All Things Pagan Thread

[Medusa]

We are all aware of the cycle of nature and most religious festivals are based on 'Pagan' celebrations.
Therefore we can all regard ourselves as being both Pagan and whatever church we belong to.
Perhaps, Medusa, you are really referring to Wiccans? Also why Medusa? Why not Astarte or Cernunos (male) or Isis?

I'm referring to Paganism which is a broad umbrella covering a lot of different beliefs and practices. Well, cept that technically Greek mythology can be considered Pagan, but is does not carry that significance for me.

My screen name has nothing to do with Paganism and carries other meaning for me.

 

[Magna-Carta]

A Pagan Connection with the Landscape: Sacred Sites, Symbols, and the Ancient British Terrain.

Below is an old British gold coin, featuring what seems to be a depiction of a horse. A very similar representation can be found carved into the British landscape: the Uffington White Horse. This ancient figure, created by digging trenches in the hillside and filling them with chalk. It can only be fully appreciated from the air. Compare the hollow shape of the White Horse to the hollow shape on the coin.

The Uffington White Horse likely held great significance in the ancient world, representing a deep connection to both the land and powerful animals. It comes from a time when people shaped the landscape for different reasons than we do now. A time when people thought they saw patterns in nature, and in the natural shape of the landscape.

Very close by the White Horse are the Coombes, a natural feature of the landscape, which might have looked surreal to the ancient Britons, and therefore may have held some significance to them. In places they seem to have horizontal lines carved in them.

Nearby is Dragon Hill, a hill that has been deliberately flattened by the people of the time, possibly for ceremonial reasons. It may have been seen as a sacred place in alignment with the natural Coombes.

To top it off, a couple of hundred yards away, there’s a Hill Fort (castle) close by too, dug and shaped into the landscape. There are about 1,200 Hill Forts in England alone, and dotted across the country are burial mounds, and burial structures called Long Barrows. Perhaps a further testament to the ancient relationship with the land.

It's a bit difficult to dismiss all of this, that would be like dismissing our cultural history along with its past people. Why would anyone want to do that?

The Gold Coin:



3 minute video of the Uffington White Horse and surrounding area:

 

[Medusa]

I thought I'd share little fun facts about Paganism here and there. So, here's one:

Wicca and Paganism are often confused as being the same, but actually, Paganism is an umbrella term encompassing many practices and belief systems of which Wicca is one.

 

[Vida May]

Decided against responding to something off topic.

 

[Vida May]

I disagree.

I thought all Christians believe in Satan, demons, and angels and that we are born in sin and must be saved because Satan got Eve to eat the forbidden fruit.

 

[Vida May]

Then we have to circle back and ask where did apes come from? Evolutionism or Creationism?

I started a thread to discuss evolution verses Creationist.
Discussion: Evolution reversus Creationism

 

[Elsie]

That’s funny, please explain.

If that’s the way feel, so be it. I don’t think that way because I am not a believer. If I were a believer it will be impossible for me to exactly as you do.

I'm not the author, but it is so true/fitting.

 

[Mr. Ed]

I thought all Christians believe in Satan, demons, and angels and that we are born in sin and must be saved because Satan got Eve to eat the forbidden fruit.

Yeah pretty much, sad isn’t it?

 

[Elsie]

The Bible refers to Lucifer as a fallen angel (we call him Satan) who rebelled against God and was cast out of heaven. Demons are fallen angels that chose to rebell & follow Lucifer. Personally, I don't believe we're born in sin......

 

[Medusa]

Discussion: Evolution reversus Creationism

Hey you guys, Vida May has created a new thread: Discussion: Evolution reversus Creationism

 

[Magna-Carta]

You know, I like to make eggs for Ostara (March 19 - 23 - time of the Spring Equinox - the 20th this year), to represent the fertility and new life of spring, and it's just occurring to me that I'll have to dial that back with the price of eggs being so high. Maybe just boiling and coloring a dozen eggs instead of doing a couple dozen and for peeling and eating pickling and egg salad.

This is fascinating, so naturally, I had to look into it. I've never heard of Ostara before, but now I think I've got a reasonably good grasp on it.

It seems that the name Ostara comes from the Germanic tradition, but in Anglo-Saxon Britain, the equivalent name for this goddess was Eostre (or Ēastre). In Britain, Eostre was used to refer to both the goddess associated with dawn, spring, fertility, and the "renewal of life," as well as the month of April itself. So Ostara, Eostre, and Ēastre are essentially the same goddess.

Of course, when Christianity came along, Ēastre was transformed into Easter -- now there's a case of cultural borrowing?

Here's an example of something I came across while reading:
"Ostara, or Eostre or Eastre, is the Germanic goddess of spring and dawn. She is only mentioned once in scholarly writings of the period—Bede the monk states that during Eostremonath (the old Anglo-Saxon name for April), the pagan Anglo-Saxons held festivals in her honor. (Two hundred years later in Germany, a monk named Einhard refers to the old name for April as Ostaramonath.) She’s also mentioned in several inscriptions in Germany. The modern holiday of Easter—originally the name for the spring equinox but later subsumed into the Paschal calendar for the Christian resurrection holiday—is named for her. The name 'Eostre' (Old Germanic Ostara) is related to Eos, the Greek goddess of dawn, and both can be traced back to a Proto-Indo-European goddess of dawn."

 

[Medusa]

This is fascinating, so naturally, I had to look into it. I've never heard of Ostara before, but now I think I've got a reasonably good grasp on it.

It seems that the name Ostara comes from the Germanic tradition, but in Anglo-Saxon Britain, the equivalent name for this goddess was Eostre (or Ēastre). In Britain, Eostre was used to refer to both the goddess associated with dawn, spring, fertility, and the "renewal of life," as well as the month of April itself. So Ostara, Eostre, and Ēastre are essentially the same goddess.

Of course, when Christianity came along, Ēastre was transformed into Easter -- now there's a case of cultural borrowing?

Here's an example of something I came across while reading:
"Ostara, or Eostre or Eastre, is the Germanic goddess of spring and dawn. She is only mentioned once in scholarly writings of the period—Bede the monk states that during Eostremonath (the old Anglo-Saxon name for April), the pagan Anglo-Saxons held festivals in her honor. (Two hundred years later in Germany, a monk named Einhard refers to the old name for April as Ostaramonath.) She’s also mentioned in several inscriptions in Germany. The modern holiday of Easter—originally the name for the spring equinox but later subsumed into the Paschal calendar for the Christian resurrection holiday—is named for her. The name 'Eostre' (Old Germanic Ostara) is related to Eos, the Greek goddess of dawn, and both can be traced back to a Proto-Indo-European goddess of dawn."

I have to admit that I usually focus simply on the Spring Equinox and mentioned Ostara for the purposes of this thread so this was and interesting read.

 

[ohioboy]

Yeah pretty much, sad isn’t it?

No. It's pretty much sad you have to be a smart mouth about it. I'm outta this thread.

 

[Medusa]

Did you know?

"The word "pagan" originates from the Late Latin term paganus, which itself derives from the Latin pāgus meaning "rural district" or "village". Over time, "paganus" came to refer to civilians, particularly those who practiced religions other than Christianity."

"...particularly those who practiced religions other than Christianity." Which is what @Pepper mentioned at the beginning of this thread.

 

[Vida May]

Did you know?

"The word "pagan" originates from the Late Latin term paganus, which itself derives from the Latin pāgus meaning "rural district" or "village". Over time, "paganus" came to refer to civilians, particularly those who practiced religions other than Christianity."

"...particularly those who practiced religions other than Christianity." Which is what @Pepper mentioned at the beginning of this thread.

I love the history of words and knew of the Latin origin but looked for more information just for fun and I found this interesting connection: "late Middle English: from Latin paganus ‘villager, rustic’, from pagus ‘country district’. Latin paganus also meant ‘civilian’, becoming, in Christian Latin, ‘heathen’ (i.e. one not enrolled in the army of Christ)." Oxford Languages

That is so interesting! Early Christianity is an army of Christ not a religion of peace and love? I wish that explanation came with a date. What was going on at that time in history? The explanation mentions Judaism, or Islam and we know there was much fighting between Islam and Christians. But there is also the fall of Rome because of barbarian invasions. And there was a division of Christians who fought against each other over the issue of if Jesus was God or the Son of God. Something had to be happening that associated Christianity with a war god.

@Magna Carta post is full of more exciting information. How in the world did northerners come to have such a say in the name of the days of the week and Spring? Did this follow the fall of Rome?
This is a deeper history than I have come across before.

@Medusa this is a wonderful thread and I am sorry if I sometimes slide off topic.

 

[Medusa]

I love the history of words and knew of the Latin origin but looked for more information just for fun and I found this interesting connection: "late Middle English: from Latin paganus ‘villager, rustic’, from pagus ‘country district’. Latin paganus also meant ‘civilian’, becoming, in Christian Latin, ‘heathen’ (i.e. one not enrolled in the army of Christ)." Oxford Languages

That is so interesting! Early Christianity is an army of Christ not a religion of peace and love? I wish that explanation came with a date. What was going on at that time in history? The explanation mentions Judaism, or Islam and we know there was much fighting between Islam and Christians. But there is also the fall of Rome because of barbarian invasions. And there was a division of Christians who fought against each other over the issue of if Jesus was God or the Son of God. Something had to be happening that associated Christianity with a war god.

@Magna Carta post is full of more exciting information. How in the world did northerners come to have such a say in the name of the days of the week and Spring? Did this follow the fall of Rome?
This is a deeper history than I have come across before.

@Medusa this is a wonderful thread and I am sorry if I sometimes slide off topic.

@Vida May no apologies necessary. Thank you for this interesting, informative post. I love how the etymology of words can lead to fascinating history.

 

[Magna-Carta]

I love the history of words and knew of the Latin origin but looked for more information just for fun and I found this interesting connection: "late Middle English: from Latin paganus ‘villager, rustic’, from pagus ‘country district’. Latin paganus also meant ‘civilian’, becoming, in Christian Latin, ‘heathen’ (i.e. one not enrolled in the army of Christ)." Oxford Languages

That is so interesting! Early Christianity is an army of Christ not a religion of peace and love? I wish that explanation came with a date. What was going on at that time in history? The explanation mentions Judaism, or Islam and we know there was much fighting between Islam and Christians. But there is also the fall of Rome because of barbarian invasions. And there was a division of Christians who fought against each other over the issue of if Jesus was God or the Son of God. Something had to be happening that associated Christianity with a war god.

@Magna Carta post is full of more exciting information. How in the world did northerners come to have such a say in the name of the days of the week and Spring? Did this follow the fall of Rome?
This is a deeper history than I have come across before.

@Medusa this is a wonderful thread and I am sorry if I sometimes slide off topic.

A wonderful post @Vida May , Some of the points you make here are similar to my post #113.

I’ve mentioned a couple of times in other threads how etymology plays an important role in understanding history and how it can sometimes lead us to unexpected insights about historical connections. The origins of words reveal so much about the culture and context in which they were used.

It’s interesting how many people dismiss etymology as irrelevant, but how can we truly understand history if we don't first understand the history of the words of the people that shaped it?

 

[Medusa]

We are in a full moon phase, which means:

“In Pagan practices, the Full Moon is a time of high energy, fruition, and celebration. This is when intentions and plans set at the New Moon come to fruition. It’s also a perfect time for rituals, divination, and—of course—moon parties.”

It’s a good time to make “moon water,” which can be done by setting a jar of water out under the moon and letting it, “charge.”

I confess this type of ritual is not my thing, but it’s fun to know.

There was also a lunar eclipse overnight which means a blood moon.

“To many Pagans, a "blood moon" (a full moon during a total lunar eclipse) is a time of intensified energy, spiritual growth, and a thinning of the veil between the earthly and spiritual realms, making it a powerful time for rituals, divination, and shadow work.”

 

[Vida May]

A wonderful post @Vida May , Some of the points you make here are similar to my post #113.

I’ve mentioned a couple of times in other threads how etymology plays an important role in understanding history and how it can sometimes lead us to unexpected insights about historical connections. The origins of words reveal so much about the culture and context in which they were used.

It’s interesting how many people dismiss etymology as irrelevant, but how can we truly understand history if we don't first understand the history of the words of the people that shaped it?

I am so glad some people are interested in the origin and transition of words as concepts move across the world and change with time because I find this so interesting. Here is another interesting word- witch.

Is the word "witch" in the Bible?


AI Overview

Yes, the word "witch" appears in the King James Version of the Bible in Exodus 22:18 and Deuteronomy 18:10. However, the ideas of witches and witchcraft were not present in Bible times.

We all know of the witch hunts but interestingly, the word is not part of the Bible until King James a period of witch hunts and believing a person could be possessed by Satan or demons. Oxford Dictionary

AI says

The word "witch" originates from the Old English words "wicca" (male) and "wicce" (female), which ultimately derive from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning "choose" or "separate," potentially related to early Germanic practices of divination. Google Search

Here is the German problem, they were agricultural people, not city folks, and they had rituals they must perform for a good harvest. As Christianity moved in, they were perceived as pagans and witches. Jews were included as witches because they used herbs for healing and obviously were not Christians. This is important because Jesus said it is not necessary to wash our hands before eating, a ritual and tradition that is important to Jews before there were Christians. We are talking human conflicts resulting from different belief systems.

 

[Vida May]

We are in a full moon phase, which means:

“In Pagan practices, the Full Moon is a time of high energy, fruition, and celebration. This is when intentions and plans set at the New Moon come to fruition. It’s also a perfect time for rituals, divination, and—of course—moon parties.”

It’s a good time to make “moon water,” which can be done by setting a jar of water out under the moon and letting it, “charge.”

I confess this type of ritual is not my thing, but it’s fun to know.

There was also a lunar eclipse overnight which means a blood moon.

“To many Pagans, a "blood moon" (a full moon during a total lunar eclipse) is a time of intensified energy, spiritual growth, and a thinning of the veil between the earthly and spiritual realms, making it a powerful time for rituals, divination, and shadow work.”

The ancient Jewish Kabbalah explains the importance of ritual:

Kabbalah, a form of Jewish mysticism, emphasizes the importance of rituals and practices to deepen spiritual understanding and connection with the divine, often involving the study of sacred texts, meditation, and communal celebrations.
Google Search

I think rituals are important because they create another dimension by turning a thought into an action, feelings, and an experience.

 

[Medusa]

The ancient Jewish Kabbalah explains the importance of ritual:



I think rituals are important because they create another dimension by turning a thought into an action, feelings, and an experience.

Thus making the thought a more real, tangible, solid thing. So true.

 

[Vida May]

Thus making the thought a more real, tangible, solid thing. So true.

Very nicely worded. I wasn't confident my wording conveyed the point I was trying to make and your wording is what I wish I thought of.

And this can be healing because so much of what we experience is of our own making. Things like a sense of community are what we make them to be, and seasonal rituals or celebrations create a reality through participation. Such as when I participate in the fair, I feel like I am part of the community and I matter.

By loving trees and Mother Nature, I feel a belonging and part of nature's reality. Being in harmony with nature is being in harmony with myself.

 

[Elsie]

And loving mother nature, being part of its reality means taking care of it, just as it provides our needs

 

[RedAlert76]

I believe in a higher power, but refuse to be a member of any religion, or any organization - period!

 

[Elsie]

I believe in a higher power, but refuse to be a member of any religion, or any organization - period!

I believe in God of the Bible and His Word, but I can't bring myself to join any particular denomination. Too much differences in scripture interpretations.