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URGENT call for questions: Paganology (Patreon)

Published:
2022-10-20 19:08:55
Imported:
2026-06

Content

So... exciting news: in a few hours I'm chatting with a scholar in Pagan studies, so get 'em in quick! 

Very excited about this one. 

Alright, post away. 

Comments

Mykenzie King

What is up with the history of paganism and Christmas, I always hear different stories

Nathalie Jones

What's the difference between "pagan" and indigenous?

Em Holt

when was the first mention of the celtic deity morrigan in history?

Hannah Matousek

I’d love to hear your take on the Irish/Gaelic origins of Halloween!

Em Holt

what are the best ways to make offerings to pagan deities?

Lene Olszeth

What's an obscure pagan tradition, belief or holiday more people should hear about?

Winnie’s a Witch

familiars- yes/no/maybe? thanks from a fellow pagan of many years!!

Mushroom Morgan

What are some of the ways in which modern paganism is different than pre-christian paganism?

RJ Doidge

So…how much of modern religion really bases itself on pagan teachings? I feel like it’s a lot? (Jesus was supposedly born in the summer but it was changed to the North American winter to align with a different festival, or so I’ve heard.) Would love to hear other examples!

SammmN

How much of Christianity/Abrahamic religions are based on pagan practices

Adam Silk

What modern traditions are hold overs from pagan celebrations or traditions?

Tony Mayabb

Why have american white supremacists co opted paganism, and what can be done to take it back?

TheotheBrave

What is the oldest documented source on some of the holidays? Is it appropriate to celebrate the holiday if it isn’t your culture?

Melina Filomia

Is Pagan a specific system, or is it like "heathen" to mean non-christian?

KatCatLynRon

First-time question asker! How (sneakily) prevalent are pagan traditions/iconographies/ideas in modern Christian practices? What are some examples of things most folks don’t typically associate with pagan traditions but are still widespread today?

Jess.jp

How many gods are there?

Jesse Hurlburt

How has paganism affected the major religious holidays? How did it affect monotheistic religion in general?

Sarah

What’s biggest misconception about pagans or paganism?

Marcelle Slote

does modern-day paganism have any issues of cultural appropriation that people might not be aware of (i.e. non-indigenous people using white sage to smudge)?

Caylie Evans

How are paganism and witchcraft connected historically and in the present day?

Erin Hudson

what is the deal with the easter bunny?

Dene Dryden

Paganism is often portrayed as something evil, either through Christian rhetoric/culture or in horror films. Are there any good representations of paganism in literature, movies, etc. that you feel are actually accurate?

Emily MacLeod

Are there popular practices or rituals that pagans started that we might not know about?

Nicole S

How many pagan religions are there?

Alisha Harris

What misconceptions are there about pagans/paganism that you would love to address?

Lindsey James

Was “ancient” paganism unique to one culture and became more widespread? Or was it more of a conglomeration of practices and beliefs from many different areas & groups?

Michael

Is paganism mainly nature based? (First time question asked btw :0)

Victoria Oetting

How many religious things stem from paganism? It’s weird how Christianity condemns paganism yet so many Christian holidays and events have a pagan origin. Why does Christianity condem paganism if this is the case?

B

What’s the difference between Pagan and Wiccan?

Rebecca Wolf

CHRISTIANITY and the cover-up of Pagan holidays!!! Boo!!!

Jess.jp

Do pagans have a hell?

Christian Krupp

How far back does Pagan history stretch relative to other beliefs/religions? Why are they such common sources for other religions to steal from? Did Paganist beliefs take any ideas from even earlier belief systems? How broad is the Pagan belief system? As someone inundated with Christian history most of their life, I feel very uneducated about the traditions and structure of the Pagan system.

Rachel Kendrick

Is paganism a general term for a type of religion or is it a specific sect

Madelyn Dunkle

Why is pagan associated with “devil worship” or other satanic ideas? It’s the worship of nature

Aimee Martin

What's the coolest/their favorite tradition they've learned about?

Rebekah Hatherly

What is historical relationship (if any) between pagans and wiccans? And if so are they still connected today? :)

Caitie McCaffrey

What’s the actual deal with druids I feel like they get this nefarious evil treatment in pop culture movies & games what were they really all about?

Abby Grieb

Does basically every holiday come from paganism? I feel like I’ve heard about “Pagan roots” for a bunch of different holidays like Christmas, Halloween, etc.

bbocatt

What is the beginning of paganism? why are christian’s so scared? the easter bunny? that’s literally all i know about paganism so i can’t wait to learn !!!!!! (also first time question asker- last name pronounced Uhtlee ((like ugly but replace g w t)))

Kelly Jackson

I seem to hear more and more about pagan practitioners. Are numbers in pagan (religions, beliefs?) rising, or are we just hearing more about them?

justusbears

What does modern paganism look like? How do pagan practices mix with modern technological life patterns and 'day jobs'?

Alanna Richman

What percent of the world practices paganism?

Jesse Hurlburt

What was the pivotal change that led to paganism becoming less common? Did they truly believe all the stories like Zeus just raping any and everything that walked or did they understand them as parables?

Melanie Baker

Are pagan practices and beliefs as matriarchal as we think, or has the patriarchy influenced them as well?

Dana

FTQA: Vikings? Did they start out as Pagans?

Kelli Brockington

Pagan = is there top "god" then other lesser "gods" or is it the spirit in everything that is worshipped - is worship the correct phrase - I am confused???

Leah K

Is there an influence of paganism onto Jewish traditions?

Diana Teeter

Is there anything in pop culture that gets things right or is it all just made up nonsense to make fiction more dramatic?

sophie Trinacty

I’ve also heard that a lot of Religious holidays are based on Pagan celebrations, like Christmas and Easter. How do the current versions of these holidays differ from their Pagan roots? Are there any cool Pagan holidays that should make a comeback?

B

Do they have a favorite equinox and why?

Bronwyn Cole

Where does Wicca fit into Neo-Paganism?

Kelli Brockington

Is WICCA a form of PAGAN worship or are they different?

Feye

What's the source of modern paganism? Where do most traditions come from?

Grace Burns

What common misconceptions about paganism have you run into?

Alisha Harris

Are there any traditions/ritual type behaviours that many people partake in that were originally only seen in paganism?

Zack Curtis

What would classify you as a pagan versus another religion? Are there practices that are specific to paganism and no other religions? Does a high reverence and respect for nature classify you as pagan? Or is it specifically a spiritual connection to nature, similar to how a Christian feels a spiritual connection with God?

Lex Clearwater

history of wicca and the guy who founded it

Kaitlin Schmitz

@em holt good one! I'm also curious about trinities of goddesses across deligions and belief sets. Neil Gaiman plays with this theme in American Gods and especially The Sandman.

kimm kaZombie

FTQA ! First time question asker A couple of semesters ago I did a small sample study on the relationship between pagan beliefs/practices and Queer identities. I would love to know why you think so many people are attracted to paganism.

Paul Smith

How has the public opinion on paganism changed in your lifetime?

Cheryl Johnson

Paganism seems to often be lumped together with Satanism, witchcraft, devil worship, and viewed as an "evil" religion. Can you discuss the fallacies of this viewport within modern culture?

Jocelyn Alcantara-Garcia

Isn't "pagan" a derogatory term for non-Cristian/Catholic beliefs? Odd term for an ology... I guess this is a comment and not a question. So the question is: why are we still using this term? Why defining religions as "non(insert religion here)? Looking forward to this one!

The Best Intentions

Is the term pagan just a catch all for things that the christian church wanted to demonize or does it have its own specific meaning and tradition?

sidney

this was one of my questions also!

Victoria Oetting

Are there any modern Pagan places of worship? Is there any cultures or countries whose primary religion is Paganism?

Popita

How is it that pagan religions across different cultures have so many similar components?

Elisè Noszko

PAGAN HERE: covens??? where to find?? how to form??

G.Sil

Has there been much work on how pagan holidays got incorporated into Christianity and other religions and why the Christians did it? I suspect it was to make it easier to convert people but that is just my speculation.

Specs Owl

How much of modern paganism is what was practiced in ancient times, and how much are new traditions?

Hailey

How much of pagan “culture” was completely crushed by religious persecution, and what got adopted into other religious practices as a method of converting new people? I have heard that many major Christian holidays were just rebranded pagan ones!

Kelsey Story

Why does it seem there's been a recent resurgence or revival in Paganism in recent years? Has Paganism always been tied to the occult and hedonism, or is that a result of a smear campaign by the church?

Katie Sharp

As a nurse and a pagan, I feel like the history of nursing and midwifery are also intrinsticly linked with paganism and perceived witchcraft (and also racism, mysogeny and patriarchy). Can you expand on this at all? Or is there any research into or books which cover this that you would recommend for further reading?

Mary Long

Why are goats often associated with Paganism?

Cassie Chatwin

What is your favorite pagan holiday/tradition?

Elijah Durso-Sabina

Is there any indication what western European paganism looked like before contact with Christianity? Or is contact so old that they're hard to separate? (first time question asker)

Alan

How often are pagan practices replicated in other cultures across the world? Is there a fascination with a few natural aspects that send human brains into a frenzy of attempted understanding? First time question asker!

Caitie McCaffrey

What’s a cool pagan religion that you find interesting that most folks don’t know about?

Jennifer Tran

How do gender roles and identity fit into paganism?

Jonathan Auyer

FTQA: has paganism always been at odds with organized religion or have there been periods of "peaceful" coexistence or even active exchanges of ideas and beliefs?

Leah Anderson

Monotheist religions seem to have appropriated the term "pagan" to refer to anyone who doesn't practice their religion. How would you prefer to hear this term defined? Also, FYI: my massage therapist is a witch who happens to have many Orthodox Jewish clients and when they get iffy about crystals she reminds them about Aaron's breastplate...

Tatum

Stonehenge: who made it and why?

kexi

What do all the pagan music genres actually have to do with paganism? It feels to me like the way it is used there it only refers to norse paganism and ignores all the other varieties

Alexander Mutz

What's the deal with runes? Are they just letters, and if so, why are they associated with divination and mysticism and such?

Amanda McClendon

Does the pantheon of deities stay more or less the same or are new gods added as necessary?

Noah Siem

How does someone become a pagan? Can anyone join?

Michael MacLeod

When religious beliefs/practices preluded Paganism? When did these belief systems first begin?

Melanie Lee

Does christianity continue to use paganism as a derogatory term?

The Best Intentions

There's a lot of talk amongst the feminist pagan community that I've interacted with about how gender roles were reversed way back when and how balanced and harmonious things were then. Is that really the case or is it an imagined/revised history that appeals to the current feminist zeitgeist?

Bennett Vanderbosch

Why has society forgotten or ignored the pagan origins of many of its customs, holidays, and celebrations?

Jason Zatkovich

How much of my life is really just a pagan religious tradition that's been rebranded?

Julia Fisher

Any customs that perhaps we don't realize come from pagan beliefs or traditions?

Anika's Cat Arya

Do you see any commonalities/parallels between different pagan religions? Like between Greek gods and Hindu gods for example? I am just curious if there are any similar roots like how the Abrahamic religions are related. My guess would be that Alexander the Great's conquests could've had effects like this.

Francesca Perrelli

What's the difference between paganism and indigenous religions? Is paganism and animism the same? Who's the coolest pagan in history? xD Ciao Alie I love you and I'm happy you enjoyed Paris!!!!

Haley K.

What are some themes/stories common through pagan religions? Is it spicy psychology or is it more?? What does ritual add to medicine?

Caitie McCaffrey

I’ve heard that there are distinct cultural differences between mono-theic and poly-theic religions does social science support this?

Sarah Maier

As a pagan, I'm always excited to find another pagan "in the wild", and it seems to happen more often than when I first became pagan. Are there any statistics showing that more Americans are identifying as pagan now than they were in the 20th century?

Charlie Flores

Just want to say I’m super excited about this podcast and can’t wait to hear it!! How would you describe the difference paganism and neopaganism? Are there specific practices, beliefs, rituals that differ ? Also what are your opinions on the rise of neopaganism on the internet and the popularity of witchcraft in general??

Sydonie S.

How bullshit are some pagan depictions in television and movies?

Megan Duffy

Which Pagan gods had the bougiest rituals because they themselves were bougie

Otis Fields

Is it true that Christianity took pagan holidays (Samhain & Yule) over to make All Saints’ Day and Christmas?

Sean Grigg

How do you feel about brodudes appropriating pagan themes without the belief system to appease their fragile masculinity?

Jessica Duran

How many pagan rituals are there and how many contain sacrifices?

sidney

how offensive is it when pagans see people getting into 'witchy' things for aesthetic reasons?

Kalila Elahi

What are some Pagan things that are common today that we might not know are Pagan?

Amy Zucker Morgenstern

Do you make a distinction between Pagan and Neo-Pagan, and if so, what is it? (sign me AZM)

Matt Thompson

Outside of Iceland, what countries still base laws on Pagan beliefs? (e.g. not disturbing trolls in Iceland)

Jessi B

How can I introduce Pegan themes in my classroom without upsetting or isolating some parents? How do I make it for everyone?

Joe Porfido

How do we define a god? What makes it clear and what blurs the line between a god and a supernatural being that isn't considered a "god". Examples; genies, Santa Claus, Jesus, angels, demons etc.

Alia Myers

Where are the most pagans?

Aubrey Nelson

Ah yes yes! Please talk about horned god vs. Christian Satan. I did my college thesis on Satan and the imagery we have for him. (Very excited religious studies major here)

Amy Zucker Morgenstern

I'm a Unitarian Universalist minister and many of our members have Pagan leanings, our Winter Solstice service is a very important event in our church year, etc. What would you like to see a congregation do to be welcoming to Pagans? (sign me AZM)

Catherine Wood

I feel like one of the ideas behind modern-day pagan movements like Wicca is a greater emphasis on gender equality. How much of that is a) true of modern paganism and b) reflected in the history of paganism?

Neal Sorensen

When reconstructing Pagan religions (such as Norse traditions), are practitioners really able to get it at all close to what was practiced long ago or is it like a photocopy of it's original form?

Alia Myers

Why do catholics thing pagans are the actual devil? I have no understanding of history sorry

Aubrey Nelson

Also I’d just love to hear anything/everything about Celtic paganism

Francesca Hernandez-Singer

Can we please please please learn more about Lupercalia and how it somehow got sanitized into Valentine's Day? Like seriously what happened there?

Cass

What sort of primary sources for historical paganism do we have? Is it true that many sources used by modern Pagans are colored by conversion-based Christian accounts of historic practices?

Alia Myers

how much of our "witchy" aesthetic/practices come from paganism?

Amy Vigallon

Is paganism older than the Druids or do the two go hand in hand?

Alia Myers

Whats the coolest thing about paganism (in your professional opinion)?

Paige Price

What's your favorite pagan holiday?

Noah Siem

Is paganism separate from satanism? Does it have ties with the Church of Satan or Satanic Temple? (Asking from a somewhat clueless perspective)

Alia Myers

Salem which trials and paganism ... Tell me about it

Chloe Jones

How can pagans be respectful of other cultures, such as indigenous ones, and avoid cultural appropriation?

Kaitlin

What’s the oldest pagan belief structure?

Alia Myers

do pagans worship any sort of god/deity??

Maureen Finn

Had to look up the exact meaning of pagan before I asked, but do pagan beliefs tend to be matriarchal/feminine in nature? (as opposed to mainstream religions which are all oppressive to anyone not male)

Alia Myers

Where does paganisn come from?

Annie Deaderick

What’s one thing you wish people at large knew about paganism?

Alia Myers

If all the other religions are scared of paganisn ... What r they scared of???

Allison D

Neopaganism vs historical (?) paganism--what is the deal there? Are there valid connections between the two? Can today's paganism (Wicca, etc) be considered a spiritual offshoot of the other, or is it something new?

Annie Deaderick

What does pagan worship look like in the modern day? How many practitioners are there?

Shannon Naugle

What is the difference between paganism and modern witchcraft?

Annie Deaderick

What religious groups or affiliations are included under the umbrella term pagan ?

Jordan Smith

How much information about paganism has been lost to history? What avenues exist for recovering it?

Trevor Durning

Is voodoo paganism? Is voodoo even the right term? Please advise.

Miriya

How closely does modern paganism mimic ancient practice? Do we know how much we don't know?

Ira Gray

Is paganism a specific religion or a way to describe a older religions? If its one thing is it a closed practice?

Corey

And why are they in the northern hemisphere - I live in New Zealand and it's evident in information easily available that the seasons DO NOT ALIGN (have to be moved 😂) - I will add, we essentially get 2 autumns in terms of flavor trends which I'm 100% okay with- but that's a different aside.

Bonnie Detwiller

I want to get back into paganism as I felt very connected to it as a younger adult and did practice a bit of it, but I'm feeling lost on where to start. Any tips?

Ariana Callahan

At my wedding my partner and I did a handfasting ceremony, which during my research I found comes from Celtic Pagan tradition (we decided to do this since both of our families are from Celtic/Irish/Scottish backgrounds) - can you talk more about Pagan wedding/bonding ceremonies and what they looked like?

Aubrey Nelson

Also can we talk about how almost every religion outside of the Abrahamic three is pagan?

Shannon Naugle

How much of our modern society or modern Christianity rooted in paganism?

BRG

Can you please tell us about some modern daily rituals you love, and maybe how they've evolved through time? Like if an altar traditionally contains something burnt, would a Black & Mild do it for ya nowadays?

Catherine Wood

Are there any tv shows, books, or other popular media that get paganism really "right"?

Lori Dalelio

Seems like many common modern traditions overlap with Pagan customs and beliefs. Is this Christian laziness?

Willow Hall

Oh, man, I am so excited about this episode! So, I play D&D and druid is my absolute favorite class but I didn't realize there was a religious connection with druids until fairly recently. Please tell me about druids!! What do we know about their original place in Irish religion and culture? And what is modern druidism? Is it still rooted in the old practice (based on what information has survived) or is it more or less a completely new practice inspired by past druidic beliefs? Bonus but certainly an important question: are things like the druid class offensive? Should I use a different term when referring to the concept? Thank you in advance for reading my question! I can't wait to hear what the expert has to say!

Grandma Theresa

Halloween and paganism. What’s the connection.

Jessica McCall

Is “being Wiccan” a religion? A spiritual practice? Just cool? All 3?

Ariana Callahan

Also! Can you talk about paganism in Arthurian legends?

JLilz

~First time question asker, long time listener: Is pagan a broad category for many religious or spiritual traditions, or a specific set of rituals and beliefs?

Lisa

Ditto on this question! People often refer to it as "little g" vs. "big g".

Chelsea-Victoria Turner

What is the most common misconception about paganism. How do they feel about the spiritualities that have been cropping up like "norse pagan" or "celtic pagan". Is your interviewee pagan themselves? Like Amy up there, I am involved with the unitarian universalists but I tend so find myself going to church and seeing God in nature. Even if it is just the beauty of the sunrise. I am animistic for sure and on some level consider myself Pagan. I just felt like I couldn't find enough concrete evidence/definition / understanding of what paganism is that wasn't all muddled by tons of new wave attention. I just wanted to get to the roots of it.. So...I am SUPER excited for this episode. Like. Omg omg.

Jessica McCall

Also, what do we see in movies/books that is close to authentic Wiccan practices vs just Hollywood interpretation?

Sarah Gabriel

For those of us who are tangentially connected with our religious cultures from families and ancestors of origin… Like in my case Jewish… How might we subversively bring in some pagan rituals to elevate the sacredness of the natural world in modern day main stream practice?

Elisa Norman

What are some examples of resources that would be considered legitimate or vetted within the pagan community? I feel like appropriation + creativity (+ propaganda, honestly) = murky waters in which to find genuine material.

Buhbrie

How did Pagan holidays/ideas become entwined with modern so called "Christian" holidays, IE Christmas, Easter, etc?

Chris Brewer

What can you tell us about druids of Great Britain?

Chelsea-Victoria Turner

I love this. I'm involved with UU also and am paganish so I really appreciate your inquiry 💙💙

Chris Brewer

How many religions did people destroy in the name of Christianity?

Hudson Ansley

I'm not a fan of religion in general, but I do wish there was an organization that brought people together with ritual and sharing of ideas that was based on sustainable practices and environmentalism... Seems like paganism is a long way there but do you think it could be taken seriously by more people?

Luna Idunna

What advice/resources would you give to someone interested in both the academic study and spiritual practice of paganism? Any ideas on how to find the good shit while avoiding neo-pagan white supremacist bs?

Chris Brewer

What religion was practiced among the ancient Celts?

Steve Haskin

By one definition aren't Christianity and Islam pagan religions? One (one form of Christianity anyway) prays to a guy hanging on a cross and Islam prays for and to Mohammed. Seems like it might be pagan to me, eh? Is Jesus a god??? It seems that way to some anyway.

Hudson Ansley

I guess I'm still wondering "what's so funny about peace love and understanding" and why is that thought and people who love the earth so ridiculed in todays society...

Luna Idunna

Another question: how the fuck to find other pagans???? 😵‍💫

Mallory Nettleton

Are there incognito pagan traditions we perform today without being aware of it?

Allie Paul

Stone circles, magic? Portals through time a la outlander? A landmark for easier directions? Pagan? What's the deal?

Kate Bell

Is the term "pagan" a derogative term that's been fully reclaimed or is there some more accurate/neutral way to refer to these religious practices ?

Pascal Perron

Björk has a song called Pagan Poetry, just curious to know if there is such a thing. Are pagan spells in a way poetry?

Lorna

No questions but thank you for approaching the subject respectfully ❤️

Leslie Pryor

Are Pagan rituals/practices considered closed and should only be practiced by person whofollows certain customs?

Patrick Foye

The Romans, I think, used the days of pagan holidays/rituals to make the Christian holidays. That way the pagans were more likely to convert. Or something like that.

Breeana Cazel

Do pagans believe in magic? Or just medicinal plants? Are they hellions or just misunderstood? I don’t actually know anything about paganism so I’m so excited for this podcast. And every other one I haven’t listened to yet.

Jennasis

Is having a "witchy aesthetic" but not actually a practicing Pagan, considered cultural appropriation? Or is it okay to just have the vibe?

Andre Tan

What is the relationship between paganism and history of gender, in particular non-binary expression

Will Clark

What are some of the ways Christians have adopted pagan traditions and history?

Sarah Berman

what holidays or holiday traditions that are traditionally thought of as "Christian" are actually Pagan?

Cat Baklarz

I made it through the first couple chapters of triumph of the moon, and I wanted to ask what you think of that book. The first couple chapters talk about kind of the fabrication of paganism... What do historians know about neo-pagan stuff as it relates to older traditions, and what has been added more recently?

Cat Baklarz

Resources for learning more about non-western pagan traditions? There's a lot of highly accessible illustrated stuff about Greek and Nordic traditions but not as much on South America or Indigenous traditions. I do know however that young adult literature is getting a little bit better at this!

Matthew Boardman

Where does academia draw the line between paganism and conventional religion?

Ali Vessels

I would love to hear their take on the recent "modern witch" renaissance. It seems like being a "witch" is Instagram chic these days. Now you can buy tarot decks and smudge sticks from Urban Outfitters. What do they think caused the recent popularization and mainstreaming of this, and is there anything damaging or insensitive about it?

Christa Avampato

Pagan has such a negative connotation, especially when we consider how many Pagan rituals were adopted by Christians that we continue to celebrate today. Why do you think this negative perception persists?

Jessica Ward

What parts of contemporary paganism are historic? Did any pagan communities in Europe continue their practices after Christianity?

Amy C.

I would like to hear the flip side of this question asked too: What holidays are we told have pagan roots, but that's actually a bunch of flim flam?

Lori G

I live in a city that is considering celebrating Hallowe’en on the weekend instead of the 31st. What are your thoughts on that?

M. Cerys Jenks

Of the practicing/identifying pagans you've spoken with, what proportion practice a modern (19th century or newer) whole-cloth tradition like Wicca, etc., and what proportion practice older (if updated) religions?

Patrick Foye

Is it true that the christian Romans used Pagan days of celebration and/or ritual to make Christian holidays so that the Pagans would be more willing to convert (like Christmas replacing Saturnalia and the winter solstice celebration). ?? Inquiring minds want to know. This one.

Madison Smith

Ahhhh I’m so excited for this episode!!! Is it true that a lot of Christian holidays are pagan holidays with a mask on? What is the overlap between science and paganism? Where can I go to learn more???

Earl of Greymalkin

1) Debunk ALL THE FLIM-FLAM! What are the most egregious assumptions people make? 2) Does pagan function as a catch-all term for various less mainstream religious tracks, or is it more of a specific thing with specific denominations? Is "pagan" specific to European traditions? 3) Wikipedia tells me "pagan" originated as a derogatory term for non-Christians way back when. How true is this? 4) How does modern paganism relate to historical pagan cultural practices? What survived and what survived but was changed over time and what was lost be recovered by deliberate research? 5) Is Burning Man secretly a giant pagan party that everyone is invited to? 6) How formal is paganism versus a fully organized religion or folk traditions? 7) How do we know what we know about ye olde pagan traditions? How much of the historical record is hearsay from people being judgy centuries ago versus records and artifacts left behind by the people themselves? 8) Are there major patterns or trends differentiating how people are doing modern paganism in different countries? 9) If you had to distill paganism into a handful of core tenants, what would they be? 10) How do people come to paganism in the modern day and what drives them/what are they rejecting about other religious traditions? How does this reflect modern cultural changes or technological advances? 11) How do pagans do holidays?

Rachael Gardner

What's your favourite TV or movie depiction of paganism?

Maria Jouravleva

What books do you recommend as a beginner/novice/101 guide for those interested in paganism? What does the ethical practice of paganism look like to you? Do you think paganism deserves the same criticism as other religions, or do you think there is some reason(s) that set it apart from the rest?

Jared Cousino

What's the most normalized pagan tradition(s) that persist today?

Nichole Helton

Is Paganism the oldest known religion? Are American Indians considered Pegans?

Sanjay Mayar

1000 years from now, what current beliefs might be defined as Pagan? Or did the last Pagan-labelled myth occur ages ago, and now it's just fake news?

Sh4rkH4ts

When was the word pagan first used? What was it used in reference to?

Euan Munro

I think I heard recently that Stonehenge predates the druids by a long time. So is that maybe some film flam to debunk?

Rachel stearns

Is it offensive if we pick and choose Pagan holidays/traditions bc we don't have a religion and need some gosh darn tradition & celebration in our lives? 🙃

Ike

Was the downfall of Paganism in the Roman Empire just politics?

Lisa Cottrell

I'm interested in learning more about Paganism and Wicca. What are some valid sources?

Luana Santos

Can you debunk some of the most common Pagan myths and explain how these myths even started? Thanks!

Jessica Rudd

What is the difference between a pagan and a heretic?

James Jakes

Would new world religions be technically pagan?

L

What is Paganism really? I know historically paganism refers to any and all "Old World" folk religions that aren't Abrahamic; but does that apply to Native American, Asian, and Oceanian religions? Do non-Abrahamic religions like Buddhism, Shinto, and Hinduism count. And does that mean more modern constructed non-Abrahamic religions like Theosophy and Scientology count as Pagan?

TýrNjörðr

How is magic and witchcraft viewed in different pagan cultures?

Becky Peterman

I get the sense that lots of people misuse the term "pagan" to mean things like "heathen" or just "old-timey". So what's the real deal with paganism? What does it actually mean, what are some things commonly mis-identified as pagan, and what are some things that persist in modern culture that definitely ARE of pagan origin?

Rún

What do people tend to get wrong about paganism?

Gabriella Franco

What are the major differences between Wicca, Paganism, and Satanism? I feel like I know but have only heard through my participation in Wicca and Alchemy.

Margaret Aisenbrey

I want to know about those lesser known religions that were the object of crusades (wendish? Livonian?) What did these people believe?

Nico

What are your opinions on how the Bible describes/talks about paganism?

Alice Rubin

Why and when did paganism get such a bad rap? I mean all of the major holidays are modified pagan holidays. Why are we in such denial?!

Kristin Dawn

I know that a Rusalka is a water entity but is it a sort of god? Going off of that, what are deities and what are sprints/entities/guardians/demons and what are there differences? Are all the above worshipped?

Kristin Dawn

How do I do what you do and just study paganism all day?

Ariel Wood

No question, just a request: if you wouldn’t ask a Catholic a question don’t ask the pagan, either

Bernard Kevin Buckley

Were pagans ever subject to "cleansing" at the hands of the monotheists, similar to the terrible things we've seen in recent years? Or did they make like cockroaches and hit the subway tunnels for a few millennia?

Nina Eve Z.

Why do you think we see so many similar stories across disparate historical pagan cultures? Also I’m really really excited for this episode. Thank you!

McKenna F. Law

I read something a long time ago that said when we lay someone to rest we crossed the arms of our deceased as a sign of respect for a pagan god of the sun & I've been thinking about it ever since but have no idea if it's real! I'd love to know :) thank you! *witch salute*

Kelsey lore

There are a lot of holidays that are well known to have originally been pagan holidays like Christmas and Halloween- what are the less known ones? And what some that didn't become more mainstream? I want to know the customs and traditions and what the holiday was for! Sorry, I think traditions are really fascinating!

Gabrielle

why are there so many stereotypes about paganism in a negative connotation?? also would you say that pagans have a deep connection with all living things nature included?

Gabrielle

okay real quick another question: are there different cultures that portray paganism or did it start with one culture then grow from there? like what exactly are pagan gods? would that be any polytheistic culture or are there specific cultures that have true pagan gods? ahhhh so many questions!

Kelsy Simpson

What parts of modern Christiananity derived from paganism? I know holidays are a big part but are there other pieces of paganism that people might not realize in Christianity?

Rachael Swenson

What cultures does Paganism originate from? Is it multiple cultures or just one? If it is multiple why do we group it all under one bucket?

Mark P

Music is an important part of many religions, so what kind of music is there in paganism? first time question asker

Caroline Baril

I wanna know about their beliefs and views around LGBTQ+ people!

Juniper Lee

How would you describe the difference between (modern) paganism and "new age" practices?

Quincey Robisheaux

I'm researching a lot of pagan religion for a fiction book I'm writing. Do you have any recommended places for research?

Sarah Webber

Is there a new rise happening in paganism, or is it just my tiktok 🤔

Sarah Webber

Can we talk sacrifices? What types did they perform, what was the desired out come?

Melanie Metzger

(First time questioner) Do you feel there is a resurgence in participation lately in paganism?

Ryan Holaday

What are the most surprisingly pagan-based cultural traditions some people still practice today?

Michaeleah Stephens

what is your opinion on the southern hemisphere celebrating holidays (that have been heavily derived (stolen) from pagan festivals) in line with northern hemisphere seasons?

Kendall Hargis

How do you become a pagan in this modern world?

Crystal Smith

Just how many Pagan holidays did the Abrahamic religions steal? 🤔

Danae DeJournett

Yeah, so what someone else said, where did paganism come from, what cultures did it come from? Is paganism just a European thing or is it something that has roots in other places like Asia or Africa? Is it anything that’s not some branch of Christianity or other more accepted and widespread forms of religion (e.g. Hinduism)? Is paganism a broad term for different religious/spiritual practices or is it a single practice?

Rachel Mello

I know a lot of people in the US who identify as Pagan, and I think the rites and practices they follow mostly derive from a European lineage. Is that part of the definition of Paganism? Is it specifically of European / (Celtic? Goth? Pict?) origin? Or does the term more broadly cover a type of practice or belief system, as found in different global regions?

Michaeleah Stephens

in what ways do you believe the world would be different if paganism was the belief system majority of the world population was drawn to?

Lindsay Thomas

(First time question asker) People often talk about the divine feminine in paganism - is this really a thing or just wishful thinking when faced with the misogyny of most modern day religious orders?

Rachel von Morrigan

Let’s talk about pagan holiday festivities. How did they get their party on?

Amber McIntyre

Is “paganism” a derogatory word? If so, what would be the more appropriate venacular?

Lillian Wangler

Paganism vs. wicca vs. witchcraft. What are the major differences? Have (especially female-presenting) practitioners of paganism experienced similar oppression as witches?

Obilot

Have there been noticeable changes in pagan communities and how they represent in the U.S., given the changes in the overall U.S. religious climate?

Gordee

How have pagan holidays bled into popular Christian holidays?

Lexa

Paganism questions: 1) constructed paganism that is now old enough to be "old" e.g. Wicca or the Czech and some Slavic mythology that scholars have said were written/created by a single person centuries later than the creator/crafter porported the source material to be. What are those about? How do we feel about them? 2) neo-paganism - balancing indigenous folks (or children of diaspora / settler colonialism, who are trying to find their heritage rather than defaulting to dominant culture beliefs or appropriating nearby beliefs) reclaiming beliefs and allowing non-lineage folks in by invitation versus appropriation by self-actualization or even fascistic / supremacist groups; is there a pathway for indigenous folks/children of diaspora/colonialism to eject the self-serving or supremacist appropriation and lay claim or to over-ride / out-shout the use of the supremacist groups. I'm thinking of northern european paganism / Norse beliefs as one example. This is also made difficult because both groups are reconstructing through historical scholarly work, family inquiry with a lot of filling in blanks, and etc.

Kirsten Dockendorff

I’m sure there may be more to this question but one that I know of is that Saint Patrick’s “snakes” weren’t really snakes….

Andy Beyer

Which celebrated holidays are actually based on pagan practices?

mckenzie faas

How does modern paganism reconcile with modern science? I revere nature and have always been drawn toward paganism but I'm a spiritual skeptic.

Alyssa Elliott

Yes, and, is it true we owe Christmas trees to them?!

Kate Timms

How different were the roles of women in pagan society compared to the Christian society that came afterwards?

Kirsten Dockendorff

FYQA-What are your favorite pagan-adjacent (since they aren’t always set in a real world) books or movies? Would you count Harry Potter, LOTR, or even Star Wars in this list and is there any that has a really accurate depiction of paganism?

Caroline

As a modern pagan myself, I find the recent trends towards "witchiness" in consumerism and popular culture at times appealing and at times off-putting. I've been practicing paganism for over a decade and it's been interesting to watch it become more palatable to the general public. I'm curious to hear what other pagans experience in terms of the recent interest in witchcraft and how they differentiate themselves as pagans.

Aly V

What’re some obscure pagan traditions/practices that a lot of people don’t know are pagan (other than the obvious Christmas trees and stuff)

Toadl

If megaliths are related to pagan practice what can you tell us about them?

Peter West

How widespread is paganism these days?

James Bamber

Why has monotheism been so successful in recent centuries compared to paganism?

BF Brinklestein

Let’s talk different subsets of paganism and how they intersect… like, off the top of my head, we have the Wicca folks, the less structured “crystals, yoga, & good vibes” folks, then folks that keep up the practices of their country of origin (Slavic, Celtic, etc). How do you feel about lumping together so many different ideologies under one pagan umbrella?

Kheyd

How does one become a pagan? Do they have a “church”?

Taryn Selch

What do modern pagans tell you brought them to paganism? Is it very different than the draws of historical paganism? Also, what do they tend to get out of the experience that is the same or different from what non-pagan religious people get out of their religions? P.s. First time question asker checking in!

MissKitti

how does one participate in paganism; how does it differ from Shintoism or other types of earth/nature worship? Or maybe I’m on the wrong track??

Brooke Fitchett

Is there a way to be a pagan an not feel like a dirty colonizer as someone from European decent with no cultural ties to the paganism of Europe?

anastasia.kemper

Why did the early church work so hard to discredit paganism?

Carla DM 101

Paganism : from media it is either Back-to-nature, doped-up Hippies or Black-gowned, black magic users. What would you like to see it portrayed as?

Erin Gunderson

What is the scholarly difference between folk traditions like heathenry (Norse specifically) and paganism (neo or other) in general? Are all heathens pagan, but not all pagans heathen in that instance? And then animism, so many animists, but are they all considered pagan? I guess I really mean: what is the scholarly definition of paganism and how does it relate to sister groups or subgroups. Whew!

Helena

Cool topic! What languages do we have sources about paganism in, and how far back do they go? (First-time question asker here!)

Adam Weaver

What are some big misconceptions you would like to set straight?

Kelsey Pyle

What are the best resources to learn about modern paganism that aren’t just pop witchcraft books or Tik Tok witches?

BF Brinklestein

My family is of Lithuanian descent and even tho Lithuania was the last holdout of paganism in Europe, the practice was lost (past a few verbal anecdotes). There’s a group of folks trying to bring it back, but this neo-paganism movement is not officially recognized by the government since there’s no standard texts documenting common practices. What does our professional feel about that?

Katelyn Barnes

What’s your favorite common holiday that comes from pagan roots? Also, how do you feel about new fad of practicing witchcraft and the idiology of paganism in current society?

Between Dumplings

Are there genuine pagans? (How) Is it different from other nature based belief systems? Are pagans atheists

Jenelle Hill

Where did the idea that pagans eat babies come from? Was it from the idea that midwives were witches who are babies?

Kelly Shaver

What are the linguistic and cultural roots of the word pagan?

Tiff

Can you talk about the difference between “real” paganism vs. neopaganism? Is most of what we know as paganism just the stuff that rose to prominence in the 1960s-70s?

BeckytheSassySeagrassScientist

I loooove fantasy books based in mythology and folklore and tons of them reference versions of paganism that I find really beautiful and inspiring! Are there any really good ones?

Jenelle Hill

What organ rituals became celebrations in non-abrahamic religions? Are there any non-abrahamic dieties that are originally pagen dieties?

Kelly Shaver

How do modern pagans define themselves? Like, what does the pagan identity mean to them? Also, is it more of an Identity rather than a religion because it encompasses so many different traditions?

Annie Lok

FIRST TIME QUESTION ASKER: I am Wicca and live in Australia. There are many parallels of Paganism to the cultural practices of our First Nations People, and this is why I feel a very strong connection to their relationship with Country. Could Pagans in Australia - whether they are First Nations people or not - redefine not just the word but the practice of Paganism?

BeckytheSassySeagrassScientist

Any thoughts about connections between natural science fields and nature based religions? Some ecologists (ahem, totally not me…) may be so awestruck and inspired by the science of nature that it feels similar to a spiritual or magical connection.

river stone

what would you say is the most unexpected modern tradition to have pagan roots?

Felix Wolfe

Where did paganism originate and how did it migrate/eventually lessen in popularity throughout history?

Felix Wolfe

Are paganism and wiccans connected at all?

Justin Saucedo

Has anything made you wonder if the spiritual world is real?

Justin Saucedo

What if anything is something commonly accepted by non-religious people that has deep roots in paganism.

Gwen Zimmer

What are some good resources for people who are exploring paganism in their personal life?

Justin Saucedo

Did you know the Mandarin word for bacon sounds an awful lot like pagan?

Jimi Dempster

I’d like to know how pagan symbolism managed to etched into the stone walls of old churches eg green man and did they get pagans to build the churches or was it to encourage pagans into the churches?

Swisscheese Jess

Do good doggos go to Valhalla? 🥹 Asking for my furry friend that left us an hour ago 😔

Jenna Palermo

What’s the symbolism behind mushrooms and paganism? I’ve heard some *spicy* NSFW rumors about fungus and broomsticks, but not sure if that originated from paganism or something else

Rebecca Davis

Why are some religions not considered pagan? I guess, what makes a belief or custom pagan?

Emily Krieger

I learned only in the last year that snakes were originally a symbol of womanhood I think it was relating to the shedding of the skin and the shedding of the lining of the uterus anyway got me thinking it seems like religions of the world commonly co-opt pagan symbols and then use them for bad. Is that right? I'm pissed. Thanks!

Canon Purdy

What are some of the lesser known pagan practices/religions that you find interesting?

Kleargle

What's the difference between paganism and wiccan practices? Are the two related?

Kleargle

Are there any interesting sites in particular that tell us about the history of paganism?

Liz S

How are modern pagans able to tie their practices to historic practices?

Kyle Cunningham-Rhoads

The Celtic Cross. Was it used to stick it to the Christians in the early days? Or was it mostly just a reinforced way to keep cross gravestones standing for longer?

Brittany Winchester

Oh my gosh so many - what is the relationship between occultism and paganism? Are familiars a thing? If so - what’s up with them? Is there a need for a coven to amplify strength? How has paganism evolved since it’s inception? Finally - what are the best resources to learn more?

Gail L'esperance-Norris

I'm interested in the definition of Paganism vs Shamanism vs Animism. Dictionaries don't seem to agree on the definition of paganism.

Silly Little Bard

Is Paganism its own religion or a larger term to describe a group of specific religions?

Shannon O'Grady

When did paganism become such a bad thing? Everything seems so ditry if it has pagan roots

Ami DuCre (Amy doo-kray)

Did European paganism mix with paganism on other continents during colonialism?

Scarlet P

is peganism specific to white/european heritage?

Leslie

Is paganism a religious practice, or a philosophical one? Which personal values align best with exploring paganism?

Julia Turlington

Are there any unbroken lineages of the Paganism (s) that you've researched? How would you describe the relationship of Paganisms that are practiced now to the older/original versions?

ConnieConnieBoBonnie

I'm part of a group that follows the wheel of the year - we all come from various backgrounds - atheist, agnostic, native/first people, former Christian, culturally Jewish, etc. So we try to be very thoughtful about not appropriating practices that don't belong to us while also inviting nature-based ritual and practice into our lives as we take time to notice and celebrate the cycles and seasons around us and in us. That being said, we've stumbled along at times and learned later that some things are not appropriate for our group or should be treated as closed practices. What do you recommend for people who were not raised pagan, but feel drawn to pagan practices, rituals and traditions. How do we engage and participate ethically?

Lyssa Mercier

What advice do you have for people, like myself, who are interested in pagan folklore and traditions from different cultures rather than a single path, but want to avoid cultural appropriation? Where should we draw the line and how can you build a diverse but respectful practice?

Bethany Clayton

What different modern holidays owe their roots to coopted pagan celebrations? And how did the propaganda train that labeled paganism bad and pretend, and other religions good and real get rolling? Also, why are some belief systems dismissed as cults and other make it mainstream? Sorry lots of questions! Thanks!!!

Anna Vilnīte

Can pagan traditions and religious practices be traced to certain origins via languages or otherwise? I'm from the Baltics (Eastern Europe) and my native language is linked to Sanskrit, and I know there's a few local deities that have their names stem from words in Sanskrit. I wonder if there's any chance to trace practices and traditions in a similar way.

Gordon Haas

How does Paganism show up in the 21st Century? Are there links with distrust of Science, Antivaxxers, Flat Earthers, or other conspiracy theory followers?

Sarah Schmitz

What is the best outfit to wear on a full moon/equinox/any Pagan holiday and the best hour to dance? I'm reminded of the flowing white dresses, flower garlands, and candles at the ancient stones in Scotland as seen in the intro scene of Outlander. Is that in any way accurate? Love this ology! :) **First-time question asker, Sarah (please keep last name private)

Lee Wang

Does paganism share any surprising things in common with Abrahamic religions?

Maisie Lopez

I do not know enough in order to ask intelligent questions, so this question comes direct from my Pagan friend, "what kind of part do natural resources play in the offerings made during pagan holidays, and what is the best way to be environmentally conscious in paganism practice?" - Gale, they/them

Emily

What are the differences between Wicca and ancient Pagan practices? Is there a link between paganism and feminism?

Timmy H.

What is considered “pagan”?

Amanda Washington

First time asker- what is the biggest/most helpful lesson that we could learn today from pagan religions? Excited!

Amanda Washington

(Meaning like what lessons could we benefit from as a society, given the state we’re in)

Brack Stovall

What are a few examples of where patriarchal religions assimilated pagan rituals into their sacred traditions?

Lauren Cooper

Let's talk movies. How accurate is something like The Craft, or does it just make you angry? Any movies that actually get it right?

Christy LaForce

Does paganism have a specific dogma or is it

Lauren Cooper

My husband wants to know: We've all heard of Stonehenge What are fascinating but lesser known ritual sites?

Lauren Cooper

What's the difference between paganism and witchcraft?

Lex Clearwater

what actually falls under the umbrella of paganism?

Omexamorph

First Time Question Asker! What's the difference between an open/closed practice and how can you tell? and Are there organizing bodies that control/guide certain Pagan practices like the Vatican/Pope does for Catholicism?

Jeanette-o-saur

Damn straight. Who would want a feasting hall that's not full of doggos? And *hugs* I'm so sorry you've lost your fur friend 😞

Heidi Stooshnoff

Any thoughts on the theory that women’s pockets where shrunk / removed by the patriarchy to reduce the ability of women to carry spells around with them?

Pavka34

Is Paganism a specific religion or a “catch all” for polytheistic, early religions or spiritual beliefs?

Pavka34

I second Heidi Stooshnoff’s question about pockets and the patriarchy.

Constance Coman

Um…. why contemporary paganism is practiced primarily by women?

Caroline Robert

First time question asker! A lot of teenagers (in Montreal) are wearing crystals, gems or stones for their healing properties and are also using medicinal herbs like my grandma used to do. On an sociological stand point, are we going back to pagan rituals when a community is not religious anymore? I feel that we need to believe in something as a group and practice healing rituals to stay sain…

Delaney

are there any major pagan holidays?

Taylor Kendall

Why are all the gods so clearly angry with us?

Mackenzie Spencer

Do they play Dungeons and Dragons? If so, are there many references to what they study? :)

Olivia Anderson

How do folk lords play into patriarch ideas of society?

Olivia Anderson

How are pagan holiday traditions seen in today's culture?

Vero Tavares

Hello! (First question asker! - hope to make it, this time) I was wondering how can old pagan rituals break free from Christianity, which absorbed some of these traditions to vastly convert the masses. Not that it matters when their prophet was born, but it feels more spiritual to me, to celebrate union on the longest night of the year, the 21st. I wished solestices and equinoxes were celebrated at their essence, acknowledging nature and community, as they once seemed to be.

DanaMS

How was Paganism not able to stand up to Christianity when so many more cultures were pagan?

Death Nell (Nellaenora)

Oh no I probably missed the window, but hi new question-asker! What are your personal thoughts/beliefs on magic (earth magic or any kind you prefer) and spirituality in your particular flavor of paganism, if any? What role does this play in how you think about physics and other known and unknown aspects of our universe? Most importantly, when you geek out about science, how does that interact with, or influence, or is influenced by your experience of paganism in your life? Also, happy Samhain! ...Asking as someone who was raised and very much remains "an atheist who is culturally pagan". No magic or spirituality for me, but marking cycles, seasons, and history?! I am here for it, deep in my folk dancer bones! Even when it means getting up at 4am every May Day/Beltane to dance up the sun with bells and ribbons on to "usher in the summer" when there's often still snow on the ground here in Minnesota xD

Death Nell (Nellaenora)

Olivia you ask excellent questions I LOVE these! I am someone who was raised in a very pagan-flavored folk dance/singing community as well as at Renaissance festivals. (Venn diagram, those.) In both of those overlapping communities, I and so many other queer and/or femme folks and allies before, around, and after me have been trying really hard to acknowledge and break down the many problematic patriarchal, cissexist, racist, nationalist, supremacist, ageist, ableist (etc) aspects of the cultures and traditions we love. We try to keep the things that are truly meaningful that create joy and feelings of unity for *everybody*, and make alterations to or abandon the parts that exclude and create harm. That is a slow and often arduous, nonlinear process. We encounter so much pushback, including of course within ourselves. So I am totally going to keep your questions in mind as I go forward!

Death Nell (Nellaenora)

That's... *probably* a myth, from what I understand? The "snakes" of "Saint Patrick drove all the snakes out of Ireland" actually being Druids, that is. I mean, there also were never actual snakes in Ireland, either, according to the current fossil record. Myths on top of myths, most like. Christianity was already in Ireland at that time, and became dominant slowly, not all at once. The Druids weren't "driven out" or mass murdered all in a short time. (Though of course there was plenty of murder, it's just that as far as I know there isn't much evidence that Saint Pat did a whole lot of that personally, but I may be very wrong in that.) Instead, Christianity mostly just absorbed Druidic traditions and beliefs to assimilate the peoples who had followed the Druids.

Nico Peruzzi

Could you talk about the differentiation between paganism and satanism? I feel like the two are very often conflated especially by Christianity

Avren Keating

Do you have any insights into the trendiness/commodification of pagan imagery, practice and aesthetic?

Avren Keating

Like what has kicked all this off in the past 5ish years?

Neeko Scraps

Are spells basically like prayers? I've never understood rituals and prayers/spells to me jusr seem like hoping really hard. Also how do you feel about the obsession with crystals and their PoWeRs?

Neeko Scraps

I also want to know this, were they all persecuted and burned (isn't that what st. Patrick was about, kicking the "snakes" out of Ireland?) Did original pagans practice in secret?

Katie Munoz

Paganism seems Northern European based to me. Is that true?

Emma Parks

Can they explain the origins of Yule (Christmas) and how the Christians and Catholics stole basically all of it? 🤣

Hillary Jones McCullough

Definitely please ask about Christians “stole” Pagan ‘holidays’. Specifically Yule, but Easter as well.

Audrey Kentner

Which regions beliefs actually fall under 'paganism'? because a lot of time you see it as nature dieties, or an amalgam of Celtic, Norse, and other (mostly european), mythology.

Elizabeth Bos-Mar

When did Paganism become a religion, I have heard that it is relatively recent, like the 1800's or early 1900's. It seems based on old traditions from the Norse & Keltic religions.

Elizabeth Bos-Mar

Many people have brought different aspects of different earth based religions into there Pagan practice, reading cards and reading "tea leaves" etc. What is truly Pagan ? When is cultural appropriation a problem? How does one find a Pagan community? it is so hard to tell if someone is Pagan as the spirituality can be infused into all aspects of there life.

Brita Goldstein

First time question asker, long time listener; do we have practicing pagan communities in the US? Or is it a lost lifestyle/religion?

Elizabeth Reed

Why are many of our holidays actually pagan in nature and then christianized? Like, why did the Christians and western America choose pagan holidays to sort of morph to fit into the culture as opposed to other holidays from different religions?

SpecialK

Does gnosticism count as paganism?

Some Random Frog

How do you find un christianised primary sources?

Rachel Ambrose

I'm late to the party so I won't ask a question but I'm SO EXCITED for this episode! I'm a practicing folk witch and I work with Hermes and this was just the BEST Halloween surprise. Eeee!

Christina Johnson

what exactly is the definition of paganism and where did it come about & why ? I'd love to know more about the history of religions and how traditions became what they are today. Did paganism impact our languages,.. or any other cultural or everyday life things that we don't realize are attributed to paganism?

Christina Johnson

Also who were the original pagans? What nationality?? What was their 'start of life" story? Family structure, daily life for this early religion

Erin Torres

Sorry, this will likely be too long and possibly too late but here goes...It was not until I was into my 4th decade that I realized through the help of a friend that I am a witch and I likely always have been. I just didn't have the vocabulary and/or self awareness that that's what I was practicing most of my life. It was such a profound moment when her language completely changed how I viewed myself, it was just so empowering. My mom turned to witchcraft/paganism in a more formal manifestation before I did and slightly before she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She was a retired physician and very science-minded. She discovered a talent for Reiki and found a very helpful, knowledgeable teacher. Reiki became her passion in the last 4 years of her life (yes, she successfully fought that horrible disease for 4 years but finally succumbed to it a little over a year ago). We credit her surpassing all expectations of survivorship with finding this tool and opening herself up to that kind of energy and purpose, as well as the amazing medical and surgical team who helped and guided her through that difficult journey. It was a beautiful marrying of what is typically thought of as opposites: science and magick. Given these experiences I identify as both a green witch and a science witch, but I am not atheistic as many science witches are. I feel an incredibly strong attraction to the Goddess of the Crossroads, Hecate. So I guess my question is...with so much variation in what attracts a wide variety of people to this line of thinking/belief, are there commonalities in what draws people to identify as pagan? Are there sources that point to any evidence behind the commonly (although not universally) held belief among people who identify as pagans/witches that there are no such things as coincidences? I know in my heart of hearts that there is so much more to the people that have entered my life at certain points, or places I've visited at specific times, or events that taught a profound lesson just when I really needed it than just mere coincidence. I'm also really intrigued by the concept of atheistic paganism. Can you speak to how this might differ from lines of thought that do incorporate concepts of deity worship? Thank you for bearing through this, I know this goes is all sorts of directions in an already infinitely varied world view/belief system. I am very much looking forward to this episode!

Naar

OH MY HOD I MISSED THE QUESTION TIME BUT OH MY GOD OH MY GOD