Pagan Varieties and Pagans in Australia

Pagan Varieties
There are numerous traditions under the generic classification of Paganism. Whilst they all share a common thread, their individual practices and beliefs may differ greatly. Most traditions emphasise the equality of men and women. However, some traditions are specifically geared towards exploring either the male or the female, mysteries. A brief summary of the Pagan traditions most commonly practiced today follows. Please note: this is not an exhaustive list, simply a basic guide to the more popular paths within the religion. Omission of any particular path does not imply it is non-Pagan, or unacceptable as a Pagan religion. The Internet carries discussion groups for most of the traditions listed here.

Asatru/Norse Paganism
With its origins in northern Europe, this tradition is practiced today by those who feel an affinity with their nordic and teutonic ancestors, and who wish to study Sagas, Eddas and Runes. Asatru and Norse Paganism encourages a sense of responsibility and spiritual growth, sometimes within the context of noble warrior traditions.

Celtic Paganism
This is native to the Celtic and Gaelic races, and is practiced by a great many people in Australia today, who feel a strong connection to their Celtic-Gaelic roots. The essence and the teachings of the Celtic religion were encoded into the ancient legends, which were transmitted orally by the bards to the people. Modern Celtic Pagans are seeking to re-introduce this wealth of myth and knowledge into our modern world (With thanks to Clan Dalriada).

Dianic Witchcraft
A tradition which honours and celebrates the feminine aspects of divinity. Women are accorded great respect, and rituals are often designed to empower women with a sense of their own inherent spirituality and value.

Druidry
The modern tradition of Druidry emphasises artistic skills such as poetry and music, and often encourages its members to undertake a study programme in these, and other more academic disciplines. Most modern Druids follow a seasonal cycle of celebrations.

Environmental Paganism
Many Pagans today do not follow a specific tradition, but actively work to save the Earth from further desecration, and honour the land upon which we live as a sacred representation of the Earth Mother. This style of religion often has no formal rites or methods of worship, but encourages each individual to honour divinity by caring for the Earth and all its creatures.

Ethnic Paganism
Many modern Pagan traditions are based upon the practices of a particular ethnic group, some modern, some ancient. In this category would come traditions such as Hellenic, Roman or Egyptian Paganism, as well as modern traditions continued by their ethnic groups; for example, voodoo, Santeria and Native American Indian traditions. This would also include the native Pagan traditions of the Pacific, and Australia’s Aboriginal people. Unfortunately a great many myths and traditions, and tribal lore, has been lost as a result of the uncompromising practices of missionaries and settlers.

Shamanism
Shamanism utilises skills and practices such as travelling in the spirit realms, tree lore, herb lore, and the use of totem animals. The tribal shaman was often responsible for spiritual matters within the tribe, and also for matters connected with birth, death and healing. Shamans are able to speak with the tribal ancestors and gain knowledge for the use of the tribe. These same practices are used in non-tribal societies today by many modern Pagan men and women.

Wicca
This is a modern revival of the ancient folkloric and magical practices of Europe. Wiccans generally perceive divinity in the form of a Goddess and a God, who have several different aspects. Most Wiccans celebrate eight Festivals each year, and hold meetings in accordance with the phases of the Moon. There are several traditions within Wicca, and each has its own set of rituals and practices.

Witchcraft
The popular revival of European Witchcraft (believed to be an ancient fertility religion). Also called The Old Religion, its modern practitioners are often skilled herbalists and healers; their practices and techniques are similar in many ways to those of the tribal shaman, the village Wisewoman and Cunningman, Whilst some Wiccans describe themselves (accurately) as Witches, there are a number of Witches who are not Wiccan. The two traditions are not mutually exclusive, but a Witch of the northern tradition (for example) would have little in common with modern Wiccan practices.

Pagans in Australia
The history of Paganism in Australia is lengthy, for the indigenous people were Pagan, before the arrival of colonisation and its attendant Christian missionaries. The conversion of the native people to Christianity was uncompromising.

The earliest incidence of revived European Paganism in Australia is unknown, but there are reports of witches meeting in Canberra, ACT during the 1920s. Many immigrants brought their own traditions and practices with them, and since the 1970s, numerous books have been published about the revived Pagan religions and their practices.

Although laws against "the pretence of the practice of witchcraft" remains on the statute books in a few places, the modern Pagan in Australia practice his or her religion without fear of being arrested. Pagans remain the target of fundamentalist fanatics, but thankfully, fewer and fewer rational people are taking fundamentalist absurdities seriously. However, for this reason, and because bigotry still exists in many places, some Pagans practice their religion privately, and prefer not to make their beliefs public.

Some Pagans are prepared to be public spokespeople for their religion, and through the Pagan Alliance, and other similar organisations, have provided accurate and sensible information to the media, police forces, local government organisations, child care agencies, health centres, and so on.

That we have been so successful in our attempt to inform society of the truth of our religion is a testament to those Pagans who live and work in Australia.

© 2000-2002 Pagan Alliance Australia Inc.