The term pagan is actually defined as "country dweller" and was used by the Romans to refer to peoples who still clung to the Old
Ways, most of whom lived in the country. Paganism predates the birth of Christ by millenia, dating back to before ancient Egypt. Pagnaism
really came out during the time of the Celts, who resided in the Celtic nations of Alba (Scotland), Briezh (Brittanny), Eire (Ireland), Cymru (Wales), Kernow (Cornwall), Galicia (Spain), and Mannin (Isle of Man).
Pagans dont believe in one particular diety, but rather have the mindset that diety exists in all things around us; nature. Most
pagan paths are nature based. Pagans believe that there isn't just "god", but rather a god and goddess, as nature comes back to
the most fundamental paradigm, Yin and Yang. Yin and Yang come from ancient Asian Taoism (pronounced Daoism), and are the
two fundamental characteristics of nature, as you cannot see anything in nature that is strictly "good" or "evil". They both signify
male/female, good/evil, on one hand/but on the other hand. This is why I strongly disagree with literal interpretation of the
"Threefold Law" and the "Rede of the Wiccae" (I will expand on these in my belief pages). It is this fundamental continuum of balance
in nature that allows for harmony.
Moreover, most of what modern Christianity's beliefs are actually based upon more ancient pagan beliefs. This can especially be
found in Christan holidays; Christmas, Easter, All Saints Day (Hallowe'en), Candlemas (Groundhog Day), and May Day. These are all
ancient pagan festivals called "sabbats". Little do people know, Christ was actually born in January. I will talk more about the sabbats
later as well.
To sum up, paganism is really just a bunch of different ancient paths, all revolving around nature and Yin/Yang. To those pagans
who are reading this, I simply use the term Yin/Yang because it is simpler than describing the philosophy each time I refer to it.
Magick, however, is a different topic. Magick (the K is used to distinguish from sleight of hand, card tricks, etc.) is the art of
manipulating the energies in your surroundings to bring about your will. This is why pagans cast spells, to create change in the world
around them. Magick is manipulating the microcosm (your Will) to affect the macrocosm (the Universe). You have probably heard of
altars, tools, and spells. All of these are "metaphysical props" to help raise your inner energy and send it out into the universe
to create the change you desire. I have much more specific information on magicks in other pages on this site.
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