I was browsing though this board, and I noticed that there are primarily Christians here, with a few that are Jewish, and a few Atheists.
Are there any Pagans here that I can share my beliefs with?

Well, I'm not pagan, not really much of anything. But, I have a very strong interest in religion and spirituality and I love learning about different beliefs. I tend to incorporate what makes sense to me into my own belief system. So, if you'd like to chat about it, I'd love to learn. Don't really know much about it. E-mail me anytime!

Suz

From my point of view the term “pagan” is too broadly defined to accept it as a label for my beliefs. It also often carries with it negative connotations.

For example, some dictionaries define the word “pagan” as simply anyone who does not believe in your god. Therefore, if you are a pagan to me, then I am a pagan to you regardless of what our beliefs are or what religions we associate with.

Other dictionaries define the word “pagan” as any religion that worship’s nature, or Earth as the “deity” or central focus of their religious or spiritual beliefs.

I’m a pantheist. Which I don’t consider to be a religion in it own right. To me it’s more of a philosophy or world view which may or may not include a concept of a “god”. Moreover, there are quite a few religions that hold a pantheistic view. (i.e. most eastern mystic religions)

However, pantheism in it’s rawest view basically the idea that god is everything and everything is god. That would basically include nature, and Earth. Therefore by the second definition of “pagan” anyone who has a pantheistic view is a pagan.

Like I say, I prefer not to use the term “pagan” because to me it simply holds too many negative connotations. Some even associate the word pagan with atheism. (i.e. A total rejection of any god)

So rather than constantly attempting to redefine the word “pagan” or explain how I might be using it I much prefer to associate myself with the term “pantheist”. It’s much better defined. In it’s essence it’s the idea that god is this universe and this universe is god. Although some pantheists prefer to just leave the word “god” out of it altogether because they see that word as being tainted by religions such as Christianity, Islam and Judaism that all view god as an egotistical godhead with a distinct personality and agenda. I definitely don’t think of god in that way.

So in answer to your question, I’m a pantheist, which may basically be the same thing that you mean when you say “pagan”.

But don’t expect me to embrace the term “pagan” because in my mind that’s just asking to complicate and confuse things. There are too many negative definitions for the word that I would simply not care to be associated with.

But I do view the universe as god, if that’s what you mean.

So if you are referring to a pantheistic view, there are actually quite a few people on this forum who view the world in this way.

I might add that everyone who thinks in terms of "all is one" or who has a natural or "earthy" view of life may not associate any of the words, "pagan", "pantheism" or even "god".

So rather than seeking people with similar "labels", why not just explain your fundamental views and see who they strike a cord with.

I don't go by titles of any kind...but, have more close views with paganisms.

Any formed religion or belief is too constraining for me, and it changes everyday...

Ok, first off, to say that one who "labels" themselves "pagan" is constraining themselves means you don't understand paganism. I am a Celtic Witch, and have been a part of a local eclectic group of pagans that seek to learn and grow from the diversity in our beliefs. That is the essential characteristic of a pagan, because no two of them are going to view deity the same, and will often have different names for them (as most pagans call on many deities, many have different personal pantheons). What I believe Miss Mongoose is trying to do here is connect with others who have a nature based, polytheistic view of deity. Btw, the true definition of pagan within a spiritual context is that of a nature based belief system.

what is pagan?...my beliefs encompass wiccan, pagan, astrology, tarot, native american , mother philosophy....not sure where I can be pigeonholed...

"Paganism: First things first. Paganism is not devil worship. It does not involve killing or sacrifice but rather a reverence for life. I have yet to find a fellow Pagan who has ever sacrificed black cockerels or anything similar.

It is hard to define Paganism, since it is a blanket term for a wide variety of spiritual beliefs. Like any religion, Paganism has a large number of belief systems that could be called pagan. Unlike many religions, these systems can vary widely, even to the level of the individual.

Most paths are polytheistic (believe in, or worship of more than one god), pantheistic (1. the belief that God is identifiable with the forces of nature and with natural substances. 2. worship that admits or tolerates all gods) or both. (Definitions: Oxford Concise Dictionary) Most recognize the presence of both male and female within all things, often, but not always embodied as both Goddess and God.

These include the Druids, Wiccans, Northern Tradition (Odinists), New Age and many more. Paganism is often a fluid religion without strict dogma, and many Pagans, like myself, tailor their own beliefs from the wide range that are out there, the Eclectic paths.

Paganism is a passive belief system, a personal path. You will rarely find a pagan who will actively try to convert you. Each person is entitled to his or her beliefs. If you are happy with yours, and I am happy with mine, why should we try to change each other's? That doesn't exclude deep meaningful discussions about the meaning of life etc.

These are my thoughts, and may differ from other Pagans' points of view. One thing nearly all Pagans I know agree on, is that we shall not agree on a definition."

The above was taken from a guys web page at www.spyder.me.uk/pag.htm

I'm finding Paganism is as hard to define as Christianity is. Most dictionaries do go with anything not based on the Abrahamic religions, i.e. Jews, Muslims, and Christians.

lol that has to be the most encomposing yet confusing explanation I've run across yet }:)>

Most people who claim to be Christians have embraced some pagan beliefs and traditions, ie: Dec. 25 (Christmas), which has a pagan origin, that has something to do with the god of sun, Saturno.

I practice witchcraft

I'm right here... haha... I didn't realize there were so many Pagans/Wiccans on this site.

I am just simply atheist, but other religions and beliefs and such do interest me and I have pretty widespread knowledge about most stuff. Most of my friends are pagans, wiccans, and the like, I find it all interesting, but I myself wouldnt practice in it. I am content to just observe without judgement or criticism.

Pagan orginated from the latin word, Pagani, which means "people who live in the country." This was an appropriate term during the growth of Christianity. It was later that it developed negative connotations.
I believe in the tradition of Wicca but follow no direct path as Gardenian, Alexandrian, Celtic, etc.

if by pagan u mean non denominational witch then yes i am if u mean wiccan then no not me

Although i generally dont use the word pagan to describe my beliefs as it has obvious negative connotations

Lizard;

Do you practice black magic - or white magic?

chaos magick actually, which is neither

What is chaos magick?

heres an explanation and a url


its a mix of all different types of magick in order to change ones perception of reality

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaos_magick

Personally, I do use the term Pagan, since it is such a blanket term. As far as negative connotation goes, I'm not terribly concerned with it. However, if you ask fifty people who are Pagan, how they define it, you'll get sixty answers...as is my experience anyhow.

If you're interested in information about practice, I personally don't participate in rituals with others. My own version of Paganism is mostly energy work. I don't actively 'worship' and god, as that word has come to be defined. I prefer to speak to them as you would another person. If I were a deity, I would grow very tired of being worshiped 24/7...but that's just me, maybe they like it.