The Pagan Community is one filled with diversity and individuality - characteristics we celebrate. Our religious beliefs are often quite disparate. Yet, although we walk different paths, we do so in harmony with one another. We connect - often deeply - on a spiritual level. And it is through our spirituality that we become more than just a community. We become a family.

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Religious Literacy
By Axiom

What is religious literacy? The ability to read a book on religion? Yes, simple as that sounds, that's exactly what it is. But that's just the start. To be a religiously literate person involves developing an educated awareness of religion - both of your own faith, and (almost more importantly) the faith of others...

Extract from Myth, Magic and Madness

New Year's Day
By Nokomis Dream

...In Austria, the symbol for good luck in the New Year is a suckling pig, served on a table decorated with tiny edible pigs. Afterward, dessert is green peppermint icecream in the shape of a four leaf clover. In Sicily, tradition says good luck will come to those who eat lasagna on New Year's Day, but woe if you dine on macaroni, for any other noodle will bring bad luck...

Extract from Holidays Around the World

What is a Pagan?
By Axiom

Definitions. They box us into categories. Control and, well, define us. Often in ways we don't like. Sometimes in ways we feel proud of. And, in the case of the word 'Pagan', often in ways that greatly confuse or disappoint us.

Why would I want to define myself as a Pagan if I feel definitions are controlling? For me it is about community. Yes a definition can limit or disparage. But it also acts to unite. It is up to me which purpose I choose to embrace and publicise...

Extract from Crossroads of the Pagans

Images of the Divine

In keeping with the spring theme - rebirth of the mother - there are various ancient images of the Great Goddess scattered throughout the magazine.

Calendar of Observances:

So many festivals, so many dates! Ever wondered when the Disting falls this year? Or maybe the Advent of Isis? Perhaps you are interested in knowing when to leap for Mars. Do the phases of the moon, or astrological dates or the solstices and equinoxes slip your mind? If these questions leave you puzzled and curious, why not check out our Calendar of Observances? Learn more and maybe you too will feel the desire to offer barley cakes to a snake. Or not.

This is a work in progress - so check back regularly, and feel free to offer suggestions!

Oimelc: An Fheill Bhride
Rhiannon NosTylluan

In the depths of winter when summer is a fading vision and the frozen land before you is barren and white, life begins to awaken...

Extract from Festivals and Holidays

Rituals and activities are wonderful ways to celebrate, whether independently or with your family or friends. A part of the aim of The Pagan Heart is to share amongst this community what we all do to celebrate. To share the similarities and the differences. This month we focus on Oimelc, celebrated around February 2nd. Although not everyone celebrates this Celtic tradition, many Pagan paths do incorporate spring festivals.

Artwork

Share your art with the community - guidelines can be found on the Submissions page

Whispers in the Dark
By Franconian-Die-Drud

Red velour cushions couldn't soften the hardness of the sterile wooden bench I was sitting on. Next to me was a woman sitting perfectly, not moving a muscle. Her Pill Box hat pinned perfectly to her hairsprayed hair with a bobbypin, and her lipstick a bright pink on tight pursed lips...

Extract from Editorials

Inspiration

From the Desk of
Albineus Equinus

Greetings and Merry Meet!

It's official. We are now The Pagan Heart and with the new name come some strong, positive changes.

The wheel turns, bringing a new year and new beginnings. Our new art director and new web designer have worked together on the design and layout of the magazine to create a more dynamic look and feel to the publication which we hope you will enjoy. And our editorial staff continue to bring you fresh and exciting monthly columns - this month we introduce, among others, Callum's Herbaria and Diversified Paths.

Holidays Around the World is a multicultural exploration designed to both enlighten and spark interest in how people everywhere choose to observe their festivals. In the Kitchen offers more tasty recipes for your celebrations and daily meals. A feeling of family and community is very important to us here at The Pagan Heart. This edition's Crossroads of the Pagans and the FAQ explore an integral part of this belief. They invite you, our readers, to participate and open up a dialogue with other Pagans about what being 'Pagan' means to our community.

These are just a few of the changes taking place at The Pagan Heart as we strive to bring you a strong community-orientated magazine. Communication, respect, celebration and education - these are all things that help a community remain vibrant and alive. Helping to encourage these elements within the Pagan world is our mission. A number of our readers have sent in letters - browse through them on the Editorial pages.

If you have any suggestions or comments on how we can better serve our community, please contact one of our staff members. Their details can be found on the Staff Biography Page.

Light and Love,
Albi
Managing Editor
   

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