Pagans have always guarded their folk-traditions closely and have understandably been deeply suspicious of anyone seeking to record our history.
This is not just the aftermath of oppression, persecution and marginalization by religious authorities, but they are a big part of our past.
Traditional heathenism, even in its modern form, can be spiritual or non-spiritual because it is not a religion, per-se but a state of being, or a way of life. It is, in fact, who we are and as such can co-exist as a folk culture, with any spiritual dimension or lack of it.
This is not just the aftermath of oppression, persecution and marginalization by religious authorities, but they are a big part of our past.
Traditional heathenism, even in its modern form, can be spiritual or non-spiritual because it is not a religion, per-se but a state of being, or a way of life. It is, in fact, who we are and as such can co-exist as a folk culture, with any spiritual dimension or lack of it.
In the early years of interaction between the Celts and Christians it would have been better to define a pagan as someone who is “non-christian” meaning indigenous, pre-christian beliefs.
Later the church assumed the right to define “pagan” as one who was ‘anti-christian’.
This label was intended as a slander to belittle adherents to the old ways as people who are anti-religious, or superstitious.
Far from the truth.
In light of actual historical Fact, these accusations were used to establish spiritual domination and social control, spreading the view that heathenry is a lower level of human existence, and an inferior worldview, than universalistic belief.
We still feel these effects today. Don’t believe me? Just mention to an Abrahamic family member or friend that you are a heathen.
Instead of accepting you for the person that you are, they will view you through their religion.
That is an aftereffect of the stranglehold religion has upon Hyperboreans, turning one against the other.
Later the church assumed the right to define “pagan” as one who was ‘anti-christian’.
This label was intended as a slander to belittle adherents to the old ways as people who are anti-religious, or superstitious.
Far from the truth.
In light of actual historical Fact, these accusations were used to establish spiritual domination and social control, spreading the view that heathenry is a lower level of human existence, and an inferior worldview, than universalistic belief.
We still feel these effects today. Don’t believe me? Just mention to an Abrahamic family member or friend that you are a heathen.
Instead of accepting you for the person that you are, they will view you through their religion.
That is an aftereffect of the stranglehold religion has upon Hyperboreans, turning one against the other.
But now we see in modern times that eyes are being opened to the dangers of abrahamism, and the rich beauty that goes hand-in-hand with ethnic faith.
People are opting out of church pews in favor of seeking out gods of their forefathers, cultural enrichment, and a spirituality born out of the wilderness.
We would do well to remember this as we approach the ending of the year. The tide is turning, and our people are going back to the old ways as the death throes of organized religion howls through the land.
Get together with friends, family and pagan acquaintances during the time of MidWinter to celebrate and invite as many of our people as you can.
The heathen community is regarded in many ways as an extension of the family, in which all contribute, support each other in their daily lives and make lasting friendships that will allow us to thrive.
People are opting out of church pews in favor of seeking out gods of their forefathers, cultural enrichment, and a spirituality born out of the wilderness.
We would do well to remember this as we approach the ending of the year. The tide is turning, and our people are going back to the old ways as the death throes of organized religion howls through the land.
Get together with friends, family and pagan acquaintances during the time of MidWinter to celebrate and invite as many of our people as you can.
The heathen community is regarded in many ways as an extension of the family, in which all contribute, support each other in their daily lives and make lasting friendships that will allow us to thrive.
Bolo Rei is a Yule dessert sold in Portugal, usually with a a dried bean and metal charm hidden in the dough before food safety laws.
Finding the charm meant good luck for the coming year and the bean, that you'd be the one buying the cake next year.
Finding the charm meant good luck for the coming year and the bean, that you'd be the one buying the cake next year.
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One of the lesser known companions of Father Christmas in Eastern France is Pere Fouetard 'The Whipping Father', who would use a whip or switch to punish naughty children.
One could even say that he is the anti-hero of the ghost of Christmas Present in the 1843 Christmas novella “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens.
One could even say that he is the anti-hero of the ghost of Christmas Present in the 1843 Christmas novella “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens.
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