What is paganism?

Paganism is different from one area to the next, even from one person to the next. For this reason I can only explain my own beliefs and practices. Please keep in mind that these are my personal beliefs, and not meant to over shadow nor claim to be any more right than anyone elses.

Paganism is an umbrella term used to signify a number of earth-based religions - it is NOT just another word for Wiccan. Wicca is only one of many different Pagan beliefs and although my beliefs have many similarities to Wicca, I am not WIccan.

My beliefs rotate around the understanding that there is a creative energy existent throughout the universe, and that this energy resides within all people and things. This energy has equally positive and negative aspects, and exists within everything in nature from each rock and blade of grass, to the wind, the air, stars, planets, and even us. Many use dual deities (a Goddess and God) to help them define the energies both to themselves and others. I believe that we, and everything around us is all a part of this creative energy. Pagan Sabats and Esbats are a celebration of that connection.

What are Sabbats and Esbats?

There are eight Sabbats within a full year and thirteen Esbats. Unlike Christianity where people celebrate the circle of the year through the events in Christ's life, Sabbats are a celebration of seasons changing upon a Wheel of the Year.





Click upon any Sabbat on the wheel to learn more about each one.




As the tides ebb and flow, so do the energies around and within us. This is the basis/reason behind Esbats. Esbats are celebrations of lunar cycles. The belief being that the energies around and within us are dictated partially by the waxing and waning cycles of the moon. The thirteen Esbats are performed during the thirteen full moons we have each year, a time when the energies are at their highest. Esbats are the time for magick and spell casting with the best of success.

Magick and Spell Casting?

Yes, you heard me right. One of the most prominent of Pagan (and even more specifically neoPagan) beliefs is the idea that you can influence and guide the energies both within and around you. And the way this is done is by what is called "magick" or "spell casting". Right now I bet you're mind is running around with thoughts of Satanism and devil worship. Well first off let me explain that Satan (or any other name you want to call him) has no place in the pagan belief system. There is only positive and negative energy working together to form balance.

Spells and magick (what is usually unfavorably referred to as witchcraft) simply give an individual the opportunity to raise both the energies within themselves and around them and then try to push those energies out to help somehow with a particular thing that is needed or wanted. The most common forms of magick performed are healing spells. Pagans follow an extremely important rule called the Rede: "An it harm none, do what thou wilt."

'None' does not just mean other people, but yourself and everything around you as well. This Rede is not only for during castings or spells, but to be followed throughout everyday life. It requires thought before action, and is very similar to "The Golden Rule" in Christian belief systems. As well, spells are not to be cast on or for others without permission from all people involved.