Communication with the deities is a constant among all societies and religions. How we establish that communication, though, can be radically different between cultures and religions, or it can be remarkably similar. The Hittites both understood and expected that their deities would speak with them on a regular basis. Revelation and divination were not uncommon, and this forms the basis of this article.
Traditional Pagan ritual was/is centered on the making of material offerings to the Gods and Spirits. The business of pouring flammables or food into the fire, of dropping silver into the earth forever, of viewing incense as a burnt offering and not just a way to perfume the space were not a part of early Neopagan ritual, though they were central to ancient Pagan ways.
By keeping a garden and small homestead, I’ve finally developed an understanding of the three harvest festivals. Whereas early on in my pagan path the Summer Cross Quarter, Autumn Equinox, and Autumn Cross Quarter all seemed to blend together, and be arbitrarily designated as “harvest festivals,” now I’ve learned to see and honor their differences.
Hear from some current or past leaders on what lessons they’ve learned over the course of their service.
We need translations. In the effort of an international growth, there is no way going around translations – and sooner or later more people from other countries will start bringing the flavor of their own languages and cultural influences to ADF. If you ask Pagans in their countries, they want their native languages. They want a direct understanding (at least of the words), they want (and need) songs, prayers, hymns and teachings in their own language, where they can easily connect on an emotional level. They want to indulge in the words and pictures they are hearing, without having to use a heightened concentration to understand something or feel “dumb” because they have to look up every third word.