by Reverend Ashira Goddard

Created on: March 12, 2008

Paganism is not something that can be explained in words. There are no texts books, dogma nor doctrine to show what a Pagan is. Defining what a Pagan beliefs in is almost akin to asking why is the sky blue. For every person whom answers the question will have a different answer and definition. There is even a difference within Paganism; Modern Paganism or Neo Paganism paths are relatively new spiritual journeys. Paganism is not Wicca nor is it Sharmanism or Druidism. There are many though that practice Paganism based on what is regarded as the 'old religion'. As with all historical insights, there are many venues of thought regarding where the "old religion" came from and who originated it. There is the school of thought that the pre-human species Neanderthals were actually the first to recognize the cycles of life and of nature. Then there are those who will argue that Neanderthals are not even related to the Homo Sapiens. Whatever scientific theory that you choose to subscribe to, the fact remains that approximately 250,000 years ago creatures were recognizing the importance of the cycles of life. This is the time whence the Earth based religions began. There is no doubt of that.

Most will agree that beliefs are simply those things that we as individuals believe to be true. So the beliefs of Pagans will vary as much as the people themselves vary. Personally I have never met a 'Pagan' who was not an Earth based spiritual person. Having a connection with the Mother Earth, nature and the energy that surrounds everything that there is.

Therefore, the answer to what is a Pagan can only be answered on a very personally basis from my own spiritual experience. For me, being a Pagan means that I have a reverence for all things living and non living. That there is a divine deity that spirals around all things. To name it is impossible for it is all encompassing. It is the Goddess and the Gods. It is Brigit and Epona. Every deity representing an aspect of life. Being Pagan for me means that in all I do I need be ever mindful of the energy I put out into the world as it will return to me. Therefore, if I harm, the circle will be complete and I will be harmed in someway. It means for me, that every action has a consequence. Every consequence has a reactive action. All a circle of life.

It means that I do not have to pigeon hole my beliefs, my path, or my energy. I can allow it all to flow and flow back out. Does this mean I do not believe in sacred circles or ritual action? Absolutely not, it simply means that I personally believe that all space is sacred with certain times the need to create a sacred circle while I work on my own personal energy. It means that I walk a path of my own making, doing what I know to be truth for myself. It means that my rituals are sometimes formal but many times are sporadic ritualistic, divinely inspired actions.

Unfortunately, I, even being a practicing Pagan of my own declaration for a period of over 15 years now, can not tell you in words what a Pagan is or is not. For me, any spiritual being is just that - a spiritual, divine being and all I really need know is that I - Ashira - am not that Divine being. Those that I have been privileged to study with have shared is that a spiritual journey is to know there is a great mystery surrounding life, when I stop to experience the magic of the moments, then and only then may I have brief glimpses of what the underlying totality of what the Divine Being is.

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