1. What is a "pagan"?
Historically, Christians have called most people who believed in more than one god, or in any God other than the Christian/Jewish/Muslim Yahweh by the term "pagan." That includes most pre-Christian European religions, like those of Greece and Rome. Sometimes modern Christians use the term casually to mean those who have no religion, the "unconverted," but that's not what modern pagans mean by the term. They sometimes call themselves "Neopagans" to distinguish themselves from the pagans of the ancient world. Neo- is a Latin prefix meaning "new," so these are the "New Pagans."

2. What is "paganism"?
There are many pagan spiritual paths. They have a lot of differences, but most modern pagans share the following characteristics: Their spirituality is earth-based-they recognize that nature is sacred, and is part of the divine. This is probably the most important characteristic that pagans share.　

They think of Deity as both male and female, not just as "He." Some believe that there are many Gods and Goddesses. Others think that there is one God and one Goddess who wear many different faces. (A common saying among Wiccans and some other pagans is "all gods are one God, all goddesses are one Goddess.")　

Their religion is based largely on ancient religions that predate Christianity, especially the spirituality of the ancient Celts, Romans, Greeks, Norse, and Egyptians. Some pagans also draw on Native American traditions and other earth-based faiths of indigenous peoples around the world, such as the Aborigines of Australia and the Shaman of Siberia.

Many pagans use magic (more about that below). Many use meditative techniques to seek inner wisdom, much like Hindus or Buddhists. Many are well-versed in herbal knowledge, and animal lore. Many are committed to environmentalism, and generally to "the old ways," the knowledge and wisdom that the modern technological world is quickly forgetting. (But they do tend to embrace computers! :) )

3. Are pagans Gypsies? Native Americans? Voodoo practitioners? Or what?
Some pagans describe their faith as being much like Native American traditional beliefs, since many Americans are familiar with that idea. The traditional beliefs of many cultures, including Afro-Caribbean and the Rom, contain nature-based spirituality. Paganism is not exactly any of these religions/cultures, but you may see elements that seem similar. For example, many pagans use Tarot cards, like Gypsies do.

4. Do you sacrifice animals?
Nope. In the ancient world, animals were sometimes sacrificed to the gods, but modern pagans generally do not feel this is appropriate. Pagans actually tend to like animals and be very concerned about them. Some pagans revere them as spiritual kin. If pagans do make an "offering" during a ritual, it is probably a piece of fruit, a stick of incense, or some other inanimate object that has value to the individual. Or it may be a song, a dance, or other creative work that the worshipper has produced. When you hear of an "animal sacrifice" in the news, is it pagans? No. The followers of some Afro-Caribbean religions, like Santeria, might sacrifice an animal for religious purposes. (Generally the animal is one that will be used for food anyway, like a chicken. ) And sometimes a sick individual will torture and kill an animal in a way that seems "ritualistic." This is not paganism. It has nothing to do with paganism. It is not a part of pagan paths.

5. Do you worship Satan?
No again. Satan is a Christian idea. Pagans don't worship Satan any more than they worship Mohammed (the Prophet of Islam.) Those are totally different religions! There are a few people who think of themselves as worshipping Satan-"Satanists." It's a pretty small group, and they are not part of the Pagan world.

Many people get confused, though, because some Pagans use the term "Witch" to describe themselves, and they think of that as someone who worships Satan---an accusation left over from the days of the Witch Trials. Modern Pagan Witches have the same name, but they are simply followers of an earth-based religion. They use the term in a positive way, to indicate a wise healer who is in tune with the forces of the earth and who works magic. Satan has nothing to do with it.

6. If you don't worship Satan, why do you wear that weird sign (the star)?
Many Pagans wear a star in a circle. It is not a Satanic sign, but one that represents the four classical elements of fire, air, water, and earth. The top of the star points up, representing Spirit, which crowns all the other elements. Pagans who use this sign thus symbolize the perfect harmony of Nature with Spirit. When the star points down, it is sometimes considered a Satanic sign, but Pagans are always careful to wear "Spirit" at the top. There are also pagans who do not use this sign, but wear different signs relating to their particular paths-Celtic knots, ankhs, and even crosses.　

7. What deities do pagans worship?
Probably no two pagans will answer this question alike. You will hear pagans call on the names of many different deities, but they may mean quite different things in using the same name: Many believe in a God and Goddess-two equal, complementary Divine forces that are called by many names. For these people, Isis and Athena are simply different "faces" of the same Great goddess. Some believe in One Divine Being who manifests through many faces, some of them human. This person might think that Isis is one face of the Divine, and think that Jesus, Buddha, and Ghandi are also avatars of the Divine. Some believe that there are many Gods and many Goddesses. Each one is individual, each "in charge" of a certain part of the world-fire, or storms, or scholarship, for example. This person would believe that Isis and Athena are two totally separate divinities, each with a different job to do. Some believe that the Divine is not a "person" but an impersonal force-Nature, Creativity, Brahma, etc. For this person, the gods might be a symbol, a representation of this Divine, rather than literal beings. Some believe a combination of these things. There are many combinations of beliefs that fall under "paganism." Some people worship the gods of one culture only (Egypt, for example), others those of many cultures.

8. How do pagans feel about Christians? Can I be Christian and Pagan? Can I be a Christian Witch?
Paganism as a whole has no problem with other religions, including Christianity. A large number of pagans think Jesus was a very wise Teacher. Some even consider him Divine-an avatar of God/dess. Still, other pagans have had very negative experiences with Christianity and may seem defensive or hostile towards Christians. They just want to be "left alone." You will have to ask each individual how s/he feels about this. There are Witches who are Christian, and there are "ChristoPagans." There are those who see themselves as reconstructing the old religion of the Hebrews, where Yahweh was considered to have a Wife or Feminine Side (depending on your interpretation). There are those who consider that all Gods are simply different names for the Christian God. These ideas are controversial sometimes in the pagan community, but they do exist. There are also simply pagans who like certain things about Christian ceremony or celebration-such as Christmas carols or Easter services-and may participate in them out of politeness, love of beauty, family obligations, etc. Many pagans do not feel it is "wrong" to respectfully take part in the practices of a different religion.

9. What's Wicca?
One of the best-known Pagan paths today is called Wicca. Wicca is a nature-based religion that views Deity as God and Goddess, the Lord and Lady---a perfectly balanced polarity of male and female. The God is the Horned God of the Woods. The Goddess is Maiden, Mother, and Crone-all three faces of the Female Force. Because of this strong belief , polarity is important to wiccans: male/female, light/dark, positive/negative, all in perfect balance.

Wiccans tend to call themselves "Witches." They revere Nature, and tend to use magic as a very important part of their paths. Wiccans do not seek to harm others-one of their most important beliefs is that all they do comes back to them threefold ("the law of threefold return.") For the most part, when a Witch seeks to make changes in the world, he/she seeks to change him/herself first and foremost. Witches do not follow a Bible, although you may see references to a "Book of Shadows"-this is more like a personal notebook, where the Witch keeps spells, poetry, ceremonies, personal reflections, information, and other items relating to his/her Craft.

Witches are first and foremost priests and priestess of Nature and of the Lord and Lady. They are healers and protectors who follow a simple but powerful code of ethics: "An' it harm none, do what thou wilt."

10. What are some of the other major pagan paths?
Some pagans who follow a specific cultural path feel it is very important to try to reconstruct ancient religions as closely as possible. These are "Reconstructionists," and they usually name their path something that relates to the historical name for the path, such as the Latin term "Religio Roma" for those reconstructing the ancient religion of Rome. There are Egyptian, Hellenic (Greek),Celtic, Roman, Scandinavian, and many other kinds of Reconstructionists.

Other pagans feel more comfortable working with a variety of Deities and cultures. Many other pagans do not call themselves "Wiccan, " but still follow a lot of the beliefs and ethics from that branch of paganism-you can think of it as the biggest "family" of pagan beliefs. You may hear some people describe themselves as "Eclectic." They may borrow practices from other religions that they find helpful---Buddhist-style meditation, for example. Many pagans practice shamanistic techniques. Some pagans prefer the term "Heathen," a word from Germanic languages rather than Latin. These are often followers of Asatru, a path from ancient Scandinavian and German cultures.

There are also pagans who refer to themselves as "Druids." Druidry is inspired by the religion of the ancient Celts, although modern-day Druids range from Reconstructionists to Eclectic. It tends to be a path that reveres the sacred power of Inspiration alongside the sacred forces of the natural world.

You will find many paths in Werfriends. Most of us are happy to talk about our beliefs and practices...ask! 　

11. Are all pagans witches? What defines a witch?
Not all pagans use the term "Witch." Not all people who use the word agree on what it means! Witches are healers and binders who use magic. More than other pagans, Witches tend to view magic as an important, central part of their paths-taking the power of the Divine within themselves, actually becoming God/Goddess. Magic probably defines a Witch more than any other factor: Witches tend to share certain beliefs about what magic is, what it can do, and the ethics of how it should be practiced: "an it harm none, do what thou wilt."

Most Witches are Wiccan, and follow the religious principles described above under that religion. But there are Christian Witches as well: people who view themselves as worshipping the Christian Trinity, but expressed in the language of Witchcraft (i.e., the Christian God as both Male and Female). There are those who consider themselves Witches, but do not identify with the worship ceremonies that Wiccans use, or who consider themselves "kitchen Witches" or "hedge witches"- eclectics who may not follow all the formal ceremonies and initiations of Wicca. Some simply say they are following the "Old Ways." These may include spells, beliefs, and other fragments from grandparents or other relatives.

12. So what is "magic" anyway? And why do I sometimes see it with a "k"?
Many pagans believe in "magic": a use of spiritual power to make real change in the world, that functions on a level we do not understand. Some things that used to be considered "magic" we now call science. Some Witches call magic "science that we don't understand yet!" Magic may be considered the use of an intangible force to make tangible change. Those who use magic regard it as a sort of prayer, involving an invocation of Divine Power (or Divine Force, or God/dess) and the use of ceremony and physical objects to help focus that power. All of these props help focus the unconscious mind, and help it to "tap into" the Divine Power. Sometimes you will see the spelling "magick" used in order to distinguish this kind of spiritual exercise from stage magic.

Those who practice magic consider it highly unethical to harm others with magic, although they might "bind" a harmful person from doing any more hurt. They tend to believe that magic begins with transformation within. A wise Witch does all s/he can to achieve goals by non-magical means first. Magic is considered very psychically "tiring"-it has spiritual and physical consequences. Witches don't use magic to clean their houses, and you won't see Hollywood-style flashy magic tricks. Rather, learning to use magic is like training one's physical body with weights and exercise. It takes time, practice, and you must always be aware of your limitations. 　

13. What about tarot cards, astrology, divination, crystals, trances, and all that jazz?
Not all pagans use magic per se as a part of their paths. Some are even quite skeptical about it. But many pagans are open to a variety of so-called "alternative" spiritual practices. Many pagans believe that they can understand the world by tapping into the powers of their unconscious. One way of doing this is to use the signs and symbols of the Tarot cards, or interpreting dreams, or using the I Ching. Others learn to meditate in order to seek inner wisdom. Pagans are great seekers, often exploring many spiritual paths and practices until they find the one(s) that truly speak to their own individual souls. 　

14. Do pagans have a code of ethics? What is it like?

Many pagans follow the Wiccan Rede:
Bide the Wiccan law ye must, in perfect love and perfect trust; Eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfill; "An ye harm none, do as ye will"; Lest in self-defense it be, ever mind the rule of three; Follow this with mind and heart; And merry ye meet and merry ye part. "

Others have personal codes of honor based on specific cultural traditions. Most of these include some version of the ancient code of reciprocity: "do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

They also tend to emphasize personal responsibility for your own actions, as well as the interconnectedness of all things. For example, one Celtic pagan group states: "We believe that all things are of the Divine. Thus, we strive, to the best of our ability, to treat ourselves, and all with which we interact, accordingly."

Pagans tend to take their ethics quite seriously. Since most pagans freely choose their religions, they want to live up to them.

15. What holidays do pagans have? How do pagans worship? Do all paths worship the same way? What are "sabbats," "esbats" and all that?
Since every pagan path is different, you will receive many answers. But MANY pagans follow a "Wheel of the Year"-a system of eight festivals, sometimes called "sabbats.

"Four of these involve the sun's path:
Midsummer(or Litha), June 21
Midwinter (or Yule) December 22,
Spring Equinox (or Eostre/Ostara) March 21,
and Fall Equinox (or Mabon). September 21

Four are festivals from Celtic lands, and follow the agricultural year:
Bealtainne/Beltaine/Beltane(pronounced Bel-tane or Be-al-tinnah)(May 1),

Lugnasadh/Lammas (pronounced Loo-nah-sah)-Aug 1, Samhain (pronounced Sahr-wen, or Sah-vin, or Sow-ween) October 31-Hallowe'en Imbolc/Oimelc (pronounced Ihm-elk or Im-Bulk or Im-boll) (Feburary 1).

Put together, these make 8 Festivals or Sabbats:
Feb 1, Mar 21, May 1, June 21, Aug 1, Sept. 21, Oct 31, Dec 22.

Pagan explanations of these festivals vary. Many pagans believe that the Wheel of the Year tells a story of the conception of the God, the birth of the God to a Goddess, the growth and Mating of the God, Death, and then rebirth. These are celebrated along with groundbreaking, planting, growth, and harvest. Other pagans use different symbolism, relating the Wheel to a hunting calendar, or to a herding calendar. Still others follow calendars based more precisely on one culture's ancient calendar, such as that of Ancient Rome, or Egypt. Some also regard the changing of the moon as sacred and mark "esbat" feasts.

Pagan worship varies by path, but generally you will find pagan ceremonies to be lively and fun, involving poetry, magic, perhaps music and dance, as well as eating and drinking. A Pagan Beltane (May Day) ceremony, for example, might involve choosing a May Queen and King to represent the God and Goddess, leading the men and the women in a dance around the Maypole. There are also many pagans who practice quiet individual ceremonies at home. Some pray daily to their deities. Others do not believe this is necessary. 　

16. How can I find out if paganism is for me? What are some good beginner books?
What happens for many pagans is that they find a path that feels like "coming home"-this is what you have believed all along. You're not crazy, and there are probably others out there with the same beliefs! Isn't that a nice feeling?

Most pagans believe that many paths are valid. They are in no hurry to convert you; you must find what work for you. If you are seeking a religion that honors nature, for example, or if you have always felt drawn to the myths of Rome, or Egypt, or Scandinavia, then you may find that walking a pagan path is for you. You don't have to feel as if you need a label for your beliefs right away. Many pagans develop a close relationship with a particular Deity, or (if they think of it this way), with a particular face of The Deity. You may feel a certain Deity interests you, or is "calling" you. You might wish to begin simply by reading some information about that Deity. On the other hand, you might have a path in mind, or perhaps a particular culture interests you. Most pagans encourage Seekers to follow their natural interest first.

There are many books to choose from at the library and bookstore-some good, some not so good. Many pagans agree that Scott Cunningham's Wicca for Solitary Practitioners is an excellent beginner book. Even if you do not make this your path, Cunningham provides a nice introduction to the pagan world. Another good book to start with is The Pagan Path, by Janet & Stewart Farrar & Gavin Bone. It dispels many false impressions that you may have of paganism.

Websites are also a valuable resource. Witchvox http://www.witchvox.com has many essays and sources of information for Witches and Pagans. You will find lots of introductory material here and links to many different groups and paths. Or you might start with

Ecauldron's Pagan Primer: www.ecauldron.com/newpagan.php

If you are not quite sure what religion you are seeking, The Ontario Center for Religious Tolerance (www.religioustolerance.org) has essays on every religion in North America today, from Asatru to Christianity to Islam to Shintoism to Wicca to Zoroastrianism. That should give you something to start with!

Thank you Dr. R. McClelland-Nugent for this valuable information.

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