Frequently Asked Questions

   Collated by Rhiannon NosTylluan

   

FAQ for January 2005 What is a Pagan/Neo-Pagan? If you don't believe in God, what do you believe in? Christians have the 10 commandments. What "Rules" or "Laws" do Pagans have?            What is a Pagan/Neo-Pagan? I would say that it is a rebuilding of an earth-centered faith based upon its historical attributes. Most Neo-Pagans follow paths based on ancient traditions. These paths have very close similarities and many factors that are common and perhaps 'universal' in some sense. Most if not all the ancient faiths were wiped out and the current paths have been created from ancient information. These religions recognize a balance in the masculine and feminine and are usually polytheistic in nature. Worship is done in small groups. Celebrations revolve around the seasons and earth cycles, hence being very earth centered and revering. There is no hierarchal structure like in the Christian church and there is a moral/ethical code that requires them to do no harm to ones self or another. ~ HMP Someone whose religious viewpoint is based in part upon a recreation of an ancient faith system, and/or "sacred earth" worship, and/or a belief in magic/energy work, and/or polytheistic ideas of deity. Modern Pagans come from everywhere. They hold a variety of beliefs and practices that while often similar, are at times quite disparate. Practitioners of Neo-Paganism (sacred-earth) and Reconstructionists/Revivalists (strict recreation of the ancient religion in modern times) both fall under this term. ~ Catherine M A person who espouses the belief that everything in nature is intertwined and connected. A person who takes responsibility for how his/her actions affect everything around him/herself. A person who has an innate respect for the duality that exists in everything - life/death, male/female. ~ Anon        If you don't believe in God, what do you believe in? Being Pagan doesn't mean we don't believe in "God", just not the same God as you! Some Pagans have no deity orientated beliefs - Techno-Pagans are a good example of this. Many of them believe in the energy that powers all, magic, etc, but not any God/s. Other Pagans have very definite and strong deity-based beliefs. They may be Pantheistic, Polypantheistic, Duotheistic, Animistic etc. ~ Catherine M I believe that all gods are one God and all goddesses are one Goddess. No one of us truly has THE right answer, the perfect truth. ~ Anon I believe in a higher power from which I can draw strength and energy to be myself and help get what I really need in life. Sometimes Pagans have a name for this force, which is the same as God, while others just keep it as vague as the universe. My concept of god is more balanced, as in male & female counterparts. Many in the Pagan community will also use this belief to help keep their lives more balanced and to keep a more personal relationship with their chosen god-figure. ~ Anon        Christians have the 10 commandments. What "Rules" or "Laws" do Pagans have? The answer to that will differ depending upon the faith of the Pagan. There is, however, a growing trend among many newer Pagans to follow the Wiccan Rede and Three-fold law, probably because Wicca is the public face of Paganism these days! It's easy to learn about Wiccan Paganism. With Pagans who follow a specific religious path, there are distinct laws applicable to their lives. The Six Principles of Druidry Honour - adherence to one's oath and following the right course Loyalty - remaining true to friends, family and leaders Hospitality - caring for guests within one's care as if they were the closest family Honesty - truth must be given in its fullness to self, the gods and the people Justice - awareness of the inherent worth of all people and the recompense due when an assault is made upon that worth Courage - remaining true to self and standing strong in the face of adversity, whether alone or with others The basic principles of living as determined by Brehon Law: Every action has a consequence that must be observed and you must be prepared to compensate for your actions if required All life is sacred You do still live in society and are bound by its rules Work with high standards Make an honest living Take care of yourself Serve your community Maintain a healthy balance of the spiritual and mundane Be sure in your convictions ~ Catherine M The 13 Principles of Wiccan Belief We practice rites to attune ourselves with the natural rhythm of life forces marked by the phases of the Moon and the seasonal phases of the Sun. We recognize that our chosen path gives us a unique responsibility toward our environment. We seek to live in harmony with Nature, in ecological balance offering fulfillment to life and consciousness within an evolutionary concept. We acknowledge a depth of power far greater than that apparent to the average person. Because it is far greater than ordinary it is sometimes called "supernatural", but we see it as lying within that which is naturally potential to all. We conceive of the Creative Power in the universe as manifesting through polarity - as masculine and feminine - and that this same Creative Power lies in all people, and functions through the interaction of the masculine and feminine. We value neither (gender) above the other, knowing each to be supportive to the other. We value sex as pleasure, as the symbol and embodiment of life, and as one of the sources of energies used in magickal practice. We recognize both psychological worlds, often known as the Spiritual World, and the Unconscious, Inner Plane. We see the interaction of these two dimensions as the basis for paranormal phenomena and magickal exercises. We neglect neither dimension for the other, seeing both as necessary for our fulfillment. We do not recognize any authoritarian hierarchy, but do honor those who teach, respect those who share their greater knowledge and wisdom, and acknowledge those who have courageously given of themselves in leadership. We see religion, magick and wisdom in living as being united in the way one views the world and lives within it. A world view and philosophy of life which we identify as Witchcraft the Wiccan Way. Calling oneself "Witch" does not make a Witch, nor does heredity itself, nor the collecting of titles, degrees and initiations. A Witch seeks to control the forces within her/himself that make life possible in order to live wisely and will without harm to others and in harmony with Nature. We believe in the affirmation and fulfillment of life in a continuation of evolution and development of consciousness giving meaning to the Universe we know and our personal role within it. We acknowledge other's religions, and respect their choice. We do not preach, nor do we market or advertise our religion in an attempt to gain members. We do provide information to those seeking knowledge on an individual basis by personal choice. As Witches, we are not threatened by debates on the history of the Craft, the origins of various terms, the legitimacy of various aspects of different traditions. We are concerned with our present and our future. We do not accept the concept of absolute evil, nor do we worship any entity known as "Satan" or "the Devil", as defined by Christian tradition. We do not seek power through the suffering of others, nor accept that personal benefit can be derived only by denial to another. We believe that we should seek within Nature that which would contribute to our health and well-being. And to use those resources to create needed change to benefit our environment. Written by the American Witches' Council c. 1975. These were intended as statements that all council could agree on, and are not "laws" or "commandments". However, they are principles held close to the heart. ~ HMP

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