izabet
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Canada isn't that friendly...
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Post by izabet on Aug 25, 2004 9:20:17 GMT -5
In the north of Italy where my mother is from, they still practice outright Pagan holidays (not Catholic whitewashes). The region was Pagan until the 11th or 12th century I believe. I feel somewhat drawn to Strega, since my mother surrounded us with books on Italian folk culture, but I have no use for Wicca or Asatru.
I recently read "Hereditary Witchcraft" by Raven Grimassi and found it fascinating, but more from a social history pov.
Any thoughts or personal experiences with actual paganism versus neo-paganism?
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Post by Aria88 on Aug 25, 2004 13:37:54 GMT -5
I think it's best to study the subject. I enjoy comparative religion/mythology myself. Start with lots of Joseph Campbell. Read The Golden Bough by J.G. Frazer and The White Goddess by Robert Graves, classics both. I could refer you to other books about paganism proper. As far as practicing it, well, you'll have to come to terms with the fact that it will be Neo-Paganism, as many of the ancient rites were covert and still unrevealed to us moderns.
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izabet
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Canada isn't that friendly...
Posts: 128
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Post by izabet on Aug 25, 2004 14:08:28 GMT -5
Heh, no. I don't want to practice it. I have the Golden Bough at home but have yet to read it. My mother has read it several times and has 3 copies of it for some strange reason.
I'm looking for thoughts from others, i.e. experiences, but thanks for the tips on the books!
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Post by alex221166 on Aug 25, 2004 19:15:41 GMT -5
Heh, no. I don't want to practice it. I have the Golden Bough at home but have yet to read it. My mother has read it several times and has 3 copies of it for some strange reason. I'm looking for thoughts from others, i.e. experiences, but thanks for the tips on the books! As Aria88 said, most - not to say all - the original pagan rituals were lost. When I hear about Wiccas, druids, and similar stuff, the only thing that comes to mind is that the REAL druids are turning in their graves. I find the whole thing sad, nothing more than an insultuous circus act. There's nothing wrong with reading about the subject, but the people that actually dress like "druids", wear cerimonial swords and crap like that... sigh, alas... |
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izabet
Full Member
Canada isn't that friendly...
Posts: 128
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Post by izabet on Aug 26, 2004 9:26:27 GMT -5
Personally, I would feel quite silly performing the rituals. So I can agree with you on the circus act bit. It's more of a longing for knowledge about my ancestors.
My spiritual life is far more fulfilled by dharma practice...no idols, no beads, just an adherence to a philosophy of doing good and being aware and accepting of life as it is, i.e., Atheist/Humanist/Buddhist.
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Post by Crimson Guard on Aug 27, 2004 2:47:58 GMT -5
<<There's nothing wrong with reading about the subject, but the people that actually dress like "druids", wear cerimonial swords and crap like that... sigh, alas...>>
This brings to mind CONAN THE BARBARIAN!!! So you know what let them dress up act out their parts,cause I'll come in like CONAN did during the "Orgy Chamber" scene, sword in hand,and cut them all down in a furious bloodlust! ;D
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Post by Tautalos on Sept 10, 2004 9:49:27 GMT -5
As Aria88 said, most - not to say all - the original pagan rituals were lost. Yes, but the essential may be rebuilded. The only fault of some neo-pagans is to state that their's is the original and true way practiced by their ancestors. |
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