Paganism for Beginners: The Complete Guide to Nature-Based Spirituality for Every New Seeker

by Althaea Sebastiani

Pagans don’t view people or the world as flawed or in need of saving. Our natural state at birth and throughout life is one of being inherently sacred, worthy, and blessed.

Many Pagans find that science provides a means of deepening their understanding of the universe, which allows them to feel a stronger connection to the Earth, the Gods, and each other.

The point is that you try, that you act, that your life reflects those values and beings you hold dear.

Spiritual practice frequently involves ritual, meditation, divination, magick, and communication with Gods and spirits—but these practices are often embodied, such as through singing, chanting, dancing, consensual intimacy, and music.

Music and culture are highly regarded among Druids, who view poetry, music, and art as inspired by awen, a spiritual force that serves as muse and creative generator. Awen is also a symbol representing modern Druidry,

depicted as three rays descending vertically. Druids place great significance on the natural world, especially trees, and seek to live in harmony with nature. Druidry can be practiced as a solitary or as part of groups known as “groves.”

Witchcraft is founded on animism—the belief that the world is alive with spirits—and emphasizes personal responsibility, accountability, and empowerment.

Animism is a holistic outlook that emphasizes the importance of your physical body and your spirit body, that both are important and necessary for healthy living, and that the physical world and the spirit world overlap.

Apollo (ancient Greece): The twin brother of Artemis, Apollo is a god of music, prophecy, archery, and healing. He is typically associated with the sun and wolves and is a protector of young boys. The Oracle at the Temple of Apollo at Delphi was highly renowned and consulted for prophecy.

Brighid (ancient Ireland): Also known as Brigit and Brigid (all pronounced “breed”), Brighid is a goddess of inspiration, healing, the hearth fire, metalsmiths, poets, cattle, and the arrival of spring.

Hekate (ancient Greece): A complex goddess of considerable power, Hekate is now most widely known for Her associations with crossroads, the night, witchcraft, the dead, and necromancy. Yet Her power is so vast that She was frequently conflated with other goddesses, such as Artemis and Demeter, among others.

Loki (ancient Scandinavia): A god of cunning and trickery, Loki is able to change His physical form and sex, which leads Him to be both father and mother to a number of other deities. He is generally unconcerned for the well-being of others as well as societal standards.

As an independent, powerful, and sacred being in your own right, you make these decisions for yourself, creating a personal code of moral conduct while treating others with respect and affording them the same right to make decisions for themselves.

Peace is not the absence of conflict but the commitment to not instigate or entertain needless disruption.