Definition of Paganism

Paganism was originally a pejorative and derogatory term referring to polytheistic/ animistic/ indigenous people's around Palestine at the time of the Roman Empire being established (50BCE) implying a backward mindset. Paganism has come to broadly connote the "beliefs of the peasantry". During and after the Middle Ages, the term paganism was applied to any unfamiliar religion, specifically belief in mythical and ancestral gods. All old-world religions, besides the monotheistic, main world religions, specifically non-Christian or pre-Christian religion were considered pagan, and mocked as 'pagus' or 'pagani'. (superstitious fool)

The modern Pagan movement incorporates beliefs or practices from outside the main world religions also, drawing especially from nature centric worship.

Nature-centric Earth awareness.

Paganism is a nature-based religio-spiritual system and way of life that draws its inspiration from Nature, acknowledging Nature as a manifestation of Divinity. The recognition of the Divine in nature is at the heart of Pagan belief. Pagans are deeply aware of the natural world and see the power of the divine in the ongoing cycle of life and death.

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Some pagans are more animistic than ritualistic and treat other beings, animals and inanimate objects (like their magic tools) with the respect afforded a conscious being.

Most Pagans are eco-friendly, seeking to live in a way that minimizes harm to the natural environment or at least fostering an awareness of sustainability.

Adherents to ancient beliefs, classified as pagan, did not identify as 'pagan' themselves, whereas modern pagans identify with the term because it defines a specific genre of revised ancestral and indigenous tenants and more specifically renounces the Roman (Catholic) Empires imposed Christianity on our forebears.

There are many differences between ancient and modern pagans. Modern Paganism includes modernisms, developed in the 20th century in an attempt to reconstruct our legacy, since no substantial authentic written records exist of spiritual practice.

It likewise excludes the ignorance and superstitious matrix that was very real to our ancestors in day to day life.

While modern Pagans can be attracted to the light path (endeavoring to attain a spiritual enlightenment by practicing) a dark path (using occult magic to invoke their own power regardless of ethics) or no path, in the case of Heathenry (just living like the evolving creature we are, comfortable with both carnal and spiritual existence) Pagans are essentially individuals. Pagans engage in magickal practice in so far as it is part of a sound spirituality and reject any form of magick and magickal thrill seekers that seek(s) to overthrow the ambit of the laws of natural magick

We are balancers of light and dark forces in our own lives and in understanding the world we share striving to avoid damage to any form of life.

Pagans generally embrace both the sacred male and the sacred female. We personify the ultra-masculine and ultra-feminine aspects of nature and fertility (in celebration of rebirth and survival of our consciousness as a species- not to lewd or perverse ends. (as the media would stereotype)

We uphold and honour life. We acknowledge the cycle of ebb and flow of birth and death, creation and destruction, and the inherent value of life. In this experience we are not so arrogant, certain or concerned with what comes after life on earth.

Living Paganism

In order to live the best life, we attempt to live each day to its fullest. To balance the wisdom and benefits of ancient Pagan ways with the circumstances and demands of modern Pagan life.

To harm no other being, while expressing our individuality. Pagans do not discriminate against anyone on the grounds of gender, sexual preference or race.  We subscribe to the principal of tolerance and choose to live in peace and strive to exist in harmony with all.

To learn the rules of nature and life before bending them, so that we understand and are accountable for the consequences. To never compromise our principles, except out of love and compassion. And to live a life, grateful for whatever we manifest, as it is by our choices, after all. To not blame supernatural forces or others for our circumstances. To not judge our circumstances by our expectations or ego, but rather as what the universe has in stall for us, despite our mundane plans. And to die grinning into the blade. To know that we have nothing to fear and have lived our lives to the fullest.

Welcome to the National Pagan Network.

 Welcome Message                -Andrew Shaman Huisamen- Chairman and Editor. 

Welcome to the National Pagan Network. 

Supported by the South African Pagan Leaders Community.

If you are visiting this site you may have an interest in the Pagan community of South Africa. This site offers; 

Contacts and Information about Pagan & Neo Pagan networks, 

Upcoming community events, 

Recommended, qualified local and national practitioners, 

Offers home made crafts and products, 

Healing services, 

Official services Marriage/ Funeral/ Birthing/ Coming of Age

General Information and learning about Paganism in South Africa and in general.

This site is the product of The South African Pagan Leaders Community, a collaboration of renown elders and long standing community players, facilitators and practitioners. Find out more about SAPLC here. 

All the services affiliated with this site are well known and vouch safe.

Please click FOLLOWin the right hand menu, to stay in touch. If you would like to advertise or become more involved contact me or the area representative under Local Community Events. Please report any misconduct, stalkers, or dodgy characters. 

We encourage unity in our diversity. We welcome all who wish to learn and contribute positively. 

The divine in me honors the divine in you. Merry Meet!

***AUTHORS AND CONTRIBUTORS WANTED***

 

Welcome message                                          -Cindy Stara- Co-founder SAPLC | NPN | CAM

A huge warm welcome to everyone on our National Pagan Network blog.  I am so proud to be part of this ever-evolving group, and I thank each of you for choosing to be part of this beautiful journey.

It is our hope to form a strong network, where like minded Pagans can communicate, share and support each other.  We are such a small community in South Africa and the vision of growing and learning together can only strengthen our progression. 

When I reflect over the past 25 years, I am reminded although there will always be differences, some of my strongest friendships have been formed through my association with a few Pagan Leaders in this community.  Their wise guidance and love has formed such an integral part of my personal and spiritual growth. 

I  wish the same blessings for each of you who choose to be part of this spiritual path which is bigger than any of us.  The invitation is open to join us and become the change you would like to see.  

 

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Cindy has walked the Eclectic Pagan path for more than 25 years. She is currently the Arch Priestess of Circle of the African Moon (CAM), once a public teaching Pagan group but now consists of an inner council, who in their own rights are still active in various aspects of the Pagan community.
Her area of experience is teaching and facilitating working groups, covens and finding the right members who fit, to ensure a sustainable successful group. She is passionate about collaborating and meeting other Pagans across the broad spectrum of different paths. Cindy’s vision and ambitions for the Pagan community in South Africa is unwavering and she believes that Pagans in South Africa are ready to be grounded in the next phase of progression.
Her latest development is being a member on the South African Pagan Leadership Council (SAPLC) and assists in developing a strategic approach to the progression, interaction and networking of Pagans across South Africa. Through self -development and being part of a strong team, with a shared vision,
she believes strongly in community building and has managed to align with this unique objective.
She is an avid student of occult practices and believes one never stops learning or growing spiritually.
She is also a Reflexologist, regression therapist, Reiki master and Tarot reader.

 

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Andrew Huisamen is a shamanic practitioner in Cape Town. 

Andrew is the guardian of the legacy of The Circle of the African Moon. A registered marriage officer and ceremonial facilitator who offers Pagan rites among other. Shamanic therapies for stress, personal crisis, and simple ailments like hay fever and anxiety. Yoga for beginners, intermediate and couples. Andrew has served on a number of committees and management teams including President of Grove Toastmasters and a ward counselor for Cape Town in the 2016 elections for the Ubuntu Party. Andrew enjoys and encourages healthy communication without prejudice. Website

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