explain what being a pagan means to you. what do you feel is their philosophy and culture, do you know any pagans, why do we have pagans, what do you feel is their primary focus and purpose. guidance - any info or insight to this subject is welcomed.
happy thoughts of peace, love and light
2006-09-01 22:26:49 · 7 answers · asked by annie - rainbow goddess 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
it is amazing and wonderful to be receiving such thoughtful and sincere answers to my question. thank you for sharing your thoughts of this subject with me.
2006-09-01 23:16:39 · update #1
Generally speaking, paganism incorporates appreciation of the world around us - the beauty of the natural world and the forces in it.
Historically, it was more canted toward percieved forces in the natural world - magic, etc.
I know a lot of pagans, and they are all committed to living in harmony with nature, i.e. not messing up the world any worse than we already have. They tend to recycle, build green-friendly houses, have gardens or at least buy local produce, pay close attention to their diets and are very friendly to their neighbors.
They don't really have a separate "culture," any more than MENSA or the PTA are separate cultures.
2006-09-01 22:30:26 · answer #1 · answered by Trips 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
To me, being pagan simply means that I am polytheistic (I believe in more than one diety). My culture is that of anyone living in the Midwest of the US but I study the culture of the Iron Age Celts since those were the peoples who once worshiped my deities. I know many pagans. The city that I live in has an active neo-pagan community. We have events and get-togethers at least weekly, and we have 7 Yahoo groups (one has over 350 members). Why do we have pagans? I guess because there are people who believe in honoring pre-Christian deities. The primary focus and purpose of any religious people is to learn about and worship their deity/ies. We have the same basic purpose of any other religion.
2006-09-03 00:45:39 · answer #2 · answered by Witchy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why are you asking this question on YA? There are plenty of books that can answer this for you. A pagan, to me, is a person who lives by the earth. Meaning, the earth, moon, stars guide their lives, not some guy standing at a pulpit every Sunday asking you to put money in the plate being circulated "for charity". I'm not sure that I would qualify to answer this question, but I see it as a religion (today) much like the American Indian belief. The earth is sacred, all that live here are sacred. Treat people the way in which you would like to be treated and treat the earth as though it is truly your home (which it is, btw).
2006-09-01 22:33:29 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
It is not possible to answer your question in one sentence, but I will try.Early humans concluded that there must be some power greater than theirs that made things occur.They watched day turned into night,grass grow and flowers bloom,trees loose their leaves and getting them back again,they began deify nature.They imagined "rain gods" and "the sun god" and others.
Rites of all description were created, there were rites of fertility,and rituals of of every kind of intention.These developed through the centuries into what we call today pagan customs.
Myths grew up around how sacred powers influenced life on earth.These myths turned into beliefs,that is they become true for people.When myth turns into truth, it becomes organized religion.Hope this will satisfy you for a while.
2006-09-01 23:05:56 · answer #4 · answered by Stukas 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i just happen to be a pagan and an ordained one at that.
i really cannot explain all of this to you in one paragraph but i will do my best.
philosophy and clolture, is very diverse. it ranges from european pre christian religions to new age spiritualist beliefs.
why are we here,,, we have been here longer than any other religion. we are here today because we respect out ancestors and find peace and enlightenment in the worship of the ancient gods.
focus and purpose,,spiritual growth of the self. we are largely un-organised and many of us are self practicioners. this leaves many differant spiritual paths to be traveled by many people.
guidance.. some of us are teachers (as am i) that seek to guide people that ask for our help. we make it known that we are there to teach but never start the conversation. we do not feel a need to spread our beliefs. just a need to help others understane when they ask us for the knowledge.
and what being pagan means to me...it really means a lot to me.
i find great joy and peace in my chosen religion. peing pagan means a choice to me. i choice to live my life on my trems.
2006-09-01 22:37:56 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
nicely in my adventure as a Witch who has been out of the broom closet so which you would be able to desire to speak over a million/2 my existence, My relatives inclusive of my ancestors are Pagan we are Celtic Witches so we've continuously had a reliable experience of relatives! My pals who I evaluate relatives to boot all upload to my kinfolk...i've got been a Celtic Witch for over 2 a protracted time i'm 40 two so in my case the kinship has and continues to be reliable i hit upon this the "norm" between the Pagan/ Witch households i comprehend right here (San Diego, CA) we've a extensive very reliable relatives orientated community right here!
2016-12-11 19:29:23 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Being Pagan means to me respecting and honoring nature- the world around us, being openminded or at least tolerant of others, making your own decisions about what you feel is right to believe, not being restricted or forced by dogma of others.
2006-09-03 02:22:40 · answer #7 · answered by BlueManticore 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋