asked a Pagan? (priest, rituals, moral, virginity, tradition)

[Mike182]

so, anyone got any random questions about Paganism that they never dared ask?

if i can't answer it, i'm pretty sure i know someone who can

[CDRaider]

Acutally can you give me a brief overview of the things like veiws on death, marriage, virginity and sex before marriage, what are the requirements for 'membership' and are their any rituals and such associated?

Basically, can you give me a general overview? I've had a ton or things told to me and I don't really know what to believe.

[MaddLlama]

Why are there Pagans who still believe that Margret Murray was right? Or, at least why are there Pagans that still spout the "we're an ancient religion" line without doing any real research? I suspect that's a topic for a whole 'nother thread.

Second, what's the difference between saying "pentagram" and "pentacle"? I always thought that the symbol itself was called the pentacle, but I read recently that the proper name for the symbol is the pentagram, and the term "pentacle" is specifically referring to the 3-dimensional version of the pentagram, such as that for jewelry or a symbol for an altar. What gives?

[Hema]

Is it true that the word "pagan" was originally a derogatory word? If so, how come people classify themselves as pagan?

[Mike182]

Originally Posted by CDRaider

Acutally can you give me a brief overview of the things like veiws on death, marriage, virginity and sex before marriage, what are the requirements for 'membership' and are their any rituals and such associated?

Basically, can you give me a general overview? I've had a ton or things told to me and I don't really know what to believe.

Death:
some Pagans believe in what could be called a form of heaven, "summer lands", different people have different images, i like the image of a vast field with forest areas, streams and rivers, a mountain range - a spiritual world where our spirits (souls) freely live with other spirits and deities

some Pagans believe in reincarnation, some believe reincarnation will be a choice (ie, we can choose some of our surroundings, family etc) and some believe it is assigned to us through the Karma of past lives.

Marriage:
the Pagan marriage tradition is a Handfasting, and is a ritual mostly performed outside, set up to the couple's liking (favourite incense, flowers, friends casting circle/calling quaters) - the wording also depends upon the couple, but will be along the lines of each member of the couple presents themselves to the high priest/priestess, presents their guardian (parent/friend - kinda like bridesmaids and best man) and declared commitment to the other member of the couple. the high priest will tie their hands together in what is usually a white chord, and they recieve the blessing of x God and/or x Goddess.

drinking and general merry making usually follows.

as far as i know, no Pagan Handfastings are legally recognised, so it is common practise to have a civil wedding either before or after the Pagan ceremony.

Virginity and sex before marriage:
most Pagan traditions have no moral authority prohibiting sex before handfasting, though i must admit the only authority i am really familiar with in Pagan traditions is the Wiccan Rede*, a Poem from 1974, the final words being the main moral point: "these eight words the rede fulfill, an' it harm none, do as yee will" - relating this to sex, any act that is consentual is a-ok!

Membership:
depends entirely upon the tradition and practices of individual groups/gatherings. i haven't done any research into differen initiation ceremonies, or how different traiditions typically govern their membership, so i will have to get back to you on this one.

Thanks for these questions, if you have any other questions to further clarify any of these answers, please jump right in and ask them!

[ayani]

what is the general pagan view of suffering- e.g why suffering exists, the purpose it serves, what humans can do about it...

thank you!

[Mike182]

Originally Posted by MaddLlama

Why are there Pagans who still believe that Margret Murray was right? Or, at least why are there Pagans that still spout the "we're an ancient religion" line without doing any real research? I suspect that's a topic for a whole 'nother thread.

Second, what's the difference between saying "pentagram" and "pentacle"? I always thought that the symbol itself was called the pentacle, but I read recently that the proper name for the symbol is the pentagram, and the term "pentacle" is specifically referring to the 3-dimensional version of the pentagram, such as that for jewelry or a symbol for an altar. What gives?

wow, let's not reserve the hard ones 'till later

Margaret Murray, very interesting subject! i haven't done much reading on her thesis, admittedly i only have a vague understanding of her crazy brainy, i'll do some researching and post another thread on her later, if that's ok with you?

the pentagram and the pentacle? the 5 pointed star is the pentacle, and the 5 pointed star with a ring around it is the pentagram - most jewlers put a ring around the pentacle because it just looks better, i wasn't aware of any Pagan related significance in this

[MaddLlama]

Sorry ^_^;;

Here's some good reading on Murray:

http://wicca.timerift.net/murray.shtml
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margaret_Murray