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Paganism
Any of a number of earth-centered spiritual paths and faith systems, including but not restricted to: Asatru/Norse; Blended (Christo-pagan, Judeo-pagan, etc); Celtic (Scottish, Irish, Welsh, Faerie, Druidism); Ceremonial Magic (Golden Dawn, Rosicrucian); Eclectic; Egyptian; Italian/Strega; Shamanism (North American, South American, European, Asian); Voudoun/Santeria; Wicca (Gardnerian, Dianic, Alexandrian, Solitary, Family Tradition).
904 Questions
What is the omen of the monarch butterfly?
Monarch butterflies aren't usually seen as an OMEN. If they have significance to the person seeing them, then there may be some interpretation needed, otherwise, just enjoy nature for what it is.
What is the date for Ostara in 2010?
Ostara celebrates the Spring Equinox. In the northern hemisphere, it will be on March 20 and in the southern hemisphere it will be on September 22.
How can you perform an esbat ritual?
An esbat is the observance of the Moon Ritual - there are several: Full moon, Dark moon, New moon and Blue moon.
Generally they follow a set, basic formula as set out below.
Cleansing - of self and space - a bath or smudging for yourself; sweeping, smudging, asperging for the space.
Creating Sacred Space - calling a sacred circle with an athame, sword, a wand and always with your will.
Invoking the elements - calling the four (or five) elements to witness and/or participate.
Inviting the Deities - For esbats this is usually (but not always) done as a "charge of the goddess".
Working - This is where you you do what spells, rites, etc you have planned. For new moons - beginnings; for dark moons - banishing; for full moons - completions and/or thanks; for blue moons - something special, this year I will be charging blue moon talismans.
Small feast - also known as cakes and ale, this is a small libation and nibble to be shared with all participants and the Deities.
Acknowledgment of the Deities - we NEVER say thanks and dismiss the deities, it would be presumptuous - we say "You have consented to join us and for that we are truly grateful. Go if you must, stay if you will, blessed be"
Devocation of the elements - Thanks and dismissal of the elements (you may command elementals as they are lesser beings).
Dissolution of sacred space - ground the energies and open the circle.
What were the main ways pagans were converted to Christianity?
Kathleen Jefferts Schori, presiding bishop of the U.S. Episcopal Church, said, "Charlemagne converted whole tribes by the sword." In the year 782, the Frankish king Charlemagne reputedly beheaded forty-five hundred Saxons who resisted his campaign of forced conversion to Christianity. In 800, the Pope crowned Charlemagne in Rome, as Holy Roman Emperor.
What was Halloween originated as a pagan festival know as?
Halloween originated as a pagan festival known as All Hallow's Eve.
What countries have pagan faith?
Paganism is found in almost every country in the world. It is not a centralized religion, and thus it can be found almost anywhere.
Do Pagans and Wiccans really need to call themselves and one another witches?
Pagan's and Wiccan's may choose to refer to themselves as Witches if they so choose. Generally, a Witch is a practitioner of Magick.
I am aware of what a witch is. However, adding a k to the end of the word magic only makes it look ridiculous, not more awesome.
What countries were thought to have pagan celebrations?
Any peoples anywhere who celebrate modern holidays on days once reserved for pagan rituals, are celebrating pagan 'holidays'
What are the different types of pagan?
Paganism is an umbrella term that is used to describe people who do not follow Christianity or Islam. It can include Wiccans, Buddhists, Druids, and Eclectic Witches in its description - to name but a small few. The basic principles of Paganism are as follows: Pagans revere the Earth. Pagans are typically deeply concerned about the environment. Most Pagans engage in celebrations of the changing seasons, and see time in cyclical rather than linear terms. Pagans tend to be fiercely individual, but tolerant of the belief systems of others. The Divine has made Itself manifest through many Deities in different places and at different times. No one Deity can express the totality of the Divine. This is called polytheism. Pagans believe in balance between the Masculine and Feminine energies of the universe. Many pagans believe in Karma, and the Law of Return. It is no more true that all Pagans are Wiccans than it is true that all Christians are Methodists. Most Pagans accept or embrace the possibility of magic, though not all Pagans believe in or are comfortable with the concept. Many, though not all, Pagans are fond of altars and shrines. Altars and shrines are found in every religious and spiritual tradition in the world, and serve as a focus for personal or group devotions. Most Pagans also believe in reincarnation -- our life on Earth is one of many and the purpose of life is to learn and evolve. Reincarnation was an idea taught by the Druids as well as the more well-known Eastern religions.
No you can't. If they are using one one you all they have to do is focus deeply on you and the spell will find you wherever you go
Another Answer:
You do not need to run away from black magic. As stated elsewhere, that does not work. But you CAN free yourself from any affects of black magic by realizing that it only has the power you allow it to have. Do a cleansing ritual as a means of convincing your spirit that you are no longer under the influence of evil. Bless yourself with grace and freedom using a powerful ritual or benediction according to your own religious tradition. Your freedom is within yourself.
Where does one buy Wicca clothes?
Wicca does not have a set code for clothing. Street clothes, hoodies, t-shirts, jeans, etc... are just as acceptable. If looking for clothing with a witchy feel to them, then there are several online stores, and many metaphysical shops that sell clothing that would/could be used and seen as "wiccan clothing".
Is there a word for a convocation of witches besides coven?
Convocation works, so does: gathering, circle, grove, hearth and meeting.
What are the eight annual festivals of wicca called?
The 8 Holidays/Festivals, also known as the Wheel of the Year; celebrated by Wiccans are:
Northern Hemisphere
Imbolc(g)/Candlamas) Feb 2.
Eostre (Spring Equinox) March 21-22
Beltane May 1st
Midsummer Solstice/Litha Jun 21-22
Lammas/Lughnasadh Aug 1
Autumn Equinox/Mabon Sept 21-22
Samhain Oct. 31
Yule/Winter Solstice Dec. 21-22
A pact, treaty or alliance, or agreement between two parties of equal or unequal authority; God's covenants with individuals and the nation Israel, finding final fulfillment in the New Covenant in Christ Jesus.
What mythical creature represents the element fire?
Phoenix is a bird born with the ashes of it's own fire.
Also Dragon
Answer #2:
The Salamander is the Elemental of Fire, and was supposed to be a lizard-like animal who lived in flames. The name has been given to living lizard-like species (that are not related to either lizards or Elementals).
What magical properties does a 1999 nickel have?
A 1999 nickle is luckiest for someone born in that year, doubly so if they found it on the street head side up. If it was given to them it brings the blessings of them one who gave it. In all cases it should be kept in a small "medicine" bag or on your altar.
Polished coins are often used in prosperity spells.
Is Graphology considered Pagan?
Yes. Any religeon outside of Islam, Christianity, and Judaism is defined as pagan.
If you are referring to some form of magical or supernatural spells then, as they are impossible and pure fantasy, it is perfectly safe to attempt them.
A Pagan Perspective
Spells are real, many people practice their use and will attest to their validity.
The best things to remember about spell work are:
- Be specific.
- Be very careful what you ask for.
- Remember the Threefold Law (That which you send out will return to you threefold.)
- Live in accordance, if you do a spell and then do not follow through (try to meet new people if you are doing a "friendship spell," putting in job applications if you are doing a "prosperity spell," etc.) you are not likely to get what you want.
- If what you want can be attained by getting off your backside and working for it, do not expect "magic" to solve your problems.
- Know exactly who wrote the spell, what it is supposed to achieve, when it is supposed to be cast, and what it takes to cast it. Do not just pick up a book and do a spell "for the fun of it", these can be very powerful things and you could be biting off more than you can handle. - See the Threefold Law above.
What is a group of wizards called?
According to Terry Pratchet, it's called a war, but I think you mean a group of real, male witches, correct? 'Witch' isn't actually a female-only word. Depending on the context, it's either a coven, study group, or a bunch of friends hanging out somewhere.
A College of Wizards. A Convocation of Wizards. I have heard both used.
Clarification of the word Wizard.
- In some pagan spiritual paths a wizard is a follower of the Merlyn path, and the word is not gender specific.
- In others it any male follower of the pagan path.
- I have also heard it used to describe persons of either gender who are studying and practicing the science of magic outside of a spiritual path.
What plant did the druids first hang in hopes of peace and good fortune?
What plant did the Druids first hang in hopes of peace and good fortune?
Answer:
That would actually be the Pagan/Wiccan celebration of Yule... The birth of God. This is why Christians chose to celebrate the birth of their god at this time of year. Historically, Jesus was NOT born in December. However, as the world around them celebrated the birth of God during the Pagan festival of Yule, it would be easier to gain acceptance by adopting this holiday as their own.
Answer:
The best answer is probably none. The "pagan" influence on Christmas is overstated and often wrong. Yule is a pagan or non-Christian celebration so that part answers itself. Traditions like Christmas trees for example were not based on any pagan religion.
Many traditions require or suggest the use of a Sacred Circle, which is like a holy place that is either permanently or usually temporarily sacred.
The making of a circle varies between people, traditions, covens, and even events.
One way of making a circle is to walk around the desired space clockwise with a wand at the level of the ground, visualizing a blue light flowing out behind it. Repeat at waist height and above the head. Burn some sage and consecrate the circle with salt.
