| What is Paganism? One good definition was written by Andras Corban Arthen "Paganism is one of the oldest systems of religion known to humanity. Its origins lie in European pre-history, and its traditions are premised on a view that Nature is sacred, an attitude which was widely represented in the deification of the Earth as the Great Mother Goddess. The term "pagan" comes from the Latin pagani, meaning "people of the fields" or "people of the land", since the ancient traditions of Goddess-worship and Nature spirituality were held longest by the rural populations of Europe. There are three fundamental principles: a) animism--the belief that everything is imbued with life and consciousness; b) polytheism--the belief that divinity manifests in a multiplicity of ways; c) pantheism--the belief that divinity resides in everything that exists. Some extensions of these principles include a theology that posits both female deities (the Earth Mother) as well as male (the Stag God, or God of the Hunt); a belief in the sacredness of Nature; a perception of divinity as both immanent and transcendent; the celebration of diversity; and an attitude of deep respect toward all that exists." The dictionary gives us this definition: pa�gan (pA'gun), -n. 1. one of a people or community observing a polytheistic religion, as the ancient Romans and Greeks. 2. a person who is not a Christian, Jew, or Muslim. 3. an irreligious or hedonistic person. -adj. 1. pertaining to the worship or worshipers of any religion that is neither Christian, Jewish, nor Muslim. 2. of, pertaining to, or characteristic of pagans. 3. irreligious or hedonistic. |
| What is Pagan? This beautiful piece was written by a wonderful Pagan lady; Lady Mandrake. She is the mother of three wonderful children, an aspiring author, a recent award winner for her works, and a published author. Her children have been discriminated at their schools for their religion and that prompted her to write this wonderful piece. You can email her at [email protected] and you can view her site at Mandrake Mysts |