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Paganism FAQ



Frequently Asked Questions about Paganism

This FAQ about Paganism was compiled and written by susanhk@ccwf.cc.utexas.edu (Susan Harwood Kaczmarczik) with numerous contributions by others.

Authors: Susan Harwood Kaczmarczik; Br'an Arthur Davis-Howe; T. O. Radzykewycz; Ailsa N.T. Murphy; Cecilia Henningsson

Acknowledgements to Jack Coyote, Robert Pearson, Chris Carlisle and Izzy, and a special thanks to Janis Maria Cortese.

**Disclaimer**
Throughout this FAQ you will find the words "usually," often," and other disclaimers; this is because Paganism is not a rigid, structured belief system. We have tried to present as many faces of the neopagan sub-culture as possible in the FAQ, but realize we can't possibly cover it all.

Many people, no doubt, will object to every part of this FAQ, but we stand by it as our best attempt.

*First version completed 25 January 1993*

The creators of this FAQ want to thank the readers of alt.pagan for their input in compiling the questions. We will be more than happy to revise it to include the points of view from other readers. If you would like to add information to this FAQ, please send email to susanhk@mail.utexas.edu with your proposed addition.

Thank you and Blessed Be!

**References**

_Drawing Down the Moon_, Margot Adler, Beacon Press. _To Know_, Jade, Delphi Press.

-1) What is this group for?
This newsgroup is for the discussion of paganism and Witchcraft ...
-2) What is paganism/a pagan?
The words paganism and pagan come from the Latin
-2b) What is Paganism? How is it different from paganism?
Paganism (with a capital
-3) What are different types of paganism?
Paleo-paganism: the standard of paganism, a pagan culture ...
-4) What is Witchcraft/Wicca?
Wicca was the first (or at least one of the first) of the ...
-4b) Why do some of you use the word Witch? Wiccan?
First, not everyone in alt.pagan is Wiccan/Witchy, so ...
-5) What are some different traditions in the Craft?
Different traditions in the Craft include Gardnerian Wicca,...
-6) Are pagans Witches?
We've mentioned that even among pagans and Witches, there ...
-7) Are you Satanists?
This is a bit of a loaded question, since there are ...
-8) What kinds of people are pagans?
People from all walks of life are pagans -- computer programmers,...
-9) What holidays do you celebrate?
Because neopaganism follows so many traditions from many ...
-9b) How do I pronounce...? What does this name mean?
The names that are generally used to denote the Wiccan sabbats (...
-10) What god(s) do you believe in?
Neopagans believe in a great many goddesses and gods. However,...
-11) Can one be both Christian and pagan?
Depends on who you ask. :)...
-12) What were the Burning Times?
The Burning Times is the name used by many modern Witches ...
-13) How many pagans/Witches are there today?
Although many people have given estimates, it's impossible to ...
-14) Why isn't it soc.religion.paganism instead of alt.pagan?
Because we had a vote to create a talk.religion.paganism ...
-15) Is brutal honesty or polite conversation the preferred mode of conversation around here?
People tend to get a little rowdy around here sometimes, so don'...
-16) What are some of the related newsgroups?
(This list subject to change at any time)...
-17) I'm not a pagan; should I post here?
Yes, definitely -- with a couple of caveats:...
-18) How does one/do I become a pagan?
Most followers of pagan beliefs feel that, if someone is meant ...
-19) What books/magazines should I read?
There are many, many good books on this subject (and quite a ...
-20) How do I find pagans/Witches/covens/teachers in my area? How do I evaluate them?
Some of your best contacts may come from your local new age, ...
-21) What's a coven really like?
Well, if you're expecting to hear about sex and blood magic,...
-22) How do I form a coven?
Just as you shouldn't be in a big rush to find a teacher, ...
-23) What does Dianic mean?
Like everything else in neopaganism and the Craft, the term ...
-24) Aren't women-only circles discriminatory?
Yes, women-only circles are discriminatory. So what? *ALL*...
-25) Can/will you cast me a love spell/curse my enemies?
Can we? Probably. (Whether it might yield the desired result ...
-26) Is it okay if I...? Will I still be a pagan if I...?
Yes. Most pagans take a clearly anti-authorative (no one is ...
-27) I am a pagan and I think I am being discriminated against because of my religion. What should I do?
First of all, don't panic. Are you really being ...
-28) Hey, I heard that [insert name of famous rock singer or fantasy-novel writer here] was a witch/pagan. Is that true?
Well, the quick and dirty answer is: we don't know; why not ...
-29) What one thing would most pagans probably want the world to know about them?
The answer included here comes from Margot Adler's excellent ...







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