Pagan:
Merriam-Webster Dictionary: “A follower of a polytheistic religion”
Oxford Dictionary: “A person holding religious beliefs other than those of the main world religions”
“A member of a modern religious movement which seeks to incorporate beliefs or practices from outside the main world religions, especially nature worship.”
Paganism, one of the world’s oldest religious branches, is often thought of negatively in society due to defamatory and falsified information that has snowballed over time. Overall, Paganism is not a singular, specific religion but used as an umbrella term for a multitude of faiths.
More Current Branches:
- Wicca
- Druidism
- Ásatrú
- Hellenism
- Kemetism
- Native American faiths
- Celtic Reconstructionist Paganism
- Germanic Neopaganism
- Hinduism
Before many modern-day monotheistic religions were created (Christianity, Judaism and Islam), the vast majority of civilizations practiced Pagan belief systems: Albanian, Armenian, Baltic, Basque, Celtic, Etruscan, Finnic, Georgian, Germanic, Ancient Greek, Norse, Ancient Rome, Slavic, Vainakh and many more. Polytheistic religions are often characterized by their respect and focus on nature and by the belief in multiple Gods and/or Goddesses.
Not only does focusing on both a God AND Goddess differ from the larger patriarchal religions, but the Goddess actually has larger depth being that nature is seen as a female entity (Mother Earth: Gaia). Some practitioners even recognize deities from a multitude of belief systems – let’s say they may work with the Norse God Loki and also the Egyptian God Osiris. Reincarnation is also a very important belief in Paganism. It is thought that it allows for souls to continue unfinished work and also learn different lessons through each life.
With having such a heavy focus upon nature, Pagans hold respect for all forms of life and the universe as a whole. Many attune their beliefs to the cycles of life as well, more specifically seasons and life and death. Differing from the patriarchal monotheistic religions, Pagans focus upon both male and female spirit as the divine. The majority of these deities represent aspects of nature as well – compared to the supernatural of other major religions. The four elements are also hold heavy importance to most Pagan branches. Earth, air, fire and water correspond with North, East, South and West. Each element has its own spiritual meaning and can be associated with different higher beings and the universe as a whole.
Pagan beliefs have been developing for thousands of years, changing with new cultures and societies. Even though paganism might not be at the forefront of popular religious culture currently, it is still very much prevalent in modern society.
Despite Paganism having numerous branches and sects, there are still major misconceptions about the concept of paganism. Common fallacies are:
- Pagans worship the devil: The devil is a Christian belief, and because Pagans are not Christians that concept does not apply to Paganism
- Pagans make animal sacrifices: They do not make animal sacrifices, many Pagan faiths are built on a love and respect for nature.
- Pan portrayed as a demon or the Antichrist: Pan is actually half goat and half man and is known for being the God of nature. He was quickly demonized though around 300 C.E and has been used for Antichrist propaganda ever since.
Original Pagan holiday’s adopted by other faiths and current cultures:
- Christmas (Winter Solstice, Saturnalia)
- Easter
- St. John’s Day
- All Saint’s Day
- Halloween
Do research, learn about the different religions out there even if you have your own belief system. Knowledge is the greatest thing this world has to offer and the best way to understand it, and the people in it, is by getting to know their beliefs first-hand and by educating yourself on the world around you. The universe doesn’t revolve around us, keep that in mind and explore what is out there with an open mind.