News & Notes from the Editor-December 9th-15th, 2024: Reclaiming Paganism
Hello again friends! I hope you’re all doing well, and that your week is getting on without any major issues as we continue to navigate the end of Mercury retrograde this week. I’ve decided to take on an Op-Ed style for this week’s Editorial. Paganism is, and has been, pervasive in history, with its cultures, traditions and folk beliefs influencing everything, from our outlooks, philosophy and our holiday traditions. Different Gods, Goddesses and spirits have taken on similar attributes for each culture, helping explain things like the changing of the seasons, weather events, death, birth and similar, unavoidable aspects of life. For large parts of recent, modern history, Christianity and the other Abrahamic religions have sought to wipe out these beautiful traditions, but have been unsuccessful. You can’t repress what so many consider to be their truth; that holds just as true now as it did during those dark times. In this Op-Ed, I’m going to discuss how we can reclaim Paganism through symbology, philosophy, tradition, belief, and action. It’s sure to ruffle some feathers, especially for the Christian apologists and those looking to smooth over the bumpy terrain that’s been cultivated through millennia of discrimination, colonization and suppression, even downright murder.
Reclaiming What’s Rightfully Ours
I’ve seen a lot of people, especially those of Abrahamic (mainly Christian) faith, insist that they’re being “persecuted” for wanting to say “Merry Christmas” instead of “Happy Holidays”. This is poppycock; you can say whatever the hell you want. If you celebrate Christmas, wish someone a Merry Christmas; if you celebrate Kwanzaa, wish someone a Happy Kwanzaa. If you celebrate Yule, Saturnalia or any of the other Pagan Winter traditions, wish them a Blesséd Yule, or the traditional, and my favorite, “IO Saturnalia!”. Stop worrying about who you’ll offend, or that some “woke” person is going to jump down your throat. Most of us “woke” folks truly don’t care; just stop being racist, bigoted people living in contradiction to the religion you supposedly follow. Practice what you preach, and walk the walk.
For pagans, our beliefs have been appropriated, as well as our traditions and customs, concerning many of the Modern Christian holidays, such as Christmas, Easter, Imbolc, and others. We have a right to reclaim what is rightfully ours, and we should. I’m not trying to hate or bash anyone, but, I do see these trends playing out on social media, and in society. Enough is enough! It’s okay to be Pagan, Muslim, Jewish, Christian, Sikh, Zoroastrian, Baha’i, or any other faith/spirituality. What’s not okay, is insisting that everyone believe the same as you do. This is where my strong feelings for Abrahamic religion, especially Christianity come in; live and let live.
Reclaiming Pagan beliefs, customs and traditions is a multi-faceted task that takes time to fully embody. I’ve been a practicing Pagan for 15 years, half my life at this point, and I’m still working on this. It’s okay if it’s a slow, years long process. When I first started my Pagan journey, the only holiday I celebrated was Samhain/Halloween. Reclaim the Ancient Roman tradition of garland with Saturnalia, and gift giving and merry making. Reclaim the Germanic traditions of wreaths and trees inside the home to bring comfort, joy and hope in the darkest days of the year. Reclaim Mistletoe as a rightful Celtic holiday practice and symbol. Use non-traditional Christmas décor; for instance, a Star, or Holly tree topper, and snowflake ornaments. Experiment with different colors, styles and the like until you find what fits you and your practice best. Be creative; I mix Yule, Saturnalia and folk beliefs from my ancestral lands when celebrating the Winter holidays. These are just ideas and suggestions for reclaiming our rightful traditions during the holidays.
Reclaiming Pagan Symbols
Many of the symbols we associate with Paganism today have been used for centuries, if not Millennia. Some of these symbols have survived in their truest form and meaning, while others have been appropriated by groups with less-than-ideal beliefs. We’ll discuss some of these symbols and their true meaning, as well as who has appropriated them, why, and what to watch out for as you reclaim your Pagan identity through symbols. While the symbols discussed below are by no means the only Pagan symbols out there, they are a good starting point in re-claiming what’s rightfully ours as Pagans, and refusing to use them because of hate groups, in my opinion, is incorrect; reclamation is about taking back what’s been stolen from us, and this includes from hate groups, as much as it does from other religions who stole our Pagan identity for the sake of conversion.
The Valknut
The Valknut is a Norse and Germanic symbol with a complex and multi-layered meaning. Most famously, it is a symbol of Odin, and his ability to traverse the nine realms. Additionally, it is representative of Odin’s ability to perform magick, binding and unbinding people, events and fate at his will. The Valknut also symbolizes the Heathen and Norse Pagan faiths, and is a beautiful and powerful symbol of the Norse and Germanic traditions in Paganism.
Everyone knows that Germany has its own dark past with racism and Nazism, and unfortunately, this has bled over into “volkisch”, or folk, movements in Norse belief, many of which have insidious, racist and Neo-Nazi agendas and beliefs. Many of these groups and movements have adopted Norse and Viking symbols, and the Valknut especially is being used as a stand-in for the now infamous swastika of the former Third Reich. When reclaiming the Valknut, it’s important to be mindful that there are hate groups who use it as their symbol of choice. I own a couple of Valknut pendants, and wear them when I feel the need. I’m always mindful of the alternative associations with this symbol, and am always willing to explain that I don’t embody those nasty beliefs, and instead wear the Valknut with the intention of connecting with the Norse and Germanic gods and goddesses.
The Triskele and Triquetra
These two Celtic symbols are often used together, but represent very different ideas. Originally, the Triskele was a symbol of the paths we walk, change, transformation, movement, cycles, the sun, and a portal to the Celtic Otherworld. Mediterranean versions exist in Italy, with the Gorgon head adorning it, making it a protective and powerful symbol for witches and pagans embodying that “flavor” of Paganism.
The Triquetra, by contrast, is only seen in Celtic lands, specifically Ireland, Wales, Scotland and England (the island that the Ancient Romans referred to as Brittania). The Triquetra, in its original Pagan context, came to symbolize the Goddess and her phases, the Moon, as well as the three realms of Land, Sea and Sky. It also has a Druidic interpretation as standing for the three Holy Trees of the Druids: Oak, Ash and Thorn.
When reclaiming these two Pagan symbols, it’s important to understand that the Christian faith in Ireland has adopted the Triquetra to symbolize their holy trinity: The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Many pagans choose to wear these symbols, especially if working with the Celtic variations of Paganism. There’s no hate groups using this symbol that I’m aware of, but it’s still useful to know the historical and modern meanings and associations of these symbols in your reclamation of these two powerful Pagan symbols.
The Ankh
The Ankh is also known as the “crux ansata” and is famously sourced from Ancient Egyptian culture and spiritual beliefs/practices. Its’ original symbolism was that of R?, the Sun God, as he traversed the sky during the day, and the Duat (Egyptian Underworld) by night, fighting off various monsters as he did so. The Ankh also symbolized a key to life, death, and that which is between and around. It symbolized protection, good luck, good health, healing and much more. To my knowledge, there hasn’t been any appropriation of this symbol from other religions, or any hate groups, but there is one group that wishes to have all people of African ancestry to move back to Africa, and separate from White, Western civilization, that uses this and other Ancient Egyptian symbols. While I don’t view this group as a hate group or as appropriating this well-known symbol, it’s important to know as you reclaim the Ankh in your Pagan practices.
The Cimaruta/Cornicello/Nazar
These symbols are all meant to ward off the Evil Eye, Witchcraft, Curses, Hexes, and negative energy. The Cimaruta and Cornicello are Etruscan/Italian good luck and protection symbols, most often employed in folk beliefs and Stregheria. To my knowledge, there’s no appropriation from any hate groups or other religious movements, save for Dianic witchcraft, which has every right to use these two symbols. The Cimaruta is a charm depicting a sprig of Rue, with various symbols added on, such as a dagger and crescent moon for Diana, a snake for Persephone/Proserpina, a key for Hecate, a rooster to dispel evil and darkness, heralding a new dawn, and a heart to protect from poisoners/heartbreak, and those trying to mess with your love life. The Cornicello is simply a horn shaped amulet worn by men, establishing their dominance over those wishing them ill (“I have the horns”).
The Nazar is the most commonly seen symbol for the Evil Eye and protection from it, and has its roots in Middle Eastern and Levant belief systems. It sadly has been appropriated by Westerners, when many don’t understand its full meaning and symbolism. The same can be said with the Hand of Fatima/Hamsa hand. While I don’t know the full history of the Fatima/Hamsa hand, The Nazar was taught to me by my step-grandmother, who is Zoroastrian and of Persian descent; from what she told me, it deflects the evils sent your way either intentional or not, and is useful to carry with you wherever you go. Glass is better than plastic or other man-made materials. One made from Lapis Lazuli is especially useful and powerful.
Reclaiming Pagan Philosophy and World Views
Philosophy is one of the oldest subjects known to man; we’ve been trying to understand the basic principles and functions of our reality and our world since we could communicate with one another. These understandings morphed from Gods, Spirits and entities to ideas, terms and theories. Platonism is a popular, ancient Pagan philosophy that many, especially Hellenic Pagans, have embodied. This isn’t the only philosophy to embody as Pagans, as we’ll find out below.
Animism and Reclaiming It in Our Modern World
Animism is the belief that everything, from the computer I’m writing this Op-Ed on, to the trees outside, to the rocks in my pocket, and everything in between, has a consciousness and is alive. These beliefs are the oldest mankind has, but they have been relegated to “less-civilized”, tribal peoples and their “foolish” beliefs that modern science for the most part can’t prove. Animism is a core philosophy I’ve been embodying in my practice from very early on. In today’s world, where materialism is rampant, this is a hard task, but it’s well worth it, and will only empower your Pagan reclamation. Paganism at its core is the reverence of nature, the Earth and her creatures. Animism takes this a step further, adding consciousness, intelligence and divinity to every single object, plant, animal and person we interact with on a daily basis.
When reclaiming Pagan and nature based philosophies, it’s important to not get into the pitfall of Western attitudes influencing your views of this belief. I’ll be honest, much of modern Western views have strayed very far from their once Pagan roots, thanks to the influence of the Church and Christianity. Similar themes have played out in the Middle East and Levant as the advent of Abrahamic religion came to be, systematically erasing the Pagan, Earth Centered practices of their forebears. Good resources for embodying Animism are hard to come by, but luckily, I’ve reviewed a couple that I’ll list below to help you get started!
- Alive with Spirits by Althaea Sebastiani
- Shamanic Teachings of the Condor by Martha Winona Travers
Reclamation as Empowerment
Reclaiming your Pagan roots and traditions, symbols, beliefs and the like is a process of personal empowerment, and developing your spiritual path. This plays out differently for each of us, as no two of us are exactly alike. To illustrate what this process can look like, I’m going to give you a personal example in hopes to inspire our readers in their reclamation journey.
When I became a Pagan, I had a hatred for the holidays that was unmatched, stemming from years of oppression and fire and brimstone tactics from the Church, which I was raised in. I especially hated Christmas time; aside from the fake joy, materialism and such, I had and still have, a strong aversion to my family’s tradition of reading the Christmas story from the Bible every Christmas Eve. Nowadays, I walk outside to smoke (cannabis usually, nicotine occasionally), to avoid hearing something I don’t believe in. I’ve made it known that I don’t mind listening to it, but I would like my beliefs and traditions to be included. This hasn’t happened, and is still a source of contention every year around the holidays as two very separate belief systems clash.
How each of us deals with these issues is ultimately up to us as individuals; I prefer peace, and when I feel I’m done, I walk away. Very rarely does it turn into a full-on argument, and I cast spells for peace and cohesion to make the holidays happy for everyone. Of course, I don’t tell anyone I did that, so as to not stir the cauldron, but it does seem to help. Find ways to cope with your spirituality as a Pagan or Magickal person that involve themes of the season: peace, joy, comfort, happiness and warmth. Ditch the cold, division and hate. There’s enough of that in the world already.
Closing Thoughts
Reclamation is a lengthy process, and even those of us who have been Pagans, Witches, Druids, or what have you, for a long time struggle with it. It doesn’t happen overnight, nor does it happen in a year. It doesn’t happen in solely individual circumstances, but instead as a collective. Collectively, as Pagans and Magickal folks, we must work to reclaim our beliefs, customs, traditions, holidays, and symbols from those looking to appropriate them from us for whatever reason. It’s time that Pagans unite, and stop fighting over stupid, petty s**t, like the threefold law, etc. I’ve said it before in this Op-Ed, and I’ll say it again: Live and Let Live.
Wishing our readers and writers the happiest of Holiday Seasons! Reclaim the magick and beauty of Paganism!
~The Modern Merlin
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Author Bio:
The Modern Merlin has been a Polytheist and Animist Pagan, Witch, Sorcerer, Wizard, Druid, Mystic, Ceremonial Magician, Occultist, Shaman, Seer and Soothsayer for 15 years, worshipping and casting magick with deities and spirits from many cultures, including Ancient Greece, Rome, Norse & Germanic, Celtic, Egyptian, Sumerian, as well as many Faeries, Nymphs, Dryads, Ancestors and other nature and land spirits and spirits of place. He is a Priest of Hecate, Diana, Hades, Lilith and Persephone. He has experience in the Left and Right Hand Paths, working with both hands as needed. He currently practices Necromancy and Deathwalking, as well as Traditional Witchcraft, Druidry, Hellenism and Ceremonial Magick, incorporating all of them into a cohesive practice, with some shamanic touches. He studies and practices Astrology as well as Tarot and other forms of divination such as Runes, Palmistry and Ogham. He is the Co-Editor of PaganPages.Org and he has a personal blog where he shares Astrological, Pagan, and other magickal wisdom for free! He gives readings and other spiritual services on his Facebook Page, The Modern Merlin, as well other free informational posts for everyone to see!
