What Is Paganism?

P A G A N I S M

By: Bridget M. Morin

Bridget M. Morin

Prof. Datema

April 12th, 2007

PAGANISM

What is Paganism ?? Paganism is the oldest religion known to humanity. The word paganism is derived from the Latin word "paganus," which means "country dweller or civilian", and "pagus" which means "village." People who choose the Paganism religion, believe in more than one god, also known as Polytheism. However, you will still find Pagans who are monotheistic which means believing in one god, and atheistic who are disbelievers and non-religious. Most believers of Paganism find Paganism to be a religion within itself, where as others see Paganism as a belief system, which can be assimilated into other religions such as Wicca or Druidism. Historical Paganism was a religion of place, or a native religion. All Pagan religions are typically based on a connection and worship toward nature. Modern Paganism also known as "Neo-Paganism" is practiced among the Native Americans in the west, descends from Celtic origins, and is still based on the worshiping of nature.

What Do Pagans Believe In ? ? Pagans respect and worship nature through rituals or ceremonies. Pagans who reside from the west celebrate at least eight festivals or sabbats per year. Sabbats are periods of the hunt and are not practiced by all Pagans. Pagans also study the four solar quarters which are the two solstices and the two equinoxes . Other Pagans study the wheel of the year also known as the wheel of life.

The wheel of life is a circular shaped calendar that the Pagans use as a guideline to their religion. The circle is divided into four quadrants, north, south, east, and west. Each of those quadrants are then divided in half with crisscrossing lines interlinking two names which represent two separate major events in the Pagan religion, yet share a correlation between the meaning and representation. If you where to look at the "Wheel of life" and read it in the clock-wise order you will see the following names:

Yule: December 21st, The rebirth of God.

Imbolc: February 1st and 2nd, The Goddess becomes Maiden, and God is growing up.

Ostara: March 21st, Spring equinox, Goddess comes to earth and is impregnated by god.

The names listed above are just a few of the important days that the Pagans celebrate.

Pagan Traditions: There are numerous traditions under the generic classification of Paganism. Although they all share a common theme, they also tend to be individual practices and their beliefs may differ. Most traditions call upon the equality of men and women. On the other hand some of the religions also have a tendency to favor the male or female sex over the other. Listed below is a list of some of the pagan traditions, that in some eyes are viewed as religions.

Asatru/Norse Paganism

Originated in northern Europe, this tradition is practiced today by those who feel sympathetic towards their custom and ancestors, and who wish to study the Sagas, Eddas and Runes.

Celtic Paganism

Native to the Celtic and Gaelic races. Celtic paganism is still practiced today is some parts of Australia also known as modern day "Celtic Pangs" whose job is reiterate and bring back the religion as is was studied in the past.

Environmental Paganism

Modern day Pagans do not practice the traditional Pagan traditions however try their best to honor the land upon which they life and to represent Mother Earth. This religion has no formal rights or set methods of worship, each individual tries their best to take care of their earth and their creatures.

Wicca

Wiccans generally perceive unity in the form of God and Goddess . Wiccans celebrate eight Festivals each year, and