Q: What is Paganism?

A: Paganism is a broad, eclectic modern religious movement that encompasses shamanistic, ecstatic, polytheistic, nature-based and magical religions. Generalizations are difficult to make when describing Pagan religions, because there is no universally accepted doctrine and individuals are encouraged to find their own path. Most of the religions generally referred to as Pagan are characterized by nature-centered spirituality; honoring of pre-Christian deities; dynamic, personal belief systems; lack of institutionalization; a quest to develop the self; and acceptance and encouragement of diversity. Paganism is sometimes referred to as Neo-Paganism to emphasize its connections to as well as difference from pre-Christian religions. Since it is not an organized movement, it is very difficult to determine the number of its practitioners, but it is estimated that there are 100,000 in the U.S. alone.

A Partial List of Traditions or Paths of Paganism

Traditional Wicca is based on the teachings of Gerald Gardner, is coven-based and each coven can trace its lineage, or line of teaching passed on by initiated Traditional priests and priestesses, back to Gardner and his contemporaries. Traditional Wicca is considered a ‘mystery’ religion, requires initiation by the coven and has a ‘degree system’ or different levels of rank based upon coven training and the readiness of the initiate to accept the duties and responsibilities of that degree. Most Traditional Wiccans believe in the balance of male-female divinity.

Other forms of Wicca and Contemporary Witchcraft have developed since the 1970s that are looser in structure and practice than Traditional Wicca. These practitioners may follow a mixture of various or “eclectic” Pagan and/or non-Pagan beliefs.. Some have formed “traditions” or covens of their own, with or without a degree system. many are solitary practitioners who practice their beliefs and formulate their rituals in their own way.

Druidism is a group of religions and philosophies rooted in the ancient Celtic cultures of Ireland, Britain, and Celtic Gaul. Modern Druids take inspiration from the ancient Druids – the priests, priestesses, wise ones and magicians of the ancient Celts. Like many neo-Pagans, Druids are polytheistic nature worshippers, working with the best aspects of the Pagan religions of our predecessors within a modern context.

Ásatrú is the modern form of the traditional pagan religion of Northern Europe. Followers of Ásatrú seek to honor the Gods of the ancient Germans, Anglo-Saxons, Frisians, Danish, Swedes, Norwegians and Icelanders, and to live honorably. The word itself means "true to the Aesir" which are the sky gods, but most Ásatrúar include the Vanir or earth/sea deities in their worship.

Church of All Worlds is a religion of experience, committed to honoring each individual’s experiences and perspectives. The Church of All Worlds embraces the theology of pantheism, seeing divinity as an immanent quality inherently manifest in every living being. At the macrocosmic level, they recognize that the entire Earth is a vast living entity: Mother Earth, Mother Nature, The Goddess, or Gaea.

Santeria originates in West Africa in what is now Nigeria and Benin. It is the traditional religion of the Yoruba peoples there. The slave trade brought many of these people to the shores of Cuba, Brazil, Haiti, Trinidad and Puerto Rico. In the New World, much of the religion was hidden behind a façade of Catholicism with the orishas, or emissaries of the divine, represented by various saints.

Golden Dawn is a magical tradition with its roots in the secretive magical lodges of 18th and 19th century England. The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn was founded in 1888 and was among the first organizations in British society to admit women and men on an equal basis. Golden Dawn initiates Aleister Crowley, Dion Fortune, and Isreal Regardie published extensively in the early 20th century. The Golden Dawn tradition is not a religion or religious system, but rather a system of spiritual and magical development.

A: To many Pagans, the pentagram, or five-pointed star, means many things. The five points correspond to the elements of Air, Earth, Fire and Water with the top point corresponding to Spirit. The pentagram in a circle may also represent a human with legs and arms outstretched, surrounded by universal wisdom or the Goddess. Many other Pagans do not wear the pentagram at all, but have other symbols of special meaning to them, such as the triskelion or hammer of Thor.

Q: Do Pagans cast spells?

A: Yes, some Pagans do. However, the term “spell” is widely misunderstood. Spells are somewhat like prayers and are used to create needed change. But while prayers are a petition to external deity to create the change, many Pagans believe that deity is present in everything, including ourselves. Spells, then, are the channeling of our own divine selves, our own energies, to create the change. Many Pagans believe that spells used to manipulate the free will of others are wrong and have codes of conduct based upon the tenets of their tradition. Almost all Pagans believe that the responsibility for their actions will lie with them.

Q: Isn’t Paganism just a cult?

A: No. A cult by definition is a group of people who blindly follow one leader. As Pagans tend to be free-thinkers who believe that spiritual authority lies with each individual, there is no one person that Pagans consider to be THE leader.

Q: Do Pagans try to convert others?

A: No, Pagans do not try to convert others. Most Pagans feel that all spiritual paths and religions are equally valid as long as they do not infringe upon the basic free will of others. It is up to the individual to choose his or her own path. Pagans work to educate others about our religions so they may better understand our traditions, beliefs, and practices.

Q: Why would someone want to be Pagan?

A: People are generally drawn to Pagan paths for several reasons. As a nature based set of religions, Paganism appeals to many who feel a strong need to “get back to the Earth” and place a major importance on protecting the environment. People drawn to the mystical find Pagan belief systems much more accommodating as we do not see anything unnatural about psychic ability or the use of magic. Other may become involved in a Pagan path out of an interest in or a connection with a particular culture and its spiritual traditions.

 

The OHF would like to acknowledge our gratitude for the many resources from which this text was compiled and edited, principally FAQs and other documents from The Witch’s Voice and the Pagan Education Network.