“I’d appreciate if you’d tell me about your beliefs”

What do Pagans believe? What is Paganism? What do I believe? I try not to get into my personal theology (too much) on the blog, since I see this site as a sort of ecumenical Pagan site where all manner, types, and dispositions of my co-religionists can find interesting things to read, comment on, and spread around. In that same vein I also try to not veer into straight politics no-chaser too often. It is obvious if you read this blog for a while that I hold a “progressive” political world-view, but that doesn’t stop me from getting along with some of my libertarian and old-school conservative co-religionists.

In any case, once in a while I do get asked about modern Paganism, and my beliefs, so I will try to talk a little bit about Paganism in general and what my personal take is. First a broad overview. I like Michael York’s description from his book “Pagan Theology”.

“If there is a single concept or practice that encapsulates the essential orientation and identity of paganism, it is celebration. If the basic notion of Eastern spirituality is release and that of Christianity is preparation or salvation, pagan celebration is a festive rejoicing that also embraces service because service is likewise an affirmation of humanity, the world, and divinity. Paganism views humankind, nature, and whatever the supernatural may or may not be as essentially divine. It is this perception of the divine ubiquity or perpetual possibility that links the various individual expressions of pagan religiosities.”

A more counter-cultural take comes from V. Vale in the introduction to the book “Modern Pagans”. You could call this the “progressive” frame of the above paragraph. Both emphasize the centrality of celebration and divinity of all creation.

“Paganism is the perfect religion for anarchists. It also suits feminists, environmentalists, futurists, artists, surrealists – all who dream of social change, live for creativity not the profit motive, and hate dogma and authoritarianism. In Paganism, humor is sacred; diversity welcomed; hierarchy depreciated; activism encouraged, the body honored, and Mother Earth and every living entity revered…Paganism is the anti-hierarchical philosophy and religion of the future, offering wonder, joy, and celebration of all that makes us both human and divine.”

Personally, I started out as a self-initiated Wiccan. I would often “circle” with my friends from school, though I wouldn’t classify our semi-regular group rituals as a coven in any formal sense. Later on I got involved in Celtic Reconstructionism and around that same time I was a regular guest of a formal traditional coven (a Blue Star trained/initiated coven who had started their own tradition). I ended up staying with neither. Though I have a great respect for both. I now walk my own path in following my gods.

Beliefs-wise I am a polytheist and a panentheist. I hold to a triune understanding of the universe. I believe that the ancestors should be honored. I believe that my divine patron is Cernunnos, the god with antlers. I follow other gods and goddesses as well, but that is more personal matter.

Finally, in an earlier post, someone questioned me about being Vegan. I feel my choice in this matter is a spiritual one arrived at through a personal gnosis with my patron. I don’t think that eating meat is “wrong” or “evil” (though I do think factory-farming and laying waste to virgin forest so that someone can eat a cheap hamburger is). It is my way of personally addressing a great imbalance. I am in good health and happy with my choice. I realize it isn’t for everyone, but I never asked it to be for everyone. I am not “militant” on the issue. Though I do think all meat-eaters should know where their meat comes from and should buy from local small farms, or barring that, buy brands of meat that are free from some of the asinine standards of the majority of meat production (excessive hormone treatment, chemicals, inhumane treatment, and the feeding of meat to ruminants). Also I eat honey, and have no problem with that.

So there you go. A bit of personal data. I hope it was at least somewhat entertaining to read. We now return you to your regular blog content.

Tags: Neopaganism