Paganism Means
Paganism is the practice of a polytheistic religion. Polytheistic means more than one deity. Some pagans worship only one deity while still acknowledging the others and some worship an entire or pantheon or several pantheons.
Types of Paganism
There are many different types of paganism. Types of paganism are usually referred to as paths. Wicca seems to be the most common but it is not the only one. Some follow one specific tradition, like Celtic or Norse. Others draw their practices from many different traditions and belief systems. This is called eclectic paganism and it is becoming very common. Eclectic paganism allows a person to choose what they agree with from each belief system and mix them to match what they believe. Some pagans practice in groups or covens and others are solitary. Most of those that practice in groups follow a specific tradition.
Spells and Rituals
Most pagans use some type of ritual in practicing their beliefs. Rituals usually, but not always, consist of casting a circle. The circle is usually divided into quarters, each quarter representing an element. East represents air, south represents fire, west represents water, and north represents earth. The elements are called in each quarter to help guard the circle and keep balance in the ritual. Not all pagans call on the elements. For example, the may call watchtowers, deities, angels, or the four winds. In calling the quarters, some pagans begin in the east and work their way clockwise to the north, following the path or the sun, while other choose to begin in the north. The center of the circle represents spirit. This may be represented by a deity or the person that is performing the ritual. Rituals have many different purposes. Some honor a deity or deities, some are to celebrate a sabbat or esbat and some are specifically for spells to accomplish something specific, like protection or prosperity. Rituals may also be a combination of these things. Spells can be compared to prayer, though they are not exactly the same. Spells are intended to raise energy towards accomplishing something specific. Not all pagans use spells and not all those that use spells are pagan. Different tools are used in spells and rituals. Herbs, candles, incense, oils, stones, and runes are very common. Athames and swords are sometimes used as symbols of the element of fire, and they are also used in cutting herbs. Cauldrons symbolize water and rebirth. Wands are symbolic of the element of air. The pentacle is symbolic of spirit. The five points represent air, fire, water, and earth with the top point representing spirit. It is usually used with the single point facing up.
Ethics
Different pagans have different ethics. Some believe in the rule of three, meaning everything a person does, good or bad, comes back on them threefold. Many also believe in the rede an it harm none, do what thou will Some, like myself, do not believe in the rede, as we view it as meaning you cannot defend yourself. I believe every action comes back to you equally, and that I should not harm unless necessary for self defense or defense of those I am responsible for. Most pagans, myself included, believe harming someone includes imposing on someones free will. An example would be a love spell to force a particular person to love you Or to give you money. . I believe this would come back on you in that you would be controlled against your will at some point in the future.
Death and afterlife
Most pagans believe in reincarnation as opposed to single life. Some believe we are reborn continuously forever while others believe that we are reborn until will learn everything we need to learn for spiritual growth. Some believe we start out as plants or animals and progress to humans, while other believe animal and plant spirits are different entirely. Some pagans also believe that the soul rests in between incarnations. Wiccan believe the soul goes to a place called the Summerland to do this.
Holidays and celebration: Pagans often celebrate the cycles of the sun and moon. Esbats are the full and new moon and Sabbats are the solar festivals.
The Eight Sabbats are:
Samhain, October 31, halfway between fall and winter.
Winter Solstice, sometimes called Yule, on or about December 21
Imbolc or Candlemas, halfway between the winter solstice and the Spring equinox, February 2
Spring Equinox, sometimes called Ostara, on or about March 21
Beltane, halfway in between the Spring Equinox and Summer Solstice, May 1
Summer Solstice, sometimes called Litha on or about June 22
Lughnassadh , Halfway between summer solstice and the fall equinox, August 1
Fall Equinox, on or about September 21
In addition, many pagans celebrate other holidays connected to specific deities. These vary by path and tradition and are too numerous to list.
Blessed Be!
