What is Paganism?
While not a religion in itself, per se, Paganism is a term that refers to non-Abrahamic (i.e. Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) polytheistic religions. However, it does not refer to such religions as Hinduism or Buddhism, for example. Rather it refers specifically to nature or Earth centered religions, such as Asatru, Celtic Reconstructionism, Druidry and Druidism, Hellenismo, Nova Roma, Slavic Reconstructionism, Stregheria, Traditional Initiatory Witchcraft, Wicca (both Traditional and Eclectic,) as well as some monotheistic religions such as Dianic Witchcraft and Goddess Spirituality. While synchretic religions such as Voudon and Santeria are not in themselves Pagan, there are some followers who do self-identify as such.
Many Pagan religions are reconstructions, that is, they attempt to recreate indigenous European pre-Christian religious beliefs and practices. However, all Pagan religions are modern creations: none are ancient or contain but the smallest traces of the original belief systems that they are based upon, hence why they are often called Neo-Pagan.
Many Pagans honor the natural world through ritual celebration of days of significant change within nature, such as Full and Dark Moons and Solstices and Equinoxes. Many Pagans also regularly honor their ancestors. Pagans may practice their religion either alone, in established groups, or with their families and celebration may take place indoors or outdoors.
Paganism generally provides much flexibility, while still providing a framework for one's spirituality. While specific values may vary from religion to religion, codes of conduct generally come down to personal responsibility and the development of one's own personal ethos.
For this reason, it is possible to be Pagan and:
Many Pagan religions are reconstructions, that is, they attempt to recreate indigenous European pre-Christian religious beliefs and practices. However, all Pagan religions are modern creations: none are ancient or contain but the smallest traces of the original belief systems that they are based upon, hence why they are often called Neo-Pagan.
Many Pagans honor the natural world through ritual celebration of days of significant change within nature, such as Full and Dark Moons and Solstices and Equinoxes. Many Pagans also regularly honor their ancestors. Pagans may practice their religion either alone, in established groups, or with their families and celebration may take place indoors or outdoors.
Paganism generally provides much flexibility, while still providing a framework for one's spirituality. While specific values may vary from religion to religion, codes of conduct generally come down to personal responsibility and the development of one's own personal ethos.
For this reason, it is possible to be Pagan and:
- be a Vegan or Vegetarian
- to go hunting and fishing
- to be male
- to be female
- to live in a metropolis
- to live on a farm
- to ride a bicycle ever where
- to drive a gas-guzzling SUV
- to be Pro Choice
- to be Pro Life
- to be a Soldier
- to be a pacifist
- to be a Liberal
- to be Conservative
- to be yourself
