History

Paganism is not a word that describes a single religion with single beliefs.  Paganism is a catchall term used to describe a number of diverse religions which share a reverence for nature and are often based on the religions of indigenous peoples from many nations and ethnic groups. Itis estimated that there are between 50,000 and 200,000 practising pagans in the UK.

The history of modern paganism in the UK dates back to the period of Enlightenment in the 17th Century, when religious persecution had died down and people were free to explore different religious paths without risking excommunication or damnation. in the 1700s the Druid Order was revived, and through the 19th and 20th Century an interest in the occult, the spiritual and also in lost, indigenous faiths continued to grow, and in 1951 the concept of Wicca entered common parlance.

In the 1960s the influence of Eastern mysticism during the "hippie" era helped to further shape modern paganism, and by the late 1960s feminism had contributed to the mix and the first modern "witches" began to emerge publically, both within and outside the established Wiccan tradition.

Elements of the pagan community include Wiccans, Shamans, Druids and Odinists.  Some concentrate on specific Gods, while others focus on practices or goals.  All these elements have quite distinct individual beliefs, but they are united in their Pagan beliefs in relation to the spirituality of the world and the importance of nature and ecology. Pagans are not Satanists or practioners of black magic, and nor do they harm people or animals as part of their rites - all these practices would be contrary to their faith.

Worship is usually conducted outdoors and may consist of many aspects such as meditation, chanting, singing, dancing, reciting poetry. There are a number of religious festivals throughout the year that mainly follow the movement of the seasons and the sun and moon.

In modern Britain, paganism is becoming increasingly more common and pagan organisations have sprung up to co-ordinate activities betwen the different branches. It is increasingly popular with teenagers.

Beliefs

The wide diversity of individual pagan religions means that specific beliefs can vary hugely.  However, they share a central tenet in regard to nature - pagans believe that nature, in its cycles and its sheer existance, contains the divine. As a consequence, they will seek to minimise negative a impact on nature and to preserve it.

Most pagan religions will include imagery of the divine that is both masculine and feminine. Equality and balance between the sexes to ensure the cycle of life are emphasised.

There is very little written or spoken doctrine or liturgy in most pagan faiths. They are largely based on experience and on making contact with the divine, and less concerned with following strict rules and regulations.

Locally

The North West's Pagan Link is at http://www.paganlink.org/uk-info/local_info/north-west.html#lancashire

Pagan Federation North West is located at http://www.pfnw.freeola.com/

Links

UK pagan is at http://www.ukpagan.com