Looking for something specific? Search the site:
Contemporary Paganism: What It's All About
I’ve chosen a Pagan path…where do I start?!
Modern Paganism is commonly held to be a form of spirituality that seeks harmony with nature, resulting in a holistic way of experiencing and understanding the world. Often classed as a “nature religion”, Paganism seeks a coherent understanding of the earth and the body rather than focussing on a transcendental spirit. The physical body and all of nature are seen as inherently divine and part of a larger whole, commonly seen to consist of interconnecting energies. Western magical practices offer a kaleidoscope of paths, all with the same basic reverence for nature in common.
It is now widely accepted that modern Paganism as we know it was created in the 1950’s using the structure of Western high magic ritual to worship the natural forces, often personified as various gods and goddesses. This form of belief is not part of an ancient pre-Christian paganism, as many would suggest, but instead draws on many forces from the Western magic tradition. This form of Paganism merely draws its inspiration from the past and has an understanding of the world that would probably have been understood by our ancestors.
However, this phenomenon is largely confined to the most popular form of Paganism – Wicca. As a whole, contemporary Paganism seems to constitute a far more fundamental approach to life, essentially creating a modern folk tradition and set of values that doesn’t necessarily require any religious or spiritual overtones. The elementary characteristics of focus on environmental awareness, community spirit and a more harmonious way of life are ones that have their roots in our ancestral heritage and link us more directly with an ancient mentality.
The Latin word “paganus” was in fact originally used to describe those living in the countryside who lived a far more basic life. With all the fuss of magic, ritual and the like, it is unclear to the inexperienced Pagan that traditional Paganism is simply a practical lifestyle, and this is a lifestyle that we can endeavour to live even in the 21st century. It is then down to the individual to apply their own emergent spirituality to this essentially non-spiritual framework.
Paganism today brings together a refreshing simplicity with an astute intellectualism as well as a myriad of spiritual beliefs. At the centre of the modern Pagan revival is a yearning for a closer relationship with nature and a more “organic” lifestyle. Such Pagans conduct rituals to create a place where it is possible to be aware of the wider connecting pattern of the universe. Hidden behind the masses drawing on fad ideas randomly are true communities with a diverse range of beliefs but a consistency of purpose.
All content within this site is copyright © to Sheona McCaig 1998-2006. All rights reserved.
Original Webset by Sheona McCaig.
WEBSITE VERSION 4.0