An Explaination of the Pagan Movement and Druidism

A very quick overview of Paganism would show us that, to put it into it's simplest terms, Paganism is a belief system of place, or a native religion, for example the Native American's religion is Pagan, Hinduism is a form of Paganism. All Pagan religions are characterized by a connection and reverence for nature, and are usually polytheistic i.e. have many Gods and/or Goddesses. Modern Paganism as practised in the west tends to be more particular to the native peoples of the west and although there are many forms most are descended from Celtic origins. Modern Paganism or 'neo-Paganism' generally shows the following characteristics: Paganism tends to be a religion of nature, in other words Pagans revere Nature. Pagans see the divine as immanent in the whole of life and the universe; in every tree, plant, animal and object, man and woman and in the dark side of life as much as in the light. Pagans try to live their lives attuned to the cycles of Nature, the seasons, life and death. Unlike the patriarchal religions (Christianity, Islam, Judaism) the divine is female as well as male and therefore there is a Goddess as well as a God. These deities are within us as well as without us (immanent); they are us. They are not simply substitutes for the God of the major religions who is generally portrayed as a kind of ghost that follows one around watching all, although these days there is far more of a move to 'humanize' the Divine. This is because the Gods of the major religions tend to be super-natural i.e. above nature whereas Pagan deities are natural, symbolizing aspects of nature or human nature. (this is from ravenquest.net, click here to see the full explaination)

Druidism is our modern adaptation of ancient Celtic religion. Different Druidic groups believe and practice in different ways. It is hard to define a universal definition for Druidism. Neopagan Druids see it as a religion. They are generally in tune with the Earth and the cycles of the Earth. They also practice rituals for the stages of human life - birth, death, marriage, etc. A focus of Druidism is to attain knowledge and wisdom by being in tune with nature and also by the study of many topics (such as law, medicine and ecology) that affect our lives. The priests of the ancient Celts were called Druids. They were often advisors to the Kings and were consulted for their knowledge of the natural world and their closeness with the Gods and Goddesses of their tribe. this is from keltria.org see the site here.

Sparks of Visce Betha

^^ Pagan Peace Riot Campaign ^^

We will keep the faith until the sky falls upon us and crushes us, Until the earth opens up and swallows us, Until the seas arise and overwhelm us. Until it is the end for all of us. Yet it is only the beginning... And fear doesn't belong here. - Celtic Oath of the Elements