All Things Pagan Thread

[Magna-Carta]

The Local Pagan Earth Deity, 'Lud':

When I was 16, I walked from Gradbach Mill Youth Hostel to Lud's Church with a group of other 16 year olds. The mill used to be a silk-spinning factory; now it’s a B&B, restaurant, and wedding venue. To me, as a 16 year old, the mill seemed to be in the middle of nowhere. Anyway, we walked at night to Lud's Church, armed only with flashlights.

This Pagan site ('Church') is said to have a sacred, otherworldly atmosphere, with its towering, moss covered walls of rock and the sense of seclusion within a gorge. I remember exploring it in the dark and wondering what ancient rituals and sacrifices might have taken place there, or who had walked these same paths before us. The quietness and stillness were almost overwhelming, and the feeling of being surrounded by something ancient, with its own human history, felt humbling.

Being in the middle of nowhere, there was no light pollution. Before we reached the site, I can remember seeing the Milky Way stretched out clearly across the sky.

Lud's Church -- probably not what you might think. But then again, I don’t know what you think:

 

[Magna-Carta]

Made up stories and bath robes. To me, that describes all religions/faiths. Therefore, it makes absolutely no difference what particular cosmic Muppet you choose.

The Flying Spaghetti Monster commanded me to post this.

The Flying Spaghetti Monster certainly has a way of making things interesting! And I think I might see where you're coming from -- others might be left scratching their heads.

For many people, beliefs, whether ancient or modern, offer them meaning and connection. And I don't think we should deny them that, regardless of what we think. It’s about human culture and how some find meaning in the world around us. I supose everyone’s cosmic Muppet is a bit different, but they all add to the diversity of thought and experience, which I think is why we are here in this thread. Perhaps even the FSM would appreciate a bit of respectful discussion!

 

[Medusa]

The Flying Spaghetti Monster certainly has a way of making things interesting! And I think I might see where you're coming from -- others might be left scratching their heads.

For many people, beliefs, whether ancient or modern, offer them meaning and connection. And I don't think we should deny them that, regardless of what we think. It’s about human culture and how some find meaning in the world around us. I supose everyone’s cosmic Muppet is a bit different, but they all add to the diversity of thought and experience, which I think is why we are here in this thread. Perhaps even the FSM would appreciate a bit of respectful discussion!

Very eloquently put.

 

[Medusa]

Made up stories and bath robes. To me, that describes all religions/faiths. Therefore, it makes absolutely no difference what particular cosmic Muppet you choose.

The Flying Spaghetti Monster commanded me to post this.

It is a common misconception that all Pagans worship some kind of deity or, for that matter, are even religious in the formal sense.

 

[Magna-Carta]

Very eloquently put.

Thank you, that’s kind of you to say.

As someone who isn’t the remotest bit religious, I don’t see the point in denying others their beliefs. There are times in everyone’s lives when we all need to find comfort in something. My comfort comes from immersing myself in history and the 300-million-year-old geological landscape of my beloved Peak District.

For someone like me, who doesn’t turn to religion -- my sense of logic doesn’t seem to allow me to -- these things I’ve mentioned, the millions of years of my surroundings, including trying to understand the minds of the ancients, gives me my own sense of permanence. Whether it's rooted in reality or not, it’s something that at times benefits my mental health.

 

[Llynn]

It is a common misconception that all Pagans worship some kind of deity or, for that matter, are even religious in the formal sense.

That's a highly mobile definition. Not terribly informative though. So be it. I'm sure your interesting thread will keep going for a bit. Well done.

 

[Medusa]

That's a highly mobile definition. Not terribly informative though. So be it, I wish you well. I'm sure your interesting thread will keep going for a bit. Well done.

I wish you well too, @Llynn and you are always welcome here.

 

[Medusa]

Thank you, that’s kind of you to say.

As someone who isn’t the remotest bit religious, I don’t see the point in denying others their beliefs. There are times in everyone’s lives when we all need to find comfort in something. My comfort comes from immersing myself in history and the 300-million-year-old geological landscape of my beloved Peak District.

For someone like me, who doesn’t turn to religion -- my sense of logic doesn’t seem to allow me to -- these things I’ve mentioned, the millions of years of my surroundings, including trying to understand the minds of the ancients, gives me my own sense of permanence. Whether it's rooted in reality or not, it’s something that at times benefits my mental health.

For people who are religious, as a person who used to be religious, I find there is beauty in finding someone/something larger than yourself, in "dying to yourself," and looking for something higher.

 

[Magna-Carta]

For people who are religious, as a person who used to be religious, I find there is beauty in finding someone/something larger than yourself, in "dying to yourself," and looking for something higher.

Something we can only do in our own way. In a way that means something to us as individuals. It's of no matter if an individual's 'way' means nothing or little to anyone else.

For me, though, my sense of purpose and of self comes from connecting with the history and landscape around me. It’s a different kind of 'largeness', which sometimes extends to the greater universe, a continuity. Something not affected by the thoughts and whims of others -- something completely independent of those things. For me it's about belonging and being physically part of something that will last a long time. I think we all find meaning in different ways. And thats how it should be.

 

[Magna-Carta]

More about waxing gibbous mentioned in the OP.

Waxing Gibbous Moon and its Spiritual Meaning:​

"...symbolised the concept of “final steps”. It is a time of the month in which people strive to complete their projects, just as the moon “strives” to become full. As such, it represents the hardest part of the month for many people."

It all seems a bit astrological to me -- a bit, pseudo-science. But I don't suppose that is the point of this thread. It's about being aware of things, changes and events around you, and about being mindful, perhaps? I suppose on a personal level it's about 'associating' yourself with something around you, something that you can link to that might trigger something in your conscious to do or to progress something.

Association can be a powerful thing for some. If some choose the moon to associate with, or the natural world in general, and it works for them, then so be it. Is there really anything harmfull in that.

 

[ohioboy]

Religions in general an established belief system that requires acts of worship and reverence seem stupid and a waste of time.

So you would have no afterlife punishment worry by committing cold blooded murder, right?

 

[Paco Dennis]

A Pagan Blot

Blót is a sacred ceremony in Norse Paganism where people gather to honor and connect with deities, spirits, and ancestors, often involving offerings like food, drink, or other meaningful items to symbolize respect and devotion.This ritual is central to strengthening the legitimacy of rulers and ensuring the fertility of the land, a good harvest, and peace. In modern times, Blóts are celebrated by adherents of contemporary Germanic paganism, including Heathens and Wiccans, who have developed traditions of Blót rituals in a contemporary context since the 1970s.

 

[smiley]

Perhaps just perhaps we poor evolved homo saps are still so confused about who we are where we are and why we are that we continue clutching at straws - wicker straws sometimes and just go with the story to seems to suit is more comfortable - ie gives us the most comfort to avoid the void the loneliness about who we are ; why we are and where we are?? - phew that was a bit exhausting!!

 

[Dave03]

Snide comments aside, this has been an interesting discussion.

I'm with @Medusa . If your belief system gives you comfort and a sense of peace, good for you.

 

[Babs2u]

It's hard to put into words things of a spiritual nature. That is why sometimes a walk in the woods is more meaningful than a seminar on belief systems.

 

[Gardenlover]

When you hear the spirts talking to your soul, you know you are home. The Maker makes no mistakes, His design is prefect and everything will be sorted out in the world to come. Embrace His forgiveness and cherish His love.

 

[smiley]

It's hard to put into words things of a spiritual nature. That is why sometimes a walk in the woods is more meaningful than a seminar on belief systems.

great film that was too!

 

[Paco Dennis]

great film that was too!

Are you referring to "Dead Poets Society ...Carpe Diem"...Robin Williams?

 

[smiley]

Are you referring to "Carpe Diem"...Robin Williams?

no robert redford - a walk in the woods?

 

[Babs2u]

no robert redford - a walk in the woods?

I have the Bill Bryson book.

 

[officerripley]

I do not see the purpose of worshipping
a designated being.

Nor do I; too often it seems to be a slippery slope leading to the worship of, and cults forming around, humans and that's never good.

 

[Paladin1950]

 

[bobcat]

Whether it classifies as pagan or not, may be subjective, but for me, it is Ecospirituality.
The best way I could describe it is the belief that nature is more than living things. It has a soul or an essence you can immerse yourself in and experience a euphoric uplifting beyond the physical benefits. The Archetypal Psychologists call this living Earth, the Anima Mundi, which means “soul of the world”.

It is a divine type of energy that, when the mind settles down to a meditative state, you can begin to merge with this life force and experience a spiritual connection. It radiates there, and you may not fully understand it, but it is the same energy that is within you and those energies can sync up and be in unison. It is more than just perceiving energy through the senses. It is a spiritual connection.

If you've watched the movie Avatar, and you understand the special connection the Navi had with nature, you will get it. There is a sense of presence and a deep awareness that it is sacred. This was understood by the native people who lived on this planet before we defiled it. It has always been here. We have just ignored it. The Native Americans understood that when the plants and trees breathe out, we breathe in their breath. We come from life, we consume life, and we return to life.

The immersive experience of becoming one with nature is like falling in love. There is a deep, intense fulfilling emotion that wells up inside of you, and you feel a rapture that nothing manmade can ever match. It is heaven on earth.

 

[PeppermintPatty]

Whether it classifies as pagan or not, may be subjective, but for me, it is Ecospirituality.
The best way I could describe it is the belief that nature is more than living things. It has a soul or an essence you can immerse yourself in and experience a euphoric uplifting beyond the physical benefits. The Archetypal Psychologists call this living Earth, the Anima Mundi, which means “soul of the world”.

It is a divine type of energy that, when the mind settles down to a meditative state, you can begin to merge with this life force and experience a spiritual connection. It radiates there, and you may not fully understand it, but it is the same energy that is within you and those energies can sync up and be in unison. It is more than just perceiving energy through the senses. It is a spiritual connection.

If you've watched the movie Avatar, and you understand the special connection the Navi had with nature, you will get it. There is a sense of presence and a deep awareness that it is sacred. This was understood by the native people who lived on this planet before we defiled it. It has always been here. We have just ignored it. The Native Americans understood that when the plants and trees breathe out, we breathe in their breath. We come from life, we consume life, and we return to life.

The immersive experience of becoming one with nature is like falling in love. There is a deep, intense fulfilling emotion that wells up inside of you, and you feel a rapture that nothing manmade can ever match. It is heaven on earth.

You captured the essence of spirit well.
Then again, you are very good with expressing yourself with words

 

[Medusa]

Whether it classifies as pagan or not, may be subjective, but for me, it is Ecospirituality.
The best way I could describe it is the belief that nature is more than living things. It has a soul or an essence you can immerse yourself in and experience a euphoric uplifting beyond the physical benefits. The Archetypal Psychologists call this living Earth, the Anima Mundi, which means “soul of the world”.

It is a divine type of energy that, when the mind settles down to a meditative state, you can begin to merge with this life force and experience a spiritual connection. It radiates there, and you may not fully understand it, but it is the same energy that is within you and those energies can sync up and be in unison. It is more than just perceiving energy through the senses. It is a spiritual connection.

If you've watched the movie Avatar, and you understand the special connection the Navi had with nature, you will get it. There is a sense of presence and a deep awareness that it is sacred. This was understood by the native people who lived on this planet before we defiled it. It has always been here. We have just ignored it. The Native Americans understood that when the plants and trees breathe out, we breathe in their breath. We come from life, we consume life, and we return to life.

The immersive experience of becoming one with nature is like falling in love. There is a deep, intense fulfilling emotion that wells up inside of you, and you feel a rapture that nothing manmade can ever match. It is heaven on earth.

So beautifully worded and complete, @bobcat.