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How does one generally Can one consider themselves
pagan without believing in
deities, as long as praising
nature/Gaea and simply being
spiritual?
I understand Wicca more than
general paganism but what else
is there, or what site can I
get to understand the branches
more? Are the four
corners/chanting for Wicca, or
others, since it involves
multiple deities, I believe?
Perhaps any books to
recommend?
Sorry for the vague and
multiple questions, but thanks
in advance!
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Eat lots of fried chicken until you smell like it and have become unattractively fat. Wear shirts with wolves on them and a pewter necklace of something socially offensive that makes you feel tough. Go hang out at game stores and conventions. |
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Depending on how you feel you can worship the deities or none at all (though it is hard to find books that dont mention the gods/goddesses), wicca is a very new religion and is probably one of the more open religions at that, I dont claim to know everything but I have done some research on the side and this is what I came up with I personally found an interest in Traditional Witchcraft, there is a long list, I will post a link to the different types... I have read some books by Cunningham, he is pretty good, I wish I could be of more help Find what you love and doing research really helps, go to the library if you dont want to buy any books I feel like there is a lot more to say, religion has a lot of depth, so just do your research and try and find some trustworthy people of pagan background, talk to them, they should be very open |
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Paganism is a very broad term...it's an umbrella under which many religions fall. As for Wicca I agree with Brill - Scott Cunningham's Guide for the Solitary Practioner is a must read. Also The Spiral Dance by Starhawk, and Buckland's Big Book of Witchcraft off the top of my head. I recommend www.magickaschool.com and their FREE basic Wicca course and an excellent forum for research and asking questions. Blessed Be~ |
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Greetings! In most cases, Religion in cities was, and is, a cause of strife. Those who make money off of "religion" tend to promote their cause, even to the extreme of murder and war. Many Religions get along quite well without persecuting their neighbors, but many do not. "Pagan" is a term for people who do not accept dogma, do not force their views on others, and who find their own Way. Wicca was "re-discovered" by Gardner, and is a continuation of the Beliefs of the Folk of the British Isles, and your "four corners" were the "Airts" of the Irish Winds, used in Ritual for many ages....it has been turned into "Neo-Wicca" by those who wish to include more Deities, Rituals, etc. Some neo-wiccans use Ceremonial Magick in their Circle, and this involves calling in Elemental/Directional Spirits, and Angels, but you can certainly practise Nature-Worship without Ritual...just do it! /!\ |
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For some good basics on paganism, witchcraft, and wicca, and various traditions try www,witchvox.com. There are many essays there explaining various traditions and paths. As for believing in deities, there is variance in paganism. Some believe deities are archetypes rather than actual beings, some just recognize a life force rather than any particular personification. As far as praising nature, pagans seek to align themselves with the cycles of nature, and give honor to that which gives us life. Note: While Scott Cunningham books are good as an introduction to the genral "feel" of paganism and include some good basics, some of his books are somewhat mis-titled. His books on wicca are more about general witchcraft/ folk magic, and paganism than about wicca. Many pagan traditions incorporate the four quarters, but the outward expression or symbolism utilized may vary. Calling the quarters isn't about multiple deities. The quarters are about the elements of life and creation, although some people call forth deities as representatives of those qualities. I hope that helps. |
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