The Pagan religions and those of Shamanic people share the same basic spiritual beliefs. History and the present evidence this. Fascinating topic....
Who Were the Earliest Pagans?
When the early Christian Church went out of the Roman Empire to convert people of other religions to theirs, the term, “Pagan” was used to refer to these practitioners of their native religions. The word meant those who were country dwellers. They practiced Shamanism which is a religion. Some Pagans worship god and goddesses. Others worship the Goddess and the God. These deities played the most important part in these peoples’ lives because early humans depended on nature to sustain life. Shamanic people work with nature or the forces of the universe to bring about positive things that are desired and necessary to sustain life.
Shamanism is the earliest form of religion and dates back 25,000 years ago. Shamanic people believe that the deities are derived from the One who lived before time. Modern metaphysical and shamanistic people believe that there is one great source behind the Universe and that all that live are manifestation of this power, a part of it and are interrelated. None of these is greater or lesser than the other.
It is a misconception that Shamanic people worship nature: the earth, heavenly objects, plants, animals or minerals. These are revered as a manifestation of God or the One. They are treated with respect as such. Each has its own special medicines or powers to be used in beneficially.
A Pagan by Any Other Name
As history and time evolved, some Pagans were given different names in various parts of the world. The “catch all” term for these people both male and female was witches and the religion, witchcraft or the craft. Celtics practiced Druidism. Both sexes were referred too as Druids. Italians practiced Stregheria, now called Stregoneria, according to Raven Grimassi in his book, Ways of the Strega. Females were Stregas and males, Stregones. There is controversy about the term “Wicca.” Some say this is a modern word for the craft and these people are also referred to as neo-pagans; to others it is an ancient term meaning “wise ones.”
The priests, priestesses and other people of rank of some Pagan religions had names. Druids had names according to their function in society. Druid was given to those with the most senior rank. Druids were the teachers. The most senior ones were the Arch Druids. Bards were responsible for composing poetry. Ovates or Vates and the Bards shared the responsibility for divination. There was overlap in social functions of all classes.
PowWow, the craft of the Pennsylvania Dutch or Deutsch, not German, is a blend of the Germanic/Nordic tradition and Native American practices a unique form of Shamanism, blending practices of the New and Old Worlds. Healers are called PowWow Doctors. Those who create hex signs, circular works of art with stylized art forms meant to work with the universe for positive ends are called Hexmeisters. Most people who believed in PowWow were Christians and were primarily Lutherans or Catholic who practiced their “magick” in secrecy lest they be prosecuted for witchcraft.
Those who practiced mainstream orthodox religions called Native American and African healers witch doctors. Later, Native American healers were called Medicine Men or Women.
Vooduon or Voodoo, and sister religion, Santeria, are syncretic religions combining African religions with the Roman Catholic. Slaves who practiced their native religions could be severely punished, including being put to death, so they gave their gods and goddesses saints’ names and covertly practiced their true religions while appearing to practice Christianity.
All of these religions are Shamanic or Pagan, according to the term these non-Christians were given by the early Christians who wanted convert them.
