question for pagans, what traditions and rituals do you have?

Question

do you have any holidays, ? if so tell me what you do to celebrate them... i want to know what pagans do on a daily basis? do you pray? witch craft? what do you do ? do you worship anybody?

do you have a heaven or a hell? do you pray to something? WHAT THE HELL DO YOU DO? im just now learning about this religion, i have no idea what it is

Answer 1

There are many different paths of neo-paganism. I follow a Celtic Reconstructionist (CR) path. I can only speak for the practices of my family and not for all CR paths.

We celebrate four agricultural holidays a year--Samhain, Imbolc, Bealtain, and Lughnasadh. Samhain (beginning of November) is our new year, a time to celebrate the final harvest. It is considered a time when the veil between the worlds is thinner than most so it is a time for divinations and honoring our ancestors. Imbolc (beginning of February) is a time when the first signs of spring are celebrated and lambs come into milk. It is a time for new beginnings and a time for to especially honor the goddess Brighid. Bealtain (beginning of May) is also a time when the veil thins between the worlds. We celebrate the fertility of the land. Lughnasadh (beginning of August) is a time to especially honor the god Lugh. It is a time of the first harvest. We have games of skill and enjoy the fruits of the harvest. We observe the solstices and equinoxes but we do not celebrate them as religious holidays.

On a daily basis, I spend about a half hour in the morning in prayer, praise and meditation. I give small offerings of food and drink to my deities at our family altar. Throughout the day I pray to keep in contact with my deities. I try to live my life according to Celtic values.
http://www.imbas.org/articles/celtic_values.html
In the evening I always pray and meditate before going to sleep. Every day, I try to learn about my deities and the peoples who onced worshiped them. I find inspiration in both academic study as well as meditation and prayer.

I occasionally use magic but it is a very small part of my practice.

Most of my deities were worshiped by the Continental Celts during the Iron Age. My main deities are Taranis, Lugh, Epona, Cernunnos, and I am getting to know Sequana better. For a description of Gaulish deities:
http://www.geocities.com/nemetoneponas/deities.html

After death I believe that I will go to the Otherworld to feast and review the things I've learned before incarnating again.

Answer 2

I'm pagan in name only. But Paganism is a very broad term for many cultural religions. Halloween comes from these types of cultures. So do new years celebrations (drinking, remembering the yr before... stupid customs like eating saurkraut when the clock hits midnight, etc...) Many do indeed pray.... and some use witchcraft (this one totally depends on how you define witchcraft).

I personally do not pray... nor do I work magic... nor do I Worship anything. I have certain beliefs that would fall under the Pagan label, such as believing in many spirits, not necessarily Gods, but I guess most see them as Gods... I also believe all living things are connected in one way or another (not saying I talk to trees or anything... *_*)

In order to get a good idea of what Paganism is, you'd have to speak to many different ones and it would take more than just this forum to see it all.

Answer 3

ALL good questions. :-) A lots of Pagans (myself included) celebrate the Witches' Sabbats (Wiccan Sabbats). They cycle of these holidays is called 'The Wheel of the Year'. There are 8 Sabbats (holidays) on the Wheel of the Year.

These all correspond to the solar year/calendar. Below is a link to some short descriptions of each holiday:

http://www.tylwythteg.com/wheel.html

Each holiday can be compared and likened to other mass celebrated holidays today in belief, practice, and theme-- especially Catholic and Chrisitan holidays (holy days). For example, Samhain = All Hallows Eve/Hallowmas, Yule = Christmas, Imbolc = Groundhog's Day, Ostara = Easter, Beltaine = May Day, Litha/Midsummer = Summer Solstice, Lughnasahd/Lammas = Loafmass, Mabon = Thanksgiving.

It's fascinating to learn the similarities in theme and the myths behind them!

What each Pagan does on a daily basis differs depending on the person. I can only speak for myself in this respect. I incorporate my spiritual beliefs into my every day life. I try to meditate/pray every day and do self-healings with reiki as well. I give tarot readings to people, which is actually a very spiritual experience as you become a channel for information from the God and Goddess.

Some like to do a devotional everyday, light a candle, etc. I also have a 'healing altar' that I place prayer requests onto. I leave it by my front door and I say a little prayer everytime I am about to leave for continued good things for those people.

It is commonly believed that we believe in a God and Goddess. This is because we feel that just like in real life both a man and woman are needed to create life, that ALL life must come from both male and female. We believe in the balance of opposites.

I, personally, believe that God is one, adrogynous being (both male and female). I believe that we split God up into two beings, one male and one female, for the sake of being able to relate to God on a more personal level.

However, we do not WORSHIP God/the Creator/ Goddess. It is an interactive relationship. We do not hold services to WORSHIP our gods, our rituals involved honoring the God and Goddess and the cycles of nature, becoming attuned the natural cycles of nature. It is all about working in harmony, not dissonance with the Universe.

As far as a believe in heaven or hell -- that, again, differs from individual to individual. Most witches/Pagans believe in reincarnation, that this life is not our first, or last. Many don't believe in Hell in any kind. Some do, however, believe in a Winterland, or Underworld where souls who have not behaved or acted appropriately in their lives go.

I personally, believe that when we die we all go to the same 'heaven' (some Pagans call it 'Summerland') where we review our past life and our decisions. We see what we did right, and not so right, and figure out how we will handle that in the next life.

It's very complicated to all put here and requires months, years, decades of research and personal study! But these are some good starting points.

If you have any more specific questions don't be afraid to message me! I would be happy to help you along your spiritual path in teaching you about Paganism/Witchcraft/Wicca.

Blessings and Light!

~RW

Answer 4

We (Wiccan Pagans) have 8 Sabbats, 4 major 4 minor.

The Wiccan calendar is often referred to as the "Wheel of the Year", emphasizing the cyclical nature of the world around us. Each holiday has a wealth of history and tradition surrounding it, but this page should explain the basics of each Sabbat and how we celebrate.

Yule
Approx. Dec 21
Winter Solstice, Saturnalia, Alban Arthan
The holiday of Yule was celebrated long before Christians adopted the date. Many of the Christmas traditions we see today stem from old Pagan customs. As the solstice, it is the longest night of the year. From this day forward, light begins to return and we celebrate the rebirth of the Sun God.
Traditions: lighting the Yule log, wreath making, gift giving
Correspondences: pine, holly, myrrh, cinnamon,

Imbolc
Feb 2
Candlemas, Imbolg, Brigid's Day
Imbolc is a day to celebrate the first glimpses of Spring, and it is also dedicated to the Celtic Goddess Brigid. Non-Pagans celebrate today as Groundhog Day. Make new starts in life, as you give your home a thorough cleaning.
Traditions: Burning fires and candles, cleaning, making a bed for Brigid
Correspondences: carnation, rosemary, chamomile, milk

Ostara
Approx. March 21
Spring Equinox, Lady Day
This is another holiday that has been overlaid with Christian meanings (Easter). Eggs and bunnies are typical symbols, representing new birth and new life. Plant the seeds of long-term goals.
Traditions: Colouring eggs, decorating with flowers
Correspondences: jasmine, daffodil, lotus, new spring flowers

Beltane
May 1
May Day, Walpurgis Night
The God born at Yule is now a man, and the sacred marriage between God and Goddess is consumated. Beltane is a celebration of fertility, growth, love and passion. However you celebrate Beltane, do it with joy and happiness.
Traditions: Dancing around the May Pole, lighting bonfires
Correspondences: Rose, lilac, vanilla

Midsummer
Approx. June 21
Litha, Summer Solstice, Whitsun
Midsummer is the longest day of the year, and the strength of the Sun God begins to wane. The Goddess has left her Maiden form of Imbolc and is now in her Mother aspect. Refill your herb collection for the coming year.
Traditions: Fairy magick, collecting herbs
Correspondences: Orange, lemon, honeysuckle, vervain

Lammas
August 1
Lughnasadh,
As the first of the three harvest festivals, much of the symbolism for Lammas revolves around grains and bread. Sacrifices were common, though mostly symbolic, in order to ensure the continued success of the harvest.
Traditions: Bread baking, making corn dollies
Correspondences: corn, sandalwood, heather

Mabon
Approx. Sept 21
Autumn Equinox, Cornucopia
Day and night are equal again, and the weather grows colder as winter approaches. This is the second harvest festival. Rituals of thanks at this time have brought about the modern holidays of Thanksgiving. Take some time to think about what you are thankful for.
Traditions: Making and drinking of wine, share with the less fortunate
Correspondences: grapes, blackberries, cedar, patchouli


Samhain
Oct 31
Hallowe'en, All Hallows
Samhain (SOW-en) is the one Sabbat that is also widely celebrated amongst non-Pagans. The God has died, and the Goddess mourns him until his rebirth at Yule. It's the last harvest festival, and the end of the Wiccan year.
Traditions: Divination, honouring the dead, carving Jack o' Lanterns
Correspondences: pumpkins, apples, sage, mugwort


We pray to many different Gods and Goddesses. Not all Pagans believe exactly the same.

Witchcraft is a part of Wicca but it's not the Hollywood version you see in the movies and on TV. It is about using the natural world around us and the energies it contains to cause positive change in our daily lives and the lives of others (with their permission). We believe in respecting nature and not harming anyone hence the Rede, "and it harm none, do what ye will."

Just a Summary. If you want to know more I suggest the book "The truth about Witchcraft Today" by Scott Cummingham.

Blessed Be )O(

Answer 5

Look in Christendom for answers. From the Christmas tree and the balls hanging on it to the Easter bunniie laying colored eggs.
Is there really a Santa Clause?
Most traditions associated with the holidays are pagan.

Answer 6

Maybe you should pick up a book on witchcraft..it is very interesting! The are a number of holidays mainly revolving around the change in seasons..such as summer & winter solstice. There are rituals & prayers too!

Answer 7

These answers are going to be out of order, but I'm going to try to get all your questions.

You'll only rarely get more than one Pagan worshipping the same God or Goddess at the same time, but we manage. I personally worship the line of Hyperion, and also Hermes and, of course Gaia. These Gods are called different names by different cultures. My friend honors PachaMama while I honor Gaia, (for example) and it's pretty much the same. They are two names for Earth Mother.

Yes, we have holidays. We have 8 major holidays that we celebrate throughout the year.

Samhain- Nov 1, we honor our dead. You call it Halloween. It has nothing to do with dressing up and begging for candy, but we do that too because it's fun.

Yule- We celebrate the longest night of the year, the return of the light, the rebirth of the Sun (Helios, in my own pantheon). You call this Christmas.

Imbolc we honor the Hearth Goddess, celebrate the birth, or impending birth of new baby livestock, if we have them and engage in major spring cleaning, physically and spiritually and have loud rowdy celebrations to awaken the nature spirits and hasten spring. You call this groundhog day (boring).

Ostara- My Matron's feast! We celebrate the coming of spring by honoring the Goddess of the Dawn, Spring, and new beginnings. We hunt and eat Eggs, as they are a symbol of the sun, or rebirth and the entire cosmos and because in ancient times they would have been the first variety people had in their diets after the long winter of eating stored dried and salted food. You call this Easter.

Beltane or May Day- This is a fertility festival, it marks the beginning of planting season. It's usually our first outdoor picnic. We honor the Earthmother and the Skyfather in a symbolic marriage that He should please Her and that She should thus be fruitful. We perform the symbolic (and sometimes actual) Great Rite in hopes that our plans will come to fruition, our fields and livestock will be fertile (if we have them). We dance around the Maypole to symbolize the unity of our community, particularly the blending of our differences, male and female, and other differences, and the strength that comes from that. Those of us who farm will offer mead or beer out in the fields. There isn't a similar holiday in common culture. Too bad, this is a really fun one and one of our most important.

Midsummer- This marks the end of the planting and the height of summer. It is the longest day and the shortest night. We will often stay up all night dancing around the bonfire seeking an ecstatic state and unity with our Gods. We will spend the day gathering wild herbs and preparing them for magical, culinary and medicinal uses. This is another solar festival in which the Sun God and/or the Earthmother may be honored.

Lammas/Lughnassadh/First Harvest- This marks the beginning of the harvest. We generally have a big pot luck feast and may or may not build and burn an effigy that represents all the things stopping us from bringing our goals to fruition. We honor the Gods of Fruit and Grains, (which may be male or female depending on tradition).

Mabon/Last Harvest- This is the Pagan version of Thanksgiving (Many Pagans do not celebrate Thanksgiving on ethical grounds, though some of us have adopted it as Native American Appreciation Day). We honor the Earthmother, the Skyfather, the Grain and Fruit Gods and each other with a great potluck feast and a ritual of... um, Thanksgiving.

Esbats- Depending on Tradition, there may be 12-13 or 24-26 Esbats during the year. Esbats occur on the Full Moon and the Dark Moon (some folks only celebrate the Full Moon, a few only the Dark Moon, myself, I celebrate them both.)

According to my own tradition- On the Full Moon we worship in a circle. We pray to the Gods, and may dance, sing or chant for them. We share an offering of food with them- this is called the Simple Feast, or Cakes and Ale. We may also perform spellwork at this time, as part of the worship circle, to address a problem that one or more of the members of the group, or someone they care about might be facing. To help get better employment, for example.

On the New Moon- this is the time for journey between worlds. We call upon our spirit guides and, after setting up our sacred circle, we settle in to meditate very deeply, we leave our bodies and travel with our Guides to see what they wish to teach us. Then we give thanks to them for their teachings, share with each other what we learned and share the simple feast.

Privately, I say grace before meals and I reserve a portion of the food as an offering of recognition to Gaia, that I know that she gave it all to me. I pray before bedtime to Hermes and when I wake up in the morning to Eos.

When I have a run of particularly good luck, or a successful business deal, I mix honey and wine and pour it over my altar with a special prayer to Hermes. Also, whenever I win something, or gain anything from cunning, I offer a portion of this to Hermes as well. When I am entering a new phase in my life, or beginning an new project, I mix milk and cinnamon and I pour this over the altar for Eos. I also spontaneously pray periodically to Gaia, Helios, Hyperion and Selene when I am struck by the beauty and wonder of the world.

What do I do otherwise? I work 9 hours a day, five days a week. I clean my house, but I'm not very good at it. I cook dinner every night, and I am good at that. I help the kids with their homework and drive them around to activities; I love my partner; I visit my mom once a week, watch old movies, build websites and play CIV IV whenever I have a spare moment.

Answer 8

1

Answer 9

Just talk to Roman Catholics. That religion's history came from pegan traditions.

Answer 10

That would take quite a while to answer all those questions with detail and clarity. The following link can answer many questions for you. http://www.religioustolerance.org/witchcra.htm

Blessings )O(