Contributed by Wendy (not a pseudonym – my mom, a child of the 50’s, actually named me after Wendy, the good little blonde Witch from the “Casper” comic books and cartoons!)
You may have heard the words above, but have no idea what they mean. This is a brief overview of earth-based spiritual practices today.
Paganism (or Neo-Paganism) is the umbrella term for practitioners of earth-based religions. For a correlation, this would be similar to referring to Christianity or Buddhism. Each religion is made up of several smaller groups (i.e. Christian denominations or philosophies of Buddhism).
Wicca, Druidism, and Shamanism are just a few paths within the broader scope of Paganism.
Witchcraft is not a religion, but a practice utilized by Wiccans and many Pagans. There are also Atheist Witches, Christian Witches, and Jewish Witches, just to name a few. It is a practice very similar to prayer, in which certain words and gestures are employed as we ask God/dess for something or give thanks for her generosity.
Many people are under the impression that Paganism equates to Atheism. This is incorrect. Paganism is generally a theistic spiritual path; in particular, modern Pagans are pantheists or panentheists. These are words most people have never heard, unless they have made a study of theology and religion. They are defined thus:
Pantheism: God/dess is everything and everything is God/dess
Panentheism: God/dess and the world are inter-related with the world being in God/dess, and God/dess being in the world.
Many Pagans ascribe a feminine, mother energy to the divine, instead of the masculine, father energy of the Abrahamic religions. Our holy celebrations and mysteries are related to the natural cycles of the world around us and life itself. For example, as the Autumn Equinox (September 22) approaches, we are preparing for a holiday known as Mabon. This is our version of Thanksgiving, when we thank the God/dess for the prosperity and blessings she has given to us and that she has enabled us to attain.
After this, we will celebrate Samhain on October 31. This is the Pagan celebration that was the original basis for All Saints’ or All Souls’ Day. On Samhain, we remember those who have passed from this life. This can be a very emotional ritual, particularly if we have lost someone recently. This is also our “new year” and the first day of winter in agricultural terms.
The Winter Solstice is also known as Midwinter. On that day, we celebrate the holiday of Yule, which was the Pagan origin for Christmas. On Yule (December 21), we enjoy gathering with friends around an evergreen tree decorated with lights and ornaments. The evergreen is a midwinter reminder that life does not end, but renews constantly. For some Pagan religions, this is the night the Goddess gives birth to the Divine Son. In days of old, this son was Mithras, Osiris, and Dionysus. We also welcome the longer days; the candles, lights on the evergreen, and lighting of the Yule Log all symbolize the sun and its rebirth at this time. This tends to be a joyful celebration of renewal and rebirth.
Those are just a few of the holy days important to many Pagans. The roots of all 8 of our holidays reach back into antiquity, thousands of years ago. We maintain the spirit of the old ways and celebrations, without the superstitious aspects.
Most Pagan paths tend to be inclusive and non-discriminating. They have a variety of beliefs, most of which are based on personal honor and the inherent goodness of humanity. They are also non-proselytizing and some even keep “in the closet”.
Fortunately, religious equality is becoming less and less of an issue. It was only within the last decade that the military made the designations of Pagan, Wiccan and Druid available. The VA finally approved the pentacle grave-marker for Pagan military service members. (The pentacle is the 5-pointed upright star that we wear to represent our religious beliefs. It symbolizes nature’s elements of earth, air, water, fire, and spirit.)
To learn more, visit Witchvox to read about the “basics” of Paganism.
If you are a practitioner of an earth-based Pagan religion at Osan Air Base, please feel free to join our Yahoo Group, Osan Pagans (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/osanpagans/).
Wendy, guest blogger
Maybe you’ve seen Anna Jane and Jane tooling around lately in a fabulous new black and green coat. What you might not know is that Anna Jane made the coat during a single naptime with a coat she got at the thrift store! The thrift store will be open this Saturday, and there are plenty of coats still available, as well as fleece jackets and pants that can be cut up to add the baby sack. Choose a contrasting color for a fun visual effect, or make it match. Veteran Osanites tell me we’re probably in for weeks or months of bundling up weather, so don’t worry about having to put your coat away too quickly.
