What is Paganism?

The words paganism and pagan come from the Latin "paganus,"
meaning "country dweller". Neo-pagans hold a reverence for the Earth and all its creatures, believe that all life is interconnected, and strive to attune themselves to its manifestation by celebrating the cycles of Nature.
Christianity, Judaism or Islam are sometimes called “the Peoples of the Book” (that being the Bible, the Torah, the Koran). Paganism stands outside these three forms of patriarchal and monotheistic belief systems.
A Pagan is a person who feels a strong connection to Nature, who holds the Earth and all its creatures as sacred, one who seeks personal connection with the Divine through the celebration of the Cycles which rule and guide the all-embracing Everything.
Paganism is a broad, umbrella term, which could in theory include Buddhism, Hinduism and African Traditional beliefs under its banner. These belief systems, while technically Pagan, through the recognition and the worship of the forces of Nature, Elements and adherence to pantheistic divinity, do not choose to be included in the definition of the word Pagan.
Traditional and Neo-Pagan religions are generally Nature-based religions and its custom and ways pre-date those of Christianity. Through the works of the Holy Roman Inquisition and the subsequently “going-underground” of most traditions, little was recorded about the original Pagan Paths.
Modern Pagans, or Neo-Pagans, attempt to reconstruct the Old World Religions with the information available from Inquisition records, the writings of the Apologists, books and art of the era, as well as the teachings of the Greek, Roman and Egyptian philosophers.
Paganism encompasses the reverence of Mother Nature, the worship of the Divine in its myriad of forms, but particularly as an embodiment of natural forces. For this reason Pagans observe the seasonal cycles and undertake the personal quest for spiritual growth. Most Pagan Paths are pantheistic or polytheistic, celebratory faiths.

What makes a religion Pagan?

The guidelines which enable one to determine if a religion is Pagan are not set in stone. The common thread running through this complex tapestry is:
• Divinity displays polarity; it may be female, male and possibly both. In some Traditions it transcends gender. Frequently, the Paths have myriads of gods and goddesses in their pantheon.
• Pagans have strong links to Mother Nature. These can range from active environmentalism to full Nature worship.
• Initiates act as their own priests or priestesses within their rituals.
• Pagans believe in “magick” – the ability to affect change both internally and externally by harnessing will power through rituals, incantations and spell-working.
• Pagans believe in reincarnation.

It is important to note that the abovementioned guidelines are merely guidelines and that they are not pre-requisites for a belief structure to be considered Pagan. Some traditions have all of the abovementioned characteristics; others may have none (e.g. not all Pagans do magick).

Is there a difference between Wicca and Paganism?

Paganism is an all-comprising term which functions as umbrella to many Nature-based Paths, very much like Christianity is the “housing term” for Catholicism, Protestantism, the Charismatic Movement, Methodism, etc.

Examples of Pagan Paths?

The most widespread, formalized and structured of Pagan Paths is Wicca (Gardnerian, Alexandrian, Seax, Celtic, etc.). Other common Pagan Traditions include Shamanism, Druidry, Asatru, Strega, Native Corelian, Witchcraft, etc. There are many more Traditions beyond those mentioned here as examples.

Do Pagans worship Satan?

The vast majority of Pagans do not believe in an entity called Satan, which automatically excludes the possibility that they worship this Christo-Judaic entity.

Is the Wiccan horned God the Devil?

Certainly not! Firstly it is important to understand that Pagans do not believe in an ultimate source of evil. Cosmos and Chaos are equal in nature. The Horned God has horns to represent his connection with Nature. Neo-Paganism is largely based on pre-Christian Fertility belief structures, in which, the bull, the goat, the ram, the antlered Lord were worshiped as the bringers of fertility, as the consorts of the Mother Goddess, and their union was viewed as the Sacred Guarantee that life on Earth would continue, despite the harsh seasons, the ailments, and the inevitable death of everything. In these beliefs the God was responsible for the fertility of the woods, the fields, domestic and wild animals. In ancient Greece, the fertility God, Pan, was a Satyr: half goat, half man. He was horned, and played enticing melodies on his pipes in order to seduce females. 'Despite the fact the Gods of the old Religion became the Devils of the New Christian Faith, the Pagan God is not evil; he is viewed as the playful protector of those in need, the masculine counterpart of the all-comprising divinity which ensures the continuity of life.

Is it True That Wicca is the training ground for Satanism?

No. Satanism believes in the concept of ultimate Good and ultimate Evil. It involves the total renunciation of the Christian God, as well as all His work. It parodies the Christian Mass and the Communion rituals. Satanism is the juxtaposition of Christianity, and both operate within the same religious framework. Pagans do not believe in the Universal Battle between Good and Evil, but rather in a Universe which perpetuates and maintains the Balance of things.

What is Magick?

Magick is the projection of willpower, or thought energy, in accordance with irrefutable and unchangeable Universal Laws, as well as the power of mindfulness in order to attain a desired goal or change. There are many techniques and ethical issues surrounding the preparation and execution of magick spells.

Why is magic sometimes spelled with a final “ck”?

The word “magick” is spelled differently to emphasize the difference between it and Illusionism (the pulling of bunnies and doves out of top hats for the purpose of spectators’ entertainment).

What are "white" and "black” magick?"

Magick is neutral in its nature. It’s the intent of the practitioner that could be termed as negative or positive, black or white. Many Pagans believe that it is not ethical to work magick on another person, especially without their consent and with the intent of forcing them to do something they do not wish to do, or worse, with the intent of causing them harm. Conversely, "positive magic" follows strict ethical guidelines, is done only with consent, and has the good of all at heart.

What does the phrase “in Perfect Love and Perfect Trust” mean?

Love is the cohesive force which binds people one to the other and to the Gods.
The word perfect in Latin means accurate.
Trust implies that someone will behave as we expect or hope them to do. We do not trust our Brothers and Sisters in the Craft to behave perfectly, but we trust them to behave in accordance with their character and nature.
Perfect Love is not blind devotion, dedication and complete, unquestioning obedience. It is accurate and unconditional love, like that of a mother for her child.

Are Pagans infiltrating positions of power in order to overthrow the existing order?

Some Pagans are ambitious people but there is no organized Pagan conspiracy to get into positions of power in order to utilize it to further the aims of the Pagan community. Paganism is not politically organized and the principle of exploitation and opportunism are contrary to its ethics. Pagans are not into control; they are into freedom.

Why do Pagans Practice in secret if they have nothing to hide?

Even if South African Society is very conservative, a lot of Pagans and Witches hold public rituals in an attempt to sensitize the public to our Spiritual Cause. But those Pagans and Witches who chose to practice in secrecy do so to avoid being ostracized, being treated with prejudice and contempt. This could mean anything from losing your job, missing out on a well-deserved promotion, losing your “respectability” within society, becoming a scapegoat for the persecution by the bigotous “fathers of the city”, Child Welfare taking your children away because you’re not suited to being a parent, etc. Essentially speaking they have nothing to hide; the secrecy is dictated by the need for economic, social and self-preservation.

Is Paganism a Cult?

Paganism is a loose network of individuals who share the same belief in the interconnectedness of humans and Nature. Pagans believe that there is no “Right Path”. The individual must find and work on his own personal Path to self-realization.
The Pagan community is united by the common belief in respect for Nature, the tenet of “harm ye none”, freedom of thought, religious tolerance, and respect for the individual within the collective in a group.
For this reason Pagans do not proselytize. Each individual pursues his own path and becomes his own priest. Pagans do not believe that any one person has the right to tell any other person what to think or how to feel. As long as 'harm none' is adhered to, freedom of thought and expression is encouraged. For these reasons Paganism cannot be considered a Cult.

How do Pagans view Life?

Life is a school where souls embody and learn and remember valuable lessons. A person’s body is an invaluable gift that should be cherished, enjoyed and be cared for. Everything (animals, plants, things) is sacred and worthy of one’s respect and protection. The individual must take responsibility for his own thoughts, words and actions. Pagans do not believe that they have to do anything to earn and maintain the love of the God or Goddess, because Divine Love is an unconditional force which resides inside everyone and everything in equal measure. We do not believe in “sin” and do not therefore need “salvation”. We reap what we sow. Pagans believe that after death they sojourn to a place where they rest, go over the lessons learnt in the past lifetime, in the company of their ancestors and friends and that , you will travel to a beautiful place and be reunited with your ancestors and friends who have gone before; you may or may not return to Earth for another lifetime.

What is the Goddess?

The Goddess is the female aspect of divinity. As Maiden, She is the perfect innocent child who shows us the simple joys in life. As Mother, She is the perfect mate and provider who nourishes and guards us. As Crone, She is the perfect grandmother who teaches us wisdom and leads us into the next world. The Goddess loves all of us as Her children; all life comes from Her and eventually returns to Her.

What is the God?

The God is the male aspect of divinity. He is the son and the lover of the Goddess. He teaches us about manhood and fatherhood. As the Horned One, He reigns over the crops of the field for harvest and the wild animals for hunting.
What does the Union of the Lord and Lady represent?
Together the Goddess and the God bring us blessings and challenges according to our needs. Their eternal dance marks the changing seasons, as They each change form and show us Their different faces.

What are the ethics of Pagan Traditions?

Treat all sacred objects, places, and entities with respect. Honor the Earth who gave you life. Take only what you need, and offer fair return for whatever you take. Destruction in its proper time can prove beneficial, but do not destroy anything just for the sake of destruction. Every person contains a little spark of divinity, so speak to the divine spark in everyone you meet. Allow others to worship as they choose. Sexuality is a blessing, not a curse; yet the power to create new life brings with it the obligation to do so responsibly. Do not meddle with that which you do not understand.

What is the Rule of Three?

This is the Pagan Law of Retribution. The Rule of Three promises the threefold return of good or beneficial, destructive or harmful thoughts, words and actions in the lives of the occultist. This implies that our good fortune and or misfortune can be attributed to our conduct.

What is the Wiccan Rede?

The Wiccan Rede exhorts one to follow the guidance of one’s inner divinity and to harm none (including ourselves) in whatever we do, to lead virtuous and mindful lives.

Should children be raised as Pagans?

Pagan parents believe that it is advisable to allow children to learn about various religious paths so as to enable them to make an informed choice when they are old enough to do so. Besides being the just and fair thing to do, it also lays the foundations for the development of religious tolerance in the heart and mind of the child. It is not considered correct to force children to participate in religious practices they are not interested in being part of. Pagan parents want their children to maximize their spiritual experiences. Most children enjoy being part of the drumming, chanting, dancing and feasting which takes place in Pagan Circles.

What does the SAPC aim to do for Paganism?

The SAPC aims to discuss Paganism and Witchcraft in their various forms and traditions, to uphold Pagan morals and ethics, for the sharing of ideas and liturgy, for the networking with others of like mind, for answering questions and for the dissemination of information about Paganism, as well as the dispelling of general misconceptions. The SAPC is a council of Pagans who agree in principle to lead moral lives, based on principle, contributing beneficially to society and the ecology of Mother Earth.

How do you become a Pagan?

Most people start off by hearing and reading about it; in books, magazines and on the internet. Pagans believe that those who ought to be on the Path, will unmistakably find it. As a matter of fact, it is a bit like finding the correct terms of reference for things that you have always believed in, related to and done. A sort of homecoming. .

Is there recommended reading?

There is a plethora of information and very many good books that can be bought over the internet or at some of our leading book stores across the country. Raymond Buckland’s “A Complete Course on Witchcraft”, Margot Adler’s “Drawing Down the Moon”, Donna Darkwolf Vos’ “Under And African Moon” , Scott Cunningham’s “A Guide For the Solitary Practitioner, and Raven Grimassi’s “Encyclopedia of Witchcraft” are but some of those titles that one can recommend.

How do I find other Pagans/Witches in my Area?

You can get into contact with other Pagans in your area through sites on the net dedicated to the networking of Pagans.

How do I find a teacher and how do I evaluate him/her?

‘When the pupil is ready, the teacher will arrive” and the Universe has its way of allowing this maxim to come true. Listen to your intuition when you do meet those on the Path and wait until you are inspired to Love and Trust. Do not make overhasty decisions and don’t be in a hurry to find a teacher; any teacher. Compatibility is of vital importance. In the interim, read as much as you can, study, and commence figuring out what practices and beliefs you’re most at home with, without outside pressure. You will instinctively know that you have found your teacher, when it finally happens.