Core beliefs
Paganism is the umbrella term for a diverse range of traditions, worldviews and beliefs that have their roots in pre-Christian era Europe. The common thread between them is their connection to nature and its natural cycles through the year.
Some traditions worship deity, some see divinity as nature itself. There are traditions with a formal structure, initiation, rituals and study as well as those without any at all.
Paganism gives scope for individual experiential practice and encompasses many eclectic practices and paths. Modern Paganism is an individualistic belief system which allows each person to attune more deeply with Nature by living in harmony with themselves and all other aspects of creation, whether animate or inanimate. Every being shares a spark of the divinity that created us and has a purpose and function and therefore should be treated with respect. Humans are the guardians of the Earth and have a duty of trust to protect and look after her.
The main difference between Paganism and many other beliefs is that Divinity is seen as manifest in all nature and also as Gods and Goddesses. Within each human there are Masculine and Feminine elements. Some see the Goddess as the Earth Mother and the God as the Sun Father; however, Paganism has no set dogma and therefore the God and Goddess can be personified in line with the culture, country or beliefs of the individual and, in some cases, they change as the cycle of the year changes.
Pagan, Druidry, Witchcraft, Wicca, Heathenry, Shamanism, Animism, Hellenism and others.
Each individual is free to tread their own path. Most (but not all) paths require an acceptance of divinity within all life forms.
There are no rules, or tenets, rather there is an innate awareness that each individual is responsible for their actions, and that these actions and their consequences will always affect others and must be considered with that in mind. The majority of Pagans seek to develop their spirituality, seeking to become better people and more enlightened.
Most paths honour the seasons of the year, many in the form of the wheel of the year, and participate in each festival alone, or with others. Some Pagans observe the cycles of the moon and will conduct a ritual at the new/full moon.
Most Pagan rituals and observances are carried outside in nature, though some Pagans will practice informal types of prayer and ritual that can be carried out anywhere. Nature is sacred and being able to access it even in a small way is important.
There are no specific pagan texts. Most, but not all, Pagans will use an altar with items that are specific to their beliefs or traditions or will have items such as symbolic jewellery that are important to them.
Most, but not all, Pagans will consider environmental stewardship and care of animals to be a central part of their beliefs. Alongside that, many will consider issues of social justice to be important to them such as gender equality, war and discrimination of any kind.
Pagans are best served in their spiritual care by those who are Pagan themselves, though not necessarily from their own tradition, worldview or belief. Access to nature may be integral to their spiritual wellbeing which will have an effect on their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
This is very individual as there are no specific texts or beliefs other than on death our remains return to the Earth. Most would have no issues with any particular treatment.
Many follow the eight-fold wheel of the year:
- Imbolc 1st February
- Spring Equinox 21st March
- Beltane 1st May
- Summer Solstice 21st June
- Lammas or Lughnasadh 1st August
- Autumn Equinox 23rd September
- Samhain 31st October
- Yule 21st December.
There are other names for these festivals and not all Paganisms celebrate all the festivals.
Many Pagans are open and accepting to gender diversity and fluidity.
Considered one of the most natural aspects of life and nature, maternity and birth are often observed as sacred. Each individual will have their own understandings, beliefs and practices.
There are no special rites for the new mother, but many Pagans believe that the journey from maid to motherhood, is an experience which can only serve to empower each and every Mother with self knowledge, strength, and confidence. After the birth, if possible, a new Mother should be surrounded and supported by those who are also journeying, or those who have completed their journey and are already mothers and grandmothers.
Where babies are not carried to term or are stillborn Many Pagans will name the little one, and have their elder bless them before they say goodbye and let them go with love. Some may have a ceremony to honour the baby who was not, or was stillborn giving them back to the land symbolically or in reality, this helps everyone in the family to heal.
Nearing death, it is important to create a peaceful environment to help to reach a state of acceptance and to feel close to the divine.
Many Pagans believe that the soul does not leave the dead person immediately, but others believe that the soul leaves the body immediately and a window needs to be opened to allow the soul to fly free.
Death is a process of transformation and seen as part of the cycle of life/nature.
Each individual will have their own wishes around death and dying. They may believe in immortality of the soul and a journey to ever greater spiritual perfection, whilst others with will believe that we do not return as such but become part of Mother Earth and that in itself is a form of immortality.
The state of mind at the time of death is believed by many to influence how they will experience death and enter the Summerlands (the afterlife).
Cleansing and anointing is often carried out post-mortem, depending on the tradition the deceased follows. Often the chakra points are closed down, from the root chakra up to, but not including the crown chakra. This is done by an anticlockwise motion of the hand over the given area starting at the outer edges of the aura bringing it down just above the surface (this can be done without physical contact if the body is shrouded or bagged).
Prayers and readings may be spoken and then the deceased person is placed into a winding sheet or shroud, or clothed in their robes or best attire ready to meet their deity.
Where a body rests at home before the funeral, many traditions with hold a Wake. Wakes can last a day, three days, even a week. Friends and relatives continuously take turns staying with the body. At the time when the spirit is thought to leave the body, the chief mourner or spiritual leader will close the crown chakra and cover the face of the deceased.
Either burial or cremation is acceptable. This is a time of sorrow but often it is also a time of joy and reverence, for the soul to cross to the other world, or the spirit to join the ancestors.
Pagan diet depends on the individual and their chosen path. Many pagans are omnivores, but they try not to take life unless it is necessary and, when it is, they acknowledge and honour the spirit of the animal. Others are Vegetarian or Vegan.
There are no set times for fasting. Rather it is used to cleanse the individuals before a special ceremony or at a particular time of year.
Many Pagans like to meet in groups to celebrate and share the passing seasons, family and community are central to their practice. Some Pagans are not “out” about their faith or belief due to past discrimination, and it is important to understand and respect their wishes if this is the case.