Are You Sure You're Pagan?
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Pagan, with a Capital P
Some people don't even give Pagan, Wicca or Witch/ Witchcraft a capital letter any more. This bothers me. Pagan is a title. By correct standards for writing English (the language is another title) we should capitalize the first letter of a word that is a title. I know English language standards have slipped into non-importance for some people. But, I see this lack of capital letter in writing from people who do make an effort at writing well and keeping the standards for communication in English with all the right punctuation, grammar and spelling. Sure, we all make mistakes. But, not putting a capital letter on a title is not like a spelling mistake or a typo you only make once and don't happen to catch. It looks deliberate. Has Pagan lost it's place, it's importance?
Is your Faith Misplaced?
One thing I seldom see in Pagan writing are posts about world news and current events from a Pagan perspective. (Unless the events actually relate directly to religion/ Paganism).
I also don't see people talking about taking comfort in Paganism or Wicca or Witchcraft the way some other religions do. Is our religion a fair weather friend? Something we take out when we intend to, or want to, but other times it's just not there.
These are the things I've been thinking about lately.
When you have a personal tragedy, do you turn to your Pagan beliefs for comfort?
I've seen people talk on and on about what they believe, defend it, teach it and promote it. But, is it still so personal to you that you could turn to your beliefs when you really do need something to believe in - not for a cause but for your own heart? You might perform a ritual because it's the thing to do. But, is your heart really in it? Is this giving you real comfort? Or are you just doing what's expected of you as a Pagan/ Wiccan/ Witch?
When did you last think of something in the news from a Pagan perspective? I don't mean news about anything religious. When did you hear the news from the perspective of being Pagan and think to write about how this made you feel, as a Pagan?
Not all news is relevant to being a Pagan, yet, if you are a Pagan shouldn't you see the news from the perspective of your beliefs rather than adding them in later?
Do you wear Pagan jewelry, collect Pagan tools and magical items? Does each one have real meaning to you or are they just part of your collection? Do you wear black because that's what Witches do or because you actually like wearing black?
When you 'Go Green', do you stop and think about how you are helping the Earth or do you just recycle because that's the right/ popular thing to do?
If you work with spells are you really taking into account "Harm's none"? Or do you just like creating a spell because it makes you Pagan and special. Are you a Witch because spellcraft makes you feel special and important?
When someone talks about Pagans in a negative way do you need to spring up and rush to counter them? Why? It's not for us to convert anyone and you are more likely to change their mind from your actions, not your words.
Do your Pagan beliefs reach right down to your soul? Are you satisfied with what you believe will happen when you die? Not about being gone and death itself, few would be satisfied to leave life. But, do you get comfort from the beliefs you have about what happens to your soul after your body dies?
Is being Pagan a fair weather friend for you or is it in everything you do and feel and believe? There's no rule that says it has to be. Being Pagan is about making your own choices and decisions, finding your own values and ideals. Have you taken that to heart or are you following the popular path without really accepting it on that deep, personal level?
After reading this are you going to leave me a comment to prove how Pagan, Wiccan or Witch you are? Are you already listing your Pagan credentials, ready to type them all out? Stop and think about why you need to prove how Pagan you are.
Could you be Pagan and not tell anyone, ever? Could you be Pagan and not need to prove it to anyone?
Being Pagan, Wiccan or a Witch is a choice of religion, spirituality, beliefs and faith. Do you have faith in your choice? Have you looked at enough of the other options? There are endless choices inside of Paganism itself. Find the one that really speaks to you, the one that reaches your heart and soul, the one you want to live and grow with. Don't settle too easily for what looks shiny and new or popular.
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CommentsLoading...
I know it starts out as something new and interesting, or maybe a rebellion against traditions, or trying to be special in some way. Lots of things that draw people into being Pagan. But, it's funny to take a look at it and see if it really does suit you or if you just settled in and stayed there.
I am curious. What is your definition of a "Pagan" I would not be able to recognize one if I tripped over them.
You wouldn't recognize a Pagan that way, any more than you would know any other religious belief. :)
A Pagan is someone who does not follow the standard, organized religions. I don't know of a better definition. Some call it "the Old Ways" meaning a religion older than Christianity. I think that leaves out all the new branches and philosophies which are not based just on history.
How would you define a Christian in a way that would include all the variations? My Grandparents were Presbyterian, I talk to Jehovah's Witnesses and I know some Catholics. Each believes different things when it comes to Jesus especially. I forget if Judaism is part of Christianity too. I would guess it is, but someone else might strongly disagree.
There are dictionary definitions of course, but those aren't the same as a personal definition, which shows how you feel about the definition.
I liked your take on the Pagan community and not posing their perspective on current topics as much as they should be. I'd have to say I agree...and maybe I should write out my thoughts when I read about things in the news etc. and get me to thinking. I call myself a Pagan because I am definitely off the beaten path of the common religions, but I find it hard to define myself into any one category of Paganism...we'll just say I have a connection with nature and with a higher power that I believe resides in us all. Anyway, lovely to meet you. Blessings.
Good to meet you as well. I like to write down things as I think of them, ideas like this. It lets me come back to them later and writing them gives more focus and helps me sort out some of the stuff going on in my head.
Maddie Ruud Level 5 Commenter 3 months ago
Really interesting questions you pose here. We could all stand to use a little more self-examination where our beliefs are concerned, I think. I remember when I was a teenager, being Pagan was a total fad amongst girls my age. Of course, it wasn't real faith, just something fun and "taboo" to do.