Paganism..

[sapphire]

I was reading in one of the other threads... I can't really remember which one nor who was even truely involved...mentioning that they would like to discuss paganism so I decided to start this topic. I am very intertested to hear all of your opinions on
the subject.. and would also love to hear from the native scots about how paganism is viewed in Scotland.

This should be interesting..

Sapphire

[This message has been edited by sapphire (edited 11 August 2000).]

[jinmich]

Hi Sapphire!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I saw that too. It seemed like the post said something like it(the topic) wouldnt be welcome here.

I too would like to hear about it and think it would be interesting as well.

Celto and I were discussing it. We attempted to discuss it a while back, and it was not received well.

I'm open to discussing it, but the minute the sarcasim starts, I'm out, and I believe Celto shares my sentiments as well.

I'll start with what my beliefs are. I don't follow a book or a group. I say I'm a "pagan or heathen" because if I have to put a label on myself, it best describes who I am to others. I do not follow mainstream religion, and haven't for over 20 years. But, I am open to everyone's right to believe however they choose, just don't try to convert me.
I am a mystic, I believe that my life is guided by the ancients and the universe. I have an animal spirit guide. I read tarot and have healing cards, which I owe the ancients their guidance in.
I am closer to my Indian heritage, but when you study what true paganism is, there isn't much difference.
For me, I feel a spiritual connectedness with the earth and nature. Sometimes, it's hard to put into words though. Maybe that's why it's hard to explain for some to understand.

[Goose]

Paganism if you take the term literally means "someone who has no religion". Not too sure if over the years the term has been corrupted and twisted over time.

Certainly at one point it meant anyone not Christian, Moslem or Jewish. From this I believe we got the modern day definition that most people believe and is "someone who does not practice one of those religions."

As a rule I don't practice a standard religion as mentioned above in order to find my spirituality, but I certainly do not see myself as being pagan in thought when it comes to the subject.

I believe the question here from Sapphire deals with the historical values of "paganism" in Scottish Society. This probably would be associated with the Picts and their culture for which there is not too well documented.


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Goose
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"All science has one aim, namely, to find a theory of nature." Ralph Waldo Emerson.

[Goose]

Sorry Posted the last one twice.

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Goose
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"All science has one aim, namely, to find a theory of nature." Ralph Waldo Emerson.



[This message has been edited by Goose (edited 12 August 2000).]

What can I say. The few books that I have on Paganism define it as an "earth religion" of what we term celtic society. Which includes, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Germany, England, etc. I believe that would cover what Sapphire was interested in.

[Javalina]

My Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary defines 'pagan' as "1) a follower of polytheistic relition (as in ancient Rome) 2) one who has little or no religion and who delights in sensual pleasures and material goods: an irreligious or hedonistic person."

paganism is defined as "pagan beliefs or practices, or 'being a pagan'.

If you go to the American Heritage Dictionary, it defines Pagan as 'one who is not Christian, Moslem, or Jew'

that, in my view, is simplifying it, however the Webster's definition is more fitting. (my opinion only) Heathens are usually thought of as not practicing a 'formal' religion, such as Christianity or Judaism, or Moslem...however, they do have a diety of some kind. Native Americans are and were called 'heathen' but they were deeply 'religious' in that they were guided by their spirits, and the spirits covered nearly every aspect of their lives, if not ALL aspects.

I am not in Scotland, I am in America, and I hope I've not overstepped my welcome in voicing my opinion. Pagans, or heathens, in the true sense, to me, believe in something guiding them, if not the same way as Christians, Moslems, or Jews. God is my spirit leader, but He uses other spirit forms to lead me thru the maze of my life many times, altho i do not consider myself a pagan nor heathen, I use what is available to guide me whenever i need to.

Thank you.