Paganism

What is Paganism?

One of the hardest things to do is to try and define any religion. Because there are so many different traditions or paths within each religious movement, it is unlikely that one can reduce the varieties of beliefs and practices into a single coherent sentence or paragraph. However, I will do my best to explain what paganism or neo-paganism, as it is sometimes called, really is based on. I will let my years of experience within the Pagan tradition and Religious Studies field guide my words. Hopefully, I can do the subject justice. But remember that my way is only one-way and that there are many other thoughts and beliefs out there which may or may not agree. One of the best and often troublesome things about Paganism is its ability to incorporate many, many various teachings.

Most Pagans would agree that paganism: describes religious/spiritual traditions which are generally earth-centered, magickal, indigenous, stress a connection to and respect for the natural world, recognize both male and female aspects of the Divine, encourage diversity in spiritual beliefs, practices and lifestyles and has no "official" dogma or hierarchy.

Basic Characteristics of Paganism

The two main concepts most central to Paganism include interconnectedness and blessedness. We believe that every part of the universe is profoundly interconnected and it shapes our understanding of the Divine. Most Pagans believe that all parts of the universe both inanimate and animate are connected at very deep levels, which extend beyond our space-time understanding. We also believe that every part of the universe is blessed in its nature and there is nothing wrong with the universe or with us. Therefore, there is nothing to be "saved" from and we do not believe that we are spiritually doomed or damned. All of creation is connected and good. The Divine has given us the tools and skills necessary to make good choices. However, we acknowledge that not all people make the "right" or "good" choices but we don't see this as a flaw, for we can choose to do otherwise.

Pagan View of God

Pagan religions/traditions are about personal search not dogma and therefore concepts of God are often felxiable. We approach our understanding of Deity (God) with an open mind. We believe that concpets of Deity are just that, concepts or ideas. Ideas about Deity are just descriptions no matter how beautiful and powerful they are. Ideas about Deity are not Deity. We as humans may never really understand the entire nature of God in its fullness.