About Paganism - Continued

Text Box: There is one underlying philosophy that binds all belief systems - The Rule of Three. The Hindi call it ‘Karma’. The Christians say that ‘You shall reap what you sow’. In Paganism we call it ‘The Rule of Three’. “Ever mind the Rule of Three, Three times what thou givest returns to thee. This lesson, well thou must learn, Thee only gets, what thou dost earn” This philosophy is not meant to be translated literally though. For example: If you steal, it does not mean that on three different occasions something will be stolen from you. It means that the individual will experience effects of an action. The reaction will be greater than the action. Cause and effect. Some Christians calls it, “promise and fulfilment” from their God. Pagans view Karma not as a punishment or reward, but rather as a life lesson. Modern Wicca or Neo-Wicca as it is called, elaborates the point of Karma in the ‘Wiccan Rede’ where it says: “Lest ye harm none, do as ye will”. This very strict code which admonishes Wiccans to not do harm to anything, including to themselves. In her book “To Stir a Magick Cauldron” SilverRavenWolf says: “That my friend is the basis of the craft: Each individual is free to make choices for him or herself that will improve his or her environment, family, career and spirituality. People of the craft also have the power to remove things from their lives that impede their growth or cause danger to their well being. In essence, all Witches have control over their own lives and are responsible for their actions.” Pagans do not believe in sin or the concept of the ‘devil’, but rather take responsibility for their own actions..

Most Pagans believe in the concept of reincarnation. The main focus of reincarnation is Spiritual growth and Karma.

A lot can be discussed regarding different belief systems’ opinions and this subject can and has been debated over for

centuries.

To read more about reincarnation, follow this link ..... Reincarnation continued

Text Box: One of the most common spells practised today, is blowing out candles on a birthday cake, while making a wish. Many people have huge fears when anyone mentions magick or spells; as, along with many other Pagan practises, it is very misunderstood. The entire Universe and everything that you can and can not see, is made up of energy. Even the most solid stone is made up of millions and billions of atoms that constantly orbit each other. Pagans learn how to ‘manipulate’ this energy, by altering their state of consciousness. Magick is therefore the art of focusing (through visualisation) on your intent, while altering your state of consciousness and directing energy towards a specific purpose. Scientists have shown that when an individual enters a trance state, they no longer make use of beta brain waves. There is a shift in consciousness which activates the theta and delta brain waves, which are associated with sleep. The best way to describe this state of mind is the way that you feel when you have just woken up. The scientific name for this state of mind is called the hypnogogic state. It is also in this state of mind that you will ultimately have your best ideas. Sir Thomas Eddison invented the light bulb in this state. Before dealing with magick, one should always remember the ‘Rule of Three’ and if you are part of a Wiccan movement, ‘The Wiccan Rede’. True magick is neither ‘black’ nor ‘white’ as energy is neither good nor evil. The intent of an individual will influence the outcome, not the energy used. Therefore the most wonderful intent can do harm to another person or yourself. It is therefore HIGHLY important that anyone who wishes to work with energy, understands what they are doing, be very specific with what the outcome should be and ALWAYS demand that the outcome be for the best of anyone involved. Most Pagans do not even believe in performing any kind of magick, unless the consent has been received from all parties involved. Magick should also only be used as a last resort, not as a party favour and NEVER to manipulate anyone negatively. Love spells, in my opinion, are the lowest form of magick, as although the intention of the individual might be pure, the outcome is the manipulation of someone’s feelings – which is wrong. Pagans are usually great lovers of ritual. Rituals are where dedicated worship, magick and celebration take place, usually according to the Lunar , Solar or Seasonal phase of the month. It is a time to harmonise with nature, say our thanks to the Gods for being so blessed and /or a place to heal. Pagans also come together for certain ‘Life Changing’ events; such as ‘Coming of Age’ (Teens, Motherhood and Croneage), Handfasting (marriage), Requiem (funeral) etc.

Rituals depending on the individual or group, do not necessarily have a set structure, however certain components remain the same if not similar.

An example of one of these components would be the four directions/elements. These are (For the Southern Hemisphere):

East - Air

North - Fire

West - Water

South - Earth

And then there is the firth element, which all life - Spirit.

Each element corresponds with specific qualities, a planetary ruler, gemstone, herb, colour, emotion, star sign etc. – therefore showing that all life is relative, all life is one and all life is reflective of spirit.

One of the most famous symbols you will find a Pagan using in some form is the pentacle.

The pentacle symbolises the union of the above mentioned five elements, with each point of the star.

All of the points of the star are equal, symbolising that all of the elements (matter and spirit) are

of equal importance and are not separate entities.

The circle surrounding the pentacle symbolises the God and Goddess which unites and is all energy.