I am a Pagan, with Celtic leanings. Some people refer to this as an Eclectic Pagan. But to me, titles don't really matter. I am Pagan. Paganism is a nature based religion and and is often called "the old ways." As part of my spirituality and learning, I have a huge reading list of history, archaeology, sociology and mythology texts. I am also learning (very slowly) to speak and read Scots Gaelic, one of the ancient languages (and a most difficult one).
Paganism pre-dates Christianity and there is little if no written history except those of later years. In addition, much of what is written about Paganism comes from historical perspectives of ancient people who feared and misundstood the beliefs. Today, there is still little history of Celtic Pagans yet historians, archaeologists and linguists continue to work towards a better interpretation and understanding of the artifacts left behind, the translations of certain writings and link it to the old spirituality. Ancient Pagans were most likely no more barbaric than many people of the ancient times; however, the opposers of the religion at the time feared them, thus applying the words 'barbaric heathens.'
We are not barbaric. In fact, we are a peace-loving nature based religion. We find spirituality all around us. We believe that every being is unique and therefore, every being's spirituality is unique. We also believe that each being should find and follow their own chosen path based on what is in their 'inner self.' We respect all sincere religions and do not proselytize or try to convert people to share our beliefs.
We are also strong believers in the Otherworld, the afterlife, which is simply a pause before being incarnated in another being's shell. Life is an ever turning cycle. This gives me great peace, that this is not the only life I will lead.
Pagans often perform rites or rituals to honor their gods and goddesses, the seasons, nature, the sun and moon and the turning wheel of the year. Some rituals are done privately (often outdoors)and some are done in groups (often called circles and sometimes called covens and also sometimes outdoors). We often write our own rituals, to honor our own patrons and/or patronesses, but there are also many sources available that provide beautifully written words that we may sometimes use.
From the Celtic standpoint, we honor four festivals during the wheel of the year: Samhain, Imbolc, Beltaine and Lughnasadh. All of these begin at sundown the evening before and end at sundown the next day, however we sometimes choose to celebrate for several days, to keep in touch with our spirituality.
Samhain (pron. sow-EN)- November 1
This is the "Celtic New Year." We believe that the veil between this world and the Otherworld is quite thin at this time and therefore we honor our ancestors that have passed on, in addition to our gods and goddesses. We often set out an extra plate at our feast and keep candles lit in our windows to show the way for our ancestors to join us for the festival.
Imbolc (pron. im-OL) - February 1
There is little known about this festival except that the word is possibly derived from the meaning "ewe's milk." It is a time to honor fertility as the earth makes way for new life. The goddess Brighid (pron. Breed) is often honored at this festival.
Beltaine (pron. bel-TANE or bel-TAN-ya) - May 1
This is the spring/summer festival to celebrate fertility. May poles are often erected and danced around and Beltaine is considered a very lustful and romantic festival.
Lughnasadh (pron. loo-NA-sa) - August 1
This is a harvest festival where the god Lugh is honored. As preparations for storage of harvest begin for the winter, we give thanks for the bounty.
Pagan Poetry
