Pagan Religions
Contemporary Western Paganism is extremely diverse - there are a number of Pagan Traditions, but many Pagans may not explicitly identify themselves as belonging to any of them.
These traditions include:
- Wicca (modern Pagan witchcraft )
- Druidry
- Heathenry (Norse traditions)
- Reconstructions of Celtic, Roman or Egyptian religions.
- Shamans / neo-shamans
- Other indigenous traditions
Associated symbols may include:
The Pentagram (Pentacle) - this is sometimes used as a generic symbol for Paganisms, and is important for many, but is most closely associated with Wicca
The Awen. (A druid symbol)
Mjollnir (The Hammer of Thor - used by some in the Heathen / Northern tradition)
The Valknut (Used by some in the Heathen/ Northern tradition)
The Goddess
The Triple Moon (used to symbolise the Goddess)
The Green Man
The Ankh (The Egyptian Hieroglyph for "Life" - often used by Egyptian or Kemetic reconstructionists)
There are no core beliefs in Paganism - Pagan traditions are non-creedal, and Pagans tend to be more closely linked by the things that they do, rather than the things that they believe. Having said this, there are some facets that are common to many (although not all) Pagans. These may include:
- An understanding of the divine as both Female and Male (in some traditions the feminine is seen as more important)
- The concept of deity may span a range from monism to hard polytheism, although some Pagans understand deity as a metaphorical construct.
- A respect for, or veneration of Nature.
- A positive, affirming understanding of life, and a desire to celebrate that.
- A sacramental, affirming attitude to sex and sexuality. A positive attitude to magic and ritual;
Pagans do not have "Holy Books", as revelation is often understood as personal and universal - Pagans come to understand and relate to the divine through their own practices.
Many Pagans do have a daily practice, which may include meditation, prayer, ritual or worship - but it is important to note that many other activities may be understood as forming part of their spiritual practice (these could include gardening, cooking, yoga, Martial Arts, or being outside in nature).
There is a cycle of annual festivals which are celebrated by most Pagans, although with differing (individual or traditional) understandings of their meaning - these include:
- Samhain (31st October)
- Yule / Alban Arthan / Winter solstice (19-23 December)
- Imbolc / Candlemas / Bride's day (1-2 February)
- Ostara / Alban Eilir / Spring Equinox (20-23 March)
- Beltane / May (1st May)
- Litha / Alban Hefin / Summer Solstice (19-23 June)
- Lugnasadh / Lammas (1-2 August)
- Mabon / Alban Elfed / Autumn Equinox (19-23 September)
The understanding of Sacred Place in Paganism is significant - Pagans do not usually have "a sacred place" where they carry out their rites, but create temporary sacred spaces (usually circular) wherever they wish to worship. Many Pagans worship outside, in nature, and are often deeply moved by the natural word that surrounds them, to which they relate spiritually. Many Pagans visit particular sites; stone circles, standing stones, wells, or forests in order to practice their spirituality, and this may involve leaving (biodegradable) offerings.
Pagan ritual is often important, and rituals can be either spontaneous and creative, or well-rehearsed and traditional. Rituals are often done to celebrate the turning of the wheel of the year, or for specific events; such as welcoming children to the world, celebrating the union of a couple (often referred to as handfasting), or other rites of passage.
Most Pagans practice on their own (solitaries), although they may come together with others for major rituals. Getting in contact with Pagans is best done through local moots (informal social gatherings), which may also run open rituals. Other Pagan groups have closed rituals, and insist upon training and initiation before an individual is accepted for membership.
As most Pagans consider the earth to be sacred, there may be an emphasis upon environmental concern in their practise, some Pagans may be vegetarian or vegan, and other Pagans may be involved in environmental activism.
Contact -
Pagan Federation UK - http://www.paganfed.org/
For Devon, Cornwall & the Channel Islands - http://www.paganfederationdevonandcornwall.com/
If you would like arrange a talk or presentation on Paganism by the Inter-Faith officer for Devon and Cornwall, please send an email to paracelsus@hotmail.co.uk
The Public Bodies Liaison Committee for British Paganism - http://www.pebble.uk.net/
The Children of Artemis - http://www.witchcraft.org/
The Council of British Druid Orders - http://cobdo.org.uk/
Association of Polytheist traditions - http://www.manygods.org.uk/
The Pagan Network - http://www.pagan-network.org/site/