Pagan gods play a significant role in the world of paganism. Individuals can follow traditions or draw inspiration from personal beliefs. Paganism is flexible and not bound by strict rules. Each person can explore their understanding of the Divine through personal experiences. Paganism is the ancient religion of humanity. It still thrives around the world today, from complex societies like Japan and India to simpler tribal communities everywhere. This belief system once shaped the religions of ancient Europe, including Persia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Today, it is making a comeback in the modern West, responding to contemporary spiritual needs. More: Embrace the magic of Halloween with witchy practices
The pagan loves the earth in order to enjoy it and confine himself within it; the Christian in order to make it purer and draw from it the strength to escape from it.
Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
Paganism has a threefold perspective:
First, its followers deeply respect Nature and worship many deities, including both goddesses and gods. Pagans recognize the spirit of specific places, whether that spirit takes the form of a mountain, lake, or guardian deity like Athena, the goddess of Athens.
Many Pagans view the natural cycle of the year as a model for spiritual growth. They celebrate different seasons through festivals, connecting with various deities that correspond to specific times of the year. For instance, in ancient Greece, the Earth was honored with the first offering of wine, even though she had no official priesthood or temple.
Paganism promotes respect for diversity, refusing to judge other lifestyles simply because they are different. It honors the natural and supernatural worlds, from which many in today’s technological society feel disconnected. Pagans also celebrate the feminine aspect of spirituality, as seen in the numerous goddesses across different cultures. Modern Pagans often identify as eclectic, meaning they may honor gods and goddesses from various traditions. Many seek assistance from deities in their magical practices or when facing personal challenges. More: Religious wisdom and spiritual interpretations of mindfulness
Understanding Paganism: A diverse tapestry of beliefs
First, it’s important to know that “Pagan” isn’t a single religion. Instead, it serves as an umbrella term that includes many different belief systems, most of which focus on nature and the earth and often worship multiple gods. A person who identifies as Pagan might be a Druid, Wiccan, Heathen, or even an eclectic witch with no specific cultural ties. Some might belong to groups like Religio Romana.
The concepts of hard polytheism and soft polytheism can make things more complex. Soft polytheists believe that although many gods and goddesses exist, they are all different aspects of one supreme being. On the other hand, hard polytheists view each deity as a unique and separate entity, deserving of individual recognition.
For example, a Wiccan may honor both the Goddess and the God, which can refer to specific deities or more abstract representations. A Celtic Pagan might focus on Brighid and Lugh or Cernunnos and the Morrigan, and they could worship one main deity or several. Similarly, a Roman Pagan may create a shrine for their household gods, the Lares, while also honoring local deities and perhaps another god at their workplace. More: The Celtic Christian Cross: History and Meaning
If you want to learn about the specific gods or goddesses that a Pagan worships, the best approach is to ask them directly. This openness fosters understanding and respect for the diverse beliefs within Paganism.
Pagan gods
Many Pagan deities represent different aspects of human life, including love, death, marriage, fertility, healing, and war. Others connect to the cycles of agriculture, the moon, and the sun. By learning about various Pagan deities, you can discover which ones resonate with your personality and magical goals.
- Celtic Deities
Curious about the major gods and goddesses of the ancient Celts? The Celts lived across the British Isles and parts of Europe, and some of their deities are now part of modern Pagan practices. You can explore figures like Brigid, the goddess of healing and poetry, or Cernunnos, the horned god of nature and fertility.
- Egyptian Deities
The ancient Egyptians worshipped a diverse range of gods and goddesses, each representing different ideas and concepts. As their culture changed, so did the meanings of their deities. For instance, Osiris, the god of the afterlife, evolved in significance over time, while Isis remained a powerful symbol of love and motherhood.
- Greek Deities
The ancient Greeks honored many gods, and their influence continues today among Hellenic Pagans. For them, deities were integral to daily life, involved in everything from personal affairs to community events. They didn’t just turn to the gods in times of need; they included them in their celebrations and rituals.
- Norse Deities
Norse culture also featured a wide variety of gods. Groups like the Asatruar and Heathens still worship these ancient deities today. For the Norse people, their gods were a vital part of life, not just distant figures to call upon in crisis. Exploring these deities can help you find meaningful connections in your spiritual journey.
Pagan Gods: Embracing the Feminine Divine
Pagan religions recognize the importance of female divinity. A religion that lacks goddesses cannot truly be called Pagan. While some paths, like the cults of Odin or Mithras, focus on one male god, they still acknowledge the existence of other gods and goddesses, unlike monotheistic religions. The term ‘cult’ traditionally means a specific form of worship directed toward a particular deity or pantheon, rather than a worship centered on a human figure. More: How to express your feminine energy?
Paganism features a wide array of deities, including ancestral gods. For instance, Anglo-Saxon royalty claimed descent from Woden, while Celtic kings traced their lineage to Beli and Anna. Pagan societies often deify local heroes and heroines, with Julius Caesar being a notable example. Households also honor their deities, which can include ancestors, spirits of the deceased, and local nature spirits. These spirits might be represented as individual figures like the guardian toad or snake of a home or as collective entities such as Elves in England or the Little People in Ireland. More: Glendalough: Spiritual retreats for prayer and meditation
Common Pagan symbols
- Spiral: Represents the cycles of nature and life, emphasizing growth, evolution, and the interconnectedness of all things.
- Hecate’s wheel: A symbol used in some Wiccan traditions, especially within feminist practices. It represents the three aspects of the Goddess: Maiden, Mother, and Crone. The labyrinth-like design reflects the complexity of feminine divinity.
- Triple Goddess: Represents the three aspects of the feminine divine—Maiden, Mother, and Crone. This symbol highlights the importance of the feminine face of divinity in Paganism. More: The Empress Tarot card: Meaning and examples
- Pentacle: Often used in Wicca, this symbol represents the elements of earth, air, fire, and water, as well as spirit. It signifies protection and balance within the natural and spiritual realms.
- Celtic knot: A symbol of eternity and interconnectedness, reflecting the idea of the cyclical nature of life and the divine harmony among different deities.
- Ankh: An ancient Egyptian symbol representing life and immortality, often associated with deities such as Isis. It embodies the reverence for deities and the divine connection to life.
- Triquetra: A symbol consisting of three interlocking shapes that represent the overlapping of three circles. It embodies the concept of unity and interconnectedness.
- Sun and moon: These celestial symbols represent duality and balance between masculine and feminine energies, as well as the cycles of nature. More: Tarot card guide: Key insights and methods
- Horned God: Represents the masculine aspect of divinity, often associated with nature, wilderness, and fertility.
- Wands and staves: Used in magical practices, these symbols represent the connection between the practitioner and the divine, as well as the act of channeling energy.
- Eye of Horus (Wedjat): Represents Horus, the falcon-headed Egyptian god, symbolizing protection and healing. When depicted as the udjat, it signifies the right eye of Ra, the sun god, while its reverse represents the left eye of Thoth, the god of magic and wisdom.
- Eye of Ra (Udjat): An ancient magical symbol invoked as a sigil of protection. It is closely linked to the Eye of Horus and serves similar protective and healing purposes.
Pagan rituals and understanding of offerings
Many people exploring Pagan and Wiccan spirituality often wonder about how to worship properly. A common question is what kinds of offerings to give to the gods and goddesses, and how to honor them during this process. The idea of proper worship isn’t about following strict rules or being told what is “right or wrong.” Instead, it focuses on taking the time to engage in worship and offerings in ways that respect the needs of each deity.
In many Pagan and Wiccan traditions, making offerings or sacrifices to the gods is a normal practice. It’s important to understand that this relationship with the divine is reciprocal. It’s not just about giving something to get what you want. Rather, it’s about showing honor and appreciation. When you offer something, you are saying, “I respect you and I’m grateful for the help you provide.” More: Religious or spiritual? What is the difference?
So, what should you offer? Different deities often respond better to different types of offerings. Some may prefer flowers or food, while others might appreciate incense or handcrafted items. The key is to consider the preferences of the deity you are honoring and choose offerings that align with their nature. By doing so, you can create a meaningful connection and demonstrate your respect in a way that resonates with them. More: What is Buddhism? A beginner’s guide to its core beliefs
