PAGAN

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This article is about raising pagan children in a society that does is not open to paganism in general, and children being raised as pagans in specific. I have a few tips on how to negate the effects of Christianity in the home, and when to be silent.
A paper answering a few of the most common questions dealing with the Pagan family of faiths and religions. Paganism is presented not as the enemy of Christianity, but as an alternative view of the world.
Pagan Pride festivals are helpd throughout the United States, notably during the autumn and in the spring. This article takes a look at one festival in Syracuse, New York.
Basic tools, types of magick and rules for the beginner pagan regardless of path.
Resources to study paganism, wicca, druidry and similar studies.
Wicca is about living life and leadership is difficult to define in a community of independent thinkers.
Interfaith relationships between Christians and pagans are rare, but that is changing as paganism becomes more mainstream. These couples face some challenges that are more difficult than those found in an average interfaith relationship.
New versions of coffee shops are beginning to pop up all over the country. Recently we have seen the "free" shop, where patrons aren't obligated to pay. Now we have The Witches Brew where you can unwind, eat, perform, and have your tarot cards read all before dinner.
Following the controversy over magic used in the real world in J.K. Rowling's 'Harry Potter' series, explore this objective guide to three popular magic-centric television shows.
Finding Wiccan and pagan focused books can be a challenge for parents, but here is a list of great resources.
This is the first column I wrote for the This Pagan Life column for Today's Fantasy Fiction.
The next time you meet someone who says that they are a Pagan, assuming that they are a Wiccan could get you into trouble. Here's a brief description of various Reconstructionist Religions.
The key to navigating problems when guiding a child down a religious path is to be prepared, and that is what we are going to do today: talk about how to be prepared to deal with the issues that come up when trying to raise Pagan kids.
Are Wicca, Paganism, and witchcraft the same things? Do Wiccans worship nature? Are all Pagans polytheistic? What does the pentacle symbolize? Come see if you know as much as you think you do.
Pagan leadership is rooted in education. What level of importance does education have to the overall future of the pagan community movement?
Books are full of knowledge and are something that should be enjoyed by everyone, young and old alike. Here is a list of 5 great books all Pagans should have in their own personal library. They will give you knowledge and enhance your life.
A review of Bonewits' latest book
A brief over view of modern witches, their beliefs, and their community in the United States.
It's time Pagans around the world learned to stand up for themselves and do what is right: be responsible!
Find out the search terms to use to find books that are based on historical facts and are by trusted authors.
When the media discover, usually around Halloween, that there are witches in the neighborhood things can sometimes get complicated. Most people, Wiccans and Pagans included, are not very skilled at public relations.
This list below is the top ten books (in random order) I found most informative and useful when I began my studies into Wicca and Paganism.
Many Christians are led to believe that Pagans go against everything they were taught from the Bible. Most conclude that Pagans are devil worshipers and evil. Read this interview to discover what really lurks in the mind of a Pagan.
Pagan parents often look for ideas to help them celebrate the Sabbats (Pagan holidays) with their children. This article gives them all the basic elements they need to build their own festive celebrations.
A pagan Mom's thoughts on the lack of pagan focused curriculum.
A few things that Christians tend to dismiss or outright ignore, when dealing with Paganism. With references from the Bible, itself.
Three wicca book reviews that are highly recommended
A basic introduction, by a former student of Wicca. This will cover Wicca as I learned and practiced it - a genuine religion, not a convenient fantasy.
Due to various pop culture notions about witchcraft, the nature and divinity reverence at the heart of the Wicca religion is often lost beneath a lot of distortions.
A discussion of the modern practice of wicca and whether this group is considered an "In" or "out" group in society.
There are a few practices, which are commonly held to be pagan, or at least to be associated with paganism. This article briefly describes them, and their possible use in pagan religions.
Unfortunately, a rebelling child will not only get body piercing or tattoos to show their independence and freedom. Authority in general, especially those that was chosen for them by anyone else than them, is under fire.
A general overview of the place of vegetarianism in individual pagan spiritual beliefs, describing how a nature-centric focus in pagan spirituality can promote or reject a vegetarian lifestyle.
A brief overview of the history and meaning behind the celebration on communion. Seeks to answer the purpose of the communion mean: eating Christ's body (transubstantiation), symbolizing Christ's sacrifice, or a symbolic celebration with physical implications?
A description of what truly defines a religions prayer, and what a sacrifice really is.
Dedicated to the Roman god Lupercus, this festival was celebrated with a lottery in which a man would draw the name of a woman and she would become his sexual companion for a year. And this is what Christians celebrate and call Valentine's Day.
A brief description of the reasons to become a pagan, and who may join this seemingly elitist group.
Some say that witchcraft and Wicca is the work of the devil, while others say it is a nature-based religion of peace. So what is the truth behind this "alternative" faith? And what is the difference between a Wiccan and a Witch?
A look at the pagan symbolism in modern Christian Easter.
Ever heard the phrase, "tying the knot?" Handfasting predates modern-day Christian weddings, but what exactly are they and why are they still so popular?
This article is in response to another article which tells about how harmful Wicca can be to young teens. In this article I hope to show how Wicca truly is, and how we can truly empower people, child or adult, with love and divinity.
Like many holidays, including Christmas, Halloween and Mayday, Easter's roots lie deep in the pagan religion, dating back centuries before Christianity.
What do modern practitioners have in common with the supposed witches of the witch hunt? Could those accused of witchcraft then have been practicing something like modern Wicca?
With the history of Halloween encompassing nearly 2,000 years, the haunting tales of past holidays combine with modern tradition to create a haunting experience for all participants.
This article is written in response to a well written article on the origin of Halloween, as well as why Christians shouldn't fear it. This response includes additional information on the history and purpose of Halloween.
1 burned alive at Verkhnesadovye. And a 55 year old woman doused with gasoline and set afire at Hammanskraael, South Africa. These people, condemned as witches, were not persecuted in the 16th or 17th century. The latest headlines are right now.
The history of Judiac & Hermetic Kabbalah, and the rights of gentile women to study them. Written for "Women, Religion and Social Change" (December 23, 2002) from the personal prospective of a Gentile woman who is beginning to study Hermetic Kabbalah.
"Coming Out" can be the most frightening thing you've ever done. How do you tell your parents they won't have conventional grandchildren? How do you reconcile your sexuality with God?
Wiccan and Pagan solitaries who feel called to serve as Priests and Priestesses are looking for some firm guidelines to help them achieve their goals.
Purchasing pagan or metaphysical supplies can be done in any community with a little creativity and ingenuity.
It's tough enough being a young pagan. Add dormitory living to the mix, and you've got a spell for chaos! That is, unless you follow these tips.
Learn the importance of the Pagan Sabbats and discover their relation to the cycles of nature. Also discover some facts about the parallels between Pagan and Christian traditions.
Magic is Afoot is the theme of the St. Louis Pagan Picnic at Tower Grove Park featuring pagans, writers, artists, singers, belly dancers, craft demonstrators, a children's parade, and more.
Public school can be very difficult to navigate for pagan children and their parents, this article provides some coping techniques to help.
This article covers the mythical pagan roots of the Christmas festival and several of the many other names for Santa Claus.
For parents all over the world, sharing their faith with their children is a wonderful thing. For pagan parents this is no different, and helping to create their child's first altar can be one of those inspiring moments that recall childhood wonder.
The annual conversation between pagans and Christians has begun. Some people who celebrate Christmas in the christian tradition argue that it is purely a christian religion that took nothing from existing pagan religions of the time.
There are many aspects of the Catholic Mass, and design structure of Catholic churches that are taken from old pagan religions.
Wicca is simply a new incarnation of a very old tradition.
An article and personal interview with Edward Lachowicz, open Pagan and Vice Chair of Kennebec County Democratic Committee
When Christianity emerged as a world religion and began to spread throughout Europe and the Middle East, church officials incorporated some of the long practiced pagan traditions into Christian religious traditions.
One person's account on being a Pagan in the Southern US.
The Pagan Picnic is a colorful, free annual event spread out in a corner of Tower Grove Park which features workshops, music, vendors, and activities for children.
Many people make the false assumption that Wicca is a fad religion. Wicca is a spiritual path, that began a long time ago and is practiced by those most intouch with the world around them.
Shopping for holiday gifts for the Wiccan or Pagan child can be just as easy as gift buying for any other child. All it takes is a little more attention to the intent of the gift and the child's specific interests.
The early history of Christmas is composed of "pagan" (non-Christian) fertility rites and practices which predate the birth of Christ by centuries.
This is a series on how to share your pagan beliefs with your children.
Witchcraft has become so popular that there are a great many beginner witchcraft and "Wicca 101" books on the market. How do you pick the best place to start?
Have you ever wondered where many Christmas traditions came from? Yule was originally a Pagan holiday and is still celebrated by Pagans around the globe.
Groundhog Day has evolved from one of the major pagan celebrations.
the celebration of Pagan holidays in the United States
If you're part of a Pagan family, some of these tips may help you in planning your family altar.
The meaning behind some pagan symbols
The celebration of Groundhog Day in February,when we all wonder if the Groundhog will see his shadow and retreat. Or will spring be around the corner. Originally a Pagan celebration it has changed over the years to blend in with Christian ideas.
Beltane is one of the four greater Pagan sabbats on the Wheel of the Year. Here are some great ideas for celebrating with your kids.
Imbolc is the second stop on the Pagan Wheel of the Year, and there are lots of great family oriented activities to commemorate the season.
It may look a lot like Christmas, but Pagans have their own Winter Holiday.
Make your Yule tree look uniquely Pagan this year with these decorations.
Find ideas for celebrating the Pagan harvest festival Lughnassadh.
Finding books suitable for pagan or Wiccan children has been difficult until the past few years. Here are some of my favorites.
This article tells why and how to cast a circle before performing a Pagan ritual or spellwork.
Lughnassadh, pronounced Loo-nahs-ah, is a Pagan holiday to celebrate the harvest. The celebration occurs anywhere from approximately July 31st to August 2nd. How will you celebrate?
Pagan holidays are the root of most religious holidays celebrated today.
In part 2, we examine what is the Pagan community is today and current leadership models.
This article is designed to give the reader an introduction to the Pagan holiday Imbolc and help them create their own Imbolc celebration.
The Open Hearth Foundation seeks to open a pagan community center in Washington, D.C.
An article dismissing and debunking the misconceptions of Paganism.
A discussion of the benefits and dangers of relying on the Internet to learn about Paganism.
Learn how to meditate and how it can benefit the Pagan lifestyle.
Finding free, pagan-appropriate coloring pages on the Internet can be time-consuming. I have compiled several of my favorite free pagan coloring-pages Web sites
Learn about Beltaine, a pagan fertility festival celebrated in early May.
Why are Pagan parents opting for traditionally Christian schooling methods? You'll be surprised to find that Pagan parents are just like everyone else.
The Christian Religion is founded on older pagan religions.
A look at how Witch School teaches as an organization to a global community.
Are Wiccans polytheistic or monotheistic? Do they worship nature or the same god as Christians? I will answer these questions and more.
Writing an article on Paganism? Here are a few tips to remember that will save you countless emails from the Pagan community pointing out the same mistakes over and over again!
What is a Father in Paganism supposed to be?
The shield knot has four corners that are loops on the four corners of a square without interruption of the lines. It is a universal symbol for protection and dates back thousands of years.
You just found out that your circle is planning a Yule gift exchange and you have a very limited budget! Don't panic, as you probably can whip up much appreciated and special gifts with what you have already around your home.