Paganism ~ What it Means to Me! (Part 2)

Merry Meet,

I've been working on Pagan roots and history and after reading an article by John Halstead I was inspired to write a page on what being Pagan really means to me - stripping away the details of all the different traditions and religions under the Pagan umbrella - and so I share it here, now, with you (be warned - I've "gibber-gabbered"):

Paganism

A Brief History ~ Continued…

What I Believe

Up until now I have noted my findings on Paganism and what it means to the writers of the books and blogs I’ve read.  It’s now time for me to say what I feel Pagan means to me.  In short, Pagan means Earth-based; it means nature; it means environmentalism; it means ecology; it means equality between the sexes, it means caring for all and being charitable.  It also means giving a damn about the Earth and looking after the “here and now”, because if we don’t look after Her now She may be limited to how long She can protect us.  If we  just show Her a little more love and compassion, taking care of the environment and limit the pollution that dangers Her.  We already know that we can’t undo the harm that we’ve caused Her already, but we can make amends and change our harmful habits, one person at a time.

If the creatures walking the planet actually thought of Her as a living; breathing; growing energy source, then maybe Earth wouldn’t be in it’s current condition.  She lives because She gives life to everything before our eyes: the plants; the trees; the animals (indirectly); the humans (indirectly); and the materials found within and around Her – through mining etc – all those naturally occurring rocks and gems we love so much, the water, the nutritious soils, the natural food-stuffs and the oils that we all take for granted.

Paganism, to me, also means being attuned with the seasonal cycles no matter what other beliefs are incorporated into a Pagan tradition or religion.  It means acknowledging all of nature’s gifts and respecting them for all that they provide us.  Salt; water; trees (oxygen and the removal of CO²); precious oils that are now lacking in supply; the plants & herbs that make our medicines…this list could go on and I know that I have mentioned the above already in this entry.  This has kind of turned into a “Save the Earth” ramble as opposed to what Pagan means to me – but I guess that’s the point I’m making.   Yes, there are many Pagan traditions and religions out there, and they all have their own belief systems but deep down, this is what I feel Pagan is.  Pagan means Earth, Earth is our home!  We should cherish it!!

☮ ❤ & ツ

Blessed Be

SRM

☽✪☾