Characterizing Pagan Religions

Let’s first start by defining Paganism. Paganism: the simplest way to describe Paganism is that Paganism is a religion of place or a native religion, for example the Native American's religion is Pagan, and also Hinduism is one religion within the Paganism religions. ("What is paganism?" ) All Pagan religions are characterized by a connection and reverence for nature, and usually have many Gods and/or Goddesses.

Paganism is a religion of nature, in other words Pagans feel deep respect for Nature. Pagans see the divine as existence in life and the universe; in every living thing, every animal, plant, earth and man and woman, in the dark side of life as much as in the light. Pagans live their lives in tune with the cycles of nature; the seasons, life and death.

Unlike many religions, most followers of a Pagan religion are not born into or raised following a Pagan path. There are many different reasons why a person chooses to follow a Pagan religion, just as there are many different traditions and practices within any given Pagan religion. Among all of these different traditions and practices there are the shared beliefs such as a Father God and a Mother Goddess and that all things within the universe are interconnected, respecting all life, and the honoring of male and female energies. Pagan religions also share an ethic of self-responsibility, such as in my personal religion, the Wiccan Rede, in doing as you choose, so long as it brings no harm to anyone or anything; "These Eight words the Rede fulfill: An Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will" ("The wiccan rede")

At some point in every Pagans life, we are questioned about the beliefs and practices of these religions due to a wide spread belief that Pagan religion is that of a Cult, or Sa...

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...tianity, to what makes sense in comparison with the teachings of Pagan religions; I searched for my own answers, and found them in Wicca.

I believe the word “convert” is unfitting to describe those who define themselves as Pagans, yet were born into other religions. Most Pagans describe their embracing of a Pagan religion as a feeling of coming home. Even in my personal experience, I was born into this belief, yet strayed for a few years into Christianity, but felt as though I was out of place. I became increasingly aware of a calling within myself, a calling to define my beliefs and feelings. Coming back to the Pagan religion was simply a revelation that others shared these beliefs and feelings. Therefore, I truly believe that Pagans do not by definition “convert” to Paganism but through self-revelation and hearing their calling, they make their journey home.