PAGAN SOLITARY ECLECTIC BASICS

Here is my basic eclectic solitary approach to modern core Pagan beliefs and rituals based on ceremonial magical sources. It does not necessarily reflect the teachings of other Pagans.

PAGAN AFFIRMATIONS

Start by asking yourself if you share some of these beliefs which are common in Paganism.

1 Nature is comprised of female and male complementary forces

2 as helpful spirit, fresh air, warm fire, clean water and nutritious earth

3 celebrated in an eternal cycle at the solstices and equinoxes

4 working magic as daughters and sons of the gods

5 thinking for yourself considering the greater good

If you agree with the above, then you may chose to start studying Paganism for a year and a day to decide if it is still a religion you wish to be a part of.

THE PENTAGRAM

The most essential object of a Pagan is his or her pentagram necklace. A pentagram here means an encircled 5 pointed star constructed with an unbroken line. This is the symbol of the Pagan religion and your badge indicating yourself as a fellow believer. The symbolism contains hints of some of the affirmations above. The circle represents the protection of the Sun, the Full Moon as well as its Waxing and Waning aspects around the star which represents you. Each point represents a sacred element; Helpful Spirit, Fresh Air, Warm Fire, Clean Water and Nutritious Earth. These elements also point to the seasonal events we celebrate in an eternal cycle and hints at our beliefs about life and death. Finally, the encircled pentagram is the symbol of magic, the idea that anything can be achieved if we set our minds to it.

PAGAN RITUALS

Rituals have two main functions. The first function is to contain and raise magical power. magical power vibrates between the power of thought and physical power. The second function is to protect you from aspects of magical power that might hurt you.

SETUP YOUR ALTAR

An altar can be any table that is cleared off where you will setup items that will contain the 4 sacred elements. ---NEVER LEAVE INCENSE OR CANDLES UNATTENDED---

You, the Pagan, are the 5th element.

Clean the table and the area of your ritual.

Take a compass and find magnetic north.

On the altar table, place a porcelain dish of cone incense to the east. Light it.

Place a tea candle on a porcelain dish and holder to the south. Light it.

Place a porcelain dish of filtered water to the west.

Place a porcelain dish of uncooked rice to the north.

CAST THE CIRCLE

Lower the index finger of your writing hand from the sky and draw down white lightning while breathing in.

Raise the index finger of your writing hand from the ground and grow up black roots while breathing out.

Circle clockwise before your heart a silver ball of magical energy.

Send the energy to the index finger of your writing hand.

Start in the north-east and trace a silver circle around yourself and your altar clockwise.

Say "The circle is cast."

CALL THE QUARTERS

Go to the east and trace a clockwise pentagram in the air starting on the right arm. Say "Welcome Friends of Air."

Point to the incense then point to the right arm of your pentagram necklace.

Go to the south and trace a clockwise pentagram in the air starting on the right leg. Say "Welcome Friends of Fire."

Point to the candle then point to the right leg of your pentagram necklace.

Go to the west and trace a clockwise pentagram in the air starting on the left leg. Say "Welcome Friends of Water."

Point to the water then point to the left leg of your pentagram necklace.

Go to the north and trace a clockwise pentagram in the air starting on the left arm. Say "Welcome Friends of Earth."

Point to the rice then point to the left arm of your pentagram necklace.

Perform The Silver Star Shield explained below.

Point to your forehead then point to the top apex point of your pentagram necklace.

This ritual can be performed whenever you feel you need to connect with the source of your spiritual power. It should be performed at least once monthly.

THE SILVER STAR SHIELD

Go to the north-east and trace a silvery clockwise pentagram in the air starting at your head as if you were tracing a clock face before you. Say "The circle is cast."

When you circle back to your head, draw a pentagram to your right thigh, left shoulder, right shoulder, left thigh, back to your head. Say "Welcome Goddess and God. Out with the bad." Push out. "In with the good." Pull in.

This ritual can be performed daily in the shower.

THE ELEMENTAL CHANT

Imagine you see your silver star shield in front of you.

Point to the right arm and say "the air"

Point to the right leg and say "the fire"

Point to the left leg and say "the water"

Point to the left arm and say "the earth"

Point to the head and say "return, return, return, return"

This ritual is also performed daily in the shower. Chant it as many times as you feel it is needed to charge up.

PAGAN CULTURE

Please enjoy Pagan Gatherings and never do anything you are uncomfortable with. Always speak out and question everything -- but try to remain respectful when doing so.

You are free to tell people that you are Pagan or not. Just know that Paganism is not for everybody.

Promise never to reveal that another person is Pagan. Let them decide if they want to say they are Pagan publicly.