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Kathryn Grapevine

Page history last edited by kathryn.grapevine@... 12 years, 8 months ago

 

Paganism 

 

 

 

What is it?

 

 

Often times, when this symbol is seen, it drives people away and is mistaken for the sign of a Satan-Worshipper. Unfortunately, this is a huge misconception, and in actuality, as nothing to do with Satan at all. This sign, unbeknownst to many, is a symbol of the Pagan Religion, called the Pentacle.

 

Okay, so what is the Pagan Religion all about? Are they devil worshippers? Do they believe in God? Are they going to try to convert me to their religion? If it's not a sign of the devil, what is the Pentacle? What is a Triquetra?  These are only a few of the questions often asked about Paganism, and they're all valid questions that will be answered here. The world of Paganism is vast, and ever-changing, so it's impossible to tell you everything about them, but I will start with some basics to introduce you to the religion.

 

The word "Pagan" is derived from the Latin word "Paganus", or "Country Dweller" because it has grown out of some of the ancient authentic regions surrounding ancient Greece and Rome. But, what is it? The first thing you should know about Pagans, besides the fact that they're not devil/Satan-Worshippers, is that they revere nature. They seek to live as part of nature, instead of dominating it, and both male and female are divine. The Goddess represents all that is female, and the God, all that is male. Because nature is seen more as female (Mother Earth or Gaia), the Goddess usually has wider meaning, but not necessarily greater.

 

Pagans follow a path that is quite different from most of the other organized religions. Some describe Pagans as free followers, magical, or polytheistic. All of these are true. The general consensus is that Pagans are anyone not of the Christian, Judaism, Hindusim or Buddhist religions. Now, this could mean that half the people out there are Pagans, and this could be true. Paganism is one of the fastest growing religions out there; they believe that religion should change with it's followers (and who doesn't like that?). So, why don't you hear about it?

 

The second most important thing to know, is that Pagans ARE NOT going to try and convert you. One of the main ideas that Paganism is rooted in (besides its Nature-Centered Spirituality) is that every individual must choose, for themselves, their own path to follow. They will gladly share their beliefs with you, but will not urge you to 'join up' or switch religions. Each Pagan is independent and autonomous, and there is no 'spokesperson' for Pagans. Modern Paganism has interwoven and emphsizes the free will of the individual, and people are encouraged to forge their own path, their own way, instead of following a set code or rules. In fact, the focus of many Pagans is on the process to create community, instead of how to structure and contain it. Most Pagans live by some form of "If it harm none, do what you will."

 

So, what about all that things you hear about witchcraft and magic and all that other 'stuff' that's usually related to Pagans? Well, that's part of some Pagans' beliefs. Just like Christianity, there are different types of Paganism. Here are the most popular and well-known: 

  • Kabbalah: A Jewish mythical and magical system that has been developed since the Middle Ages. (This is the most influential magical system in the development of the Western magical tradition.)
  • Magic/Magick: Can be defined as getting results through the application of will. Magick falls into two general categories:
    • Practical/Folk: this pertains to everyday life and is performed with common implements (stones, candles).
    • High/Ceremonial: this often requires rigorous religious training because it utlizes ancient languages, and concerns the mystical development of the self to its greatest potential.
  • Witchcraft/Wicca or the "Craft": honoring of a Goddess/God, uses magic and healing, all within the context of  "If it harm none, do what you will. Pagan witchcraft has nothing to do with and is anti-ethical to Satanism.

***These include some form or combination of: Druidism, Celtic, Greco-Roman, Native American, and Norse traditions, which are the most popular in the America. *** 

 

So, now that you know a little bit about the common sects, what about all that talk about Pagans believing in different Gods/Goddesses? It's absolutely true. Most Pagans live under the belief that everything has a spirit, and therefore has a God to oversee it. Gods of Forests, Seas, Land; all aspects of nature. However, this doesn't mean that all Pagans worship every God/Goddess. There are literally thousands of them, and are ever-changing as humanity changes and grows! Most choose for themselves which God/Goddesses they wish to honor. However, many followers are eclectic, meaning they may honor a God/Goddess of one tradition beside a God/Goddess of another. What the heck does that mean? Basically, it means they may choose to honor Demeter, the Roman Patron of the Harvest, while at the same time honoring Odin, the Norse God of Masculine Energy & Wisdom. They don't hold one Pantheon (sub-groups of Gods/Goddesses) more important than another; the Norse Gods/Goddesses are no more important than Egyptians', Romans', Greeks', or even Christians'. Yes, Christian. It may surprise you that while they don't hold him as the all-Powerful, King of the All, Pagans do consider Christ a God. This reason is also why a Pagan can't be a Christian at the same time. This is also the reason that Pagans can't be Satan-worshippers; Satan is a Christian construct, and Pagans do not believe in him.

 

SYMBOLS

 Pentacle ~

What exacty does the Pentacle stand for? Well, the answer is much more simple and much less threatening than devil-worship. The Pentacle represents the four classical elements, as well as the fifth element of self or spirit. The elements may hold many different correspondences for each individual, but the four classical elements are:

  • Earth
  • Air
  • Fire
  • Water 
 
Inside the Pentacle, you'll see other representations
of what each element may mean.
 

And what about Magick? Well, it's used, but nothing like in Harry Potter. For Pagans, Magick is part of the natural world and they use it for a variety of things, including (but not limited to):

  • Healing
  • Personal Empowerment
  • Prosperity

Does that include Wiccans? Yes. Almost all Wiccans are Pagans, but not all Pagans are Wiccans. It's simply a sect of Paganism, like Catholicism is a sect of Christianity. And no, they don't use it to harm others, since many Wiccans believe that any spell they cast will come back to them three-fold.

 

Triquetra ~

What is a Triquetra? Throughout history, the Triquetra has held many meanings, and still does to this day, so it's impossible to say what it means to Pagans as a whole. However, one popular belief is that it can represent the 'interconnected parts of our existence': Mind, Body and Soul.

     

 

In the Wiccan tradition, the Triquetra is a symbol of protection, and can represent the family as well: Mother, Father, & Child[ren]. Some of you may be familiar with "Charmed", a popular TV-Drama centered around three Wiccan sisters, that highlighted this symbol throughout its run, and used this symbol as a sign of protection and closeness between the sisters. 

 

CHILDREN

  

So far, the information has been in reference to adults, but many of you may be asking about children and how being Pagan affects them. Luckily for many of us, who are wondering from a teaching standpoint how to approach or teach students who are Pagan, children don't usually get involved in rituals or teachings until the age of 16. This is not to say they wont join in, in simple exoteric rituals, but for the most part, they are just like any other kid you know. If you are still interested in how they might be different, here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • They are often more aware of some differences from the surrounding culture.
  • They usually still get visited by Santa Clause and are drawn into the baby Jesus story. However, they will know that the Christmas Tree/Yule Tree was originally derived from Paganism.
  • Easter is more of a Pagan holiday, and will know that the "hot-cross-buns" and the Easter-Egg Hunt are ancient Pagan traditions.
  • While Christmas and Easter will impact them once in a while, they are more likely to celebrate the natural cycles of the God/Goddess year-round.
  • Children may occasionally be asked not to mention their religion to friends or family outside of the immediate circle. This is not out of shame, but due more to the fact that it is complex to explain, and often children don't realize the significance of something other than what they have been brought up to believe in.

 

My Authentic Voice is a woman who is a practicing Pagan, along with her husband, and young children.

 

 

 

 

 

A Ritual-Circle

A Pagan Ritual-Circle

 

A Wiccan Alter - notice the inscribed text on the front:

"An it harm none, do what thou wilt."

 

Another Wiccan Alter - This one may look less formal than the picture above, but

it holds the same significance and honor. 

 

RItual for Good Harvest

Getting ready for a Ritual for Good Harvest

 

Sources:

http://wisdomofsymbols.com/library/triquetra/

 

http://www.allaboutspirituality.org/paganism.htm

 

http://www.paganpride.org/resources/pen-paganism.html

 

http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/wiccaandpaganismbasics/a/MythsMisconcept.htm

 

http://ladyoftheearth.com/goddesses/dictionary.txt

 

http://www.sullivan-county.com/nf0/nov_2000/pagan.htm

 

http://wisdomofsymbols.com/library/triquetra/ 

 

 

 

Return to Summer 2011

 

 

 

Comments (36)

Natalie Linden said

at 11:05 am on Jul 15, 2011

How do we as educators provide a safe and relevant learning environment for students who are pagans? Since there is such a negative stigma attached to Paganism, what if there are students who make negative comments about students who are pagans and their beliefs? What is a good way to address this in the classroom?

tomgilgenbach@gmail.com said

at 5:48 pm on Jul 17, 2011

I would treat negative comments about students who practice Paganism the same way I would with other religions. I would follow a no-tolerance policy, then have a special lesson on what Paganism is in order to eliminate the mystery and ignorance.

Jon Nelson said

at 3:06 pm on Jul 15, 2011

I have a question, is Wikken practice a form of Paganism? Very interesting video and it was very enlightening to see a Christian holy man with an open mind. All religions should be respected in my opinion. I have some friends who worship together on certain days and their practice seems to revolve around nature and the earth. Very interesting.

Jon Nelson said

at 11:57 am on Jul 24, 2011

You answered my question in your vast research. Nice job.

karie.hickman@... said

at 10:46 pm on Jul 15, 2011

This is something I have no knowledge of. It was a very interesting video. Nice job. If Paganism was brought up in class, how would you handle it? I also think that all religions should be respected.

Sheena Cook-Fuglsang said

at 1:24 pm on Jul 16, 2011

Paganism is something that I know little of. I wonder, though, what are some things that may set a practicing pagan student apart that I may recognize so that I could be more sensitive to them?

kathryn.grapevine@... said

at 11:49 am on Jul 19, 2011

Hey all...This page is not finished--just thought I'd let you know. I'm working on it tomorrow, so don't worry, there will be more information!

kathryn.grapevine@... said

at 7:58 pm on Jul 20, 2011

Page is finished.

emily.lashornewalz@... said

at 3:34 pm on Jul 22, 2011

Very interesting content! I kept thinking as I read both Sarah Prill's page and yours- at what age is it appropriate to provide students with information regarding different religions? I'm thinking about parent backlash as a major factor...

Matthew Arnold said

at 4:07 pm on Jul 22, 2011

That is the challenge with a lot of the issues we have covered in class. We might want to foster open-mindedness in our students but that is hard to do when their close-minded parents are battling us!

benjamin.hauser@... said

at 1:09 pm on Jul 24, 2011

Even though it is acceptable to teach about religion in school provided it is not advocating religion, it seems that parents who do not understand this distinction get upset when the topic of religion enters the classroom in any form. A teacher who is in the right about teaching a religious subject might have to be prepared to fight a battle with administration if parents complain.

kristina.noel@... said

at 6:30 pm on Jul 22, 2011

Wow that is really interesting stuff. I knew a little about pagen religion and like most, was taught that the symbol above was the sign of the devil. I was taught that it is a goat which represents the devil. Interesting..have you encountered any students with this religion? How many people practice this?

benjamin.hauser@... said

at 1:10 pm on Jul 24, 2011

I wonder how those associations came about.

tomgilgenbach@gmail.com said

at 9:30 am on Jul 23, 2011

You did a great job! I second the question by Emily, what is a good age to talk about religion? And how do you go about it without losing your job?

Melissa said

at 10:59 am on Jul 23, 2011

Great information Kathryn. Your page is very enlightening! It's so interesting how much Paganism is intertwined in our "religious" traditions, yet it is feared by many Christians.

Sarah W-Prill said

at 12:13 pm on Jul 23, 2011

Do you think that it is ever appropriate to let a students explain their religion to others in class, if it is done in a respectful manner? Is that putting too much on a student, or would it help foster understanding and tolerance? (Great research, Kathryn!)

Eugene Floersch III said

at 1:45 pm on Jul 23, 2011

How or would I be able to know if one was in my classroom?

Liza Wishard said

at 4:22 pm on Jul 23, 2011

Very informative! For your Authentic Voice, how have people reacted to your children being pagan? What have they experienced?

Jon Nelson said

at 12:01 pm on Jul 24, 2011

Hello AV (authentic voice). Thanks for sharing your story. When people find out about your religious practice how do they react? Are most people immediately judging you or calling you things such as 'devil worshiper'? One of my best friends wives is a practicing Wikken.

Michelle Hawkins said

at 9:35 pm on Jul 23, 2011

People don't really "react" to my children being pagan. I'm not quite sure yet if my way will be theirs, they are to young. They are being raised with both Christian and Pagan tags for corresponding religions. (ie:Christmas, Dec 25 and Winter Solstice, Dec 21) Most of the people in our lives are more interested in who we are rather than what we believe. We're lucky. As to their experience, it's limited yet it surrounds them everyday. Ritual is a bit over their heads as all four children range in the five and under category, but lessons like respecting life in all of it's varied forms are taught everyday. Something as simple as our herb garden allows me to teach important lessons.

To those who question how to teach to a pagan child, I ask you this: Would you want to be singled out or brought to the center of attention by your teacher if your beliefs were different then the majority of your class? My best advice watch your student to see if their religion is an issue with his/her peers, if it's not then there is no reason to worry about what to do. If there are issues, talk to your student. There is a good chance they would be more than willing to share what they know, but the ones you would want to talk with would be their parents. The parents will be the ones who have the elder knowledge of the clan, tribe, circle, etc... that they belong to.

kristina.noel@... said

at 7:26 am on Jul 24, 2011

I think a lot of times we will never know what each students religion is and probably wont ever due to it not being discussed so much in the classrooms.

heather Bullock said

at 9:42 pm on Jul 23, 2011

Michelle, do you tell the teachers of your children about your religion and if so, how do they respond?

carrie.jansen@live.bemidjistate.edu said

at 9:52 pm on Jul 23, 2011

Interesting topic Kathryn. You definitely surpassed the 400 word max, but I found this interesting. Is paganism like bringing religion to the classroom. Is this a topic that should be avoided?

kathryn.grapevine@... said

at 4:06 pm on Jul 25, 2011

I know I surpassed the word limit, but there's just SO much to learn about it. Believe me, this is a condensed version... :)

jason.walz@... said

at 10:58 am on Jul 24, 2011

Hi, Michelle. Thanks for joining in on the conversation. I have worked at two schools now where we are expected to have a pledge of allegiance to the flag (God) at least once a week. Students don't have to stand and do it if they don't want to, but in my opinion this would single them out as being different immediately. Do you have any thoughts on this?

Jeanne Sause said

at 10:57 pm on Jul 24, 2011

On this, I want to say that as a high schooler, I did not stand for the pledge. It has nothing to do with my religious or patriotic beliefs, and everything to do with not understanding why we had to stand and so early in the morning at that! The reason I mention this is because it never stood out to me to think that I was being singled out. I think I felt more defiant and "in control" than anything actually, as I knew they could not make me stand if I did not want to. So between crazy kids like me, and kids who have a real reason for what they do, I wonder if they would really feel singled out?

Jeanne Sause said

at 11:03 pm on Jul 24, 2011

Very interesting topic. I had never heard of Paganism being referred to as "devil worshiping" before. That was a definite eye-opener...strange thought to have I would think, but ok. Thanks for clarifying. I am wondering what the difference is between the "New Age" movement and Paganism? And I'd also like to say that this is an area where I feel I do a good job incorporating "religion" if you will, into the curriculum. On holidays such as Easter, or Valentine's Day, I love teaching my students about the pagan roots. I question where you get the idea though that Easter "is more of a pagan holiday" though. Is the holiday itself founded in Pagan beliefs? Or is it mores some of the rituals surrounding it? I feel like I read recently something about the date chosen to the Christmas celebration having something to do with Paganism too. Do you know anything about that? There were varying sources, both from the Christian viewpoint of the seasons (I think?) and similarly Paganism with the seasons. Also, is the celebration of the Equinox a pagan practice?

kathryn.grapevine@... said

at 4:21 pm on Jul 25, 2011

Good questions, Jeanne. Easter, also known as Ishtar (pronounced Easter) to Pagans, is a day that commemorated the resurrection of one of their gods, who was the only begotten son of a Moon-Goddess and Sun-God. Michelle may be able to answer this more in-depth, but I only said that Paganism is more of an Easter holiday because Paganism has been around longer that Christianity, and Christianity has drawn from the Pagan traditions. There has been much debate about the date of Christmas, and many agree that the Christians moved the birth of Jesus to December 24 (http://www.goodnewsaboutgod.com/studies/holidays2.htm), running parallel and later within the Pagan winter festival of Yuletide (Yule-time). This is also where the Yule Tree/Christmas Tree comes from. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yule). As far as the Equinox, I think it's more referred to as Summer and Winter solstices, but I might have to double-check with Michelle on that one. Hope I helped a little...

kathryn.grapevine@... said

at 4:31 pm on Jul 25, 2011

Sorry, forgot to add this before... The New Age movement, from what I can find, is similar, but not quite the same. The New Age movement draws from both spiritual/metaphysical, as well as self-help like psychology, consciounsness research and quantum physics, where Paganism holds Nature as divine, and looks to the Goddess/God for help/answers/life instead of the 'self-help' method. It seems to 'attempt to create a worldview that includes both science and spirituality' (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Age), as well as influence the world with their beliefs (http://www.victorious.org/newage.htm).

kathryn.grapevine@... said

at 4:34 pm on Jul 25, 2011

All right, dang it, sorry to give you another link, but here's one on the New Age movement that you might find interesting (I did): http://www.contenderministries.org/newage.php.

karie.hickman@... said

at 1:23 am on Jul 25, 2011

Michelle, will you have conversations with your children's teachers to explain your beliefs or how do you educate teachers if there is something you are uncomfortable with in class due to your beliefs.

kathryn.grapevine@... said

at 4:05 pm on Jul 25, 2011

Carrie, I think this topic, like any other topic on religion, shouldn't necessarily be avoided, but should be handled delicately. Many students will know that there are Christian, Muslim, Jewish, etc. faiths out there, but not necessarily Paganism. If this topic comes up, I would treat it like you would with a more well-known religion, and try to give the students facts about it. I wouldn't avoid it, but I wouldn't chase after it either, if that helps....

Natalie Linden said

at 8:43 pm on Jul 25, 2011

I feel like there could be a lot of kick-back from parents in certain communities due to lack of knowledge, as others have mentioned. So the question becomes whether as educators we are willing to take the flack if the topic needs to be discussed and addressed, or if we shut our mouths and pretend it doesn't matter. I learned a lot from your page, Kathryn. Once again it's proof how information and knowledge obviously go a long way in understanding and acceptance.

Michelle Hawkins said

at 10:34 pm on Jul 25, 2011

To address the questions about my children's education and how I address it with their teachers...Mostly the issue of religion only comes up around times of celebration (holidays). A lot of the time I have found that my children's teacher's are interested to learn about the differences in customs. Most of the people that I have come into contact with are more than understanding and are usually curious to learn about our traditions and customs. I am an educator myself both in life and in my trade.

As to holidays and their roots in paganism...I will say this: When the Roman Catholic church sent their missionaries and munks into the land of the savages and heathens (Britain and Ireland) the clergy were sent with the mission to use any tactic they could to convert the masses. One of the tactics the clergy used was to take days important to the Pagans and blend them with church traditions. That is why Holidays fall as they do. The Christian holiday usually falls a bit later on the calendar then it's Pagan counterpart. An example is Winter Solstice, Dec 21 and Christmas, Dec 25. Rituals and traditions transfer too. Easter is an excellent example. Ever wonder why eggs are hidden on Easter or why there is an Easter Bunny? Both are sign of fertility. During the spring equinox Pagans celebrate the waking of the mother Goddess from her winter slumber. With her waking comes spring, a time of rebirth and renewal.

Michelle Hawkins said

at 10:42 pm on Jul 25, 2011

@ Karie: I am an extremely open minded individual. I hide nothing from my children and I don't lie to them, so there really isn't anything I won't let my children experience in the realm of education. Also, my beliefs support and nurture true acceptance as an important part of our journey through life, so off limit subjects aren't really an issue there either.

tomgilgenbach@gmail.com said

at 10:51 pm on Jul 27, 2011

Katherine, you did a great job on a really difficult topic. I never thought about Pagans before but of course it makes sense we will run across one now and then. It's best to stay prepared. Your wiki covered a lot of ground, including videos, pictures, and a very informative authentic voice. I would have liked to see your voice on other people's pages.

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