Would you still consider me a Wiccan or Pagan...(read details)?

Question

I have Pagan/Wiccan beliefs but I don't believe in an afterlife or deities because I was raised non-religious. Wiccans; would you consider me Pagan? I would appreciate if only Wiccans or Pagans answered this, please. I will report anyone else, because you would be going against my preference. Thank you all and Blessed Be.

I also do not do magick...

Actually I'm fairly new but not brand new so I might do magick later. But my belief for what happens after death is that anything is possible and no one knows because if you die you wouldn't be able to tell anyone else what really does happen, right?

My Wiccan beliefs are:

-An it harm none do what thou wilt. (The Rede)
-I revere nature
-I believe reincarnation is a definite possibility but I am not sure
-The God and Goddess are the energies and forces of the sun and moon
-I am tolerant of all faiths and ways of life
-I love all people and animals; race, religion, and sexuality don't matter to me at all
-I would be a vegetarian if my parents would let me (I'm fairly skinny and they want the best health for me; please do NOT talk about vegetarianism in your answers)
-Magick is effective

Oh and the Law of Three/Karma.

Answer 1

It’s really not important what anyone else believes but rather what you believe is where the key lies.

That being said, I’ve heard Pagans described as a bunch of agnostics who like to chant and burn incense. So the lack of belief in deity shouldn’t trouble you. Same is true for the afterlife. I really have no clue as to what happens after I die, so I don’t worry about it.

What I do know is true is that my belief and practices make my life much more fulfilled. So I go with it.

So my advice is to keep on the path. Keep seeking wisdom and knowledge and the other stuff will sort itself out.

Blessed Be,

Pabs

Answer 2

First of all there really is no such thing as a straight forward Pagan religion.

The truth is there are many Pagan religions; Wiccan is one of these religions. Yes; Wiccan is a Pagan religion.

Pretty much if you are not Christian, Jew, Muslem, you are Pagan. However generally Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Shinto are not concidered Pagan religions either. The rest of the religions are generally considered Pagan religions.

With all this being said, I'm guessing you are Pagan.

As for Wiccan. There are many variations of Wiccan. A couple that the beliefs you described fits into; however I believe you will find a more suitable religion elsewhere. See those variations that you have mentioned will be very hard to find a Wiccan religion that matches it. Yes, there are some. However ther are not many that have that variation. In other words it would be very hard for you to find that match in Wiccan. See most Wiccans believe in reincarnation and in deities.

I'm not sure if you do or do not believe in reincarnation; however it is a form of afterlife. I would guess you don't.

See it would be hard to find a Wiccan religion that does not believe in a deity; now if you add on that you don't believe in reincarnation it is extremely hard.

I'm guessing that you believe in magic, but just don't do magic so that is irrelavant. You don't have to do magic to be Wiccan; anybody who says you do doesn't know what they are talking about.

Answer 3

You don't need to have afterlife beliefs to be Pagan, but you do need to have some sort of belief in Deity or a higher power. Otherwise you're Atheist. Mind you, Atheists can believe in magick, ghosts, spirits, energies, psychic abilities, ancestral spirits, etc. (though most don't some do) they simply don't believe in God. As for Wiccan, I would not consider you Wiccan unless you believed in a Dual Diety, God and Goddess, and followed some version of the Wiccan Rede.
Check out the belief-o-matic at Beliefnet.com if you'd like help defining yourself.

Answer 4

First of all, it cracks me up when people talk about Wicca and call it Wiccan. "The religion of Wiccan." No, its Wicca. I'm not talking about the OP, but an answerer who claims to be Wiccan. Too funny.

You would definitely not be Wiccan, because belief in deity is one of Wicca's core tenets. And the Wiccan tradition has specific beliefs that they adhere to. As for being Pagan, you'd be Pagan in the sense that you are not Christian, but I can see why other Pagans might not consider you Pagan- since most eclectic Pagans believe in God/dess and an afterlife.

I guess, my next question would be for you- and I'd ask exactly what Wiccan/Pagan beliefs do you have, if you don't believe in God/dess(es)? If you could tell me what you believe, I might be able to help you find a label. :)

Also, what does being raised non-religious have to do with your beliefs now? Do you still hold the same beliefs? I'd encourage you to explore different religions, test your faith, experience different... well, experiences. Many of us have been raised non-religious. But once we grow up... we find that what we've experienced has led to spiritual changes within ourselves. :)

Good luck on your path!

Answer 5

Wiccans and pagans are generally pretty liberal about who is and isn't in the path. Wiccans and Pagans generally believe in at least one God and one Goddess. But I don't think anyone would think less of you for different beliefs. If you want (in my opinion) a surefire way to check, go to the pagan chat rooms in Yahoo Chat, and float the question there. The only ones who usually get hollered at in there are the Fundies who walk in and tell us all we're damned unless we convert. Blessed Be and good luck friend.

Answer 6

A Goddess concept is a solid initiate... The Dianic custom considers it needed. in case you're speaking approximately BTW (Brittish classic Wicca) then you definitely want in basic terms be acquainted with the writings of Gerald Gardner... and be initiated by a coven who practices such Wicca. American Ecclectic Wicca is plenty diverse and you will merely verify what Pantheon you comprehend/commune with and initiate working in the direction of. (As a solitary or in a coven). AEW additionally shares some interior of reach American Traditions and Folklore linked with Celtic and Early American traditions. Heathen Princess is solid that one and all Wiccans are Pagan yet no longer all Pagans are Wiccan... if that facilitates. another Pagan tribes comprise Asatru, interior of reach American, Vodun and Santeria... as nicely through fact the ideals of the Aboriginal peoples and a few pre-buddhist and hindu practices. There are even Jewish Mystics that evaluate themselves Pagan.

Answer 7

It's odd you ask that, I am currently reading up on Wiccans and Pagans. I have Pagan beliefs and I think that afterlife is open. What do you think happens when we die?

Answer 8

The great thing about being Wiccan/Pagan/Human/Alive is that you get to decide what to consider yourself. Write out all your beliefs, grow and learn. The world is what we make of it. I wish you an excellent journey.

Answer 9

As an eclectic pagan, I believe that everyone has the right to follow his/her own path. It really doesn't matter what I think. Do in your heart what you feel is right & remember, "Do as ye will but harm ye no one." If you don't believe in an afterlife, then that's your belief. So mote it be.

Answer 10

I was wondering the same thing as Lady Ivy....Do you believe in any of the core tenets of Wicca?

Anyway--if you feel you are described by the definition of pagan, then you are. From dictionary.com: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/pagan

From your description, I doubt if you would identify with the definition of neo-pagan.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/neo%3Dpaganism

I see nothing contradictory with a pagan not believing in an afterlife even though I do not currently know of any pagans like that. Generally, those who do not believe in any deities consider themselves to be atheists. For a definition of atheism: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/atheism
Hope this helps.