Pagan Religion:
Prayer and Worship

What ceremonies are carried out in Paganism?
As with most aspects, this varies widely by tradition. But most Pagans celebrate the eight major seasonal holidays (called Sabbats) and the 13 full moons (called esbats). Some also celebrate the new moons, but this is less common. Some traditions also mark all or some of the "milestones" of life: the Wiccaning (or pagan-ing, if you are pagan?) (like a christening-- sometimes called a "naming") of a new baby, puberty celebrations, initiations into a coven, handfasting (pagan marriage ceremony), croning (old-age ceremony), and summerland (funeral) ceremonies. How these ceremonies are celebrated also varies widely. Ceremonies generally involve prayers and blessings, and often candles and incense are burned.

How do Pagans get in touch with their god?
Most Pagans believe that Deity is everywhere, so formalized, structured ritual isn't necessary to converse with him/her. Most of us do daily devotionals and spur of the moment conversations with Deity in addition to our structured rituals and ceremonies.

Is prayer personal or relatively structured?
Usually a mix of both. Most Pagans use structured prayer during ceremonies and sabbat celebrations; they use a more personal form of prayer on a day-to-day basis.

Where do Pagans worship?
Pretty much everywhere! There are a few formal Pagan churches in large cities, but they aren't common elsewhere. Some Pagans attend Unitarian churches, but others don't attend a church at all. Many Pagans have an altar in their homes that they use for worship purposes, and often worship in other "sacred spaces" where they feel close to Deity. For example, I have a permanent altar set up in my home where I do most of my worship. But I also worship at a special "grove" in a nearby state park. It has a lot of old growth trees in it, and it's located in an area where people don't often go. It's an area where I can really appreciate Deity's handiwork, and can feel closer to him/her.

What do Pagans worship?
Most Pagans do not worship "things" (trees, rocks, etc.), but do worship a specific Deity or groups of deities. They do, however, feel that everything that Deity created had value and worth and deserves respect; they also feel that everything that Deity has created can be used for communication with him.her. If a Pagan talks to a tree, the Pagan is not worshipping the tree, but will respect the tree and use it as a tool for communicating with Deity. The tree is celebrated as a creation of and a part of Deity.

Does Paganism have an initiation procedure or ceremony?
Most traditions do have some sort of initiation into the tradition. Even eclectic solitaries (those that blend traditions and work without a coven) usually prefer to do some sort of "dedication" ceremony to mark the new path in their life. An initiation or dedication ceremony can be as simple as a bath in purifying oils followed by a prayer asking Deity to bless you on your new path.

Does Paganism have a language used especially for worship?
Most practitioners do not use a specific language, but a few do-- most commonly using "Runes", a sort of "ancient secret code." But the Runes used (and the meanings associated with them) vary by tradition.

Do Pagan ceremonies involve sacrifices?
No Wiccan tradition that I know of uses sacrifice. It would violate the primary rule of Wicca: "An ye harm none" and go against the practice of revering (not destroying) Deity's creations. A few non-Wiccan Pagan traditions do practice animal sacrifice as part of special rituals. Not the tradition I follow, however (the cats in my house outnumber the people living here-- I don't want to think of what the mutiny would look like if they got angry with me).

Is there a holy place for Paganism?
Most individuals have "sacred places" that are special to them (like the grove in the woods that is special to me). Some traditions also have places that are holy for them, such as Stonehenge for some Celtic traditions.

What holidays are recognized?
Generally, there are eight sabbats and 13 full moon esbats. Some traditions also celebrate the new moon and/or deity specific holidays (for example, The Feast of the Morrigan or Isis' birthday).
Click here to go to the "holidays" page.

Use the navigation menu at the left to visit the other pages in this section.

All pages, format, images and content are ©2004 Windlistener NiMorrigan (or copyright original owner, where applicable).
Do not copy without permission.