General Chat

Thank you for an interesting thread.
xxx

Glastonbury is awesome - was up at the tor for Beltaine sunrise last May 1st...

Laura

Each to their own Gill - as long as you are happy in your path, that's what's important!

Laura

Laura
I have followed the wicca way of life for years - and have recently returned to church, yet I feel comfortable with the 2 together although some will say it is 'unnatural' to follow both.

It's a matter of following what your heart believes and I believe in being one with nature but I also needed to return to church.

Gill

Paganism was the religion of this country before Christianity and is based on the natural elements, seasons, weather, countryside, seeding, nurture and harvest, etc.

When Christianity arrived it took over but did not completetly eradicate the Pagan beliefs. Many things that we suppose to be Christian are actually Pagan:

The original places of Pagan worship were on the high ground and when the first churches were built, usually of wood, they were built on the old Pagan sites. That is why the plants like Ivy, Yew and Mistletoe, which were revered by the Pagans are still to be found in churchyards or in Christian folklore and ceremonies.

Also the old practice of sun worship was not eradicated, the altar in Christian churches is always at the east so that the congregation faces the sun as they pray.

There are many many more similarities that can be found between Paganism and Christianity.

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/

Exactly Arwen, and a lot is kinda common sense.

Laura

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

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

Laura

Enjoy your day everybody!

Sounds good to me Maggie xx

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

night Laura

Night Laura xxx

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

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

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'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...

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

Not a problem

xx

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

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