About Pagans
If you are visiting this page, you probably already know what Pagans and Paganism are; but, just in case you don't, here's some information for your reading pleasure:
Here's a quote I discovered in Starhawk's The Spiral Dance that, for me, sums up beautifully the soul of paganism:
"The Old Religion, as we call it, is closer in spirit to Native American traditions or to the shamanism of the Arctic. It is not based on dogma or a set of beliefs, not on scriptures or a sacred book revealed by a great man. Witchcraft takes its teachings from nature, and reads inspiration in the movements of the sun, moon, and stars, the flight of birds, the slow growth of trees, and the cycles of the seasons." p.27
What is a Pagan?
The word "Pagan" in and of itself, has a myriad of meanings. In ancient times, a Pagan was anyone who was not Christian. The dictionary defines Pagan as "Nature-worshipping, pantheistic." In today's world, Pagan is the umbrella term for all earth-based religions.
Most Modern Pagans hold nature in high respect, and believe that all things are connected, and strive to connect themselves with nature. Pagans can believe in one god/des, or many gods and/or goddesses, and sometimes don't believe in a god at all. Many believe that divinity lies within all things. There are many, many different kinds of Paganism, most are reconstructions of older beliefs, some call it a religion, others a belief system.
In its most basic form, Paganism is about finding the truths that are right for you. One of the most commonly held and highly respected pagan beliefs is that there is no ONE correct religion -- that all paths are essentially the same. Religion must be suited to the practitioners own culture, background and personal ideas. As it happens then, Paganism is not the same for any two people; and if you think about it, this really makes sense. No two people are exactly alike, so no two people can be expected to have the exact same beliefs/truths. In the end, it all comes down to being true to yourself, and following the path that is right for you.
What Is Wicca?
Wicca or The Craft was one of the first and one the most well-known Neo (new) Pagan religions. Wicca focuses on ceremonial magick, but you do not have to be Wiccan to call yourself a witch. There are plenty of other Pagan relgions that are considered Witchcraft that are not Wicca. Witch is an old word that means "magician." Traditionally a witch is someone who practices magick.
Some things To Know About Pagans:
I found this at Epona's Celtic Cauldron, and I thought I should post it here. It's something that all Pagan's would like you to know:
"We are not evil. We don't harm or seduce people. We are not dangerous. We are ordinary people like you. We have families, jobs, hopes, and dreams. We are not a cult. This religion is not a joke. We are not what you think we are from looking at T.V. We are real. We laugh, we cry. We are serious. We have a sense of humor. You don't have to be afraid of us. We don't want to convert you. And please don't try to convert us. Just give us the same right we give you -- to live in peace. We are much more similar to you than you think."
-- Margot Adler, Drawing Down the Moon, p.453., Beacon Press]
And a last word from Starhawk --
"The world view of Witchcraft is, above all, one that values life."
Back to the Grove * The Beginner's Path * The Clearing * Thyme's Tree
