Lesson 1 - Paganism |

Slate
Journeyman

Researching research is awesome.

Posts: 78
Tell us about your religious/magickal practice: I've been a mostly solitary, totally curious, practicing witch for 19 years or so.
What is your pagan "specialty": Cottage Craft, Herb craft and Shadow Work

Lesson 1 - Paganism Jul 12, 2014 13:45:19 GMT -8

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Post by Slate on Jul 12, 2014 13:45:19 GMT -8

1.1 Paganism

This is a tricky word. It means different things to different people and nothing to others. Learning how to use it, how to define it and when to avoid it will serve you well.

The Assignment: Find at least five resources that define the term paganism (looking for the sources of your sources when researching online is highly recommended). Start your literacy notebook with a recap of what you've read, your thoughts and how you would describe paganism to others. List your resources for future reference. I've offered two sample resources to get you started.

We would love to see your work! Share your definition, resources or questions in this thread for discussion and feedback.

www.patheos.com/Library/Pagan.html
www.paganfederation.org/what-is-paganism/

Last Edit: Jul 12, 2014 15:56:11 GMT -8 by Slate

karen Apprentice Posts: 6	Lesson 1 - Paganism Aug 4, 2014 18:49:29 GMT -8 Slate, Melissa Love, and 1 more like this Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by karen on Aug 4, 2014 18:49:29 GMT -8 hello everyone! these last few days i have been doing alot of reading, however this one stuck with me. www.witchvox.com/va/dt_va.html?a=usny&c=words&id=11632

Slate
Journeyman

Researching research is awesome.

Posts: 78
Tell us about your religious/magickal practice: I've been a mostly solitary, totally curious, practicing witch for 19 years or so.
What is your pagan "specialty": Cottage Craft, Herb craft and Shadow Work

Lesson 1 - Paganism Aug 5, 2014 4:51:33 GMT -8 Melissa Love and iesadora like this

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Post by Slate on Aug 5, 2014 4:51:33 GMT -8

Thanks for sharing that article! I love that witchvox lists a bio including the writers background at the bottom of each article. It's so important to know who you are hearing from. I think it's important to note that she didn't really talk about what pagans do, but what SHE does and that makes perfect sense in the context of the article.

I do personally know pagans who wear black (almost always), believe in Satan, bash other pagan traditions, practice skyclad (nude), use sex in magick and ritual, insult other faiths and rather like orgies. I don't personally condone all of these practices but have been known to enjoy others.

There are pagan traditions that do sacrifice animals, don't believe in any deity, and don't particularly feel the need to honor or protect the planet. The definitions she offers at the end are really good examples.

I think the most important thing to take in from that article is that your own practice can be as unique as you are. How cool is that!

karen
Apprentice

Posts: 6

Lesson 1 - Paganism Aug 5, 2014 9:22:25 GMT -8 Slate, Melissa Love, and 1 more like this

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Post by karen on Aug 5, 2014 9:22:25 GMT -8

Exactly! i grew up in a catholic home and although my mother wasnt very stricked i always felt that you had to be a certain way to be considered a good catholic. i hated going to church and always questioned everything. specially why the church condemned others who didnt think like them?

this is why paganism seems right for me! i have never been the kind to follow others just because they say they know the whats right. if in your heart you feel feel that an animal sacrifice is right than who am i to judge you! if you believe that up is down and left is right well then so it is as long as you are happy! and if you want to dance around naked! then hey let me join in cause that sounds fun! lol

Slate Journeyman Researching research is awesome. Posts: 78 Tell us about your religious/magickal practice: I've been a mostly solitary, totally curious, practicing witch for 19 years or so. What is your pagan "specialty": Cottage Craft, Herb craft and Shadow Work	Lesson 1 - Paganism Aug 5, 2014 10:13:11 GMT -8 Melissa Love, karen, and 1 more like this Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Slate on Aug 5, 2014 10:13:11 GMT -8 Aug 5, 2014 9:22:25 GMT -8 karen said: and if you want to dance around naked! then hey let me join in cause that sounds fun! Skyclad Dance party!

suzanne zipprich Guest	Lesson 1 - Paganism Aug 5, 2014 14:32:34 GMT -8 Slate, Melissa Love, and 1 more like this Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by suzanne zipprich on Aug 5, 2014 14:32:34 GMT -8 Hi, I'm very excited to start learning...

Slate Journeyman Researching research is awesome. Posts: 78 Tell us about your religious/magickal practice: I've been a mostly solitary, totally curious, practicing witch for 19 years or so. What is your pagan "specialty": Cottage Craft, Herb craft and Shadow Work	Lesson 1 - Paganism Aug 5, 2014 14:44:17 GMT -8 iesadora likes this Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Slate on Aug 5, 2014 14:44:17 GMT -8 We need to get you registered, Suzanne! You can start the research on this topic any time. Our discussion to review what you found will be on Thursday the 14th! Talk to ya soon.

Melissa Love
Journeyman

Posts: 19

Tell us about your religious/magickal practice: I have been practising magic for 13 years and am always learning more. I teach Atheist Witchcraft and you can ask me about Crystals, Meditation, the Science of the Craft, Shamanism and Rune Reading.
What is your pagan "specialty": Medicinal Herbalism, Shamanism and Futhark Runes

Lesson 1 - Paganism Aug 6, 2014 2:56:49 GMT -8 Slate, karen, and 1 more like this

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Post by Melissa Love on Aug 6, 2014 2:56:49 GMT -8

This is just so wonderfully written. I love this article. Countless times I have been scorned by the Pagan community for not having a deity to worship. Sometimes the Pagan community is more closed minded than the more Abrahamic communities! I loved especially this quote from the article:

"These are words that I have come to embrace and be proud of. These words open up conversation and dialog, so that others will learn, understand and appreciate. Sometimes people appreciate the information that is given, other times, they don’t"

I consistently use these words specifically because they give me a chance to educate others who are curious and who have learned a very different definition than my own. My mother (a Christian at the time I came out of the broom closet) never understood why I use such "harsh" words to describe myself and I still get that a lot from others. Some of them just think I am dramatic. But I know that I am helping to start a conversation that will hopefully open their eyes to more diverse definitions.

Lol Karen and Slate! Skyclad dance party, count me in!

And yes, Slate. I know Pagans who do the same, and me being one that participates in a few. I am a vegetarian myself but I completely understand how animal sacrifice is sacred in many traditions. I know a few Asatru that do. I think it gets a bit of a bad name. Most of the time, the entire animal is used and treated humanely anyway. Better than most of our commercially available sources!

Welcome Suzanne! Can't wait to hear from you on the 14th!

Last Edit: Aug 8, 2014 3:27:19 GMT -8 by Melissa Love

diannie
Apprentice

Posts: 2

Lesson 1 - Paganism Aug 7, 2014 14:31:40 GMT -8 Slate, Melissa Love, and 2 more like this

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Post by diannie on Aug 7, 2014 14:31:40 GMT -8

Wikipedia says "Contemporary or modern paganism, also known as neopaganism, is a group of new religious movements influenced by, or claiming to be derived from, the various historical pagan beliefs of pre-modern Europe. Contemporary pagan religious movements are diverse, sharing no single set of beliefs, deities, creed, ritual practices, or texts; nor do any claim to be absolutely authoritative. However, there is a great deal of overlap amongst pagan movements and there are a number of beliefs commonly shared by many pagan."

this speaks to me as i like the mention of diversity and that there is not one single set of beliefs. I could be catholic and still be a pagan, correct.

so this is my first thought.. will post more later.

Slate Journeyman Researching research is awesome. Posts: 78 Tell us about your religious/magickal practice: I've been a mostly solitary, totally curious, practicing witch for 19 years or so. What is your pagan "specialty": Cottage Craft, Herb craft and Shadow Work	Lesson 1 - Paganism Aug 7, 2014 15:41:47 GMT -8 Melissa Love and iesadora like this Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Slate on Aug 7, 2014 15:41:47 GMT -8 You can be Pagan and Catholic according to most pagans. I've seen this referred to as Christo Pagan. Looking forward to hearing more!

Noa
RL Nerdy Witch

Posts: 3

Lesson 1 - Paganism Aug 8, 2014 18:18:20 GMT -8 Slate, Melissa Love, and 1 more like this

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Post by Noa on Aug 8, 2014 18:18:20 GMT -8

I enjoyed this assignment and feel like I've learned some important things. Among them, that it's probably inaccurate to describe my path as pagan. I'm not too sure anymore that paganism itself actually is a “path", per se…

Although I have done some research on this topic, I am still not really clear on what the common thread is that connects all pagans to be honest.

It almost seems like the term itself may not have a definitive meaning today? I wonder if anyone else has thought anything similar...

Sources
- “Defining Pagan” www.patheos.com/blogs/panmankey/defining-pagan/
- "Defining Paganism and Neopaganism" www.patheos.com/blogs/allergicpagan/2012/09/19/defining-paganism-and-neopaganism/
- "What Is The Meaning Of Pagan" www.paganspath.com/magik/pagan.htm
- Online Etymology Dictionary www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=pagan
- Drawing Down The Moon, by Margot Adler

Syl
Journeyman

Posts: 2

Tell us about your religious/magickal practice: I have been practicing magick since I was thirteen, and have continued to learn and grow through a practice that combines Buddhist meditation techniques, Shamanistic energy work, Wiccan rituals with my coven, and most recently dabbling in Reiki.
What is your pagan "specialty": Shamanism, Ethics, Shadow-Work

Lesson 1 - Paganism Aug 13, 2014 8:00:43 GMT -8 Slate, Melissa Love, and 1 more like this

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Post by Syl on Aug 13, 2014 8:00:43 GMT -8

My favorite definition of beliefs is by River and Joyce Higginbotham, from their book, Paganism: An Introduction to Earth- Centered Religions. Unfortunately I am paraphrasing because my mentee currently has my book, but I will do my best to summarize what they discussed.

Pagans tend to hold the following beliefs:

Interconnectedness: the idea that all beings, places, and objects are forever joined and inseparable from one another. (Think The Lion King, Pocahontas)

Blessedness: Everything and everyone is inherently good. There is no original sin. We are not perfect, but the complexity and uniqueness of nature and all beings should be revered, not scorned. Mistakes can instead be acknowledged in order to grow.

As for actual definitions:

-Usually defined as any pre-Christian belief systems. This excludes most established religions including Judaism, Islam, and others.

-Encompasses various beliefs and practices that fall under the umbrella of nature worship and world reverence.

-The modern practice of Paganism is referred to as Neo-Paganism, to highlight the difference from purely ancient belief practices.

-Contrary to popular belief, Paganism as it is known today is a new and evolving set of beliefs that are based on pre-Christian faiths and practices.

-Paganism has grown to incorporate Egyptian, Native American, Nordic, Greek and Roman magical mythos.

-Pagans could be polytheistic, monotheistic, agnostic or atheist.

I also wrote down what I felt what the point of being Pagan was:

-To live in harmony with nature, the Earth, and one another

-To overcome the idea of separateness

-To embrace our actions and inaction as having consequences

-To understand that human beings are not fundamentally wrong. We are not here to be saved, but we are here to learn, grow, and develop as a soul

-To understand and embody complete personal responsibility

This is totally from my Paganism 101 powerpoint. I need to get this to you, Slate.

~ Wind to your Wings ~

Delia
Guest

Lesson 1 - Paganism Aug 14, 2014 19:28:53 GMT -8 Slate, Melissa Love, and 1 more like this

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Post by Delia on Aug 14, 2014 19:28:53 GMT -8

I always liked the definition of paganism offered in Margot Adler's book Drawing Down The Moon. She wrote that pagan religions generally shared three main features: pantheism, polytheism and animism.
Pantheism: Nature worship, or the idea that Nature is divine.
Polytheism: The worship of many (or more than one) deities.
Animism: The sense of spiritual presence pervading the natural world.

(I'm paraphrasing those descriptions; but the idea of the three main features are from Adler.)

I would add a 4th feature, which is animatism:
The sense of impersonal spiritual powers in Nature.
(For example, "chi" in Taoism or "mana". The natural powers used in magic.)

Melissa Love
Journeyman

Posts: 19

Tell us about your religious/magickal practice: I have been practising magic for 13 years and am always learning more. I teach Atheist Witchcraft and you can ask me about Crystals, Meditation, the Science of the Craft, Shamanism and Rune Reading.
What is your pagan "specialty": Medicinal Herbalism, Shamanism and Futhark Runes

Lesson 1 - Paganism Aug 14, 2014 20:24:41 GMT -8 Slate, iesadora, and 1 more like this

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Post by Melissa Love on Aug 14, 2014 20:24:41 GMT -8

My personal definition of Paganism is:

Paganism is a fully personalized and individualized path to our own perception of perfection. Paganism isn't a religion, it is an umbrella term. Anyone who wants to adopt it, knowing the implications it might bring, deserves the title of Pagan in my book. We each are searching for our individual spiritual evolution and paganism is a form of spirituality that gives that personal freedom. There are many different branches but they are all pointing to the same beautiful truth. We are all striving to be the best we can be. Paganism allows us to think for ourselves and create our own definition of "our best" holistically for our mental, physical, spiritual and emotional well being.

I can "claim" the label (although I know I am a minority as an atheist) because I appreciate nature and love the universe and am fascinated with how it was formed... but mainly because there is a dictionary definition (here) stating that any non-abrahamic or non-religious person can "claim" it. Paganism to me is appreciation and with living WITH the universe instead of above it. I don't have to believe in Gods or even that Universe is itself a "God". To me, all I need to claim the title is the ability to live with nature rather than trying to take control of it.

We tend to forget that "labels" in general are here to bring us together, as a community, not to separate us. We use labels to find people of like minds not to shun others who don't agree. Labels end up losing their constructive nature being subtractive rather than additive. It's important to remember this. We are here because we share something together as a group. Getting caught up in it and allowing it to tear us apart is losing point of the purpose of labels in the first place.

Last Edit: Aug 14, 2014 20:25:46 GMT -8 by Melissa Love

GaleMantichare
I just got here

Posts: 1

Lesson 1 - Paganism Aug 14, 2014 20:30:51 GMT -8 Slate, Melissa Love, and 1 more like this

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Post by GaleMantichare on Aug 14, 2014 20:30:51 GMT -8

1) Grimore: ‘of the country’. spirituality could vary from indigenous faiths, ancient faiths, polytheism, pantheism,panentheism,animism etc.

2) Green Egg Omelette: vague ideas about ‘new way of thinking about religion, nature based spirituality’

3) Bonewits Essential Guide to Druidism:

Pagan: polytheistic and/or panentheistic
Paleopagan: religions of europe, asia, the americas, oceania and australia, before the ‘great religions’
Mesopaganism: ‘revival’ paganism, attempts to recreate old pagan faith
Neopagans: modern movement of paganism that rose during the 1960’s
Reconstuctionist pagans: fall somewhere between meso or neopaganism, have an emphasis on academia and historical accuracy in their worship.

4) Religious Tolorance.org ‘animism’

5) Religious Tolorance.org 2 ‘person not belonging to the one of the major world religions’

Works Cited
Bonewits, Philip Emmons Isaac. "Appendix C." Bonewit's Essential Guide to Druidism. New York, NY: Kensington Pub., 2006. 303-05. Print.
"Five More Definitions of "Pagan."" Meanings of the Terms Pagan and Paganism. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Aug. 2014.
Zell-Ravenheart, Oberon. "Course One: Wizardry 'Pagan'" Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard. Franklin Lakes, NJ: New Page, 2004. 5. Print.
Zell-Ravenheart, Oberon. "New Pagans Introduction." Green Egg Omelette: An Anthology of Art and Articles from the Legendary Pagan Journal. Franklin Lakes, NJ: New Page, 2009. 24. Print.