What do you actually KNOW about Paganism?

Question

Yeah yeah we worship Satan BLAH BLAH BLAH. OTHER then that. What do you know?
For those who don't know we don't even believe the Devil exists. Our Gods were around WAY before him.

Yes I am. Perfectly happen to be one. And yes doesn't really answer the question....

LOL sorry didn't mean to sound defensive. But I know some people are going to say that. Its frusterating that its people's first response.

I am Pagan too. I admit that long practicing Pagans obviously know more then me, I just wanted to see what people knew. :)

Answer 1

What do I know about Paganism?

Hmmmm, let me start by saying, great question! Okay, to answer your question as to what do I personally know about Paganism, to be honest what I know seems to be a lot, but the more I learn the more I realize there is so much more still to be learned and so I do not feel like I know a lot at all. Even after having written two published books on the subject, having ran a Pagan newsletter for a few years off and on, and published a Pagan/Spiritual magazine for a short stint as well, not to mention I founded a Witchcraft College and taught online for several years, and still teach as time allows me to do so.

I know enough to know that when one mentions Paganism there are a lot of different groups/religions/spiritualities that fit under that huge umbrella. I do not know as much about Buddhism as I know about Eclectic Wicca, but I know more about my personal trad craft than I do of someone else’s personal family trad.

I was raised from very young with the influence of Witchcraft in my family. I studied Christianity for a time and even viewed myself as one and still find that religion beautiful to some degree. I have studied Native American forms of spirituality which often times falls under the umbrella of Paganism. I have studied Norse, Celtic and Greek mythology and spirituality which falls under the umbrella of Paganism.

I know that there are many religions such as Taoism, Shamanism, Spira , Slavic,, Stregheria, Thelema, Asatru, Celtic Reconstructionism, Celtic Wicca, Dianic Wicca, Discordianism, Druidry, Eclectic Wicca, Egyptian, Etruscan and so many more that fall under the umbrella of Paganism but that many new to or that know nothing of tend to believe Paganism is all about Witchcraft or non believers… all these groups BELIEVE in something… it just may not be what is in the Bible or Torrah or Koran, and then some of us even believe that those books have some validity to them… just that man has dabbled a bit too much in them.
I know enough to know that spiritual growth is never ending. No matter how much I know, there is always more I can learn!

I know a good deal about Wicca, coven and solitary since I have practiced as both. There are those that consider me to be an Elder, and others that know me as a third degree High Priestess. I have trained as a Spiritual Counselor and have been ordained as a Minister. I have learned through books, and through some formal lessons from those that were wiser than myself.

What do I know of most Pagan faiths? I know that they are extremely loving and open and kind people. I know that most do not believe in the Christian concept of the devil or satan, but do believe in evil and good, and for taking responsibility for their/our actions.

I know that I see Pagans all the time saying “We’re not Satan worshipers” and this upsets me, because this is derogatory to those that are Satan worshipers. I know that there are two different kinds of Satanist. There are those that do not believe in SATAN…go figure, because these practitioners perceive their spirituality as being PRE CHRISTIAN, and are very much like the religion of Wicca in their dealings with nature, but they view human nature a bit differently as well. If you want to learn more, find someone that is not in the COS… they’ll actually share with you if you are not judging them off the bat. The second kind of Satanism is COS, and this IS the worship of the Christian Satan from what I can understand.

I know that may Christians and others of Main Stream religions tend to view the Pentacle or Pentacle as a symbol of the Devil… when actually it is much as the Christians view the cross, to us.

The Pent is a five point start that to us has nothing to do with evil, and every thing to do with representing things that are spiritual and sacred to us, Earth, Air, Fire, Water and Akasha or Self. We are proud to wear them just as a Christian is proud to wear his or her cross…

I know that most Pagans don’t feel a need to convert not because we are not PROUD of our paths, but because we believe that everyone has to find his or her OWN path to where it is we are all trying to get too in the end. I know that Pagans do not tend to judge you on the fact that of your skin color or sexual preferences, but more so on your character and values.

I also know that a lot of Pagans use the term Pagan because they don’t seem to FIT neatly into someone’s little box or definition of a religion.

I know that some Pagans do only worship one God or Goddess where as others may have a Great Spirit, or a Creator, or not have any God's at all but instead gravitate towards ancestors... we are all different, and yet there are many similaritites as well.

I know that many, like me, have a fascination with not only our religion but with learning of other religions as well so that we might better understand and be more tolerant in that understanding. I know that many Pagans, like myself have a love of history because it helps us understand things that happened often on a religious level… do you know how much history is tied to one religion or another… wars, battles, bloodshed… in the name of religion?

I know a good bit, but I know the more I learn, the more there is to learn. I know that I can not help share my ways with someone that does not want to actually listen with an open heart, and I know I can not change the world all at one time, but only one person at a time.

And I know that I have to be accountable for myself and my actions and as such I live by the Golden Rule, and I try to adhere to the Wiccan Rede, although that is actually impossible, but I do my best to not harm anything unless it is to preserve my own life and to protect my loved ones.

I know I respect other reilgions and see the validity in them, just as I wish for others to respect my own right to believe as I so choose.

Warm Blessings

Answer 2

The only thing I know about Paganism is that Pagans believe in more than one deity.

Another fact I know regarding Paganism may be more about Christianity than Paganism. I know that many customs, rituals, holidays, etc were stolen from Pagan religions during Constantine's reign in an effort to make Christianity more popular so that the empire was all following the same religion since there were so many feuds regarding religion during the time. I know that saints were created using Pagan gods and goddesses and that most Christian holidays were based on pagan holidays (such as Winter Solstice which is now when Christians celebrate Christmas).

I was also aware of the fact that Pagans do not believe in the Christian Devil or Satan and that reverence towards nature and/or nature worship is a major part of most Pagan religions.

Aren't there several different Pagan religions?

That is basically all I know about Paganism but if you would like to share more I would love to read about it.

Answer 3

I am Christin, and my best friend is Pagan...we do not talk religion much to each other, once in a blue moon:) But from what I can see, it is a good religion, no they do not believe in the devil, it has to also do whith the earth, rituals, and I believe it is an opening up to many insights. I know my friend is a great person, and cares for the earth plants, animals...she likes to feel vibes from my trees with her hands, I think it is very peaceful to watch her...I was raised Christin, and to me people who "label" others... it is very sad for one to think one religion is "right" causes war...every year she sends me a Christmas card and I send her a yule tide card:) I believe we all believe in the same thing a higher power, but we all have different names for them...we are all just brought out into the light for in which WE as our own person can understand it better:) Also NO it is not a satanic star it is protection, just like our cross is protection.

Answer 4

Hon, you are bashing your head up a brick wall on this one!
They see our pentacles swinging from our necks and go "OHHHH a Satanic Star" you tell them its not and explain that this is not the same way around, and what the points and the circle stand for and they still wont accept it!
Its like trying to tell people the world is round when they all thought it was flat!
Best you can do is find a good site that describes your beliefs, post it in their questions and hope that they have a look at least, and come out with a more accurate view of us!
Blessed Be!
~*~*Ariel*~*~
)O( )O( )O(

Answer 5

I know enough to want to be one :)

In my spiritual philosophy I'm a Taoist, but I celebrate pagan sabbats because I think it's very healthy and natural to celebrate the cycles of life along with the appropriate seasons. I also enjoy and use pagan symbolisms and have even cast a few spells for myself from time to time.

I think it's a lovely spiritual path.

Answer 6

Just what I have read about Paganism. It was interesting. I liked the ancientness of it. And the nature part. I could probably call myself Pagan if I wanted to, as I have many attitudes in common with it.

I like when others call me a Heathen! Or even an Infidel!

Answer 7

As a pagan, I don't worship Satan. In the jewish belief, he is akin to Loki, Coyote, and the trickster gods.. he is the one who challenges the jewish people by testing their faith.. he is in their god's employ. He is not a fallen angel that is the perpetuator of evil. That is strictly a christian concept.
Considering Jesus would have been a jew, he would not have viewed Satan in the way christians do either.

I know quite a bit about paganism as a practioner. Thanks for trying to educate others.

Answer 8

I just might know more than you because I am a Pagan shaman and Witch. I have been practicing Paganism for 22 years

Answer 9

My sister is pagan. All I know about it, I know from her. There are a lot of rituals, lots of different goddesses, she reveres nature. I admit that I don't know that much. I read up on it a long time ago (when she first started), but I can't recall much of it now.

What I do know is that they are peaceful, loving people who are often misunderstood and mislabeled here in the bible belt. People condemn what they don't understand.

Answer 10

To me, a Pagan is simply a non-believer. Now some guys got together and are trying to make a johnny-come-lately religion out of paganism.
Why can't they show some originality, and come up with a name that is not used for a different identity ?
Your "gods" ??? Real Pagans have no "gods", that's what makes them Pagans - - - Atheists

Answer 11

I know that Pagans are not devil worshippers and that they have many Gods and Goddesses. I also know that they respect life and the balance of nature and life. That's about all I happen to know.