Pagan explanations

All right, here goes...

The strict definition of the word Pagan is a person who is of a non-Abrahamic faith. In other words, someone who is not a Christian, Muslim, or Jew. Obviously this includes a lot of faiths and belief systems that most of us do not identify as Pagan.

The ones most regularly identified as Pagan by most people are various religions which tend to be very earth-centered. The seasons and cycles of life and the Earth are a primary focus and inspiration for these beliefs. Some of these include Wicca, Asatru, Druidry, and Native American Spiritualism. Also, many people simply identify themselves as Pagan without feeling the need to align themselves with a definied tradition.

There is, however another broader set of religions that may not self-identify as Pagan, but whose Gods or practices are very often adapted by people of those faiths more commonly called Pagan. Hindu deities are often incorporated into many Wiccan traditions, as well as deities from Celtic, Egyptian, Roman, and Greek pantheons.

Confused, yet?

Don't worry, I'll keep going. There are other religions that often are grouped under the Pagan umbrella that actually have ties to Christianity. Some examples of this are Santeria, Vodoun, and Satanism. But then again, Christianity itself has strong Pagan ties. Many holidays and their traditions that are thought of as good Christian traditions actually stem from Pagan origins. So sometimes the line between Christianity, Paganism, and other religions is pretty blurry.

Defining one tradition thoroughly actually often leads into discussion of another faith. And many people intentionally blend faiths, such as Christo-Wiccans. Bear in mind, too, that even within each one of these faiths, there can be an infinite number of variations. If someone tells you they are a Wiccan, they could be a Gardnerian Wiccan, a practitioner of Faery Wicca, etc.

You can spend a LOT of time learning about just ONE branch of the Pagan family tree. I would suggest that if you are truly interested that you just pick one and start learning. You will be led from one tradtion to another and another. One place you can get some really good information about many faiths is www.religioustolerance.org.

I have a page on my website devoted to helping people learn about other faiths. For each faith listed there is a link to another site devoted specifically to that faith.

If you would like to learn more about the melding of the Christian and Pagan traditions, visit my page here: The Pagans and the Christians

Browse around at my website www.American-Pagan.com to learn more about my branch of the Pagan tree and for some really good links to learn more about Paganism. Good luck, and if you have any other questions just ask!!!

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My name is Rev. Amy Long and I've been a minister with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since its inception. I've been a member of ULC for many years and my site has created a terrific ULC Forum. We also have the most extensive catalog of Universal Life Church materials.