General Chat

I think Laura was drawing parralells rather than saying the two are the same Alko....

Thanks Laura :-)

I'll make a note of those authors too lol

Don't worry Alkopaghuntas - I agree 100%
There are others who point out similarities that's all

So, what are your views on paganism then?

I like the idea of the more original path which I believe is Paganism as opposed to Wicca. So I think that will be where I would start from .

Laura any suggestion of a first book for me to read please? I Haven't the funds at the mo to buy more than one at a timexx

Marian Green and Ann Moura are 2 other good witchy authors.

A great first book which is a veyr basic introduction to PAGANISM (rather than the paths under that umbrella) would be

Paganism by Vivianne Crowley (published by Thorsons First Directions)

Blurb on the back

" Paganism... is the worship of the ancient pre-Christian gods of our ancestors and of our lands"

Again, you'll always find somebody who practises slightly differently to how it's described in here, but it's a great general intro.

Laura

Thank you Laura.........I will have a read of that first then.

Thanks for being so open and helpful. I really appreciate it xx

Not a problem

xx

Off to bed in a mo, but will check back tomorrow or wednesday
x

You'll have to have a chat with my OH Laura, he was well into it....not as a religion or way of life, in that he is totally atheist in all respects, but if he had to choose one, Paganism would be it.


Just a couple of interesting parallels..

From the Bible, 'I am the light of the world, the giver of life'.

Without the sun, nothing would survive.

Didn't the Pagans recognise that and believe the Sun was the ultimate creator of life (I may be wrong on that one slightly)

Steven Hawkings theory of the big bang has its centre in our Sun, believing now that the solar system is in the second stage and moving back towards the sun instead of away...

Hi Laura. You've opened my eyes. Thanks for all of that. I think there is enough space in this world for our own beliefs and we can all get on together. Sorry i was so ignorant earlier but always ready to learn. xxx

You're welcome.

I'm not trying to convert anyone here. I just wanted to get my point across.

8 years ago I wouldn't have thought anything of the easter threads. I don't have a problem with people celebrating their religious festivals and so on - honest to 'God' I don't, I just find some threads a little in your face, and this is why - because my own belief system is so different!

Thanks to muffy for starting this thread!
Night all, see you later in the week

Laura
x

You're welcome right back lol Thank you for being so helpful.xx

I don't think you came across as trying to *turn* anyone Laura....don't worry xx

Night Laura xxx

night Laura

Just seen this thread.

One of the most learned people on original 'Paganism' - wherever it is practised -(as opposed to 'New Age' Paganism) is Graham Harvey.

http://www.grahamharvey.org

Lovely bloke - taught me in Religious studies at King Alfs in Winchester.
If Paganism has a 'rule', it has to be:
'Do what you will but harm no other'

maggie

Sounds good to me Maggie xx

Yep you're right, Graham Harvey is definitely well-researched i paganism! As is Ronald Hutton...

Laura

Enjoy your day everybody!

I have been interested in paganism for years now its surprising how many things we do in our lives that come from pagan origins.

Exactly Arwen, and a lot is kinda common sense.

Laura

I am blessed and live in Glastonbury - the Goddess is all around here, in different forms and manners. Every year there is a Goddess Conference in town - plus lots of retreats and learning weekends etc.

And yes, the Christians did take on many of the pagan festivals/dates as their own - maybe to keep the converts happy...... those that survived, of course. Thousands of pagans were slaughtered by the Christians. Aint religion great! Does anyone know of a war or battle or persecution started by Pagans? Sorry - but with its track record - Christianity has a lot to answer for - along with other religions.

http://www.goddessconference.com/
http://www.chalicewell.org.uk/
http://www.isleofavalon.co.uk/