You Know You're Pagan When...

I just thought I'd share a funny story. As contemporary Paganism is typically a way of life with no firm division between your religion and everything else, sometimes you forget who you are. You take for granted "hey, I'm Pagan!"

Well, I just woke up from a little bit of a nap and remembered a dream I just had. It's a very windy day outside, and my dreams involved the Wind Spirits. All I remember from the dream was going to my balcony and looking outside at the woodland behind my apartment. All of the beautiful trees were flattened. Destroyed. Gone. In the dream, I screamed very loudly in protest: "NOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Yup. Just in case I forgot that I'm hopelessly a tree-hugging dirt-worshiper, I have a nightmare about the trees in my backyard being wiped out by a really strong windstorm. What's your wake-up call?

Quintessence said:

Yup. Just in case I forgot that I'm hopelessly a tree-hugging dirt-worshiper

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I've been called such by fellow Christians

I don't think I have one. It's just normal for me.

Then again, I've never really been anything other than a tree-hugging dirt-worshiper. For me, that's just the default, with non-Pagan religions or philosophies that go against Pagan virtues being deviations from the default.

On the other hand, you know your a Pagan when you habitually say "By the Gods!" instead of "Oh my God!" ^_^

nazz said:

I've been called such by fellow Christians

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Yeah, it's a term that isn't exclusive to contemporary Paganism. Though in some contexts, when the term is used, it's intended derisively. I, however, wear the phrase as a badge of pride.

Riverwolf said:

Then again, I've never really been anything other than a tree-hugging dirt-worshiper. For me, that's just the default, with non-Pagan religions or philosophies that go against Pagan virtues being deviations from the default.

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I think I personally needed the reminder lately because the job I have isn't exactly known for having a strong environmental ethic. Granted that's the sad default of my country, but my conscience demands otherwise.

Riverwolf said:

On the other hand, you know your a Pagan when you habitually say "By the Gods!" instead of "Oh my God!" ^_^

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Hah, that's a good one too. I say this all the time in public, and only very rarely does anyone ever comment on it. I find that odd considering I say "gods" in the plural fairly regularly. I had someone notice that once. And mostly they just thought it was me being my typical strange and it didn't occur to them that I'm actually a polytheist. *chuckles*

Quintessence said:

Yeah, it's a term that isn't exclusive to contemporary Paganism. Though in some contexts, when the term is used, it's intended derisively. I, however, wear the phrase as a badge of pride.

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I do

I can't help but wonder what I am, whether Pagan or what. I believe in Jesus, but that he came to Earth many times, in many forms, as both male and female. "Jesus" was merely one aspect of god. So I often say, "By the gods." I also believe in a Heavenly Mother and Father. So, am I Pagan? Or am I just hopelessly un-lable-able. (Yeah, that's a mouthful, lol.)

Freedomelf said:

I can't help but wonder what I am, whether Pagan or what. I believe in Jesus, but that he came to Earth many times, in many forms, as both male and female. "Jesus" was merely one aspect of god. So I often say, "By the gods." I also believe in a Heavenly Mother and Father. So, am I Pagan? Or am I just hopelessly un-lable-able. (Yeah, that's a mouthful, lol.)

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You would certainly fit some definitions but no need to use the label/title if you don't wish to. I use different ones depending on who I am speaking with.

I was on my way to the psychologist for a routine visit when I saw a pheasant stop at the zebra crossing, look for cars in both directions and then run as fast as it could to the isle in the middle of the road and repeat the same from there. I wanted to share the funny event with my husband, but accidentally sent the message to my psychologist instead. When we met she started talking about the observation as if it was a significant sign of my improved mental state. It took me several seconds to realize that not all people look at the world like I do and that it might actually not be normal to care more about the animal life around you than the people. I did my best to explain the psychologist that was just how I am, but what can I say...

Infinitum said:

I was on my way to the psychologist for a routine visit when I saw a pheasant stop at the zebra crossing, look for cars in both directions and then run as fast as it could to the isle in the middle of the road and repeat the same from there. I wanted to share the funny event with my husband, but accidentally sent the message to my psychologist instead. When we met she started talking about the observation as if it was a significant sign of my improved mental state. It took me several seconds to realize that not all people look at the world like I do and that it might actually not be normal to care more about the animal life around you than the people. I did my best to explain the psychologist that was just how I am, but what can I say...

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Don't they ("they" being people in the field of psychology) call it a Freudian Slip when you "accidentally" say something that way?

Even so, from my perspective as an animist, no it is not at all abnormal to pay attention to and be concerned about nonhumans. I found your story quite a day-brightener! Thanks!

You know you are Pagan when:

I was playing an xbox game, and was trying to read an in game book, but when I went to pick it up, I picked up (stole) offerings off the altar to a God the book was placed on... So I opened my inventory and placed it back because I felt bad.... Yup, I am Pagan.

Riverwolf said:

On the other hand, you know your a Pagan when you habitually say "By the Gods!" instead of "Oh my God!" ^_^

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I've taken to saying "By the Gods!", "Gods forbid", "Thank the Gods", and "Ye Gods!" Oddly, the last one is one my mother, a Roman Catholic, used to use. I never asked her why, and now almost 21 years after she's dead, I'm curious.

This isn't just paganism but for example I get very sad when I see roadkill on the side of the road. If I see a squirrel or raccoon on the side of the road then I get sad because I feel that it once had life and that was very recently going about its business. I get sad when I see decimation of trees. I think non-pagans can feel this way but the essence of what paganism is has tons to do with our connection to nature and other life and the ability to see it not separately but as ourselves.