Mythology for Modern Times: Navigating Deities, Stories, and Symbolism in Contemporary Paganism In Paganism, mythology is more than a collection of ancient tales; it forms a bridge between past and present, grounding us in a rich heritage of polytheistic spirituality. Each myth offers insight into humanity’s shared and evolving understanding…
The Elements: Foundations of Matter and Spirit in Paganism The Four Elements of Matter The ancient Greeks proposed that all matter composed four essential elements: Fire, Air, Water, and Earth. This concept, originating around 450 BC and later popularized by Aristotle, deeply influenced Western thought and remains a fundamental idea…
Pagan Marriage: Ancient Traditions and Contemporary Expressions Throughout history, almost every ancient civilization has celebrated romantic unions through ceremonies that publicly declare and honor the bond between individuals. These ceremonies, precursors to modern marriage, vary widely across cultures but universally symbolize commitment and communal acknowledgment. In Native American tribes, union…
Legacy of the Witch Trials: From Europe’s Fires to North America’s Freedom The witch trials and burnings across Europe in the 15th century stand as defining historical events with lingering effects on modern society. A critical catalyst of these persecutions, The Malleus Maleficarum, was published in 1486 by Heinrich Kramer,…
Understanding Eclectic Paganism and its Expansion into Deity Worship Eclectic Paganism primarily focuses on the self, emphasizing one’s inner connection to a greater deity, as well as the power of intention and energy. However, there exists a significant dimension of this spiritual practice that warrants exploration: the worship of gods…
What is Samhain? Samhain (pronounced: Saa-win) is an ancient Celtic celebration typically observed from sunset on October 31st to the evening of November 1st. This festival marks the end of the harvest season and the Celtic New Year, heralding the onset of winter. For Eclectic Pagans, Samhain carries both the…
The “Wheel of the Year” became widely recognized in the 1960s, primarily due to the growing popularity of Wicca. While Wicca is just one tradition within the broader umbrella of Paganism, it played a significant role in popularizing this seasonal framework in contemporary spiritual practice. However, it is essential to…
What is a Closed Practice? A closed spiritual practice is a type of spiritual path that places specific requirements or restrictions on who can engage in its rituals, teachings, and customs. Unlike open practices, which are accessible to anyone interested in learning, closed practices are closely tied to cultural, geographic,…
In previous discussions, we have established what Paganism is and highlighted some key differences between Pagan beliefs and the dominant Western belief systems. One significant difference that warrants further exploration is the concept of “Rules of Worship” or “Dogma.” Understanding Dogma Dogma is defined as a principle or set of…