Just a little space for Pagan stuff
Most people are familiar with the runic alphabet, but there are several other alphabets or scripts that are associated with magickal or spiritual practices.
The following pages show these alphabets in their entirety with their corresponding English letters. Keep in mind that these scripts have been given English counterparts based on the sounds of each letter, not necessarily because there is any connection between an ancient language and modern English.
Continue reading “Arcane Alphabets”Everyone knows that the Egyptians went to somewhat extreme lengths to ensure their continued life after death. They built huge tombs, hoarded wealth, and performed elaborate rituals and preparations on their bodies after death. It all makes for very interesting cultural history, but it all reflects back on their religion, beliefs and mythology.
The practice of mummification was based on one of the myths of Osiris and his brother Set.
Continue reading “Wrapping of Mummies”When people misunderstand the upright pentacle, and think it is a Satanic symbol, Wiccans usually correct them by pointing out the difference between one-point-up and one-point-down. “Satanists have turned a good symbol upside-down just like they did with the Christian cross.”
But is it as simple as that?
The landscape of Norse mythology is large and more elaborate than that of many other cultures. It goes much beyond the typical paradise, earth, underworld structure that most people are familiar with.
There are nine worlds, divided into 3 layers, and they are all connected by the World Tree, Yggdrasil.
I’ve heard from people who say they aren’t always comfortable with the traditional element/direction correspondences. Some make adjustments to suit their own locations, such as a person who lives on the east coast of the United States may chose to associate east with water rather than with the more traditional air. It’s hard to ignore a huge ocean to the east.
As I was surfing around looking for information on Pagan coming-of-age rituals, I started thinking about how important they are. And also how this idea has been lost in mainstream society.
The whole idea of being a ‘teenager’ has only been around for a couple of decades. In the past, you were a child up to a certain point, and then you were an adult. Pretty simple, and much easier to grasp your own place in the world as you were growing up. But things are different today, and not for the better, if you ask me. Continue reading “Coming of Age”
If you made a New Year’s resolution this year to get out there in the Pagan community and be more social, you might want to think about creating your own gathering.
The somewhat traditional term for a social gathering of Pagans is a “moot“, though other terms are also used. They’re typically monthly, social, get-togethers of Wiccans and Pagans who like to just sit and chat with folks of related beliefs. Even people who practice their religion in a solitary manner enjoy a chance to get to known new people. Continue reading “How to Organize a Pagan Moot”
Many mainstream Christmas traditions stem from original Pagan practices. Though Christian origins and associations have been attributed to many of these traditions, they do in fact pre-date Christianity. Continue reading “Pagan Roots of Christmas Traditions”
I have found when people are curious about Paganism, one of the first things they ask is “What do you believe happens when you die?” It’s a valid question and seems to be important to people. So here is an outline of a very generalized Pagan view on the afterlife.
Before I get started, I would just like to point out that there is no single or set doctrine among Wiccans when it comes to the details of the afterlife. Some other Pagan paths do have a more specific mythology about it, which I mention in more detail at the end of this page.
Looking to the past is one of the most authentic Halloween traditions. If you’re looking for other ways to celebrate your history and honour your ancestors, I have a few suggestions.
Some of these are larger projects that aren’t the kind of thing you do in one day. Continue reading “Honoring Ancestors at Samhain”