Common Sense – Paganism

Common Sense – Paganism

Does the word “Paganism” conjure up images in your mind of orgies and human sacrifice? Then you only know the stereotypes surrounding Pagans, or Neo-Pagans, as many prefer to be called. The word “pagan” comes from a Latin word meaning “country dweller”, which was a mild insult at the time of the Roman Empire. Presently, Paganism is an umbrella word for many forms of worship, which can or cannot include magic spells or rituals. Orgies are not included in such rituals.

Pagans can be Witches, Wiccans, Celtic Pagans, Asatru, or a combination, or just plain Pagan! They are NOT Satanists (even though Satanists often call themselves witches, which makes things a little confusing). Most Pagans do not believe in a Devil, let alone worship it. They worship Nature and natural forces and often a Divine unity called “the Goddess” and “the God.” A Pagan’s golden rule is “Do as you like, as long as no one gets hurt.”

In almost all of the forms of Paganism, worshippers can and often do their rituals naked, or “skyclad”. Not all do this – it’s not required. They also usually do their rituals in private. Pagans believe you are free to choose whatever religion you want, and are not out to convert you. If you do meet someone who pressures you to become a Pagan, that’s not a Pagan, so ignore him or her.

Sex is sacred to Pagans, whether it is for pleasure or for making babies. The holiest ritual is called The Great Rite – and signifies the mating of the Goddess and the God in a joyful, creative union. This is usually shown symbolically as a dagger being dipped into a goblet of wine or juice. Sometimes there is an actual sex act between consenting adults, but it is done in private and you are not required to either watch or participate. If you meet a “pagan” who insists that you have to have sex with him in order to be a “real Pagan”, run away. That’s not a Pagan – that’s a pervert!

Sex is a great gift from the Divine and can be used as an offering to the Divine. Some Pagans incorporate sex or masturbation into their worship rituals. These are done privately, by consenting adults in love for magical lovemaking, or a purely private decision between a worshipper and his Goddess for ritual masturbation. There is no Bible or Talmud or Koran in Paganism – you are expected to make your own decisions about how and Who to worship. This can confuse non-Pagans, as there is no clear cut answer to any question, unlike in Christianity, Islam or Judaism. You are also to make your own decisions regarding sexual issues, and to respect others’ points of view. Paganism is not an organized religion by any means.

A solo sex spell is not really that kinky, because it is not meant to be. In other religions, singing and dancing are considered pleasing to God. Voluntary sex and masturbation is, in Paganism, considered another natural, normal part of singing and dancing. In Paganism, the God and the Goddess are seen as wanting to see people be happy. Showing the Divine the happiness and intensity of orgasm is thought to make the Divine happy.