Paganism
The Origins Of Paganism
Pagan Roots:
The roots of Paganism begin as far back as the dawn of humanity. Before civilization our most primitive tribes and ancestors tracked the Sun, Moon and the changing of the Seasons. Our ancestors were very aware of the cycles of life within nature. The growth of plant life in the Summer months, and what Mother Earth provided were vital for sustaining life. In Winter months when the Earth grew barren, animal skins were a major food staple for Pagans and for survival. It quickly became apparent to our ancestors that they were dependent on the changing Seasons, and that they were at the mercy of powerful and mysterious forces. And so sought to gain approval of these mysterious and powerful forces by giving worship to assure a bountiful harvest. The fruits of the Earth were thought to be the domain of the Goddess, just as the female gives birth, the female deity caused plant life to emerge from the womb of the Earth. Men of the tribe were solely responsible for the hunt and therefore it was reasoned that the male deity was responsible for it's success. The masculine figure/a Horned God has been a prominent figure within many cultures. The Horned God also deemed a fertility God as the need for he hunt grew less, along with the female principle of nature have both been adored throughout the world by various cultures. As Christianity began to gain strength, Pagan practices coincided side by side until Christianity became the official religion, yet the old ways and Pagan beliefs remained in the hearts and minds of people. By the Eight Century, Christianity had made much progress in converting a majority of the people. Many of the old rites were incorporated into the Christian practices. Pagan places of worship were destroyed to make way for church sites. Brigid, ( the Mother Goddess of Ireland ), became St. Brigid. The Horned God became the Devil. To commune with these Gods became a punishable offense by Christian believers and a sure sign of Witchcraft. Anyone who practiced Witchcraft, was then labeled a "Heretic" and therefore would fall victim to persecution and death. This period in history was known as "the burning times."
Page thanks to: Landa
