Seriously, I have heard some interesting things about the beliefs of Pagans. Can you please share some recources that might help me in determining whether I should give this a real good look, or dismiss the ideology all together like I have most other religions, or lack of, for that matter.
2007-11-05 13:54:50 · 11 answers · asked by Zay Bones 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Pagan is a term coined by the Catholic Church in an attempt to describe non believers (heathen was another such term). Pagan has grown to mean any belief that is not one of the major world religions. Wicca or Druidism, for example, are pagan beliefs.
There are so many different types of pagans that it is impossible to address in this format. Basically, anyone who is very spiritual and not in a mainstream religion is pagan. Now, some spiritual atheists and agnostics and such will say they're not pagan, because they don't want to associate themselves with the negative connotations. As many words do, this one has evolved to take on certain meanings.
These are Not necessary to believe to be pagan, but these are the most common beliefs, in general, within the pagan community.
Belief in spiritual energy (often called magick):
Wiccan, Druids, and many non-specific pagans believe that people and/or plants and/or animals and/or planets (etc) have spiritual energy. Many/most also believe this energy can be manipulated to some end. Reiki, acupuncture, acupressure, and related things are examples of energetic practices. Ironic that acupuncture and acupressure have been medically approved as valid, but the scientific community hasn't accepted energy work. Hehehe.
Belief in spirits:
Generally, that things have spirits (often in conjunction with above, its a different concept, spirits can use spiritual energy). When people and/or (animals, plants, etc) die, Something (depends on the strand of pagan) happens with the spirit. Reincarnated is the most common one, but there's bunches.
Actually, I think that's it. Those are the only 2 things that virtually all pagans believe in common. I know a bunch of weird ones. But beliefs in gods/goddesses, tarot, astrology, and all sorts of other things.
Basically... a pagan searches for the truth, and finds what s/he feels is the truth, and goes with it. You can believe whatever the heck you want (which is why there's a slew of odd beliefs out there), but they take it seriously.
Hope this helps. Prairie Crow, another answerer who probably answered before I finished typing, is a phenomenal resource on wicca, which is perhaps the biggest pagan erm... what would you call it... offshoot? Branch? Type? Either way, she knows her stuff :D
2007-11-05 14:12:33 · answer #1 · answered by Khana S 3 · 6⤊ 0⤋
First, it's important to know that while Wicca is a Pagan religion, and most of the recommendations you're getting here are for Wicca, it's not the ONLY Pagan religion out there.
If you're starting broad and wanting to look at Paganism in general, try http://www.ecauldron.com , which has sections on several different Pagan paths, as well as an active Forum.
2007-11-05 22:13:01 · answer #2 · answered by Nandina (Bunny Slipper Goddess) 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Well, that really depends on what type of paganism you want to investigate. As far as Wicca goes, I suggest Raymond Buckland (especially The Complete Guide to Witchcraft and Wicca for One), Anything by Scott Cunningham, Doreen Valiente, Amber K, Dorothy Morrison, StarHawk, etc. You can also checkout WitchVox.com for lots of info on different pagan paths.
2007-11-05 22:04:12 · answer #3 · answered by wiccamama 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
there are several books by janet and stewart farra, james buckland, and many other authors that would be helpful to you. Also try googling Wicca, or Paganism and check out some of the various websites.
2007-11-05 22:00:21 · answer #4 · answered by ARKARNG 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Well, since pagan is an umbrella term for all non Abrahamic based religions and belief sets, the best site I can send you to is http://www.sacred-texts.com
If you decide on something more specific, I'll see if I can help you there as well.
2007-11-05 22:00:36 · answer #5 · answered by Cheese Fairy - Mummified 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Congrats on making a GREAT choice to learn about Paganism :)
You check use the keyword Pagan on wikipedia..... or check out the link below.
2007-11-05 22:01:41 · answer #6 · answered by Syn 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
What do you mean? There are quite a few religions within paganism, and I can't just say my insight represents all of them.
2007-11-05 22:01:59 · answer #7 · answered by xx. 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
In brief MOST Neo-paganism faiths are Life Affirming Earth worshiping spiritualities.
WitchVox.com & religioustolerance.org are good places to start.
.
2007-11-06 08:21:05 · answer #8 · answered by Rai A 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm not a pagan but I do know some of the different schools of faith...which one do you wish to know more about? E-mail me if you wish with your answer..^_^
2007-11-05 21:59:27 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
buckland is pretty good i believe his book "Wicca- guide to being a solitary practitioner" I think that was the title, may be a little off though
2007-11-05 22:02:20 · answer #10 · answered by Me, Myself, and thats it 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋