Paganism

The term "pagan" originates from the Latin word "paganus," referring to a rural origin. Religious leaders used the word "pagan" to describe numerous religious ideologies, originally as a pejorative…

A dark altar is just like any religious altar, except that the items present and used for worship have dark intentions or atypical sources of inspiration. For example, a dark altar will appeal to a…

Paganism is a blanket term referring to a group of natural, native or Earth-based religions, which are usually polytheistic or pantheistic. They are normally descended from the ancient religions of…

In many spiritual traditions, a circle is used as a sacred space. The space within the circle is considered protected from harmful energies. It is also considered closed in the sense that energy built…

Candles are used in a variety of different types of rituals. Many such rites make use of candles because their flames provide an excellent visual for the person performing the ritual as a…

Voodoo is a polytheistic religion of African-American descent that mixes Haitian and Native American customs. Voodoo rituals are characterized by dancing, singing and animal sacrifice: Rituals are…

Getting rid of ghosts in a house cleansing does not have to be a bothersome thing. A few simple supplies and you are well on your way. Not only will you get rid of the ghosts during the cleansing,…

Similarities between Christian and pagan religions date back to ancient Roman times when early Christians adopted pagan festivals, rituals and sacraments. Some of the most striking similarities are…

Modern pagans and witches create sacred space by casting a circle. You can form a circle with objects, such as stones or candles, or you can envision a protective circle surrounding you. The circle…

The sacred directions ritual is a spiritual practice used by pagans. A similar ritual is practiced by Native American people and others who understand nature as a spiritual force. It honors and calls…

Easter is a Christian holiday celebrating the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. However, many Easter traditions that we celebrate today descend from an old pagan festival. Neo-pagans and…

Becoming a Pagan is a life-changing experience that will alter how you think and how you live your life. The role of a Pagan is not always that of a magic worker or someone who indulges in mysticism…

Mala beads are a pagan rosary used to help recite prayers or chants. They have strong roots in Hinduism and Buddhism, and bear many similarities to prayer beads of other religions. Although Mala beads…

Hand crafting items and tools is almost an essential part of being a pagan. The act of creating something by hand imbues that item with the energies of its creator, bringing it to life with its own…

Pagan stores experience the same start-up and growing pains as any other business venture. With the proliferation of witches, wizards and psychics in mainstream movies and television, Pagan topics…

A silver ring on the hand of a Pagan priestess is almost iconic in its imagery. In movies and art, Druid, Wiccan and other Pagan priestesses are often depicted with several silver rings adorning their…

Which came first--Easter or the Easter Egg? Although Easter has been Christianity's holiest day for centuries, some of its traditions originate with ancient pagan customs related to spring and…

It is a common misconception that Pagans worship trees. In fact, they do not worship them, but revere them as great gifts of the Divine. Trees give us air, wood for building and warmth, and they…

Pagan rituals are steeped in history, and pagan spiritual techniques have been used successfully for centuries. These simple meditation exercises can be used to reach a higher religious awareness, to…

A sacred doll is a figure made for a sacred tradition, such as Native American, Pagan or Voodoo rituals. This type of craft goes back thousands of years; archeologists have found these dolls in burial…

Taking the life-affirming step to stop smoking requires courage. Committing your intentions in a pagan ritual is a loving way to assert this decision and ask for assistance through communing with the…

The Latin word paganus means "country dweller" or "rustic" and derives from pagus, meaning "countryside." A pagan is the designation usually given to someone who does not believe in a monotheistic…

In a perfect world, one would never need to hide their faith. If you're a teen or you're feeling a need to keep your faith hidden from your family or spouse, read this article for some useful ideas.

Because Pagans follow a minority religion that does not receive mainstream attention, they may find themselves misunderstood. Regardless of your own religion, showing a Pagan woman that you respect,…

Since ancient times, the winter solstice has been regarded as a time associated with divine birth. Modern pagans still celebrate the symbolic rebirth of the Sun god at this time of year. A beautiful…

Pagan altars come in all forms, from the most simplistic to the most extravagant. Most pagans construct an altar that is meant to be permanent. However, some prefer to have an altar that can be torn…

Meeting people who share your interests and beliefs is not always easy. It can be especially difficult when your belief system may seem a lot different than the majority. Pagans continue to…

Pagans celebrate the spring equinox by performing centuries-old rituals, usually in forest or some other natural setting. This time of year is also known as Oestara and it allows you to rejoice in the…

Do you want to get married but avoid the church? Do you consider yourself spiritual but not religious? Are you pagan, or marrying someone from a different religious tradition than your own? These…

It's difficult to generalize about how to perform a pagan funeral, primarily because there are no universally accepted funeral rites or traditions that bind the different pagan categories together.…