Talking about religion - Round 2!

[junescrater716]

Ohhhhhh! How so? This is interesting!

[IRescue452]

Our holidays are quite comparable to the later formed Christian holidays. Keep in mind that these will be different slightly for each pagan group.

To start with there is Samhain, two spirit nights celebrated on Oct. 31-Nov. 1. It is known as the last harvest. A time of reflection as the earth says goodbye to god. Celebrations vary from person to person. Most consider this our new year's day.

Then comes Candlemas, Yule, or Winter Solstice. This is celebrated on the winter solstice Dec. 21 or the 23rd of the month Astraea. This holiday is celebrated as the return of the sun god. Symbols are the yule log, evergreen tree, cloved fruit, poinsettias, and holly. Activities are wassailing, caroling, and honoring Kriss Kringle. Spellworkings are for peace, harmony, love, and happiness.

After Candlemas is Imbolc or Oimealg. Celebrated on Feb. 2 or Bridhe 10. You could compare it to groundhog day as we celebrate the first showings of spring. We say a snake emerges to test the weather. Activities for celebration are going for walks and searching for signs of spring, making corn husk dolls, and having bon fires.

Next is Spring Equinox or Ostara. It is celebrated on March 21 or Columbina 2. This is the first true day of spring. The theme of the conception of the goddess was adopted as the Feast of Annunciation by the Christians. Symbols are eggs, bunnies, chicks, violets, daffodils, and pastels. Activities are long walks, planting gardens, and any traditional Easter activities. Easter is the one Christian holiday the borrows almost all pagan traditions.

Next is Beltain, Roodmas, or mayday. It is celebrated on April 30 or May 1, Maia 12 in our calandar. This is a time when the first flowers are gathered in honor or the young gods. Activities are maypole, making flower baskets, and gathering flowers.

After that is Summer Solstice, Midsummer, or Litha. It is celebrated June 21 or Rosea 8th. It is the first harvest of herbs. It coincides with the Christian Feast of St. John. Activities are a rededication to religion.

Next is Lughnasadh or Lammas. It is celebrated on July 31 or August 1, Kerea 20th. This is the first full harvest. Symbols are bread on the altar, apples, grapes, and grains. Activities are a feast, walk and reflect on the bounty and love of the Lord and Lady.

Last is Autumn Equinox or Mabon. It is celebrated on September 21 or Mala 15. It is the second harvest and days and nights are equally balanced. Activities are gathering and making wine. All autumn colors are used as symbols.

[junescrater716]

Thats cool! My mom told me that christianity is probably one of the newest form of religions. Thats why it's so similar to most of the other ones?

[Giselle]

Thats cool! My mom told me that christianity is probably one of the newest form of religions. Thats why it's so similar to most of the other ones?

In relation to all of the religions throughout the world, Christianity is not new but I wouldn't call it old either. Many Christian beliefs and rituals stem from Roman/Greek rituals (i.e. Romans called their rituals sacramenta while Catholics call them sacraments). That's part of why Christianty is so similar to some pagan beliefs.

I can't say I follow a religion. I find them all too restrictive and artificial. I believe in a higher power and I believe this higher power doesn't care if I follow a specific religion as long as I help as many beings as I possibly can.

[junescrater716]

Oh. I'm starting to get interested more in paganism and wiccan. Those are beginning to interest me.

[ramanth]

I can't say I follow a religion. I find them all too restrictive and artificial. I believe in a higher power and I believe this higher power doesn't care if I follow a specific religion as long as I help as many beings as I possibly can.

That's a really great way of looking at it Giselle. I feel the same way, though like Cathy, a lot of my beliefs tend to lean towards the Pagan side.

[Twisterdog]

I don't practice a particular organized religion. I don't believe any religion is any more "right" than any other.

In fact, I rather think that ALL religions are "wrong", simply attempts by humans' puny little minds to catergorize/simplify something we cannot comprehend. I believe in a higher power, but I don't think He/She/It cares at all whether you use the name God, Allah or Dagda.

I think following the Golden Rule (Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.) is about all it takes. Whichever organized religion makes one want to do that is great for that peron, IMO. I have always liked Abraham Lincoln's take on religion ... "When I do good, I feel good. When I do bad, I feel bad. That's my religion."

[Sophist]

CathyBogart: Do you practice mainly on your own, or do you meet with a group of some sort? If you have a group, do you ever meet except for celebrations/holidays?

IRescue452: Have you ever performed any weddings? Perhaps getting a bit off-topic, just a little curious.

And for both of you... are you irritated a lot by all the goth and wanna-be rebellious kids/college students who claim to be Pagan/Wiccan with no real idea of what they are just to sound edgy and dark? I mean, I can think of at least a solid dozen people I know who proudly and loudly proclaim their 'pagan' status based solely on things learned from Buffy the Vampire Slayer How do you find serious practicers of your religions to study/celebrate with (assuming you do)?

Well, I may think of some things to share about my on religion later after getting some sleep, but if anyone wants to ask any questions, I am a Latter Day Saint (commonly called 'mormon'). Don't worry about asking questions, trust me, I've just about heard them all .