Due to the nature and diversity of Pagan belief, I can only offer my own perspective which may, or may not, be similar to others, but let’s begin with the Term “Pagan.” It is an Umbrella Term describing all the old, Earth Based, Religions, First Nations Beliefs, Witches, Druids, Followers of Ancient Egyptian, Roman and Norse Religions, etc. Any belief not covered under the three ‘revealed,’ Abrahamic Religions. Some of our beliefs, such as Druidry, date back well over 40,000 years.
A Pagan can be monotheistic, ditheistic, animistic, polytheistic, pantheistic, agnostic, and yes, even Christian. I have not heard of a follower of Islam or Judaism also following a Pagan path, but that means only that I have not heard of it yet and not that it does not exist.
All Pagans embrace a direct, one-on-one relationship with deity (in whatever form they embrace). We do not go through an interpreter or follow creeds or dogmas – we all speak directly with, interact with, are taught by and are guided by deity; we all find our sanctuary within the arms of deity. To us, deity is within us and all around us in every moment, and is not only in some reserved parking spot, ‘over there somewhere.’
Some of us enjoy visiting your places of worship, but, our churches, cathedrals, temples (etc.) are the wild places – forests, mountains, caves, ocean shores, lakes, etc. Even a sunrise, sunset, or our personal altars can be a sacred place for us.
Most modern Pagan paths are both a science and a religion in one. There is also a philosophical aspect. I can quite easily say there is a great deal to learn. In Pagan belief our religion is a journey not a destination.
I have often read lamentation about how some have a problem with the Catholic ways – saying they are unclear, etc. Pagans view this mindset as being similar to the very young who want chocolate ‘NOW!’ so they walk to the corner store, pay for their chocolate, unwrap it then eat it – instant satisfaction as expected. In Pagan paths, you have to do your own work, no one can do your work for you. There is no easy way to the destination as there is no destination. Why? How can there be no destination? Because we live in the present moment; our interaction with deity is always, entirely in the eternal here and now.
I will share a bit of hard-earned wisdom: Master Buddha once taught that attachment is the root of all suffering. My own life experience has taught me something slightly different: attachment to outcome is the root of all suffering. Attachment to outcome = expectations. As I write this piece, I am very aware of The Goddess beside me.
Pagan belief is about:
- Compassion
- Honour
- Love
- Gratefulness
- Joy
- Happiness
- Learning
- Evolving (becoming more)
- Finding our way home.
- Balance.
- Sanctuary
- Being the eternal student.
- Teaching the young.
- Humility
- Altruism
- Helping those in need
- Being a caretaker / steward
- Finding the magick that lives within.
- Interacting with all life without judgement, superiority, greed, agenda, or expectation.
A surprising thing for most Abrahamic followers to learn is that there is no “Devil” in Pagan belief – that is a part of the Abrahamic Pantheon only. In our paths, we do not find something that we ‘must fear.’ There are certain beings to be mindful of, and others to learn much about before attempting interaction, but nothing to fear.
Pagan Belief is about choices and consequences. Everything must balance. In this light Christianity teaches a similar thing with The Golden Rule (found in every major religion). In Pagan belief everything is about vibration or frequency. You will bring into being, or into your life, exactly that which you focus upon, so it is good to be mindful of your thoughts.
Most Pagans have a big problem with the patriarchal aspect of Abrahamic beliefs. We are about equality and balance in all aspects of life; sisters and brothers walk shoulder to shoulder in respect and love.
Personally speaking:
- Primarily and always; I am a One Law Priest.
- Within duality; I am both a Witch and a Druid and embrace a ditheistic path.
- I am completely and eternally given to The Goddess. She is my love, my queen, my sanctuary, my teacher, my friend.
- I also embrace The God (the same God as mentioned in the Abrahamic faiths). He is my chieftain, my teacher, my guide, my friend.
One of my favourite teachings from Christianity (there are many but this is a favorite) is to be found within your Holy Book – Matthew 25: 40-45. This teaching is very much in line with, and a strong part of, Pagan life.
Please understand that I am not implying that all Pagans are wonderful and, in the same light, are all who claim to be Christians or Muslims good people? A truly honest person would admit “no.” However, as mentioned above, it is a journey, and some of us will walk a few rocky roads for a while. In the ‘end’ we learn from all aspects of our journey – the good and the bad. Eventually, we all end up at the same place anyway.
I see the Abrahamic Faiths as being good because they are a proven and direct Path; easy in the beginning but a bit more challenging later on. The Pagan paths are much more difficult in the beginning but become increasingly easy as the person progresses.
I am a fan of the old story – there are many paths up that old mountain we all must climb; The only ones wasting time are those who run around the base of the mountain telling everyone else they are doing it wrong.
Some of us can get a little “testy” when the prefix “Neo” is placed before Pagan – and we are aware it means “new” – Pagan religions are living religions. They are actually less our religion and more who we are, opening many doors of discovery into the Riddle of “What am I?” Would you enjoy being referred to as a Neo Christian or a Neo Muslim, etc.? Can you see how the term implies a knowledge and judgment of the subject that, obviously, is not there?
I am very settled within my own Path but enjoy learning of others. I have greatly enjoyed and benefitted from the teachings of Christianity and Buddhism – one of my great loves is Hermetic philosophy
In summary, it is difficult to define “Pagans” as the term Pagan is an umbrella term, rudely capturing a great many different paths. That said, I hope this, rather disjointed, writing has served to open some small window into Pagan Life for some. I welcome thoughts, questions and comments.