Confused about what Pagans believe now.?

Question

could anyone please explain to me what pagans believe, iv tried internet searches but soo much tstuff comes up that its very hard to decipher anything from it.
would really help me out as im writing a book and need to encorporate it.
thanks , katie xxx

Answer 1

We are very diverse in our beliefs, Pagans don't have one unifying code or doctrine. Most of us follow the Wiccan Rede "An it harm none, do what thou wilt" or a variation thereof, as for our practices and beliefs, they vary from Pagan to Pagan depending on the tradition that each Pagan is a part of. For example, Asatruars follow the Norse Aesir Gods and thus their ceremonies have a Norse bent to them, Druids follow the Celtic Gods, etc. There are also Eclectic Pagans who borrow from many Pagan religions and may follow a mixture of deities from many different cultures.

Answer 2

The word "Pagan" is an umbrella term used to collectively describe a number of alternative spiritual paths. Our beliefs differ a great deal because paganism is about coming up with your own spiritual theory. It is a complex concept and not easy to define

In basic terms, pagans tend to believe in a Higher Power that can manifest as one or more deities, depending on the practitioner's sympathies or origins. For example, Celtic pagans may worship gods from the Welsh or Irish pantheon and Heathens, from the Nordic pantheon. Others simply acknowledge an ineffable divine force.

Pagans also revere Nature. Some may be active in environmental causes, whilst others simply enjoy and respect the natural world. Pagans believe we are connected to everything and see evidence for the divine in the balance of Nature.

Pagans don't have a central dogma. Generally, our only law is do what you will but do no harm to others. This is the basis for most pagan morality systems. It encourages us to think of others and take responsibility for the affect our actions may have. Some Pagans also believe in karma and the idea that what you do may be reflected back on you. This is the principle behind the Threefold Law.

Pagans may or may not practise magic(k). Magic is seen as a form of prayer, creative visualisation or a practical assertion of the belief that everything is interconnected. Magic is achieved through the concentration of will and the movement of energy.

If you want to know more about specific aspects of Paganism, take a look at the Pagan Federation website (www.paganfed.org). This is the closest pagans come to a really representative organisation and has many concise definitions of the various paths.

Good luck with your book

Answer 3

katie,
What is Pagan anyway...do you think if someone believe of something that is out of the church context is pagan?...You have to remember that the accuracy of of the bible and the veracity of events noted in the bible are doubtful rather than credible.

Example Only....People that practice esoteric thinking and people that acknowledge Christ divinity but not the crucifixion are called Pagans, like the Cathars... maybe like the Templars...but i dont think they are Pagans...they have the knowledge for the new word, new thinking which are not allowed by normal standard of the church....and of course, they knew and have something that the church disallow and barred with violence and contempt

Try to read Holy Blood Holy Grail by Michael Baigent, Richard Leigh, and Henry Lincoln...

Answer 4

Try religioustolerance.org. They have quite a bit of information on pagan beliefs.

Answer 5

Well i thought they believed in stuff like sacrifice rituals. They have you read the Lottery by Shirley Jackson?

Answer 6

Right here

http://www.sacredhearth.com/articles/whatispagan

Answer 7

I found this site very helpful: -
http://library.thinkquest.org/28111/

Answer 8

They worship the earth, they think it is alive.They worship a goddess,They think they can do magic and call on millions of gods and goddesses to do that.

Answer 9

SEX DRUGS AND ROCK -N- ROLL