Pagans establish a relationship with the Divine through acts of worship, fellowship and meditation. There are many Pagan traditions in today’s society and all of them contribute to the diversity of the Pagan path. Although different Pagan traditions may differ on the concepts of operation as well as theological teachings, Pagans realize that the things that unite us are much more than the things that will tear us apart.

The Old Faith
There is no theological unity within the Pagan path. The nature of the Divine is believed to manifest differently and uniquely to each individual. Therefore, Paganism encourages the individual to seek the Divine through one’s own effort. Teachers are only there to guide the student in his/her spiritual journey.

It is vital for each and everyone to discover their ‘true will’ or better known as their true purpose in this life. For everyone has a different role to play in the universe. This contributes to the rhythm of the universe on the whole. The alteration of consciousness is a powerful step in order to commune with the Divine. Often, methods such as chanting, meditation, dancing, and singing are used. Certain traditions may use certain substances (tobacco, wine, etc.) to help achieving the higher state of consciousness, though all traditions do not to not condone the abuse of drug-usage.

One similar belief hold by many Pagan traditions is that the Divine is immanent as well as transcendent. The immanence of the Divine can be seen in nature. Natural settings are regarded as sacred. Besides that, the act of worship, dancing, weaving, singing and all acts of love are considered as beautiful and sacred. Thus constituting part of the Divine in our everyday lives.

Pagans have love and reverence towards nature. Nature is seen as a living embodiment of the Goddess and the land is teeming with spirits. There is a general acknowledgement of the Gaia hypothesis. The Church of All Words introduced this belief to the Pagan community. It states that we are an integral part of earth, which is a living organism often seen as a Goddess. Therefore, it is our duty to create ecological awareness in order to stop the exploitations by multi-million dollars corporations. Celebrating the seasonal, solar and lunar cycles is integral in many Pagan traditions. Such observations mark the journey of a Pagan in his/her understanding of the cosmic forces.

Pagans believe that the Divine may manifest as female form just as much as male form. The feminine values are regarded just as important as the masculine values. They place emphasis on the Goddess because she is often seen as the life force of the universe. This is often an attempt to balance the masculine energies that are excessive in certain religious organizations that preach against diversity.

There are Pagans who’re duo-theists, they believe that all Goddesses are one Goddess and all Gods are one God. This view is prevalent in Wicca, which is a branch of modern Pagan witchcraft. The Goddess is known as the three-fold Goddess, manifesting as the maiden, the mother and the crone. While the God is seen as the Horned God, being the God of Woodlands, of life, death and resurrection. There are also Wiccan traditions where the Goddess is the sole focus of their worship. This is usually practice in women-only covens that attempts to reclaim the lost mysteries of priestesshood.

Some Pagans remain rooted to their ancestral believes. They see the world being populated by many Gods and each God has his/her own distinction characteristic that is different from other Gods. This belief is known as polytheism. Alongside with this belief is the acceptance of the diversity in the Pagan path; this mirrors nature herself that has a diverse range of flora and fauna.

However, most Pagans, if not all, tend to believe that there is one true unknowable God. The Gods of mythology are only symbols or manifestations of the unknown Divine who is also the First Cause and is acknowledged as the Creator, the Sustainer and Destroyer.

There are Pagans who are interested in the studies of Carl Jung. They view the Gods as archetypes of the unconscious mind. The symbols representing the Gods are revered, as it is a key to unlock the inner desire of our being.

There are also Pagans who are agnostics as well as atheists yet able to follow the ways of old. We cannot thank diversity enough for the main reason that Paganism remains a united and living path, although our ways of worship and beliefs are different, yet we are still one, brothers and sisters of the Great Mother.

Pagans of revived or newly founded earth-based religions reject duality, which sees the world as black or white. They see duality as a threat to the diversity in the Pagan path, as it usually advocates the supremacy of the particular group over other groups. This view inevitably leads to the belief that no Gods (or Divine figures) are ultimately evil. The concept of ultimate evil does not hold water in the Pagan worldview and they tend to be the result of propaganda propagated by advocates of dualistic faiths in order to recruit members into their organizations. Therefore, the Pagan path is in no way associated a satanic path since it is not an opposition towards any Christian institutions.

There is no general agreement about where Pagans are heading in the afterlife. Though most Pagans believe that when this life is over, they will journey to rest in the other world and will return to earth when it is time. There is also a generally view that the process of reincarnation acts as lessons where we mature spiritually through each lifetime until we’re united with the Divine. There are also Pagan traditions that believe when one dies and s/he becomes part of the household ancestral spirit to be continually revered. Pagans do not view death as an end, but rather a transformation. Just as the Goddess gives the gift of life, she rewards us with death - reunion with those who've gone before, a new beginning and the revealing of the ultimate truth.

A Spiral Dance
Pagans come from all walks of life. They can be the very accountant working beside you or a student studying in a secondary school to a housewife, spending her free time meditating in the living room.

Paganism is sometime known as a religion of poetry, because it encourages self-expression through arts and sciences. Pagans are generally creative individuals who find outlet in creative expression in various artistic mediums. The concept of imagination and creativity is essential to the spiritual development of an individual.

Most Pagans are receptive towards modern science and technology, with an ethical awareness against the misuse of such progressive tools. Ethical scientific studies are considered to be just as important as sacred artistic expressions. Pagans also see that ethics and morality should be constructive and positive. Most Pagans believe in the concept of karma, which is best expressed in the concept of “as you sow, the you reap”.   Whatever actions you put forth, you will receive the appropriate consequences. Hence, when love is projected, love will be returned.

Pagans are granted autonomy to explore the self in the concept of the free will, while also being aware of the impact of one’s actions on the lives of others, be they fellow human beings, animals or the earth on the whole. There’s a wonderful statement made by Aleister Crowley that reflects upon the positive morality that Pagans advocate, “Every man and every woman is a star” We are encourage to seek out our true purpose in this life and live up to it, because each and everyone of us is a star and each and everyone of us have our own radiance. You may not be the brightest star in the universe but with one star less, the universe would be an incomplete picture.

Pagans therefore believe in enjoying life, filling it with love and joy. The Charge of the Goddess, a Wiccan liturgy, mentions, “ All acts of Love and Pleasure are My rituals.” This affirms the Pagan belief that life is to be filled with joy and laughter. That is why in celebrations - music, food, drinks, dances are thought to be of sacred and not profane values, when it is not indulged excessively. Pagans are not necessarily vegetarians, although some who are concern with animal rights or their own health reasons decide to practice so. There is no must to be a vegetarian and unlike certain organizations that claim that it is necessarily to become a vegetarian in order to gain enlightenment. Such claims are not validated and are considered by Pagans to be just as dogmatic and downright oppressive as any other fundamentalist movements.

Unlike certain organizations that repress sexuality and regard it as evil, Pagans have pro-sexual principles. That is why sex magick or tantric practices are considered sacred. When it is practiced with love, sexual intercourse is considered to be an act of worship or a union with the Divine. The Divine does not limit love to a heterosexual relationship, homosexual relationship is also regarded as love as well as bisexual and transgendered relationships. Pagans may be celibate too, but celibacy is not seen as a form of repression rather than a marriage to the Divine. With a healthy view towards sexuality, Pagans believe that children are born holy. There is no such thing as a concept of ‘original sin’.

In finding the world they live in to be magickal, some Pagans maybe practitioner of magickal arts. The word ‘magick’ is spelt with a ‘k’ to distinguish real magic from stage performances. Magic is considered as a natural power from the earth. There is nothing supernatural in the concept of magic since Pagans tap into the earth power (Divine Force) in order to work their magic. The earth power is also known in various cultures as chi, prana, force, serpent power, awen, manna, kundalini and many other terms.

Most Pagan traditions highly value the ceremonial values of a religious or magickal ritual. They find rituals reflecting on the sacred and divine nature. Artistic and inspirational qualities often create stirring and moving rituals that have healing energy. It is highly unlikely for Neo-Pagan traditions to perform animal sacrifices although it is still very widely practiced in Meso-Pagan traditions, such as Taoism, Vodoun, etc.

Pagans like members of all religions believe in community service. Since Pagan communities are smaller than those of other faiths, they cannot afford to build hospitals or big charity homes. Pagans contribute to the community in small but nonetheless significant ways. They usually donate to various charitable organizations as well as help out in neighbourhood events. This is in line with the Pagan value of practicing what one believes. Pagan spirituality is everyday awareness of who you are; it is a way of life. The Pagan path is not merely a weekly or monthly spiritual obligation.

Pagans are also individuals who’re highly interested in other religions. Choosing the Pagan path does not mean one is closing oneself to a dead end of belonging to a specific clique, rather the opposite happens when one walks the Pagan path. The Pagan community is an encouraging platform for those who’re interested in studying the practices of other faith. The free and eclectic nature of Paganism enable one to adopt and adapt different practices from other religions to one’s life, since most religions, in essence, do have a lot in common.

One thing Pagans don't do is evangelize their religion. Why? Because they don't feel the need to do so. Pagans believe that Christianity, Islam and many other religions are also valid spiritual paths and everyone has a different approach with the Divine. Although Islam is good for certain people, it doesn't mean that it can be meaningful to all, yet those who embrace the faith are equally valid and religious as another Christian or Pagan who practice their beliefs dutifully. Pagans however are offended by fundamentalism of all kinds existing in many mainstream religions today.

In our pluralistic society, fundamentalism tends to divide the community rather than unite them, this causes a lot of problem especially when the concept of duality comes in. Those that belong to the faith will be label as good and those who challenges the faith will be consider as evil. This obviously is a tactic used by many religions in the past and also in the present to gain domination. This applies to even certain ancient Pagan religions. But Pagans today are not afraid to admit the past mistakes and move on from there. It is essential for us, being humans to make mistake – but it is more important that we learn from it and change ourselves for the betterment.

Weaving a Tapestry
Many readers who’re not familiar with the Pagan path will ask, “I’m a member of another faith, and yet I do acknowledge the three characteristics of a Pagan, does that make me a Pagan?”

We must all remember that ‘Pagan’ is merely a term. It is meaningless when it does not strike a chord in your heart. An attempt to understand who is a ‘Pagan’ must come from one’s own conviction whether you feel these generally characteristic of being a Pagan speaks to you or not.

If it does, then you’re rightfully one. No organizations or institutions may monopoly and judgmentally impose criteria on the word Pagan. Since, being a Pagan means more than wearing a badge of pride. It requires one to practice it as a way of life. Seekers are not required to convert into the Pagan path, walking the Pagan path means one is reclaiming his/her own roots of the self. Certain traditions have initiation ceremonies, but initiation rituals are not conversion rituals. It marks the beginning of the aspirant’s journey and relationship with the Divine.

Pagan traditions such as Wicca, witchcraft, Goddess Spirituality, Asatruar, Druidism, etc. are revived and/or recently established groups. Hence, their practices are adapted to suit modern day needs, their more liberal approach may differ from older Pagan traditions, and these traditions are known as Neo-Pagan traditions. And when references to the Pagan community are made, they are generally pointing at the Neo-Pagan traditions. These traditions are those that Malaysia Pagan Network is generally representing.

Eastern Religions
There has been a discussion going on in the Pagan community whether Eastern beliefs are considered to be part of the Pagan family. The answer to this depends on whom you’re asking. Generally, most Pagans believe that Eastern religions such as Buddhism, Hinduism and Taoism are considered part of the Pagan family tree.

However, distinctions should be made since some older Pagan traditions tend to be more conservative and certain values that are advocated may be different from those within the Neo-Pagan community on the whole.

In the West, where practitioners of Eastern religions and Indigenous faith are fewer in number, they are more willing to particpate in the Neo-Pagan movements for interfaith dialogue opportunities and communal inter-dependency. This may not apply particularly in Asia or Malaysia as Eastern religions are generally very well established in this region. There are many organizations around that are specifically for the adherents of Hindu, Taoist and Buddhist faiths.

There are however none around that supports the Neo-Pagan community that is burgeoning due to various publicities and the increase awareness of such satisfying alternative spiritual belief. But this does not mean Malaysia Pagan Network is solely representing the Neo-Pagan scene. The Network, as an organization that advocates the diversity of religious beliefs do welcome the involvement of Buddhists, Taoists and Hindus in our organization.

Monotheists Religions
Monotheistic religions such as Judaism, Christianity and Islam have a long history of animosity towards “pagan superstitions”. The idea of many Gods is frown upon. This of course is due to the lack of comprehension regarding the theological complexity of the Pagan path. The belief of “the one and only true way” may actually mirror some of the older Pagan traditions, but as modern Pagans begin to realize the beauty of unity in plurality, the idea of a dominant religion or 'the only-way' may tend to be detriment rather than beneficial.

Certain Pagans in the community do have bitter resentment toward monotheistic faiths. This is partly because Pagan religions are largely persecuted, such persecutions continue to present day. The persecutions nevertheless have decrease over the years due to greater opportunities for both sides to engage in interfaith dialogues. This is also because of the increase awareness of the Pagan path due to the coverage by mass media and published literatures.

There are attempts by several groups to merge the teachings of Jesus Christ with the Wiccan path, hence creating traditions known as Christian-Wicca. Though it is not particularly monotheistic, it nonetheless attempts to bridge the gap between Christianity and Wicca. Furthermore, all the while there have been groups that incorporate Cabbalistic (Jewish mysticism) teachings into their traditions. Let us also not forget the attempts by Pagans to draw knowledge from Sufi mysticism. There are also groups that are trying to reclaim the Jewish polytheistic tradition, placing emphasis on the worship of Jewish Gods before the advent of Jehovah's monopoly of worship.

A minority of the Pagan community sometimes criticizes these approaches. They believe that Pagans traditions should be “purely Pagan” and have nothing to do with monotheistic faiths. This argument usually comes from those who linger in the self-victimization proclamation of the witches’ persecution by the church during the Medieval times. Their hatred is fed by the belief that Christians had killed a large number of witches in the past, hence harbouring immense hatred toward Christianity. They are however on the brink of extinction today, although there are still a handful of these who still proudly proclaim, rather incorrectly, that 9 million witches were killed during the medieval witch-hunt.

Occult practices, Mystery Traditions, Mysticism, Theosophy, Cabbala
The word Occult has been misused in recent times being associated with devil-worship and work of black arts. The truth is far from the media portrayal of what is known as the Occult. Famed French ceremonial magician, Eliphas Levi, coined the word “Occult”. It generally means “hidden”, hidden from the eyes of the non-initiates or the unenlightened. The Occult is associated with a body of esoteric literature and teachings that provide the aspirant the key to the fulfillment of the Great Work (enlightenment/union with God).

The Occult movement began much earlier than the Neo-Pagan movement. It started off with notable authors such as Eliphas Levi and Francis Barrett who wrote many influential books that spearhead the interest in the Occult. The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn is one of the most well known Mystery schools, which further conglomerates almost all Hermetical/esoteric knowledge, which later became like a canonical body of lore for all students of the occult.

Although the interests in the Occult have largely died down over the years, Occultic knowledge found its way into a few Pagan traditions, notably Wicca and traditional witchcraft. It continue hand in hand with Pagan ideals in shaping the morale, the intuition and the intellect of a Pagan mystic or/and magickians.

Malaysia Pagan Network is also an organization that opens her door to Magickians, Occultists, Mystics, Theosophists and Cabbalists who’re interested to keep in touch with each other. Since the majority of Pagans do practice magick, occult wisdom have a lot in common with the Pagan path. In fact, Western Mystery tradition is one of the foundation of the Wicca path.

Conflicting Stars
The relationship between Satanism and Paganism is a tense one. There are those that advocate the involvement of Satanism as part of the Pagan movement, yet Pagans are generally contemptuous toward the selfish and/or anti-social attitudes of Satanists. But Satanists who appear to be so are mainly teenage rebels who are either nominally part of a Satanic organization or self-proclaimed.

There are many different types of Satanists and it is not possible to just blindly lump them together as an entire movement and label it evil. This concept may be difficult to be grasp by those that are only familiar with organized religion. Satanism is an individualistic belief.

To a member of a Church of Satan, Satan is a representation of the forces of nature, while to another who holds on to their own eclectic practices of the Satanic path, Satan may be viewed as an actual deity who tries to overthrow God/Christ.

As many religions tend to have a condescending view toward Satanism and lumping it together with occult practices, a distinction must be made to show that while certain Satanists may choose to study the occult, it does not mean that occult wisdom is in anyway Satanic. Nevertheless, the Pagan community has little to do with Satanism, as Pagans do not have hatred personal or impersonal towards Christianity or Jesus Christ.

While the Pagan community has nothing to do with Satanism, it does not ridicule their practices. Satanism is largely seen as an anarchistic movement, a protest against Christianity. This is seen in their practices in which they term it ‘darkness’ as opposed to Christianity’s ‘light’. Pagans realize the need to have a balance, between both light and darkness and these are complementary forces rather than opposing ones. Hence, we leap out of the duality world-view.

But it must be maintained that there are certain Satanic churches that preach against the concept of duality. The author of this article profess not as an expert on the topic of Satanism, hence it is better for the reader to find out more about it him/herself through research in the library or the Internet.

)O(

For more information regarding the Wiccan path, please visit:
http://www.spiritonline.org
http://www.witchvox.com

For more information regarding the Druid path, please visit:
http://www.adf.org
http://www.neopagan.net

For more informatin regarding Goddess Spirituality, please visit:
http://www.goddesscraft.com 

For more information regarding the Asatru path, please visit:
http://www.asatru.net
http://www.ciak.org

Otherwise, if you're interested in a simple guide to Pagan Living, go to our thoughts and meditations section.

)O(

This article is written by
Armon Cain © 2002.
Please direct all comments and faulty links to armon_cain@yahoo.com