What is a Pagan?

A Pagan is a person who believes that Divinity is "immanent" (right here in the world where we live) rather than "transcendent" (apart from the world or only affecting certain parts of it). To a Pagan, a dog or a lake is just as holy as an ancient site of worship. Most Pagans view the Divine nature of the universe as embodied by the Goddess and the God, who may have innumerable names and "aspects" or individual personalities, and who are alive in every bit of the world and in everyone who lives here. Pagans often say to one another, "Thou art Goddess" or "Thou art God," acknowledging the divinity within each other, the respect it deserves, and the responsibility that it entails.

What different kinds of Pagans are there?

Pagans are very diverse. There are Pagans whose worldviews are shaped by various ancient traditions (for example, Norse, Yoruban, Celtic, or Native American). Some Pagans, called Dianic Pagans, acknowledge only the Goddess. Some Pagans view the universe as Divine without bothering to personify it at all. And many base their actions on Divine inspiration as it happens to come along, looking to the Lady and Lord as mother and father, wise teachers, challenging companions, and beautiful lovers.

What is a Witch?

A Witch is a person, male or female, who holds Pagan beliefs, and who also participates in the Divinity of the world by working magic. This can be done in many ways, from simple affirmations and visualizations to the performance of elaborate scripted rituals.

What else do Witches believe?

Witches' beliefs are as diverse as their traditions, but there are some principles on which a large number of Witches agree:

Everyone is responsible for his/her own actions.

Witches don't have a personification of evil to blame for "tempting" them into doing foolish or unkind things, nor do they believe that they will be punished by the Goddess if they act thoughtlessly. Rather, they have their understanding of the world as a Divine whole and their place in it as an integral part of the pattern to remind them that, if they harm one of their fellow beings, in a very real sense they are hurting themselves.

The Threefold Law.

Many Witches believe that one's actions return three times over. Thus, a Witch who commits a harmful act can expect three times as much harm as his/her action caused; and if he/she commits an act of kindness, he/she can expect three times as much kindness as a result. This is viewed as a law of the Universe, much like gravity or the conservation of energy.

There are no "victimless crimes."

Witches consider no act immoral unless it is harmful. "As long as you harm no one, do as you will" is another popular quote among Witches. Witches have no specific taboos against speaking any particular words, consensual sexual acts among individuals capable of rational consent, or breaking laws they know to be unjust. The "acid test" of Craft morality is simply, "Could this action hurt someone?" and also applies to those actions consisting of willful ignorance or neglect.

Do Witches have any special powers or abilities?

Witches have the same abilities as other humans in the same varying degrees. They do, however, allow and indeed encourage the development of unquantifiable talents (such as spiritual healing and psychic abilities) which are seldom valued outside of the Craft community.

Is there anything special I should do or not do, say or not say, around a Witch?

While some Craft traditions include secrets that can not be told to non-members, it's not considered impolite to ask. Most Witches are very happy to explain their traditions, holidays, and beliefs to anyone who is curious. There are no specific behaviors other than blatant rudeness or outright harm that particularly bother Witches. Ask whatever you want and show common courtesy, and you won't offend a Witch.

What religious holidays are celebrated by Witches?

Witches have eight major holidays, called "Sabbats":

Beltane (April 30/May 1)

A celebration of the joy of life. The Maypole planted in the Earth symbolizes the union of the God and the Goddess. The Goddess' half of the year, characterized by energy and creativity, begins.

Litha (Summer Solstice)

Recognition of the need for us to participate in the Divine workings of the Earth through work and cooperation. Competitive games offer gaudy prizes such as leaf crowns, a song composed in one's honor, or a seat at the head table at a feast, and show the community whose abilities can be counted on.

Lammas/Lughnassadh (LOO-na-sa) (July 31/August 1)

Celebration of the first harvest, the baking of the first bread with the current year's grain; gratitude to the living beings from wheat to cattle who feed us and keep us healthy.

Mabon (Autumn Equinox)

Recognition of the balance between light and dark, and of our accomplishments and lessons learned during the summer. Thanks are given to the Earth, often in the form of "libations" (food and drink offered to the Earth and Her creatures).

Samhain (SOW-en) (October 31/November1)

Reverence and respect for death, and for all passage that prevents stagnation. Ancestors and other beloved dead are honored at this time. The God's half of the year, characterized by introspection and transformation, begins.

Yule (Winter Solstice)

Celebration of hearth and hope, with much feasting, singing, dancing, and exchanging of gifts. Symbols of the enduring nature of life and the reborn sun, such as evergreen branches and gold garlands, decorate the home. Some Pagans burn a liquor-soaked "Yule log" representing the winter, whose dominion is broken by the return of the sun.

Imbolc (IM-bolk)/Brigid (February 2 or thereabouts)

A fire festival, replete with solar imagery and candles, encouraging the return of the Spring and getting people "fired up" for planting season. Much healing magic is worked at this time, to strengthen bodies and spirits weakened by winter.

Ostara (Spring Equinox)

A celebration of the return of fertility to animals, fields, hopes, and dreams. A time to look forward to the coming year and to decide what to sow so as to reap the desired harvest. Sweethearts often propose "handfasting" (marriage) at this time.

Where can I find out more about modern Paganism and Witchcraft?