Paganism

Paganism represents a wide variety of traditions that emphasize reverence for nature and a revival of ancient polytheistic religious practices. Some modern forms of Paganism have their roots in 19th century CE European nationalism (including the British Order of Druids), but most contemporary Pagan groups trace their roots to the 1960s, and have an emphasis on archetypal psychology and a spiritual interest in nature. Paganism is not a traditional religion per se because it does not have any official doctrine, but it does have some common characteristics joining the great variety of traditions. One of the common beliefs is the divine presence in nature and the reverence of the natural order in life. Spiritual growth is related to the cycles of the Earth and great emphasis is placed on ecological concerns. Monotheism is almost universally rejected within Paganism and most Pagan traditions are particularly interested in the revival of ancient polytheist religious traditions including the Norse (northern Europe) and Celtic (Britain) traditions. Many Pagan traditions are intentionally reconstructionist in that they aim to revive many of the lost rituals of the ancient traditions including holy days and seasonal celebrations. Besides Nature, many Pagans also worship a variety of gods and goddesses, including spirits which can represent national and local heroes as well as deceased family members. In this sense, many Pagans try to honor their ancestry and ancestors. Some Pagan traditions include ritual magic, but this practice is not universal.

Contributors : Chas Clifton, Jacob N. Kinnard, Carl McColman, Kathleen A. Mulhern

Rooted in ancient magical spirituality while finding new expressions in the postmodern age, Paganism encompasses many different beliefs and practices.

A wide array of spiritual, cultural, and philosophical currents combined to affect the rebirth of Paganism in the post-modern world.

Numerous people have played key roles in the development of Paganism, particularly in its mid 20th-century renaissance.

Paganism by definition has no written sacred scripture. Its "sacred text" and source of authority is the natural world and the personal experience of each individual practitioner.

Whether they see themselves as returning to ancestral practices or creating a new Paganism for today's world, contemporary Pagans constantly deal with questions of authenticity, identity, and historicity.

Paganism has many roots the world over, including the largely mysterious prehistoric practices of the Proto-Indo-European people.

When humankind began to write, sacred myths were recorded, with each distinct culture preserving its own set of stories about the gods and goddesses.

The story of Paganism in the context of empire, particularly the Roman Empire, is not so much a story of conquest as a story of ultimately being conquered.

Throughout ancient Europe, Paganism evolved into a variety of forms, adapting itself to local regions and venerating gods and goddesses anchored in specific places.

Combining vestigial Paganism and modernist sensibilities, key figures like Gerald Gardner and Doreen Valiente revived (or, recreated) nature spirituality for their time.

Mythology both ancient and modern contributes to the sacred stories through which Pagans find meaning in themselves, their community, and the cosmos.

Pagans vary widely in their understanding of deities or spirits, although most revere the natural world as both good and spiritually enchanted.

Generally speaking, Pagans see both the foundation and the purpose of humanity as embedded in the physical environment. Humans are not "given" nature and purpose so much as they create it.

Suffering and harm are natural aspects of life; therefore, Paganism aims for pragmatic and virtuous ways to respond to these unavoidable realities.

Pagans regard death as simply part of life, and therefore nothing to be feared. Beyond death lies either paradise or reincarnation (or both).

Cycles of the sun and moon establish a sense of sacred time for Pagans, while some ancient fertility or agricultural festivals are still celebrated today.

A variety of mythical and ritual approaches to sacred space can be found within Paganism, including ancient ceremonial sites and mythical otherworlds.

From elaborate Wiccan Circles to the simplest of "do-it-yourself" meditations, Paganism encompasses a wide array of ritual practices.

Because it is less about obeying an external authority than about trusting one's inner guidance, Paganism fosters a daily practice of balance and harmony

While no one symbol is universally held within the Pagan community, several are widely recognized and revered, with the pentagram perhaps the most commonly used.

Instead of a professional clergy, many Pagan groups have an egalitarian priesthood, open to most practitioners who assume ritual or organizational leadership positions.

In most settings, contemporary Paganism is a minority religion, which enables Pagans to gather in informal, small-scale communities; many practitioners work as solitaries.

While moral perspectives within Paganism are as diverse as nature itself, many Pagans adhere to principles such as personal freedom, honor, and respect for the rights of others.

While Paganism offers no consensus vision for the common good, many adherents believe in caring for the environment and creating a non-sexist, non-homophobic society.

As a postmodern religious tradition inspired by ancient fertility practices, Paganism generally celebrates freedom and diversity in regard to human sexuality and gender.