The term “pagan” historically referred to people who practiced polytheistic religions and beliefs outside the major world religions like Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. The origins of pagan practices and beliefs are diverse and can be traced back to various ancient civilizations and cultures around the world. Here are some key aspects of pagan origins from different regions.
Ancient Egypt. Ancient Egyptian religion was polytheistic, with a pantheon of gods and goddesses such as Ra, Osiris, Isis, and Anubis. Their beliefs influenced later pagan traditions in the Mediterranean region.
Ancient Mesopotamia. Mesopotamian civilizations, including the Sumerians, Babylonians, and Assyrians, practiced polytheism with a focus on gods like Enki, Marduk, and Ishtar. Their religious beliefs also contributed to the development of pagan traditions.
Greco-Roman Paganism. Ancient Greeks and Romans had a vast pantheon of gods and goddesses, such as Zeus, Hera, Apollo, and Venus. Their religious practices and mythology were widespread in the Mediterranean and had a significant influence on later European paganism.
Celtic Paganism. The Celtic peoples, who lived in areas now known as Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and parts of Western Europe, practiced a form of polytheistic paganism. Their beliefs centered around nature, spirits, and the cycle of life.
Norse Paganism. The Norse people, including Vikings, had their own pantheon of gods, including Odin, Thor, and Freyja. Norse paganism was prevalent in the Scandinavian region.
Native American Paganism. The indigenous peoples of the Americas had diverse spiritual practices and beliefs, often based on animism, the belief that all things, including animals, plants, and natural elements, have spirits.
Pre-Christian European Paganism. In many parts of pre-Christian Europe, local tribes and cultures practiced various forms of animism, nature worship, and ancestral veneration.
Pre-Celtic paganism refers to the religious beliefs and practices of the ancient peoples inhabiting the regions of Europe before the arrival of the Celts. This period encompasses a wide range of cultures and societies, each with their own unique religious systems. Since written records from this era are scarce, much of our understanding of pre-Celtic paganism comes from archaeological findings, linguistics, and later historical accounts.
Here are some key aspects of pre-Celtic paganism in Europe.
Animism. Pre-Celtic paganism was likely influenced by animistic beliefs, which is the belief that all natural entities, including animals, plants, rocks, rivers, and celestial bodies, possess spiritual essence or souls.
Ancestor Veneration. Ancestor worship and reverence for the spirits of deceased family members were likely significant aspects of pre-Celtic religious practices. Ancestors were considered to play a role in the lives of the living and were honoured through rituals and offerings.
Nature Deities. Many pre-Celtic cultures venerated deities associated with natural elements and forces, such as deities of the sun, moon, earth, and sky.
Megalithic Monuments. Some of the most iconic structures from this period are megalithic monuments, such as stone circles, dolmens, and passage tombs, which served as religious sites and may have been aligned with astronomical events.
Rituals and Ceremonies. Pre-Celtic pagans likely performed rituals and ceremonies to honour their gods and spirits, seek blessings, protection, and prosperity, and mark significant life events like birth, coming of age, and death.
Shamanic Practices. Shamanic elements, such as trance-induced states, divination, and communication with the spirit world, might have been part of pre-Celtic religious practices.
It’s important to note that the concept of “Celtic” as an ethnic and cultural identity did not emerge until later, around the Iron Age and the Hallstatt and La Tène periods. As Celtic-speaking peoples migrated and interacted with pre-existing cultures in Europe, there would have been influences and syncretism between pre-Celtic and Celtic religious practices.
Due to the lack of written records and the considerable time span involved, our knowledge of pre-Celtic paganism is somewhat speculative and subject to ongoing research and interpretation by archaeologists, historians, and anthropologists. The specific beliefs and practices of these ancient peoples likely varied significantly across different regions and periods in ancient European history.
Celtic Paganism.
Also known as Celtic polytheism or Celtic reconstructionism, refers to the pre-Christian religious beliefs and practices of the Celtic peoples who lived in areas now known as Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, and parts of Continental Europe. The Celts were a diverse group of tribes with their own unique customs and deities, but they shared some common religious themes and symbols.
Key Aspects of Celtic Paganism.
Polytheism. Celtic Paganism was polytheistic, meaning they believed in multiple gods and goddesses, each associated with different aspects of life, nature, and human endeavors. Some well-known Celtic deities include Lugh, Brigid, Danu, Cernunnos, and Morrigan.
Nature Worship. Celtic Pagans had a deep reverence for nature and believed that various natural elements, such as trees, rivers, and animals, possessed spiritual significance and symbolism.
Ancestor Veneration. Ancestors held a crucial role in Celtic religious practices. They were honoured and believed to play an active role in the lives of their living descendants.
Seasonal Festivals. Celtic Paganism included a series of seasonal festivals that marked important points in the agricultural and pastoral calendar. Examples include Samhain (celebrated around October 31st) and Beltane (celebrated around May 1st).
Modern Revival of Celtic Paganism.
In modern times, there has been a resurgence of interest in Celtic Paganism, often referred to as neo-druidism or Celtic Reconstructionism. Modern practitioners seek to reconstruct and revive ancient Celtic religious practices, drawing on historical sources, mythology, archaeology, and folklore. They often adapt these traditions to contemporary contexts and personal spiritual beliefs.
It is essential to note that the revival of Celtic Paganism is not an exact reconstruction of the ancient practices, as there is limited historical information available, and modern interpretations and adaptations are inevitable. As with any spiritual practice, individuals may have varying beliefs and approaches to Celtic Paganism, making it a diverse and evolving tradition in the modern world.
Symbolism. Celtic Pagans used various symbols to represent their beliefs and connection to the natural world. Some common symbols include the Celtic Cross, triquetra, triskele, and the Awen symbol.
Druids.
Druids were a class of priests, scholars, and spiritual leaders in Celtic society. They held significant influence and knowledge, including the interpretation of omens and performing religious rituals.
Key Aspects of Druids.
Religious and Spiritual Role. Druids were the religious leaders and spiritual guides of the Celtic peoples. They were responsible for conducting religious rituals, ceremonies, and sacrifices to honor the gods and spirits, and to seek blessings and protection for the community.
Connection with Nature. Druids held a deep reverence for nature and believed in the spiritual significance of natural elements, such as trees, rivers, and animals. Trees, especially oak trees, were considered sacred, and groves were often used as sacred spaces for religious gatherings.
Intellectual and Scholarly Traditions. Druids were highly educated individuals, and their training involved years of study in various subjects, including philosophy, astronomy, law, history, medicine, and poetry. They passed down knowledge orally, and their teachings were not written down.
Divination and Seership. Druids were skilled in divination and believed they could interpret signs and omens from nature to gain insights into the future or guidance from the gods.
Social and Political Role. Druids also had influence in matters of governance and served as advisors to chieftains and kings. They played a role in dispute resolution and were respected mediators.
Place in Society. Druids held a high social status within Celtic communities, and their knowledge and wisdom were valued by the people. They were exempt from military service and taxes.
It’s essential to note that much of what we know about the ancient Druids comes from later accounts written by Roman and Greek authors, such as Julius Caesar and Strabo. These accounts were sometimes biased and based on limited observations, making it challenging to establish a complete and accurate picture of the Druids and their practices. Additionally, the Celts had a diverse range of cultures and societies, so the roles and practices of Druids may have varied across different regions and periods.
Modern Revival of Druidry.
In modern times, there has been a revival of interest in Druidry, often referred to as Neo-Druidry or Druidism. Modern Druids draw inspiration from historical sources, folklore, and archaeological findings to shape their beliefs and practices. Modern Druidry is a diverse movement, encompassing various spiritual and ecological perspectives, and is often associated with nature reverence, environmental activism, and a focus on personal and community growth.
Norse Paganism, also known as Norse Heathenry or Germanic Paganism, refers to the pre-Christian religious beliefs and practices of the Germanic peoples who lived in the regions of Scandinavia (modern-day Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Iceland) and other parts of Northern Europe during the Viking Age and earlier periods. Norse Paganism is based on the mythology and cosmology of the ancient Norse people and their descendants.
Druids were members of a learned and influential class in ancient Celtic societies, particularly during the Iron Age and the Roman period. The word “druid” is derived from the Celtic term “drui,” which means “oak knowledge” or “knower of the oak tree.” Druids played various roles in Celtic society, acting as religious leaders, scholars, advisors, healers, and mediators.
Pantheon of Gods and Goddesses. Norse Paganism is polytheistic, and its pantheon includes a wide range of gods and goddesses, each associated with specific aspects of life, nature, and the cosmos. Some well-known Norse deities include Odin, Thor, Freyja, Loki, Tyr, and Frigg.
Mythology and Sagas. The Norse mythology is rich with epic tales and sagas that recount the deeds and adventures of the gods, heroes, and mythical creatures. These stories were often passed down orally through generations and were later recorded in written sources.
Valhalla and Afterlife. Norse Pagans believed in an afterlife where the bravest warriors who died in battle would go to the great hall of the god Odin, called Valhalla. Other souls would journey to different realms, such as Hel, the realm of the dead.
Runes and Divination. The Norse people used runes, a system of writing and symbols, for both mundane and spiritual purposes. They were also used for divination, seeking insight into the future or guidance from the gods.
Ancestor Veneration. Ancestors were highly respected and revered in Norse culture, and their spirits were believed to influence the lives of their living descendants.
Nature and Land Spirits. Norse Pagans held a deep reverence for nature and believed in spirits associated with various natural elements, such as trees, rivers, and mountains.
Modern Revival of Norse Paganism.
Similar to other ancient pagan traditions, Norse Paganism has experienced a revival in modern times. Various contemporary movements, often referred to as Heathenry or Asatru, seek to reconstruct and adapt the ancient Norse religious practices to modern contexts. These modern practitioners draw on historical sources, archaeological findings, mythology, and folklore to shape their beliefs and rituals.
It is important to note that modern Norse Paganism is not an exact replica of the ancient practices, as there are limited historical records, and interpretations and adaptations occur based on individual beliefs and cultural contexts. As with any religious or spiritual tradition, the beliefs and practices within Norse Paganism can vary among different groups and individuals.
Eclectic Ordained Pagan Priest