{"id":9422,"date":"2014-02-01T01:10:06","date_gmt":"2014-02-01T06:10:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/paganpages.org\/content\/?p=9739"},"modified":"2014-01-21T19:59:48","modified_gmt":"2014-01-22T00:59:48","slug":"a-year-and-a-day-7","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/2014\/02\/01\/a-year-and-a-day-7\/","title":{"rendered":"A Year And A Day"},"content":{"rendered":"

Paganism<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Definitions of paganism are difficult because most Pagans do not operate within a centralised religious body or follow a standard set of rules.\u00a0 However there are similarities between the various Pagan and Neopagan traditions, including reverence for the Earth and nature.\u00a0 Many Neopagans share common beliefs with indigenous traditions including pantheism, polytheism, and animism.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Below are examples of some of the largest groups within the Pagan and Neopagan movement.\u00a0 However given Paganism\u2019s eclectic nature, these are purely generalizations and there are many variations and interpretations!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wicca<\/strong><\/p>\n

Wicca is the largest of the Neopagan religious groups, thought to be started in the 1950s by Gerald Gardner in the UK.\u00a0 Basic Wiccan tenets include duotheistic worship of the Goddess and God, practice of magic and altered realities, and belief in reincarnation and karma.\u00a0 They celebrate the eight-fold Wheel of the Year through their Sabbats, and celebrate the Full (and sometimes New) Moon during Esbats.\u00a0 Wicca has no central hierarchy or dogma, however many Wiccans follow a set of moral codes such as the Wiccan Rede and the Threefold Law (The Law of Return).\u00a0 Wiccan groups are divided into \u2018traditions\u2019 such as Gardnerian, Alexandrian, Georgian or Dianic Wicca, with many Wiccans following an eclectic mix of cultural influences, either working in covens or solitary.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Druidism<\/strong><\/p>\n

The first neo-Druid order was formed back in 1717, and since then, several other groups have formed including the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids (1964) and \u00c1r nDra\u00edocht F\u00e9in (1983).\u00a0 These groups are inspired by the pre-Christian Druids, and its adherents are often well-read in the history, mythology and spirituality of the pagan Celts.\u00a0 They follow the Celtic Wheel of the Year, as well as have reverence for the three realms of Land, Sea and Sky.\u00a0 Neo-Druids are often divided into Bards (storytellers, singers, poets), Ovates (seers, diviners, healers), and Druids (teachers, shamans).<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Polytheistic Reconstructionism (Celtic, Germanic, Hellenic, Kemetic)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Reconstructionists attempt to revive culturally-specific ethnic traditions and practices based on surviving folklore, which is in contrast to eclectic groups which mix facets from different cultural sources.\u00a0 Popular reconstructionist groups include Celtic, Germanic (including Nordic and Saxon), Hellenic (Greek), Roman, and Kemetic (Egyptian) cultural backgrounds.\u00a0 These groups rely more on historical evidence and surviving folk traditions as a base for their practices, as opposed to piecing together different aspects from different sources, which was prevalent during the Romanticism of 19th<\/sup> century Europe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00c1satr\u00fa, Heathenism, Odinism<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00c1satr\u00fa or Heathenism is a modern tradition focused on Nordic mythology and culture.\u00a0 These groups are thought to be reconstructionist in their view, in that they attempt to recreate the pagan practices of ancient Nordic people exclusively.\u00a0 Most follow the mythology from the Norse and Icelandic Eddas and Sagas, in which the World Tree Yggdrasil is the home of the Nine Worlds.\u00a0 Their deities include the All Father Odin as well as Thor, Frigg and Freyja.\u00a0 Heathens believe in Wyrd and \u00f8rl\u00f6g, which is similar to Karma and Fate, as well as the Nine Noble Virtues.\u00a0 Their celebrations involve the Bl\u00f3t, a blessing ceremony historically involving ritual sacrifice, and the Sumbel, a feast or gathering.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ceremonial Magick, Occultism and Thelema<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ceremonial Magick, or High Magic, describes a practice that uses specific sequences of words and tools in their rituals.\u00a0 It became popular in the 19th<\/sup> century with the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, which was a huge influence on Western Occultism.\u00a0 Thelema was developed by Aleister Crowley, the 20th<\/sup> century Occultist and Ceremonial Magician.\u00a0 He coined the term \u2018magick\u2019 to differentiate from the magic performed as \u2018stage tricks\u2019.\u00a0 The core tenet in Thelema is \u201cDo what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law\u201d.\u00a0 Western Occultism, Ceremonial Magick and their traditions follow closely the esoteric principles of Eastern and Western mysticism, Qabalah, Hermeticism, Enochian magic, Alchemy, divination and metaphysics for their spiritual development.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Shamanism <\/strong><\/p>\n

Shamans use altered states of consciousness and contact with the spirit world, often by using drumming, dance or entheogens, to perform healing, divination or other work.\u00a0 Shamanism was present in many pre-Christian cultures around the world, such as Native American and other indigenous traditions.\u00a0 However Neo-shamans attempt to revive these ancient practices that may or may not have been wiped out by periods of conquest and colonization.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Santer\u00eda, Voudon<\/strong><\/p>\n

Santer\u00eda \u00a0and Voudon\/Voodoo are derived from the West African Yor\u00f9b\u00e1 religion and Fon and Ewe cultures, later spreading into Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.\u00a0 It is thought that practitioners fused their beliefs with Roman Catholic ones in order to appear converted and avoid persecution.\u00a0 Both religions usually involve communication with ancestors, drumming and dance, and animal sacrifice.\u00a0 Santer\u00eda mixes Spanish Catholicism with Yor\u00f9b\u00e1 beliefs, and has a heavy presence in Cuba.\u00a0 Voudon is influenced by French Catholicism, and is prevalent in Haiti and also New Orleans.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n

http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Modern_paganism<\/a><\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.druidry.org\/<\/a><\/p>\n

http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Polytheistic_reconstructionism<\/a><\/p>\n

http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shamanism<\/a><\/p>\n

http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ceremonial_magic<\/a><\/p>\n

http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Thelema<\/a><\/p>\n

http:\/\/thenewpagan.wordpress.com\/page\/paganism\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Paganism: An Introduction to Earth-Centered Religions<\/em> by Joyce & River Higginbotham<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Paganism   Definitions of paganism are difficult because most Pagans do not operate within a centralised religious body or follow a standard set of rules.\u00a0 However there are similarities between the various Pagan and Neopagan traditions, including reverence for the Earth and nature.\u00a0 Many Neopagans share common beliefs with indigenous traditions including pantheism, polytheism, and animism.   Below are examples of some of the largest groups within the Pagan and Neopagan movement.\u00a0 However given Paganism\u2019s eclectic nature, these are purely generalizations and there are many variations and interpretations!   Wicca Wicca is the largest of the Neopagan religious groups, thought to be started in the 1950s by Gerald Gardner in the UK.\u00a0 Basic Wiccan tenets include duotheistic worship of the Goddess and God, practice of magic and altered realities, and belief in reincarnation and karma.\u00a0 They celebrate the eight-fold Wheel of the Year through their Sabbats, and celebrate the Full (and sometimes New) Moon during Esbats.\u00a0 Wicca has no central hierarchy or dogma, however many Wiccans follow a set of moral codes such as the Wiccan Rede and the Threefold Law (The Law of Return).\u00a0 Wiccan groups are divided into \u2018traditions\u2019 such as Gardnerian, Alexandrian, Georgian or Dianic Wicca, with many Wiccans following an eclectic mix of cultural influences, either working in covens or solitary.   Druidism The first neo-Druid order was formed back in 1717, and since then, several other groups have formed including the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids (1964) and \u00c1r nDra\u00edocht F\u00e9in (1983).\u00a0 These groups are inspired by the pre-Christian Druids, and its adherents are often well-read in the history, mythology and spirituality of the pagan Celts.\u00a0 They follow the Celtic Wheel of the Year, as well as have reverence for the three realms of Land, Sea and Sky.\u00a0 Neo-Druids are often divided into Bards (storytellers, singers, poets), Ovates (seers, diviners, healers), and Druids (teachers, shamans).   Polytheistic Reconstructionism (Celtic, Germanic, Hellenic, Kemetic) Reconstructionists attempt to revive culturally-specific ethnic traditions and practices based on surviving folklore, which is in contrast to eclectic groups which mix facets from different cultural sources.\u00a0 Popular reconstructionist groups include Celtic, Germanic (including Nordic and Saxon), Hellenic (Greek), Roman, and Kemetic (Egyptian) cultural backgrounds.\u00a0 These groups rely more on historical evidence and surviving folk traditions as a base for their practices, as opposed to piecing together different aspects from different sources, which was prevalent during the Romanticism of 19th century Europe.   \u00c1satr\u00fa, Heathenism, Odinism \u00c1satr\u00fa or Heathenism is a modern tradition focused on Nordic mythology and culture.\u00a0 These groups are thought to be reconstructionist in their view, in that they attempt to recreate the pagan practices of ancient Nordic people exclusively.\u00a0 Most follow the mythology from the Norse and Icelandic Eddas and Sagas, in which the World Tree Yggdrasil is the home of the Nine Worlds.\u00a0 Their deities include the All Father Odin as well as Thor, Frigg and Freyja.\u00a0 Heathens believe in Wyrd and \u00f8rl\u00f6g, which is similar to Karma and Fate, as well as the Nine Noble Virtues.\u00a0 Their celebrations involve the Bl\u00f3t, a blessing ceremony historically involving ritual sacrifice, and the Sumbel, a feast or gathering.   Ceremonial Magick, Occultism and Thelema Ceremonial Magick, or High Magic, describes a practice that uses specific sequences of words and tools in their rituals.\u00a0 It became popular in the 19th century with the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, which was a huge influence on Western Occultism.\u00a0 Thelema was developed by Aleister Crowley, the 20th century Occultist and Ceremonial Magician.\u00a0 He coined the term \u2018magick\u2019 to differentiate from the magic performed as \u2018stage tricks\u2019.\u00a0 The core tenet in Thelema is \u201cDo what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law\u201d.\u00a0 Western Occultism, Ceremonial Magick and their traditions follow closely the esoteric principles of Eastern and Western mysticism, Qabalah, Hermeticism, Enochian magic, Alchemy, divination and metaphysics for their spiritual development.   Shamanism Shamans use altered states of consciousness and contact with the spirit world, often by using drumming, dance or entheogens, to perform healing, divination or other work.\u00a0 Shamanism was present in many pre-Christian cultures around the world, such as Native American and other indigenous traditions.\u00a0 However Neo-shamans attempt to revive these ancient practices that may or may not have been wiped out by periods of conquest and colonization.   Santer\u00eda, Voudon Santer\u00eda \u00a0and Voudon\/Voodoo are derived from the West African Yor\u00f9b\u00e1 religion and Fon and Ewe cultures, later spreading into Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.\u00a0 It is thought that practitioners fused their beliefs with Roman Catholic ones in order to appear converted and avoid persecution.\u00a0 Both religions usually involve communication with ancestors, drumming and dance, and animal sacrifice.\u00a0 Santer\u00eda mixes Spanish Catholicism with Yor\u00f9b\u00e1 beliefs, and has a heavy presence in Cuba.\u00a0 Voudon is influenced by French Catholicism, and is prevalent in Haiti and also New Orleans.   Sources: http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Modern_paganism http:\/\/www.druidry.org\/ http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Polytheistic_reconstructionism http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shamanism http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ceremonial_magic http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Thelema http:\/\/thenewpagan.wordpress.com\/page\/paganism\/ Paganism: An Introduction to Earth-Centered Religions by Joyce & River Higginbotham<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":184,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"iawp_total_views":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9422","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9422","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/184"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9422"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9422\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9422"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9422"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9422"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}