. Modern witches are often skilled herbalists
and healers and their practices and technique are similar to the tribal
Shamans. Some Wiccans call themselves Witches, there are Witches who do not
Practice Wicca. The two are not mutually exclusive but Witches of Northern
Traditions have little in common with Wiccan Practices yet both are pagan
practices.

[W.HI.P]

Originally Posted by Stormieweather

I'm interested in learning about Paganism, specifically Wiccan, also. I know very little other than there are goddesses involved, various rituals, and observances of holidays such as the solstices. So Elspode, Wolf and any others, please enlighten me and a couple of links to decent info wouldn't hurt either .

Stormie

Wicca is a from of witchcraft that honors the balance
of life, birth, growth and death and the beauty of the
four seasons, as well as the energy of the moons
changing phases from new to full.

Wicca is a Neo-Pagan religion and is often referred to
as an occult religion (occult meaning hidden), it is a
peaceful earth based spirituality that incorporates
shamanism into some practices.

Wicca is comprised of Western European Folk traditions
and Eastern Philosophy.
It is usually seen as an eclectic system of beliefs
with an underlying static ritual and ethics base.
Although some traditions deviate from the other forms
of Wicca to cater for the specific needs of their
particular culture, Wiccan rituals and ethics still
have a common ground, which identifies them as being
Wiccan
Wiccans are very independent people who seek truth from within through the use of meditation, magic, rituals, and studying nature.

Basic tenants of faith

They worship two archetypes (masculine and feminine) God
and Goddess, they are said to have equal power, but the
fact that the Goddess has the ability to give birth she
is generally believed to have slightly more power.
Wiccans are a polytheistic religion; in other words they
worship more than one deity.
They hold the belief that all elements of the natural
world to be inherently sacred, and all parts are equally
important part of the Lord and Lady.

Principles of Wiccan Belief
Council of American Witches

In April 1974, the Council of American Witches adopted a
set of principles of Wiccan Belief. They are as follows.


1.We practice rites to attune ourselves with the natural
rhythm of life forces marked by the phases of the Moon
and the seasonal Quarters and Cross Quarters.

2. We recognize that our intelligence gives us a unique
responsibility toward our environment. We seek to live
in harmony with Nature, inn ecological balance offering
fulfillment to life and consciousness within an
evolutionary concept.

3. We acknowledge a depth of power far greater than that
apparent to the average person. Because it is far
greater than ordinary it is sometimes called
"supernatural" but we see it as lying within that which
is naturally potential to all.

4. We conceive of the Creative Power in the universe as
manifesting through polarity--as masculine and feminine--and that this same Creative Power lies in all people, and functions through the interaction of the masculine and feminine. We value neither above the other knowing each to be supportive to the other. We value sex as pleasure, as the symbol and embodiment of life, and as one of the sources of energies used in magical practice and religious worship.

5. We recognize both outer worlds and inner, or
psychological worlds sometimes known as the Spiritual
World, the Collective Unconscious, Inner Planes, etc--
and we see in the inter-action of these two dimensions
the basis for paranormal phenomena and magical
exercises. We neglect neither dimension for the other
seeing both as necessary for our fulfillment.
6. We do not recognize any authoritarian hierarchy,
but do honor those who teach, respect those who share
their greater knowledge and wisdom, and acknowledge
those who have courageously given of themselves in
leadership.

7. We see religion magic and wisdom in living as being
united in the way one views the world and lives within
it--a worldview and philosophy of life which we identify
as Witchcraft--the Wiccan Way.

8. Calling oneself "witch" does not make a Witch--
but neither does heredity itself not the collecting
of titles degrees and initiations. A witch seeks to
control the forces within her/himself that make life
possible in order to live wisely and well without
harm to others and in harmony with Nature.

9. We believe in the affirmation and fulfillment of
life in a continuation of evolution and development
of consciousness giving meaning to the Universe we
know and our personal role within it.

10. Our only animosity towards Christianity or
towards any religion or philosophy of life is to
the extent that its institutions have claimed to
be the "only way" and have sought to deny freedom
to others and suppress other ways of religious
practice and belief.
11. As American Witches we are not threatened by
debates on the history of the Craft, the origins
of various terms the legitimacy of various aspects
of different traditions. We are concerned with our
present and our future.

12. We do not accept the concept of absolute evil
nor do we worship any entity known as "Satan" or the
"devil" as defined by the Christian tradition. We do
not seek power through the suffering of others nor
accept that personal benefit can be derived only by
denial to another.

13. We believe that we should seek within Nature that
which is contributory to our health and well being

Wiccan Rede
The Wiccan Rede is a set of rules, it is like the 10 commandments of Wicca

The Wiccan Rede

Bide ye Wiccan laws you must,
in perfect love and perfect trust
Live ye must and let to live,
fairly take and fairly give
For the circle thrice about
to keep unwelcome spirits out
To bind ye spell well every time,
let the spell be spake in rhyme
Soft of eye and light of touch,
speak ye little, listen much
Deosil go by the waxing moon,
chanting out ye baleful tune
When ye Lady's moon is new,
kiss ye hand to her times two
When ye moon rides at her peak,
then ye heart's desire seek
Heed the north winds mighty gale,
lock the door and trim the sail
When the wind comes from the south,
love will kiss thee on the mouth
When the wind blows from the east,
expect the new and set the feast.
Nine woods in the cauldron go,
burn them fast and burn them slow
Elder be ye Lady's tree,
burn it not or cursed ye'll be
When the wheel begins to turn,
soon ye Beltane fires will burn
When the wheel hath turned a Yule
light the log the Horned One rules
Heed ye flower, bush and tree,
by the Lady blessed be
Where the rippling waters go,
cast a stone, the truth ye'll know
When ye have and hold a need,
hearken not to others greed
With a fool no season spend,
or be counted as his friend
Merry meet and merry part,
bright the cheeks and warm the heart.
Mind ye threefold law ye should
three times bad and three times good
When misfortune is now,
wear the star upon thy brow
True in love my ye ever be,
lest thy love be false to thee
These eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfills;
An harm ye none, do what ye will.

[skysidhe]

Thank you WHIP. There's something for everyone.

[Elspode]

Cunningham is a fine place to start reading. The most basic of virtually all witchcraft/Wiccan/Pagan books, but very good for the truly neophytic.

For those who asked, a pantheon is simply Gods and Goddesses grouped by the culture/religion that worshipped them. Thus, the Norse Pantheon would include Freya, Odin, etc. The Greek Pantheon contains Zeus and Hera, the Hindu Pantheon Kali and Krishna, and the Christian Pantheon, Jehova, Jesus, and, if you're a Catholic...Mary.

[Flint]

Ahhh...so mixing pantheons would be to take a bit from here and a bit form there? That's exactly what I do. Acknowledging the collective schools of thought, the achievements of all thinkers thoughout history, but accepting that they are all just approximations of something we are incapable of experiencing directly. Therefore, to me, one as is good as the other, as they all indirectly approach the same subject.

The case against mixing pantheons, as I see it, would be that it might be a muddled, meandering path, as one conflates themes for which the intended symbolism is incongruous, thereby losing track of the value of the individual teachings in question. I understand that the lack of discipline in following a prescribed path might lead one in circles, or worse. That, however is not a concern of mine, personally.

I aim directly towards the same-ness in everything. I want, least of all, to be specific. That's just what works best for me. Remaining open to the mystery, trying to see past what is illusory, and approaching every day, and every action, as the divine.This also makes the most logical sense, to me, and I don't accept a rift between logic and spirituality, as they are two aspects of the one-ness of everything.

[Trilby]

Originally Posted by Elspode

and, if you're a Catholic...Mary.

Personally, I love Mary. She's simply the most recent embodiment of the Goddess to date. I want a Mary statue for my garden.

[Flint]

The emphasis on Mary came about as a way to re-focus a patriarchal religion back towards a Goddess figure.

[Trilby]

Originally Posted by Flint

The emphasis on Mary came about as a way to re-focus a patriarchal religion back towards a Goddess figure.

Word.

I've read Joe. I love him. He's a mensch.

[wolf]

Originally Posted by Brianna

Personally, I love Mary. She's simply the most recent embodiment of the Goddess to date. I want a Mary statue for my garden.

A friend of mine is sort of a non-denominational Pagan (okay, more of a new ager, but she is studying under a Celtic Shaman, but doesn't do much work within that particular path), and also loves Mary. She put in a Mary statue at her summer cabin site.