Paganism and Ecology: How Observances Honor and Protect the Natural World

Approaching Pagan Observances Pagan observances, also known as pagan festivals or Sabbats, are ritual celebrations of the changing seasons and the cycles of nature. These observances are rooted in ancient pagan traditions and are still practiced by modern-day Pagans and Wiccans. **One of the main principles of approaching pagan observances is to have reverence for nature and the cycles of the Earth.** Pagans believe that the natural world is deeply connected to spiritual realms and that we can tap into this connection through ritual and celebration. Each observance is a way to honor and respect the Earth and its cycles. **Another important aspect of approaching pagan observances is understanding the symbolism and significance of each festival.

Expand your antiques experience.

It s possible that a deity amulet was used with a very specific hope, but since a god or goddess usually had multiple meanings, several functions might have been addressed at the same time. Funerary amulets peaked in the Late Period from 664 to 332 BCE, when many new types appeared that were only beneficial for the dead, such as the two-finger amulet.

**Another important aspect of approaching pagan observances is understanding the symbolism and significance of each festival.** Each Sabbat has its own unique theme and purpose, such as the celebration of the winter solstice or the harvest season. By understanding the meaning behind each observance, one can fully appreciate and participate in the rituals and ceremonies.

Scarabs, phalluses, evil eyes — how ancient amulets tried to ward off disease

Marguerite Johnson does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Partners

University of Newcastle provides funding as a member of The Conversation AU.

Throughout antiquity, from the Mediterranean to Egypt and today’s Middle East, people believed that misfortune, including accidents, diseases, and sometimes even death, were caused by external forces.

Be they gods or other types of supernatural forces (such as a daimon), people — regardless of faith — sought magical means of protection against them.

While medicine and science were not absent in antiquity, they competed with entrenched systems of magic and the widespread recourse to it. People consulted professional magicians and also practised their own forms of folk magic.

Possibly derived from the Latin word “amoliri”, meaning “to drive away” or “to avert”, amulets were believed to possess inherent magical qualities. These qualities could be naturally intrinsic (such as the properties of a particular stone) or imbued artificially with the assistance of a spell.

Not surprisingly the use of amulets was an integral part of life. From jewellery and embellishments on buildings, to papyri inscribed with spells, and even garden ornaments, they were deemed effective forms of protection.

Amulets have been around for thousands of years. Amber pendants from Denmark’s Mesolithic age (10,000-8,000 BC) seem to have been worn as a form of generic protection.

Jewellery and ornaments referencing the figure of the scarab beetle were also popular all-purpose amulets in Egypt, dating from the beginning of the Middle Kingdom (2000 BC).

Two of the most common symbols of protection are the eye and the phallus. One or both amulet designs appear in many contexts, providing protection of the body (in the form of jewellery), a building (as plaques on exterior walls), a tomb (as an inscribed motif), and even a baby’s crib (as a mobile or crib ornament).

In Greece and the Middle East, for example, the evil eye has a history stretching back thousands of years. Today the image adorns the streets, buildings and even trees of villages.

The magic behind the evil eye is based on the belief that malevolence can be directed towards an individual through a nasty glare. Accordingly, a “fake” eye, or evil eye, absorbs the malicious intention in place of the target’s eye.

**Additionally, it is important to approach pagan observances with an open mind and a willingness to learn.** Paganism is a diverse spiritual path with many different traditions and beliefs. It is essential to be respectful and open to the experiences and perspectives of others. **One can approach pagan observances by studying and researching the traditions and practices associated with each Sabbat.** There are many books, websites, and resources available that provide information and guidance on how to celebrate each festival. By educating oneself, one can have a deeper understanding and appreciation of these observances. **Furthermore, it is vital to approach pagan observances with a sense of personal connection and intention.** Pagan rituals are not meant to be empty gestures but rather acts of personal devotion and spiritual growth. By bringing one's own energy and intention into the celebrations, one can create a more meaningful and transformative experience. **Lastly, it is important to approach pagan observances with a sense of community and inclusivity.** Many pagans choose to celebrate these festivals in groups or with like-minded individuals. By participating in group rituals and gatherings, one can strengthen their connection to others and create a sense of belonging. In conclusion, approaching pagan observances involves having reverence for nature and the Earth, understanding the symbolism and significance of each festival, being open and willing to learn, studying the traditions and practices, bringing personal connection and intention, and fostering a sense of community. These principles can help individuals fully engage in and appreciate the rich and diverse celebrations of pagan observances..

Reviews for "Cultivating Spiritual Balance: Approaching Pagan Observances for Personal Well-Being"

- Jessica - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Approaching pagan observances". I was expecting a more informative and in-depth exploration of pagan traditions and rituals, but instead, I found the book to be quite shallow and lacking substance. The author seemed to focus more on personal anecdotes and subjective experiences rather than providing a comprehensive understanding of pagan observances. Overall, I felt that the book failed to deliver on its promises and left me wanting more.

- Michael - 1 star - I couldn't finish reading "Approaching pagan observances" because it felt like a disorganized mishmash of random thoughts and ideas. The author jumped from one topic to another without any clear structure or flow, making it incredibly difficult to follow along. Additionally, I found the writing style to be quite convoluted and pretentious, which further hindered my enjoyment of the book. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for a coherent and well-written exploration of pagan observances.

- Sarah - 2 stars - As someone who is genuinely interested in learning about pagan observances, I was disappointed with this book. While it did touch on some interesting concepts and practices, it failed to provide a comprehensive and well-rounded understanding of paganism. The author seemed to have a biased viewpoint and didn't do justice to the richness and diversity of pagan traditions. I was hoping for a more objective and informative exploration of the topic, but unfortunately, "Approaching pagan observances" fell short of my expectations.

Exploring Pagan Divination: How to Incorporate Oracle and Tarot Readings into Observances