Paganism today is mainly revitalised versions of the numerous ancient and often
forgotten or misrepresented religions that were once predominant throughout the world. These each break down into specific
sects or pantheons of gods and beliefs, but all have the following vital similarities:
Pagans believe in a multiplicity of beings, or energies, referred to as Gods, spirits,
deities, Higher life forms or Entities. Some believe in these deities, some simply believe in energies all around us. In nature;
animals, plants & ourselves. Male and female energies, which ultimatley, make a whole.
Paganism is essentially, a collection of earth/nature-based beliefs. We aspire to live
in harmony with the earth and observe its seasonal cycles.
There are no hard and fast rules and no leaders or gurus. We have the freedom to develop
our beliefs as we see fit.
Pagans have a high respect for nature and natural ways, and generally, a dislike for anything
that ultimately disrupts the biosphere for any length of time.
Pagans do not worship the Devil, Satan, Lucifer or any other Christian or other religious
demon/devil figure. These are concepts of other religions and their subdivisions. No pagan would worship a destructive force
outside of nature, as the power inherent in nature is far too obvious (take a look at a hurricane, earthquake or tornado sometime!).
We might not all be what other beliefs would consider morally perfect people, but we are careful to keep ourselves attuned
to how nature works and avoid self-destructing through improper use of power and knowledge. It can corrupt, but those that
become corrupted fall by the wayside in the pagan community, unlike those within government or other religions who simply
cause more harm as they grow in power.
Although we are hardly unified in our thoughts or beliefs, pagans are a living breathing
community that tries to help its members pull themselves up by their own bootstraps through various activities. We band together
as needed and drop our in squabbling when one of us is in danger from those outside the community. Pagans, in other words,
will guard each other's backs!
Pagans are open minded to others, so long as those same others are tolerant to them. We
don't claim our ways or ideas are for everyone, but ask that we not be attacked or insulted for our openness in belief and
need for certain factors in our lives. We are not perfect. We are trying to overcome a feeling of being the down-trodden that
is hundreds of years old - dating back to the times when Christians burned everyone for heresy in their dogmatic closed minds.
Some of us fully resent the past and refuse to deal civilly with Christians while others of us say 'you believe what you want
and let me believe in what I want'. We do ask that you at least do the intelligent thing and study all sides of the equation
before claiming to know the one solution...most equations contain complex variables, and philosophy is no excuse.
We believe in 'magic' that is, we believe in forces and natural laws to the universe that
science has not yet discovered. The universe is a big place and mankind is a young race. Magic is the easiest term for the
extra 'laws' that scientific theory has yet to explore. If you can understand science and physics you have the potential to
become a pagan without even trying.
We don't try to force our beliefs on others and don't appreciate having others beliefs
forced on ourselves.
Paganism is a way of life. It's a part of who we are and what we stand for.
Everyone deserves a certain amount of respect and in respecting us as individulas, this also means respecting what we believe
in.
