When it comes to the term "Paganism" there are a lot of preconceptions, misconceptions and questions concerning just what a Pagan is. There are also many reasons for a person to take interest in Paganism and it's pathways. Whether your reason for reading this article is educational, spiritual or for pure entertainment, it's my job to make sure you take something away from it. First and foremost, let me debunk some of the widely known myths about Paganism.
MYTH # 1
Paganism is a religion.
Wrong! Paganism is NOT it's own religion, but a term for any religion other than Christianity, Judaism, Islam or other Abrahamic traditions. In fact, the word "Pagan" was derived from the Latin word "Pagus", meaning country-dweller or heathen. This term was given to native peoples and tribes that were living in the European countryside before Christian settlements were in existence. When these "country" people refused to convert to Christianity, staying with their ancient culture and religion, they coined the name of Pagans and Heathens. The term Pagan can also be taken to mean rustic or of the country.
MYTH # 2
Pagans look down upon other religions and try to convert people.
Upon glancing at the history of Pagans, when we had conversion pushed upon us we didn't like it, we retaliated, and it didn't end so well for us. Usually Pagan people try to stay out of the spotlight and keep to themselves and their peers. However, they are generally open-minded to learning about other religions and teaching others about theirs. Another misconception is Pagans hold a grudge against Christians and are out to prove them wrong. While there is some righteous tension about the Witch Trials and other slaughters related to religious cleansing, Pagans are generally pretty forgiving. In other words, we have accepted it and moved on.
MYTH # 3
Pagan peoples have no morals in their social and personal lives.
Most Pagans are members of happy, loving and functional families. Morals are based upon an individual, how they were raised, and what they find acceptable. While things such as "Sexual Magick" and nudity during rituals are practiced among some Pagan traditions, they for the most part aren't lewd and aim at certain goals relating to the act itself. This can include "To-Be" parents trying to get pregnant or prosperity in a new couple. There are even rules and expectations for ceremonies, festivals or conduct in one's personal home.
MYTH # 4
All Magick practiced by Pagans is black or evil.
While there are those who will choose to exploit Pagan practices with dark intention, the majority of Pagan traditions are peaceful and healing. Most traditions are nature-based and follow a creed of peace to all and harming no living thing. Pagans usually believe in Karma and Reincarnation. Another common belief in Pagan religions is that of a "Three-fold Law" where what an individual puts out into the universe will be returned to them times three. Paganism generally does not condone the use of Black Magick.
MYTH # 5
Pagans worship Satan.
Possibly one of the largest misconceptions and most ironic contradictions about people who practice Pagan traditions is that they worship Satan. The concept of Satan is based in Christianity, a religion that Pagans do not believe or follow. This makes it impossible for someone who is a true Pagan to worship Satan.
MYTH # 6
A Pentagram is a Satanic symbol.
Oh, boy, here we go again... The Pentagram is a revered symbol for Pagans. A Pentagram is made up of a five-point star, while a Pentacle is a Pentagram with a circle around the star. Both symbols have been confused as being Satanic in origin. Each point on the star represents one of five elements being Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Spirit. The circle around the star is symbolic of Unity, Protection and the Cycle of Life. While the Pentagram or Pentacle may be used among modern Satanists, the Pentagram predates Christianity and Satanism by several hundred years.
Now that we've dispelled the myths surrounding Paganism, let's look at some of the basic elements of Pagan pathways. Keep in mind that each tradition is unique and different, but many share ideas and beliefs.
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| The Greek Mother Goddess Gaea |
Polytheism or Duotheism - Polytheism is the belief and worship of many gods or deities while Duotheism is the belief and worship of two specific deities, usually manifested as male and female counterparts. Some traditions may share Gods or Goddesses while other deities may be completely unique to a certain tradition.
Mother Goddess - This term refers to any goddess associated with motherhood, fertility, creation and bounty, especially when linked to the Earth. Different names are present across each culture, but many traditions believe them to be the embodiment of one ultimate goddess.
Magick - As defined by Aleister Crowley, magick is the science and art of causing change to occur in conformity with the will. Magick is practiced in most Pagan traditions, and is used for protection, divination and reaching true enlightenment and understanding of matter and mind.
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| Example of a Wiccan Altar |
Nature Worship - Almost all Pagan pathways are centered around reverence for nature and living things. The extent of worship can range from awareness of your environment to complete devotion and ritual ceremony.
Ritual - Ritual-based ceremonies, be they everyday or periodic, are key to most Pagan lifestyles and religions. Great care is taken to make sure Rituals are followed. These rituals can span anywhere from a holiday occasion to a Kitchen Witch blessing incense.
Now you are familiar with the basic vocabulary of Paganism. However, since I've been talking of all these different traditions, I feel it is time to introduce you to them.
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| Buddhist Art |
Paleo-Paganism - Paleo-Paganism includes any of the original polytheistic nature-centered faiths that originated in tribal Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania or the Americas that were and still are practiced as as intact community-based belief systems. These religions have remained intact and unaffected by the rise of modern civilizations. Paleo-Pagan traditions include: Shamanism, Druidism, American Indian, Huna, Shinto, Buddhism, Romany, and Odini.
Civilo-Paganism - The term Civilo-Paganism encompasses those religions that evolved from Paleo-Pagan faiths into Modern Civilizations. These faiths include Greco-Roman, Ancient Egyptian, Middle-Eastern, Aztec, Mayan, etc.
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| Candomble Dancer |
Syncreto-Paganism - Syncreto-Paganism categorizes those religions that evolved from Paleo-Pagan traditions, but had to submerge themselves into the dominant culture and adopt practices of those cultures' religion. Syncreto-Pagan traditions include Santeria, Haitian Vodoun, Voodoo, Hoodoo, Folk Magick, and Candomble.
Neo-Paganism - Many modern traditions aimed at reviving or continuing the old ways of the original Paleo-Pagan cultures are classified as Neo-Pagan faith. These traditions include Wicca, Asatru, Vanatru, Sabaen Religious Order, Discordianism and Eclecticism.
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| Beltaine Celebration at Modern Pagan Festival |
These are the four major groups that Pagan traditions can be categorized into. While the most widely recognized paths have been featured in this article, I have by NO means covered all Pagan religions! There are over 2,500 different traditions and pathways. I have merely provided you with the tools to continue your journey through Paganism, and for a few of you, possibly start your journey. Come back and visit the blog often for more articles on traditions, culture, cooking, recipes, spells, and extras.
Blessed be!
~ Phaedra Aislynn
