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Paganism is a spiritual path that honors: the Old Ways of the Triple Goddess and her consort the Triple God who have many names and visages that vary from culture to culture; the blessings of Gaia, the Earth Mother; the Moon Mysteries; and the transcendent wonder of the human body as a reflective vessel of immanent divinity. The roots of Paganism burrow deep into ancestral memories of Elder Ages when it was natural to venerate Nature; to celebrate the passage of the seasons; to honor the goddess and god in their many aspects and guises; and to proactively seek personal spiritual growth. Pagan and Wiccan based traditions pervade all aspects of daily living. Since Nature is a manifestation of divinity, there are elemental deities, as well as, the gods and goddesses. Divination, Magic, and Healing are integral to the successful navigation of the waters of spiritual transformation of the self. Paganism is global in its antiquity and historical significance because of its "expression rather than suppression of the feminine aspect of divinity" in conjunction with the male aspect, hand in hand in empowered partnership, journeying together through life; and, in its respect for the wisdom of women as healers and teachers. Pagan and Wiccan rituals correspond with the moon's phases and the seasonal changes in a concentrated effort to restore balance to the Circle Dance of Life by attuning humanity to the sacred rhythms of Nature.
Spiritual beliefs are often
reflected in the accomplishments and achievements of Pagan cultures and
Cultures. Noteworthy highlights from some of them include: Cultivation of modern day
arts and sciences; Democracy pioneered by the Greek, Athenians; Renaissance
ideals of cultural refinement culled from the writings of Cicero; Parliamentary
proceedings from the world's oldest Parliament in Iceland; European parks and
gardens inspired by the Greek and Roman Classical traditions; and most Modern
Holidays are based on Pagan ritual templates for seasonal festivals.
Derived from the Latin word for country dweller, "Paganus", Paganism is an ancient pre-Christian, polytheistic religion which also includes the neo-Pagan offshoots of modern Witchcraft and Wicca. Wiccan is derived from the Anglo-Saxon word, "Wicce" which is pronounced "Witche "which means practitioner of the Old Religion or the Craft. Pagans and Wiccans are most notable for their tolerance of other paths; their emphasis on the importance of also honoring the goddess, the feminine aspect of divinity; and their focus on the personal connection to immanent divinity through natural magic. Both Pagan and Wiccan incorporate non-dogmatic, dynamic religious practices based on comprehensive systems of discernable beliefs and accessible practices that facilitate the personal experience of the sacred mysteries of life. Over six million Americans follow some form of Pagan or Wiccan based belief practice today; and, droves of European descendants worldwide have donned the mantle of their ancestral heritage. Many of them are solitary practitioners; while, others are involved in small groups, covens, and circles. Most of them celebrate the eight seasonal Sabbats, usually outdoors, and many of them strive to follow an ethical behavior code that requires them to avoid harming themselves or others in their pursuit of spiritual transformation and divine union.
They are one of the eight seasonal festivals, equally spaced during the year,
that are generally celebrated by Pagans. There are four major Sabbats: Samhain (Oct 31-Nov
1), Imbolc (Feb 1-2), Beltane (Apr 30-May 1), and Lammas (Aug 1-2); and, four
minor Sabbats: Spring Equinox (Mar 20-21), Summer Solstice (Jun 20-22), Fall
Equinox (Sep 21-22), and Winter Solstice (Dec 21-23)...Continue on
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