The definition of paganism — any variation of a religion that is not Judaism, Christianity or Islam.
Perhaps, on the bare bones of it, this is true, but it does not encompass the richness of the traditions in Paganism. It does not show what the adherents of whichever pagan sect or religion practice and belief, and I think it does them a grave injustice.
Paganism- The Sects
There are many different sects of paganism and they make up a rich tapestry of communities that worship various pantheons, gods, and goddesses.
Paganism is often associated with the various indigenous people around the world and the traditions date back to many of these tribes. Some groups concentrate on certain traditions and beliefs,while others mix what they feel is the best way or necessary for a given rite or prayer, or ritual.
The pagan sects also recognize and hold dear the spiritual aspect of nature, and view nature as sacred in its various forms.
What Pagans Are Not
Due to a large spread of misinformation and persecution of those who have alternative beliefs to what is mainstream, it needs to be stated what pagans are and are not.
Pagans are not:
- evil
- Satanists (that’s a whole other religion)
- practitioners of black magic
- devil worshipers
- sexual deviants
Pagans are ordinary, every day people who just hold different views than the three major religions of the world. There is not any darkness in their rituals or practices.
History of Paganism
Paganism is an ancient religion that has been passed down through word of ?mouth for many generations. Originally, before the founding of the Abraham religions, paganism was the norm and was practiced devoutly.
It is considered the ancestral religion of the world as a whole.
There are many many stories, traditions, histories, and such a mythology of the pagan sects that it is impossible to include them all and do them full justice here in this short article.
Pagan Traditions
Each sect has their own traditions that are practiced and adhered to in each one.
Some of the well known ones are:
- Winter solstice —? For some sects of paganism, this is the time when the sun goes down and they pray and seek for the return of it for the coming year. It is a time of rebirth and renewal, as the sun will come again. For the Roman pagans, this was celebrated as Saturnalia and included fertility symbols. For the Druids, it was a time of renewal and waiting for the coming spring.
- Spring equinox?— for the pagan sects, this is the celebration of new life upon the Earth after the season of winter.
Paganism — A Rich Tradition
There are many more rituals and holidays and celebrations in Paganism. If interested in learning more, research and ask those that you may know whom are pagan.
And, remember — your own religion most likely has traditions incorporated into it from the pagans. Make sure to learn them and understand the origins. The traditions and rituals are so beautiful and rich, it is no wonder that they were borrowed and made to fit the religion that used them.
Edited by D.H.
