Before you go running in terror or looking under your bed before you go to sleep, let's stop and think for a moment. Just who are these Pagans anyway? What, exactly, does Pagan mean?

Well, first off, Pagan is derived from the Latin word paganus. Though the literal translation was "civilian" or "country-dweller", to the ancient Romans, it essentially meant hick.

That's all fine and good, but what does it mean now? After all, the Romans have been gone for a long time...

Now Pagan refers to a broad group of religions, the majority of which are based off (at least, in part) pre-Christian beliefs. Also referred to as earth religions, they hold a close connection to the planet. Another defining feature is that many recognize the feminine aspects of the Divine, the Goddess. Coming from Europe, Africa, the Americas, and Polynesia, there are hundreds of different traditions. Shamans, Druids, Witches, and many more, all loosely bound by similar concepts.

It's not about medieval recreations. It's not about being a fringe element, or being creepy, scary, or spooky. It's not about trying to convert or "subvert" people. It's not what you've seen in the movies, or on TV.

What it is about is having a connection to something greater than ourselves; being members of legitimate religions, most of which are often misunderstood. It is about combining old ways of relating to Nature and reality with aspects of modern, technology-driven lifestyles. It's about honoring life, and the Earth, and the ancient powers. It's a chance to follow in the footsteps of our ancestors, and touch something primal that's far too often ignored.

Pagans are diverse, just like the nature they worship. There are thousands scattered across America, leading lives as doctors, computer users, and students. Like followers of any other religion, they laugh, play, work, cry, live, and die. They are very similar to other people, and, at the same time, very different.

Return to the Sanctuary's Essays Page.

This page hosted by Get your own Free Home Page