This blog post will focus on the etymology and historical usage of the word ‘pagan’. If you would like more information about what constitutes a pagan religion today, please visit the What is Paganism? section of the PAN website.
There is consensus among pagans, scholars and amateur historians that the word pagan comes from the Latin word paganus which means country dweller (Marriam-Webster 2017; Cavendish & Conneeley 2012; Boin 2014; Wikipedia 2017).
We recognise the right of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) volunteers and members, and members of the wider community, to live and work free of prejudice and discrimination. This includes the right to marry the partner of their choice.
Continue reading The Pagan Awareness Network supports marriage equality
What is the difference between a spell and a ritual? This question has been tickling my brain for weeks. A spell is an action that elicits an outcome or a change. A ritual is anything performed with intent. But a spell also needs intent to work, and a ritual can also elicit an outcome or a change. So what is the difference?
Pagans everywhere are still in a bit of an uproar. Paedophile and predator, Robyn Fletcher was released from supervision after serving 10 years in jail and another 10+ years under a supervision order. What is most upsetting are the headlines. “Paedophile witch” “Sex witch” “self-proclaimed sex witch”…
Let’s be very clear – there is no room in modern paganism for paedophilia, sexual violence or rape…or indeed any other non-consensual act. Fletcher might consider himself a witch but what he did was not witchcraft.
Peace isn’t easy. Peace comes at a price. Today is ANZAC Day where we remember the price paid for the peace we enjoy today. We can let ourselves be ruled by Mars, God of War. Be combative, difficult, rigid and judgemental; Embrace conflict and make aggression the first stop.
It’s all very exciting. The PAN website has had a makeover. Now you can locate an event using Maps, and download our full colour brochures. Plus regular blog posts will highlight what’s been happening around Australia in the Pagan community. We will even be introducing a new Members Section with some special treats just for our supporters. Let us know what you think about it!
In Numerology, 2017 is a universal ‘1’ year. A universal year number gives us a measure of how the whole world is travelling – you and me included. This is the beginning of a new cycle, a time to plant the seeds for new things to come. It is a time for fresh intentions and to prepare for the major changes to come in the next 9 year cycle.
2016 was a universal ‘9’ year – a time of endings – and we saw that in the number of huge creative souls that departed, many before their time, to make the space for the new to arise in 2017.
2017 is now a time to say hello, and welcome in the start of a new adventure as the cycle starts afresh. May the seeds you plant in this fresh new year, flourish and manifest into their full potential as you nurture them with your will and intent.
May the Goddess grant you vision, wisdom, determination and opportunity that you may, in turn, manifest joy, abundance and understanding in this year of new beginnings.
Happy New Year from the PAN Committee.
The PAN Committee has generously offered contributors to our magazine, ‘The Small Tapestry’, an opportunity to win a voucher for $200 ‘PAN Dollars’.
It is with great sadness that we farewell Michael Howard, editor of the UK Cauldron Magazine and prolific author. Michael died on September 24, 2015 while in Devon, surrounded by friends and family, following a short battle with a difficult illness.
