MM all,
when people have asked me what it is to be a Pagan i don't know what to say so can anyone tell me
blessings to all Ian

This recent topic may be of interest to you "Difference Between Pagan And Wicca, How would you describe it?"

I'm afraid that no-one can really tell you what to say because your thoughts and beliefs are your own. A Pagan can be many things, there are so many differing paths that a simple explanation would never work Some Pagans have a God and Goddess, some have a God and no Goddess, some have a Goddess and no God, others have many of both and some have none at all Some practice ritual, others don't, some celebrate eight festivals, some four, some don't celebrate any as part of their path or belief Some might celebrate an Esbat, again others may not Confused? Not as half as much as the non-Pagan you're trying to explain it too

In a vague nutshell a Pagan is someone whose spirituality is geared towards nature but after that we all differ greatly

You would have to explain your own path to them, what it means to you and then explain to them that your path is likely to be very different to that of other Pagans Then be prepared for them to have not understood a single word

[QUOTE]In a vague nutshell a Pagan is someone whose spirituality is geared towards nature but after that we all differ greatly
thanks weatherwitch it's now as clear as mud LOL but i do like the above
blessings Ian

I've put together a fairly general sort of definition on my site that may be of use. Click on the link below my signature, and once you're in the site, click on the General Paganism / Paganism Today link. Hope it's of use.

The Pagan without ritual? thread has some good definitions of what is/isn't considered definitive in being pagan as well

As for me? I largely agree with Weatherwitch's explanation When it comes down to it 'Pagan' is just the word written on the side of a large box into which all kinds of beliefs and religions have been thrown - its a matter of defining your beliefs within that box rather than trying to sort out the whole boxful!

Well put Weatherwitch and OxonPagan

I would like to add that IMO being pagan is about truly being yourself, and respecting nature/ universe etc, and realising your part in it.

People all have different ideas of where they 'fit in' which is why there are so many belief systems to choose from if you so wish.

I had a heck of a job recently explaining to a friend of mine about paganism (it might have had something to do with the fact that I'd had too much to drink, and so had he) just because I wanted to tell him all about the different paths there are and kept contradicting myself chronically. My main stumbling point was the question of gods/esses and how following a pantheon eg norse, egyptian, was any different to following the christian or islamic or jewish god. I kept telling him it wasn't the same, and trying badly to explain, but I could tell he was sceptical.

He did admit to having a great respect for the earth and the power of the earth, so if I haven't totally scared him off by being a drunken idiot at him then I might be able to have a few more interesting chats with him.

You're not the only one who has trouble explaining it, tanith9.

MM All,
thanks to all of you for your help ,it's a lot clearer now you have also given me an insite into where i'm going with being a pagan
blessings Ian

p.s love your web site Stormwolf

Tell them you're a sheep sacrificing, child stealing, nude dancing behemoth!!

No, I'm joking. That's what I'm usually itching to tell them but then I just end up telling them that no two Pagans are the same, that I'm a polytheist and what it means and about the role that nature has to play in my personal path.

love the first meaning elswyth that the best so far
blessings Ian