Paganism is alive
By:
Luna Moon
You might not believe that there are people in this world that believe and worship the Gods of the ancient world but they exist all over the world. They come from all walks of life and ethnicity, they worship Gods like Diana, Isis, and Kali. They believe that the earth is a living breathing thing and needs to be respected. These people call themselves pagan.
Paganism is not a religion in itself but a title. Paganism is any religion that does not follow the Abrahamic God, religions that fall under this category is Islamic, Judaism, and Christianity. Those who identify as pagans tend to follow different sects such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, Wicca, and many more.
Although there are many different religions and practices that fall under paganism they tend to agree in the same thing. They seek out the balance between the mind, body, and spirit. As that there are so many different religions under paganism lets focus on the one that is most common in America Wicca.
Wicca is an earth based religion based on the principals and practices of the old religion. It is sometimes coined the old new religion. It was first introduced into America during the 1940’s and has been on the rise since. Wiccans believe that there is not only a God but a Goddess, it is in this duality that the world was created. The main goal for Wiccans are broken down into thirteen goals:
1. Know Yourself
2. Know Your Craft
3. Learn and grow
4. Apply knowledge with wisdom
5. Achieve balance
6. Keep your words in good order
7. Keep your thoughts in good order
8. Celebrate life
9. Attune with the cycle of Earth
10. Breathe eat Correctly
11. Exercise the body
12. Meditate
13. Honor the Goddess and God
They believe that once these goals are achieved than balance and peace will come into their lives. Wiccan use different symbols in their practice. The most common is the five pointed Star or the pentagram as its most commonly known. Unlike popular belief the pentagram is not a symbol of devil worship. It is however a symbol of protection and has a long history in many religions including Christianity. Its points represents the five elements earth, water, fire, air, and spirit.
There are over 100,000 people who practice paganism in America, not to mention the millions throughout the world. People who practice paganism are not evil or devil worshipers. They don’t even believe in the existence of the devil. They are people just like everyone else, they have jobs, families, and they pay taxes. People who practice paganism are not crazy or delusional they want to live in peace.
Group of pagans celebrating an equinox.
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