In a generation where paganism seems to be a clearly defined concept, I feel there are still some misconceptions to clear up. So, as a first post to “officialize” Pagan Hub, I would like to offer a definition of Paganism, at least in terms of what this site speaks of.
Let’s start with the “official” definition, from Webster’s Dictionary:
pagan /pey-guh’n/ noun. (1) one of a people or community observing a polytheistic religion, as the ancient Romans and Greeks; (2) a person who is not a Christian, Jew, or Muslim; (3) an irreligious or hedonistic person.
There are a couple key points to take from this. First, it is that pagans are polytheists. In other words, we revere and worship multiple gods. Second, pagans are not members of the “desert” religions–we do not acknowledge the teachings of Christianity, Judaism, or Islam. Third, pagans throughout history have been regarded as irreligious and self-gratifying.
It’s important to relate the second and third parts of this definition to each other, because we live in a world where the desert religions dominate the majority of the worlds population. As a result, the general definitions of words such as pagan are going to be influenced by such religious overtones of our culture. This illustrates the general perception that most of modern society holds toward the pagans, as defined in the first part of the provided definition. This perception, however generally accepted as it may be, is not necessarily correct. Unfortunately, there doesn’t exist a term without some kind of negative connotation for those of non-desert faiths, so we are resigned to using the terms provided for us.
So, pagans are polytheists, and are not members of any desert religions. But what else is there? Well, this definition covers a broad spectrum of other religions, theologies, and spiritualities, everything from atheism to shamanism. Unfortunately, it’s not very helpful in regard to the scope of this website, which is much less vast. So, to make a long story short, what we are focusing on here is neo-paganism. Neo-paganism is a collection of religious and/or spiritual beliefs that are related by having a natural inclination (that is, they revere the natural world) and often incorporate shamanic and tribal practices, as well as those of ceremonial magick and , in some cases, folk religions.
With that being said, you might find this website informative and helpful if you agree with some or all of the following statements:
1. You have always felt a deep spiritual connection with the earth and the natural environment.
2. You feel the idea of a single deity is preposterous, but you cannot fathom a universe without some sort of divine orchestrator.
3. Your perception of the natural world includes recognition for unseen forces that may influence the rest of the world in extraordinary ways.
4. You believe there is a spirit world which is closely, if not directly, related to and influential on the world we live in.
5. You believe there are other spiritual beings or entities which have never experienced a physical incarnation, but which still influence our world.
6. You desire to connect with the divine source of all existence, to become like the gods, to be able to control and alter your otherwise prescribed destiny, and to experience enlightenment.
These are just the tip of the iceberg. Unfortunately, I don’t have the mental capacity or time to fully brainstorm all of the identifying facets of pagans-at-heart. But, I can assure you, that if you’ve somehow found your way to this website, there is or soon will be something here to suit your fancy and provide you with another tidbit of knowledge and experience on your journey to your personal truth.
Brightest Blessings,
Robb