Paganism is a catch-all term that encompasses many different paths that respect nature, ancient culture, and the rhythms of the earth.
Unlike structured religions with rigid doctrine, pagan belief is multifaceted and frequently centered around the worship of gods, spirits, and natural forces. The new generation of practitioners wishes to reclaim the old ways, accepting traditions that exist before Christianity. Whether by honoring the changing seasons, using elemental energies, or learning the wisdom of ancient peoples, paganism provides a highly personal and rich spiritual path.
Perhaps the most popular feature of paganism is its association with nature. Numerous pagan cultures observe the Wheel of the Year, a series of seasonal celebrations that track solstices, equinoxes, and midpoints between. These festivals, like Samhain, Yule, and Beltane, are attuned to the cycles of the earth and have been celebrated for centuries. Ritual can include lighting candles, offering, or meditation in outdoor places. Some pagans interact with deities from many panthea, while others practice ancestor worship or the energies of the elements—earth, air, fire, and water.
For the novice pagan, beginning a practice can be as simple as spending additional time outdoors, maintaining a spiritual experience journal, or creating a small altar with symbolic objects. Some use divination methods such as tarot cards or runes for guidance. Crystals, herbs, and essential oils are also often used in rituals and spell-casting. There are, however, no hard and fast rules—paganism fosters self-exploration so that the individual can form a path which calls to him based on what he believes and where he’s been.
Paganism is ultimately a matter of connection—connection with nature, with history, and with the energies which flow through everything. It is a way of discovery and of honoring, one in which those drawn to the mystery of the world have a home. Whether practiced alone or among a group, it offers one the feeling of belonging to the sacred cycles of life. As more individuals look for alternatives to traditional religion, paganism grows stronger, beckoning all who are interested to explore its rich and old traditions.
