What is Paganism?
One good definition was written by
Andras Corban Arthen
"Paganism is one of the oldest systems of religion known to humanity. Its origins lie in European pre-history, and its traditions are premised on a view that Nature is sacred, an attitude which was widely represented in the deification of the Earth as the Great Mother Goddess.
The term "pagan" comes from the Latin pagani, meaning "people of the fields" or "people of the land", since the ancient traditions of Goddess-worship and Nature spirituality were held longest by the rural populations of Europe.
There are three fundamental principles:
a) animism--the belief that everything is imbued with life and consciousness;
b) polytheism--the belief that divinity manifests in a multiplicity of ways;
c) pantheism--the belief that divinity resides in everything that exists.
Some extensions of these principles include a theology that posits both female deities (the Earth Mother) as well as male (the Stag God, or God of the Hunt); a belief in the sacredness of Nature; a perception of divinity as both immanent and transcendent; the celebration of diversity; and an attitude of deep respect toward all that exists."
The dictionary gives us this definition:
pa•gan (pA'gun),
-n. 1. one of a people or community observing a polytheistic religion, as the ancient Romans and Greeks.
2. a person who is not a Christian, Jew, or Muslim.
3. an irreligious or hedonistic person.
-adj. 1. pertaining to the worship or worshipers of any religion that is neither Christian, Jewish, nor Muslim.
2. of, pertaining to, or characteristic of pagans.
3. irreligious or hedonistic.
Bide the Wiccan Laws we must
In Perfect Love and Perfect Trust.
Live and let live,
Fairly take and fairly give.
Cast the Circle thrice about
To keep the evil spirits out.
To bind the spell every time
Let the spell be spake in rhyme.
Soft of eye and light of touch,
Speak little, listen much.
Deosil go by the waxing moon,
Chanting out the Witches' Rune.
Widdershins go by the waning moon,
Chanting out the baneful rune.
When the Lady's moon is new,
Kiss the hand to her, times two.
When the moon rides at her peak,
Then your heart's desire seek.
Heed the North wind's mighty gale,
Lock the door and drop the sail.
When the wind comes from the South,
Love will kiss thee on the mouth.
When the wind blows from the West,
Departed souls will have no rest.
When the wind blows from the East,
Expect the new and set the feast.
Nine woods in the cauldron go,
Burn them fast and burn them slow.
Elder be the Lady's tree,
Burn it not or cursed you'll be.
When the Wheel begins to turn,
Let the Beltane fires burn.
When the Wheel has turned to Yule,
Light the log and the Horned One rules.
Heed ye Flower, Bush and Tree,
By the Lady, blessed be.
Where the rippling waters go,
Cast a stone and truth you'll know.
When ye have a true need,
Hearken not to others' greed.
With a fool no season spend,
Lest ye be counted as his friend.
Merry meet and merry part,
Bright the cheeks and warm the heart.
Lest in self defense it be,
Mind the Threefold Law you should,
Three times bad and three times good.
When misfortune is enow,
Wear the red red rose on thy brow.
True in Love ever be,
Unless thy lover's false to thee.
Eight words the Witches Rede fulfill:
An ye harm none, do what ye will.
Day is done
It's time for bed
Goddess Bless my sleepy head
Earth and Water
Air and Fire
Bring gentle dreams
as I retire
Blessed Be.
Merry Meet, you are visitor number Walk In Light.
Send Email to: fairylite@mindless.com
Copyright © 2000 . All Rights Reserved.