Setting the Standard

Modern paganism is the realization that for all our domestic convenience (and that includes religion), we have forgotten what it actually takes to maintain a healthy balance with those natural resources we are so dependent on. In all our desire for the ideal, we risk defeating the very odds that actually keep this world viable. Perfection is simply not meant to be, as learning from mistakes is what makes for evolution- not to shift the blame or turn a blind eye, expecting others to make up for it. Indeed, we have seen the deadly consequences in Chernobyl and Fukushima. This compels us to wonder to how life might have been, if we had kept that ancestral respect for the natural order of things, than assume ingenuity makes us infallible demi-gods. This does not necessarily mean going back to living in caves, or reverently surrendering yourself to chance. What it does mean is taking some time in the wilds to see existence for what it really is; and how instinct gives us insight where all else fails. It's not so much worshiping, as paying due respect, through prudence in assessing our needs as opposed to wants. Living with nature is not about achieving some grandiose “cosmic oneness”, but realizing how the many different things make the whole dynamic, as all things have their own integrity in that balance on so many levels. Albeit for better or worse, one cannot exist without the other.

 For those who take paganism for anything rejected by the Nicene Creed, there seems a need for intimate communion with creation through magic. While the Babylonian mysteries and their rites may form this basis of modern esoterica, that does not make them the one size that fits all. With each new archaeological discovery we are learning that every culture had its excellence in some way at some time or place. It is this randomness of occurrence that keeps us on our toes, ever facing new challenges. Being on the move, however, can seldom burden the luxury of books. Hence, much of the knowledge handed down to us began as fireside allegories and not necessarily scripture or monuments of stone. Experiences and wisdoms describing a way of life and not just some rhetorical dogma. Thus it should be respected that some of these ways have their own language and customs still very much alive in their homelands. That means eclecticism is no excuse for simply taking something sacred for whatever suits your fancy- no matter how enigmatic or broad-minded you aspire to be. Let's not confuse wishful thinking with genuine experience. That is not how cultural diversity or religious tolerance works, especially when you are dealing with people from abroad. If you're into popularity contests to dictate a majority rule, then you are mistaking paganism for a religious order rather than a spiritual movement of diverse personal values.

 Paganism is not about escaping reality to live out some fantasy of universal peace or sublime omnipotence. Just the same, respecting nature does not promote the belief in cosmic salvation for the “chosen”, let alone the idea we were genetically engineered by extraterrestrials. For all we know, we could have just as well come from Mars. While we see the otherworldly as consisting of alternate realms, all things have their physical limitations. Whether its denizens respond favourably or not, is always a question of approach. No matter what your powers of manipulation or mystical prowess, fate and fortune have a habit of occurring where you least expect them- so always be careful what you wish for. We have to know ourselves before we can even begin to relate to others, but that's no guarantee they'll return the favour.