Frequently Asked Questions
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What is a Pagan?
The words "Paganism" and "Pagan" come from the Latin term paganus, meaning country dweller. Neo-pagans hold a reverence for the Earth and all its creatures, and generally see all life as interconnected. We manifest this belief by attuning ourselves and our lives with the cycles of nature. That said, there are as many definitions of the word "Pagan" as there are Pagans! A quick web search will give you an idea of how vast and varied the Pagan movement is.
Do Pagans Believe in God?
Many (but not all) Pagans are polytheistic, meaning they believe in more than one god or goddess. Most also believe in immanence, or the concept of divinity residing in all things. Many Pagans, though polytheistic, see all things as being part of One Great Mystery. The apparent contradiction of being both polytheistic and monotheistic can be resolved by seeing the God/desses as aspects of one universal energy.
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The pentacle is one of the most powerful and popular symbols used by many Neo-Pagans. The pentacle contains many wonderful layers of symbolism. The five points symbolize the four directions or elements of earth, air, fire and water, with the fifth point representing spirit. The circle around the star symbolizes unity and wholeness.
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The pentacle is often maligned or misunderstood by the media and the public in general, however, to those modern Pagans who use it, the pentacle is a purely positive representation of life and spirit.
While the pentacle is widely used, there are as many other symbols as there are Neo-Pagan traditions. For a brief description of some of these symbols, please visit the global Pagan Pride website.
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How can I learn more?
Please visit our Links page to learn more online. There are also many books and publications that can help you gain more insight into Neo-Paganism. Here's a typical list for beginners or those just getting started:
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Drawing Down the Moon, Margot Adler
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Spiral Dance, Starhawk
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When God Was a Woman, Merlin Stone
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The Truth About Witchcraft, Scott Cunningham
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Celebrate the Earth or Power of the Witch, Laurie Cabot
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Gods & Goddesses of Old Europe, Marija Gimbutas
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The Golden Bough, Sir James Frazier
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The Inner Temple of Witchcraft, Christopher Penczak
This list is by no means comprehensive, and there are countless other good books available. Try Listmania! at Amazon to see what other Pagans are reading.
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