I've been chatting with Riegan (who I love dearly) outside of R&S, and a week ago I asked about her rituals for the Solstice mentioning that I'd LOVE to try it at home with my family. She answered with "But you're an atheist! Are you really going to do it?"
Can I celebrate the Solstice even though I'm an atheist? If I, for example, showed up at some of the Pagans' celebrations - would they accept me or ask me to leave?
2007-12-19 03:55:11 · 26 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
(((mags)))
btw, does anyone else miss Riegan?
2007-12-19 04:00:35 · update #1
Pagans seem so nice, I'm feeling like converting
2007-12-19 04:26:32 · update #2
I celebrate the solstice as an atheistic pantheist... and I got lots of suggestions for creating my own traditions. Of course you can!
2007-12-19 03:58:55 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 14⤊ 2⤋
If there is a group doing an open celebration for the Solstice near you, from what I hear they will let anyone view or join if they would like. They don't ask you what your beliefs are just that you be open about their beliefs and don't put it down. If you want to just do a small thing at your own home feel free. No one is stopping you and I don't think any pagan (at least none that I know) would discourage you. Happy Solstice. Have a great time =)
2007-12-19 04:26:16 · answer #2 · answered by Lorena 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Of course you can . The Winter Solstice is a natural phnomenom of the Earths orbit around the sun. It has nothing to do with a specific God or religion. Paganism being an Earth centered religion celebrates this time. And Pagans are very accepting of all beliefs and traditions, you would not be turned away (but be respectful).
2007-12-19 04:06:41 · answer #3 · answered by ruriksson 5 · 6⤊ 0⤋
That depends on the group you contact. But I do know that American Atheists puts out Solstice greeting cards.
I might be wrong, but I don't believe all pagan groups actually worship a deity, but have a deep respect for nature--as Frank Lloyd Wright said, I believe in god, only I spell it Nature.
Ask the group--you're curious about what a pagan celebration of solstice entails--that's really the best way of finding out.
2007-12-19 04:03:52 · answer #4 · answered by VeggieTart -- Let's Go Caps! 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Of course you can celebrate the Solstice. It's an astronomical holiday as well as a spiritual one - you can recognize and celebrate the longest night of the year without having to include the spiritual "rebirth of the God" aspect.
If there's an open Solstice gathering near you, by all means go! =)
If it's a closed group gathering, then they'd probably be not so welcoming if you just showed up. ;)
2007-12-19 04:09:50 · answer #5 · answered by Nandina (Bunny Slipper Goddess) 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I know many in my faith based group that are Atheists and celebrate Solstice. God and spirits are irrelevant to Solstice as all it does is celebrate a specific time passing...you needn't invoke spirits or Gods to celebrate solstice...just be thankful for the passage. You may/might want to check out the Uncommon Denomination www.uua.org. PEACE!
2007-12-19 04:04:00 · answer #6 · answered by thebigm57 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
christmas is the other name for the pagan winter solstice or winter festival and lots on non pagans celebrate christmas, so im all up for celebrating the summer solstice too (and i'm an atheist)
2007-12-19 04:05:05 · answer #7 · answered by cool321steve 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Pagans do seem to be very accepting and nice. I have had a great time going to meet ups with my pagan b/f. Nice thing is that none of them (including my b/f) ever make me feel like I have to convert.
Have fun!
2007-12-19 13:26:39 · answer #8 · answered by Cinthia Round house kicking VT 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm an atheist and I celebrate Winter Solstice every year. I just don't do it with a specific ritual. Dinner and wine with like-minded friends and a gift exchange, usually.
2007-12-19 04:03:47 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 9⤊ 1⤋
Nah - you don't have to be Pagan to celebrate the Solstice. The more the merrier! :)
2007-12-19 05:48:13 · answer #10 · answered by swordarkeereon 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
My opinion, as a Wiccan, is that anyone who wants to celebrate the return of the sun and warmth is more than welcome to do so, even if they don't believe that the sun is representative of the Lord.
Happy Solstice!
)O(
2007-12-19 04:10:38 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋