Early medieval Scandinavian (Viking Age) paganism is much better documented than its predecessors, notably via the records of Norse mythology, recorded in the Edda, and the Sagas, written in Iceland during 1150 - 1400. Sacrifices were known as Blót, seasonal celebrations where gifts were offered to appropriate gods, and attempts were made to predict the coming season. Similar events were sometimes arrange ...

See also:

Germanic paganism, Germanic paganism - Proto-Germanic religion, Germanic paganism - Pre-Migration Period, Germanic paganism - Tacitus, Germanic paganism - Migration Age, Germanic paganism - Viking Age, Germanic paganism - Middle Ages

Read more here: » Germanic paganism: Encyclopedia II - Germanic paganism - Viking Age

NORDIC TRADITION, NORSE PAGANISM: Paganism that worships the Norse pantheon of deities and stresses conservative values of honor, honesty, courage and duty to one’s family, kin and friends. In the 1970’s a number of Norse Pagan groups sprang into existence almost simultaneously and independently of one another, in America, England an Iceland.

Many adherents to Norse Paganism are attracted by the emphasis on blood ties and genetics, the warrior ethic and the Norse symbology. Norse Pagans recognize both branches of the Norse pantheon, the Aesir and the Vanir. A branch called Odinism worship only the Aesir. Festivals center on the seasonal equinoxes and solstices, and Norse holidays such as Ragnar’s Day. Heavier emphasis is placed on skill mastery and shamanism than on magick and meditation.

There are a few extreme right-wing Norse Pagan groups who believe they have founded a religion upon the Aryan race; and while some do include neo-Nazis, most Norse Pagans consider these people a fringe element not connected to their religion. Also known as Teutonic Tradition.

See also: Odinism.)

During the Migration period, Germanic religion was subject to syncretic influence from Christianity and Mediterranean culture (see also Runes). Jordanes' Getica is a 6th century account of the Goths. According to the Getica, the chief god of the Goths was Tiwaz, to whom they sacrificed prisoners of war, hanging their limbs upon trees. Saint Columbanus in the 6th century encountered a beer sacrifice to Woden in Bregenz. In the 8th century, the Saxons venerated an Irminsul (see also Donar's Oak). Charlemagne is re ...

See also:

Germanic paganism, Germanic paganism - Proto-Germanic religion, Germanic paganism - Pre-Migration Period, Germanic paganism - Tacitus, Germanic paganism - Migration Age, Germanic paganism - Viking Age, Germanic paganism - Middle Ages

Read more here: » Germanic paganism: Encyclopedia II - Germanic paganism - Migration Age

The word Krampus originates from the Old High German word for claw (Krampen). In the Alpine region the Krampus is represented by a male incubus in company of St Nicholas. Traditionally, young men dress up as the Krampus in the first two weeks of December and particularly in the evening of December 5th and roam the streets frightening children (and adults) with rusty chains and bells. The present day Krampus costume consists of red wooden masks, black sheep's skin and horns. Considerable effort goes into the manufacture of the hand-crafted masks, as many younger adults in rural ...

See also:

Paganism in the Eastern Alps, Paganism in the Eastern Alps - Survival through the ages, Paganism in the Eastern Alps - Krampus, Paganism in the Eastern Alps - Perchten

Read more here: » Paganism in the Eastern Alps: Encyclopedia II - Paganism in the Eastern Alps - Krampus

NORDIC TRADITION, NORSE PAGANISM: Pagan traditions that worship the Norse pantheon of deities and stresses conservative values of honor, honesty, courage and duty to one’s family, kin and friends. In the 1970’s a number of Norse Pagan groups sprang into existence almost simultaneously and independently of one another, in America, England an Iceland. Many adherents to Norse Paganism are attracted by the emphasis on blood ties and genetics, the warrior ethic and the Norse symbology.

Norse Pagans recognize both branches of the Norse pantheon, the Aesir and the Vanir. A branch called Odinism worship only the Aesir. Festivals center on the seasonal equinoxes and solstices, and Norse holidays such as Ragnar’s Day. Heavier emphasis is placed on skill mastery and shamanism than on magick and meditation.

There are a few extreme right-wing Norse Pagan groups who believe they have founded a religion upon the Aryan race; and while some do include neo-Nazis, most Norse Pagans consider these people a fringe element not connected to their religion. Also known as Teutonic Tradition. See also: Odinism.)

(See also: NORDIC TRADITION, NORSE PAGANISM , Magickal Traditions, Magickal Paths, Paganism, Pagan Dictionary)

For more dictionary entries, see » Pagan Dictionary

In some types of neopaganism, particularly those influenced by Wicca, Samhain is one of the eight solar holidays or sabbats. It is celebrated in the northern hemisphere on October 31 or November 1 and in the southern hemisphere on May 1. The holiday, with Beltane, is one of the most popular among Neopagans, and public Samhain rituals invariably attract large gatherings. It is the last of the harvest festivals (after Lammas and Mabon); in some traditions it symbolizes th ...

See also:

Samhain, Samhain - Etymology, Samhain - Ancient Celts, Samhain - Celtic folklore, Samhain - Neo-Paganism, Samhain - Pop culture references

Read more here: » Samhain: Encyclopedia II - Samhain - Neo-Paganism

Paganism, pantheism, Odinism, and groups celebrating the Nordic heroic warrior myths do not automatically intersect with fascism, White supremacy or antisemitism. Examples of groups where fascism and paganism intersect include the White Order of Thule and the Creativity Movement (formerly the World Church of the Creator). While members of the White Order of Thule practice a form of Odinism or Asatru, only a few followers of these pagan beliefs are White supremacist neonazis. Many pagan websites post disclaimers denouncing hate ...

See also:

Neofascism and religion, Neofascism and religion - Terminology, Neofascism and religion - Fascism as a social movement, Neofascism and religion - Christianity, Neofascism and religion - The U.S. Christian right, Neofascism and religion - Other forms, Neofascism and religion - Islam, Neofascism and religion - Concepts and terms, Neofascism and religion - The Islamofascism label, Neofascism and religion - Judaism, Neofascism and religion - Hinduism, Neofascism and religion - Paganism, Neofascism and religion - Fascism as vague epithet, Neofascism and religion - General, Neofascism and religion - Christianity, Neofascism and religion - Islam, Neofascism and religion - Judaism, Neofascism and religion - Hinduism, Neofascism and religion - Paganism

Read more here: » Neofascism and religion: Encyclopedia II - Neofascism and religion - Paganism

Paganism, pantheism, Odinism, and groups celebrating the Nordic heroic warrior myths do not automatically intersect with fascism, White supremacy or antisemitism. Examples of groups where fascism and paganism intersect include the White Order of Thule and the Creativity Movement (formerly the World Church of the Creator). While members of the White Order of Thule practice a form of Odinism or Asatru, only a few followers of these pagan beliefs are White supremacist neonazis. Many pagan websites post disclaimers denouncing hate ...

See also:

Neofascism and religion, Neofascism and religion - Terminology, Neofascism and religion - Fascism as a social movement, Neofascism and religion - Christianity, Neofascism and religion - The U.S. Christian right, Neofascism and religion - Other forms, Neofascism and religion - Islam, Neofascism and religion - Concepts and terms, Neofascism and religion - Proponents, Neofascism and religion - Opponents, Neofascism and religion - Judaism, Neofascism and religion - Hinduism, Neofascism and religion - Paganism, Neofascism and religion - Fascism as vague epithet, Neofascism and religion - General, Neofascism and religion - Christianity, Neofascism and religion - Islam, Neofascism and religion - Judaism, Neofascism and religion - Hinduism, Neofascism and religion - Paganism

Read more here: » Neofascism and religion: Encyclopedia II - Neofascism and religion - Paganism

Cernunnos - Wicca. In Wicca, imagery derived from historical Celtic culture is sometimes used, including a depiction of Cernunnos, often referred to as The Horned God. This version of Cernunnos is based little on historical findings and more on phallic symbolism, merged from elements of Pan and from Eliphas Lévi's depiction of Baphomet. The adherents generally follow a life-fertility-death cycle for Cernunnos, though his death is now usually set at Samhain, the Gaelic New Year Festival usually taking place on Oc ...

See also:

Cernunnos, Cernunnos - Origins, Cernunnos - Etymology, Cernunnos - Iconography, Cernunnos - Medieval traces, Cernunnos - Neo-Paganism, Cernunnos - Wicca

Read more here: » Cernunnos: Encyclopedia II - Cernunnos - Neo-Paganism

Germanic paganism - Caesar. The earliest forms of Germanic religion can only be speculated on based on archaeological evidence and comparative religion. The first written description is in Julius Caesar's Commentarii de Bello Gallico. He contrasts the elaborate religious custom of the Gauls with the primitive German traditions. The Germans differ much from these usages, for they have neither Druids to preside over sacred offices, nor do they pay great regard to sacrifices. They rank in the ...

See also:

Germanic paganism, Germanic paganism - Sources, Germanic paganism - Pre-Migration Period, Germanic paganism - Caesar, Germanic paganism - Tacitus, Germanic paganism - Reconstruction, Germanic paganism - Migration Age, Germanic paganism - Viking Age, Germanic paganism - Middle Ages

Read more here: » Germanic paganism: Encyclopedia II - Germanic paganism - Pre-Migration Period

PAGAN, OCCULT, WITCHCRAFT SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP OF MENSA: A special interest group (SIG) of Mensa, the organization for persons scoring in the top two percentile on IQ testing. Only Mensa members can be full members of the SIG but non-Mensans may join as associate members. Their newsletter, Pagana, is considered to be one of the best Pagan journals.

(See also: PAGAN, OCCULT, WITCHCRAFT SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP OF MENSA, Magickal Traditions, Magickal Paths, Paganism, Pagan Dictionary)

Germanic paganism - Tacitus. The first description of Germanic religion is Tacitus' Germania, dating to the 1st century. Tacitus describes both animal and human sacrifice. The chief Germanic god he identifies with Roman Mercury, who on certain days receives human sacrifices, while gods identified by Tacitus with Hercules and Mars receive animal sacrifice. The Suebians also make ...

See also:

Germanic paganism, Germanic paganism - Proto-Germanic religion, Germanic paganism - Pre-Migration Period, Germanic paganism - Tacitus, Germanic paganism - Migration Age, Germanic paganism - Viking Age, Germanic paganism - Middle Ages

Read more here: » Germanic paganism: Encyclopedia II - Germanic paganism - Pre-Migration Period

Germanic paganism seems to have begun developing sometime during the 2nd millennium BC, during the Nordic Bronze Age, with influences from neighboring cultures, notably the Celts, and possibly Finnish and Baltic mythologies. The Proto-Germanic pantheon was divided into two classes, the *Ansuwaz (cognate to Asura) and the *Wanisaz (cognate to *Wenos, a name of *Hausos; see also Vanadis, Wynn, and possibly *Wanax). Members included *Tiwaz, *Wodinaz, *Nerþuz (either a god or a goddess), and *Frijja. Some natural pheno ...

See also:

Germanic paganism, Germanic paganism - Proto-Germanic religion, Germanic paganism - Pre-Migration Period, Germanic paganism - Tacitus, Germanic paganism - Migration Age, Germanic paganism - Viking Age, Germanic paganism - Middle Ages

Read more here: » Germanic paganism: Encyclopedia II - Germanic paganism - Proto-Germanic religion

The name Elias may also have links and be derived from the pagan Greek name Helios/Elios, spelt Ηλιος in Greek, and which literally means "sun". It is known that the name existed for males in ancient Greece1 . At this time, the cult worshipping the sun God Helios was well established by all Greeks, despite being eventually replaced by Apollo. This implies the ancient name was derived from the god. Interestingly, there is evidence suggesting Helios, was also workshipped by the ancient Jews.2 However it would be pure speculation that the G ...

See also:

Elias, Elias - Elias with pagan origins, Elias - Elias in Mormonism

Read more here: » Elias: Encyclopedia II - Elias - Elias with pagan origins

Pagan beliefs surrounding Christmas - Kissing under mistletoe. Another aspect of Christmas that receives much criticism is its traditions. Traditions such as kissing under mistletoe are very popular, but have no Biblical reference at all. Once more, this tradition has its roots entwined in pagan beliefs. Bill McLain wrote in his book, “There are many legends about mistletoe. One Scandinavian legend states that Loki, the god of mischief, killed Baldur, the god of peace, by shooting him with an arrow made from mi ...

See also:

Pagan beliefs surrounding Christmas, Pagan beliefs surrounding Christmas - Jesus' birth, Pagan beliefs surrounding Christmas - Why do people celebrate Jesus' birth on December 25?, Pagan beliefs surrounding Christmas - Traditions, Pagan beliefs surrounding Christmas - Kissing under mistletoe, Pagan beliefs surrounding Christmas - The Christmas tree, Pagan beliefs surrounding Christmas - Bibliography

Read more here: » Pagan beliefs surrounding Christmas: Encyclopedia II - Pagan beliefs surrounding Christmas - Traditions

The Bible gives no certain answer to the date of Jesus' birth, but it does give clues. Luke 2:8-14 speaks of shepherds living outdoor and tending to a flock of sheep. The text reads, "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night." Scholars of the Bible have concluded that this would be highly unlikely in the month of December, for the weather conditions would be too cold to live outside or tend to a flock of sheep. In addition, it is also unlikely that Augustus would force ...

See also:

Pagan beliefs surrounding Christmas, Pagan beliefs surrounding Christmas - Jesus' birth, Pagan beliefs surrounding Christmas - Why do people celebrate Jesus' birth on December 25?, Pagan beliefs surrounding Christmas - Traditions, Pagan beliefs surrounding Christmas - Kissing under mistletoe, Pagan beliefs surrounding Christmas - The Christmas tree, Pagan beliefs surrounding Christmas - Bibliography

Read more here: » Pagan beliefs surrounding Christmas: Encyclopedia II - Pagan beliefs surrounding Christmas - Jesus' birth

Though there has certainly been quite a bit of cross-pollenization between Neo-Druidism and Celtic Reconstructionist groups, and there is a large crossover of membership between the two movements, the two have somewhat distinct methodologies and goals in their approach to Celtic religious forms. CR practioners tend to look to the whole cultural matrix in which the religious ideas were formed, while Neo-Druids tend to prefer to focus on the specifically druidic functions. Some Neo-Druidic groups claim to be non-religious in nature, which is n ...

See also:

Celtic Reconstructionist Paganism, Celtic Reconstructionist Paganism - First Modern Appearance of the Term and Other Historical Data, Celtic Reconstructionist Paganism - Celtic Reconstructionism and Neo-Druidry, Celtic Reconstructionist Paganism - Bibliography

Read more here: » Celtic Reconstructionist Paganism: Encyclopedia II - Celtic Reconstructionist Paganism - Celtic Reconstructionism and Neo-Druidry

Comes was a common epitheton (title, added to the name, as Catholicism still does with Jesus and much- venerated saints, such as in Our Lady of Lourdes) for a hero or a (usually minor) divinity, marking it out as linked to a (major) divinity, or several celestials to each other. On Constantine I coinage, the emperor is declared comes to the Sun god. ...

See also:

Comes, Comes - In the Roman pagan religion, Comes - Imperially bestowed court titles and various offices of Comites, Comes - Horse guards corps of Comites, Comes - Medieval usage

Read more here: » Comes: Encyclopedia II - Comes - In the Roman pagan religion

There are many Christians who feel that the Chronicles of Narnia promotes soft sell paganism and occultism, because of the recurring pagan themes and the heretical depictions of Christ as an anthropomorphic lion. Satyrs, fauns, centaurs, dwarves, werewolves, giants and even the pagan god Bacchus and the Maenads are depicted in a positive light, when they are distinctly pagan motifs. Even an animistic "River God" is portrayed in a positive light. (Chattaway 2005), (Berit 2005) According to Josh Hurst from Christianity Today, "not on ...

See also:

The Chronicles of Narnia, The Chronicles of Narnia - The books, The Chronicles of Narnia - The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, The Chronicles of Narnia - Prince Caspian, The Chronicles of Narnia - The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, The Chronicles of Narnia - The Silver Chair, The Chronicles of Narnia - The Horse and His Boy, The Chronicles of Narnia - The Magician's Nephew, The Chronicles of Narnia - The Last Battle, The Chronicles of Narnia - Reading order, The Chronicles of Narnia - Christian parallels, The Chronicles of Narnia - Pagan influences, The Chronicles of Narnia - Influences on Narnia, The Chronicles of Narnia - Writing, The Chronicles of Narnia - Name, The Chronicles of Narnia - Narnia's influence on others, The Chronicles of Narnia - Influence on authors, The Chronicles of Narnia - Influence on popular culture, The Chronicles of Narnia - Criticism, The Chronicles of Narnia - The Narnia universe, The Chronicles of Narnia - Narnia in other media, The Chronicles of Narnia - Television, The Chronicles of Narnia - Radio, The Chronicles of Narnia - Stage, The Chronicles of Narnia - Cinema, The Chronicles of Narnia - Music

Read more here: » The Chronicles of Narnia: Encyclopedia II - The Chronicles of Narnia - Pagan influences

The conceptual relationship between religion and magic is similar to the relationship between "religion" and Paganism, whereas "religion" refers to a system of established beliefs, and "magic" and "Pagan" are labels used by people within that system to describe beliefs and practices that conflict with or are outside of that system. From the point of view of adherents of any established religion, the terms "magic" and "wizardry" connote beliefs which are held to be false beliefs or heresy. In this sense, the term 'magic' is typically outdated, although in the direct quotation of ...

See also:

Magic paranormal, Magic paranormal - Etymology, Magic paranormal - Religion, Paganism, and alchemy, Magic paranormal - History of Western European magic, Magic paranormal - Magical beliefs in Western Europe, Magic paranormal - In the Middle Ages, Magic paranormal - Magic in the Renaissance, Magic paranormal - Magic and Romanticism, Magic paranormal - Magic in the twentieth century, Magic paranormal - Modern believers in magic, Magic paranormal - Theories of magic, Magic paranormal - Religious ritual and magical thinking, Magic paranormal - Magical practices and spells, Magic paranormal - Varieties of magical practice, Magic paranormal - Magical intentions, Magic paranormal - Magical traditions, Magic paranormal - Magic in fiction, Magic paranormal - Religious attitudes towards magic, Magic paranormal - Indigenous traditions, Magic paranormal - Magic and the Magi, Magic paranormal - In Judaism and Christianity, Magic paranormal - In Islam, Magic paranormal - In Hinduism

Read more here: » Magic paranormal: Encyclopedia II - Magic paranormal - Religion, Paganism, and alchemy

History of religions - Ancient Paganism. Pharaonic religion Greek religion Roman religion History of religions - Modern Polytheism. History of Santeria ...

See also:

History of religions, History of religions - Introduction, History of religions - History of Polytheistic Paganism, History of religions - Ancient Paganism, History of religions - Modern Polytheism, History of religions - History of Monotheism, History of religions - Indian religions family, History of religions - History of the Faiths of the Book, History of religions - History of syncretism, History of religions - Other

Read more here: » History of religions: Encyclopedia II - History of religions - History of Polytheistic Paganism

In the late 4th century, the Imperial courts were predominantly Christian; Christianity had relatively few internal quarrels; and a deep conviction that right belief, orthodoxy, was what mattered to God. The Christian emperors closed pagan oracles, temples and end the pagan games by degrees, in a series of increasingly stringent decrees. Finally, the public practice of the Greek religion was made illegal by the Emperor Theodosius I and this was enforced by his successors. The Greek religion, stigmatized as "paganism", the religion of country ...

See also:

Ancient Greek religion, Ancient Greek religion - Overview, Ancient Greek religion - Worship, Ancient Greek religion - Theology, Ancient Greek religion - Mystery religions, Ancient Greek religion - Suppression of paganism, Ancient Greek religion - Revival of paganism

Read more here: » Ancient Greek religion: Encyclopedia II - Ancient Greek religion - Suppression of paganism