Webster's Dictionary defines Pagan as:  A person who is not Christian, Muslim or Jew.

 

Below is a Q&A about Paganism from my perspective.

 

 

About the misconceptions

 

I feel that it is important to re-emphasize that Pagans do not worship "Satan" or the "Devil" as there is no such being in our traditions. Also, Pagans do not require the sacrificing of any living creature, be it human or animal. I am saddened that there are still individuals who believe these things about us.

 

There are many different Pagan paths as it is a religion that appreciates diversity and individual thought. However, one thing that is shared by all Pagans is that we are a peaceful people and we harm no one. We value the diversity of all religions and philosophies and we harbour no intolerance for those who have differing opinions and beliefs.

 

Why Paganism?

 

How do I best answer this question? Well, let me ask you why you chose to practice your particular religion! Regardless of our differing religious beliefs, chances are, our answers will be very similar!

 

When someone is searching for their spiritual beliefs, many hours of inward contemplation come to pass. This is a time when a person is ready to open their eyes and to fill the emptiness within themselves that a lack of spirituality often brings.

 

Paganism, Wicca, witchcraft and the like are all valid spiritual paths! These religions offer the same level of fulfilment, self-love, reverence and commitment that any other religion offers. The seeker will choose their path carefully and whole-heartedly. Paganism is not as well-known as other religions, as Pagans are not instructed to "spread the word". We feel that if the Pagan tradition is right for someone, that person will seek it out for themselves. We DO NOT try to convert people to Paganism!

 

Many holidays, such as Christmas, Halloween and Easter have customs which were originally celebrated by Pagans before Christianity existed! A few examples would be the Yule log, Easter eggs, bobbing for apples and bringing in the "Christmas" tree!

 

As you can see, Paganism isn't a "new" Feminist concept, nor is it a form of "Satanism". We worship and respect our Goddesses and Gods, earth and all life. We are peaceful and loving and we harm no one!

 

Why are many Pagans activists?

 

I believe that many Pagans are activists for a myriad of worthwhile causes. As Pagans, we not only fight for our basic constitutional rights to practice our religion, but we also help to save animals, the environment and each other.

 

The most basic and fundamental essence of Paganism is our respect for all life. We do not consider the earth to be our playground, to use up its resources, to kill all of its animals and to leave a wasteland behind.

 

The earth gives us life and we owe it to the earth to keep her healthy and strong. Therefore, you will notice that a lot of Pagans are vegetarians, animal rights activists, environmental activists and child advocates.

 

On a final note, I look at my time on this earth as just that. I am only visiting this earth for a short time, and while I am here I will respect it. My body will die someday and hence my physical attachment to the earth will come to an end.

 

Where are all of these Pagans?

 

Well, some Pagans are solitary practitioners like me while others form groups called covens. There are Pagans of every nationality, gender, age, socio-economic background and the chance of you knowing one is likely.

 

We are always reminded of "The Burning Times" when hundreds of thousands of people were killed for "Witchcraft" Even Priests and devout Christians, Jews and Protestants were not exempt from the torture and executions.

 

Because of the hatred and violence shown in the past and even in the present towards Pagans, we are extremely cautious when it comes to practising our religion. Even today there is still widespread

religious intolerance, however, I believe that there is hope that things will get better for us!

 

I've heard that Pagans have no morals, is that true?

 

I always love to debate this point with people! It seems as though the general population believes that Pagans are amoral, sexually deviant & evil. I assure you that this is so very far from the truth.

 

I obviously can't speak for everyone, however, I am certain that a person fitting the above description would not be able to satisfy their "immoral" urges by being Pagan! Pagans have very high moral standards and we live by the Witches Rede:

 

"An it harm none, do what thou will"

 

At first glance, it seems as though we have no rules, limits, laws or ethics. However, as Pagans, we pay very close attention to the energies that we send out, as we don't want to negatively impact anyone, even indirectly.

 

We are Pagan because we want to unite our positive energies and our love and light with the earth and each other. We want to live amongst others regardless of race, religion, philosophy or gender. Finally, we want to be accepted and loved as well.

 

What are spells?

 

To the average person, the thought of "spells" invokes the image of hags, around a cauldron throwing entrails into the "evil" brew. This is so far removed from the truth that it makes most Pagans chuckle at the thought!

 

We do not always chuckle, however, because many innocent people were killed simply because they used herbs, were healers, midwives and the list goes on and on. With education and love, we hope to restore our good name, our birth-right, our traditions and our faith.

 

A spell is a way in which to focus ones' energy to affect a specific goal. It may be as simple as wishing for a plentiful harvest, to sending your positive energy to one who's sick, in the hopes that they might be healed.

 

Prayers are very similar to spells as they draw energies from within to provide strength, insight and truth. Pagans do not do "evil" or "black" magic & spells, as we believe that what we send forth comes back to us three-fold.

 

So what of the future for Pagans?

 

I think we have a bright future, if we continue to stand up for ourselves and we continue to offer love and support to those new to the craft.

 

I believe that things will get better, however, there is still a lot of intolerance in our society. If only people would step back for a moment, and give up the concept that "my god is better than your god", and vice-versa, then we will truly have peace & respect.

 

Let me leave you with a quote:

 

"Whatever the future of witchcraft as a religious force of its own, these values, so often forgotten and neglected in Western society, should be reintroduced as freshly as possible. It is not possible to worship the old gods as if two thousand years of Christianity and science had not altered our world-view, but the old gods have much to say again. And what they are saying is an exciting synthesis of

ancient beliefs and new ideas, a synthesis that has something new and vital to offer. Polytheism and feminism are two ancient religious ideas whose time has come-again. Sorcery persists; diabolical witchcraft is almost dead; modern witches create a new religion. Witchcraft is not a coherent concept but a term covering a variety of phenomena only loosely linked. But for good or ill, magic continues to appeal, and witchcraft will not soon vanish from this earth."

 

From: A History Of Witchcraft; Sorcerers, Heretics and Pagans by Jeffery B. Russell