B
bach2yoga
Guest
It's almost Halloween...or Samhain, as some may call it. When Halloween comes, we think of ghost and goblins and...witches!
I have spent many years researching mythologies of the world--from several years in Bible college as a theology and ancient biblical languages major, to Buddhism, Taoism, Catholicism, and even...dare I say it? Paganism and Wicca!
For those who are unfamiliar with the term Paganism, it isn't referring to the bike groups that hang out at the Green Bank Inn! "Pagan" comes from a Latin word, paganus, that means "country dweller"--it was a term used by those who followed the new religion of the day--Christianity--in reference to those who still followed the older religions, and was used as a derogatory term meaning something akin to "hick" or "redneck".
One thing I have learned over the years is that people rarely believe what we think they believe. Unfortunately, that ignorance is the cause of much prejudice and bigotry. Paganism and Wicca isn't about Sabrina the teenage witch or Bewitched, or Harry Potter; nor is it about Charmed, the Blair Witch Project or Practical Magic.
So, since we're on the subject of the wizard of Oz, and I've found solace in these religions as well as in other religions, (though I do not currently consider myself any of the above,) I thought I'd insert an article on Paganism; for you see, Pagans (which includes Wiccans) base their religion on nature. I know for a fact that many of us spend time in the Pines because we find solace for our soul there, regardless of our religions; here, many of us find the Divine, in whatever form we view it, whether as God or Goddess or the Great Spirit or even to discover our own "divinity", if that is your belief.
So out of great respect for those of all (or no) religions, I post this article from the Pagan Education Network in an effort to encourage each one of us to realize that no matter what our religious backgrounds, we are still thinking, feeling human beings; human beings that bleed and cry; human beings that laugh and sing with joy. May our Pines reflect the diversity that is the human spirit.
http://www.bloomington.in.us/~pen/mpagan.html
Paganism is a collection of diverse contemporary religions rooted in or inspired by indigenous traditions worldwide. Pagan religions are characterized by Earth- centered spirituality, belief in the interconnection of all life, personal autonomy, polytheism, and immanent divinity. Pagans value diversity, good works, living lightly on the Earth, individual freedom, personal responsibility, community service, gender equity, and spiritual development.
While the largest segment of the Pagan population is Caucasian, highly educated, and middle class, Pagans come from all walks of life. Most are avid readers with interests in ecology, creativity, and personal growth. Many work in scientific and computer- related disciplines. Since Paganism is not an organized movement, it is difficult to determine the number of practitioners. Estimates range from 100,000 to several million in the U.S. alone.
Pagan religions may draw on ancient historical practices or be entirely new. In the case of the former, Pagans look to the beliefs, practices, gods, symbols, lands, music, and myths of a particular historical culture and adapt them for contemporary needs. Anachronistic elements, such as ritual violence, are rejected. Elements such as reverence for the natural world, honoring of the ancestors, and responsibility to the community are retained. Pagan religions which are not historically based take their inspiration from visionary, artistic, and libertarian traditions to create vibrant spiritual systems centered in Pagan values.
Characteristics of Pagan faiths
Paganism as a movement grew out of the growing environmental awareness in the 1960s, though it encompasses some traditions from the Middle Ages and earlier. Consequently most Pagan religions are nature-centered. Pagans rethink the way in which we relate to the Earth. Rather than seek dominance over the environment, Pagans work to live as a part of Nature, finding a balance between the self, the biosphere, and society. Part of this rethinking goes along with the resurgence of (the)Goddess, which is widespread in the Pagan movement. Many Pagans look to the fertility Goddesses of old and find vibrant, dynamic models for ecological balance. The myriad Goddesses from the past also provide Pagans with a vision of powerful feminine divinity which is missing from other Western religions.
Unlike many mainstream religious traditions, Pagans view Divinity as immanent rather than (or in addition to) transcendent. Rather than pray to some form "out there," Pagans view all living things as sacred. Diversity is seen as an expression of the divine order. People are viewed as essentially good and holy, although still capable of acting unethically.
Because of this, Pagans view the relationship with Divinity as a deeply personal calling. It is up to each individual to develop a relationship with Divinity as s/he defines it. Because of this, there is no institutionalization within Paganism. There is no single holy book, common creed, or hierarchy of religious representatives. Spiritual communion, even when in groups, is direct and immediate. Each congregation is autonomous, as is each individual within that congregation. While leaders are respected for their wisdom or service, there are no charismatic gurus within the movement. There is no one spokesperson for Pagans. All Pagans value choosing one¹s own path and beliefs and consequently do not seek to convert others. Pagans self- identify; there is no one body or rite which confers membership in the Pagan community. However, almost all Pagan organizations require members to abide by specific guidelines and principles.
Pagan culture
This emphasis on personal exploration and development creates a highly dynamic culture of diverse people who share values of intellectual and spiritual freedom. Rather than conform to a specific set of beliefs or practices, Pagans participate in a vibrant marketplace of ideas, where people contribute and take away what resonates most deeply with them. Community is created through regular gatherings and festivals, numerous publications, and an extensive Internet presence. While specific ethics are discussed at length within the Pagan community, the most common summation is "If it harms none, do what you will." This combines personal freedom with responsibility to the community.
Pagan religions are dynamic, changing systems based on timeless values of faith, freedom, justice, honesty, responsibility, creativity, caring, courage, and respect. Specific beliefs and practices vary as people adapt concepts to their particular needs. Pagans celebrate rituals to mark the Wheel of the Year, as well as life transitions such as marriage, moving, birth, or death. Some traditions celebrate rituals to commemorate specific historic events, while others celebrate natural transitions such as lunar phases or the first snowfall of the year. Pagan religions are a way of life, affecting choices from how we pray to where we shop. Pagans believe religions must change to meet the needs of people on an everyday basis, while connecting them to their most deeply held spiritual beliefs. While some Pagan religions can be quite esoteric, most Pagan beliefs and practices are rooted in everyday, natural experience.
***********************
For more information on this or other religions, visit www.religioustolerance.org
Renee
I have spent many years researching mythologies of the world--from several years in Bible college as a theology and ancient biblical languages major, to Buddhism, Taoism, Catholicism, and even...dare I say it? Paganism and Wicca!
For those who are unfamiliar with the term Paganism, it isn't referring to the bike groups that hang out at the Green Bank Inn! "Pagan" comes from a Latin word, paganus, that means "country dweller"--it was a term used by those who followed the new religion of the day--Christianity--in reference to those who still followed the older religions, and was used as a derogatory term meaning something akin to "hick" or "redneck".
One thing I have learned over the years is that people rarely believe what we think they believe. Unfortunately, that ignorance is the cause of much prejudice and bigotry. Paganism and Wicca isn't about Sabrina the teenage witch or Bewitched, or Harry Potter; nor is it about Charmed, the Blair Witch Project or Practical Magic.
So, since we're on the subject of the wizard of Oz, and I've found solace in these religions as well as in other religions, (though I do not currently consider myself any of the above,) I thought I'd insert an article on Paganism; for you see, Pagans (which includes Wiccans) base their religion on nature. I know for a fact that many of us spend time in the Pines because we find solace for our soul there, regardless of our religions; here, many of us find the Divine, in whatever form we view it, whether as God or Goddess or the Great Spirit or even to discover our own "divinity", if that is your belief.
So out of great respect for those of all (or no) religions, I post this article from the Pagan Education Network in an effort to encourage each one of us to realize that no matter what our religious backgrounds, we are still thinking, feeling human beings; human beings that bleed and cry; human beings that laugh and sing with joy. May our Pines reflect the diversity that is the human spirit.
http://www.bloomington.in.us/~pen/mpagan.html
Paganism is a collection of diverse contemporary religions rooted in or inspired by indigenous traditions worldwide. Pagan religions are characterized by Earth- centered spirituality, belief in the interconnection of all life, personal autonomy, polytheism, and immanent divinity. Pagans value diversity, good works, living lightly on the Earth, individual freedom, personal responsibility, community service, gender equity, and spiritual development.
While the largest segment of the Pagan population is Caucasian, highly educated, and middle class, Pagans come from all walks of life. Most are avid readers with interests in ecology, creativity, and personal growth. Many work in scientific and computer- related disciplines. Since Paganism is not an organized movement, it is difficult to determine the number of practitioners. Estimates range from 100,000 to several million in the U.S. alone.
Pagan religions may draw on ancient historical practices or be entirely new. In the case of the former, Pagans look to the beliefs, practices, gods, symbols, lands, music, and myths of a particular historical culture and adapt them for contemporary needs. Anachronistic elements, such as ritual violence, are rejected. Elements such as reverence for the natural world, honoring of the ancestors, and responsibility to the community are retained. Pagan religions which are not historically based take their inspiration from visionary, artistic, and libertarian traditions to create vibrant spiritual systems centered in Pagan values.
Characteristics of Pagan faiths
Paganism as a movement grew out of the growing environmental awareness in the 1960s, though it encompasses some traditions from the Middle Ages and earlier. Consequently most Pagan religions are nature-centered. Pagans rethink the way in which we relate to the Earth. Rather than seek dominance over the environment, Pagans work to live as a part of Nature, finding a balance between the self, the biosphere, and society. Part of this rethinking goes along with the resurgence of (the)Goddess, which is widespread in the Pagan movement. Many Pagans look to the fertility Goddesses of old and find vibrant, dynamic models for ecological balance. The myriad Goddesses from the past also provide Pagans with a vision of powerful feminine divinity which is missing from other Western religions.
Unlike many mainstream religious traditions, Pagans view Divinity as immanent rather than (or in addition to) transcendent. Rather than pray to some form "out there," Pagans view all living things as sacred. Diversity is seen as an expression of the divine order. People are viewed as essentially good and holy, although still capable of acting unethically.
Because of this, Pagans view the relationship with Divinity as a deeply personal calling. It is up to each individual to develop a relationship with Divinity as s/he defines it. Because of this, there is no institutionalization within Paganism. There is no single holy book, common creed, or hierarchy of religious representatives. Spiritual communion, even when in groups, is direct and immediate. Each congregation is autonomous, as is each individual within that congregation. While leaders are respected for their wisdom or service, there are no charismatic gurus within the movement. There is no one spokesperson for Pagans. All Pagans value choosing one¹s own path and beliefs and consequently do not seek to convert others. Pagans self- identify; there is no one body or rite which confers membership in the Pagan community. However, almost all Pagan organizations require members to abide by specific guidelines and principles.
Pagan culture
This emphasis on personal exploration and development creates a highly dynamic culture of diverse people who share values of intellectual and spiritual freedom. Rather than conform to a specific set of beliefs or practices, Pagans participate in a vibrant marketplace of ideas, where people contribute and take away what resonates most deeply with them. Community is created through regular gatherings and festivals, numerous publications, and an extensive Internet presence. While specific ethics are discussed at length within the Pagan community, the most common summation is "If it harms none, do what you will." This combines personal freedom with responsibility to the community.
Pagan religions are dynamic, changing systems based on timeless values of faith, freedom, justice, honesty, responsibility, creativity, caring, courage, and respect. Specific beliefs and practices vary as people adapt concepts to their particular needs. Pagans celebrate rituals to mark the Wheel of the Year, as well as life transitions such as marriage, moving, birth, or death. Some traditions celebrate rituals to commemorate specific historic events, while others celebrate natural transitions such as lunar phases or the first snowfall of the year. Pagan religions are a way of life, affecting choices from how we pray to where we shop. Pagans believe religions must change to meet the needs of people on an everyday basis, while connecting them to their most deeply held spiritual beliefs. While some Pagan religions can be quite esoteric, most Pagan beliefs and practices are rooted in everyday, natural experience.
***********************
For more information on this or other religions, visit www.religioustolerance.org
Renee
