Pagan ceremonies and beliefs have been an integral part of human civilization for thousands of years. Paganism refers to a diverse set of spiritual practices that fall outside of the major organized religions such as Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. It encompasses various ancient and indigenous traditions, including Celtic, Norse, Egyptian, Greek, and Roman beliefs. One of the central aspects of pagan ceremonies is the celebration of nature and the changing of seasons. Pagans view the natural world as sacred and believe in the interconnectedness of all living beings. They often celebrate the solstices (summer and winter) and equinoxes (spring and autumn) with rituals and festivals.
They often celebrate the solstices (summer and winter) and equinoxes (spring and autumn) with rituals and festivals. These ceremonies involve dancing, feasting, and the lighting of bonfires to honor the cycles of life, death, and rebirth. Another important element of pagan beliefs is the worship of multiple gods and goddesses.
The Witches of Salt Lake City Meet at Pleiadian Altar
Salt lake city has become known for its thriving community of witches recently. Perhaps you’ve seen one of the viral TikToks joking about it by local Utah band @nosuchanimal, where members of the band look out over the city, saying, “What a nice state. Certainly, there are no witches here.” Of course, here be witches.
Local witch and owner of The Pleiadian Altar, Julia Gates, defines a witch as “anyone who’s using their own self-power to make their lives better.” Gates’ shop opened its doors in July of last year as a hub for Salt Lake witches of all cultures and creeds. Gates made an effort to make her shop “baby witch” friendly, with easy DIY bundles for beginners.
Julia Gates, the owner of The Pleiadian Altar. Photo by Adam Finkle.And you don’t need to be religious in order to be a witch. “We’re not like a pagan or Wiccan store or anything like that. So anyone of any religion could come in. You could come in and be super LDS and find something that you like,” says Gates. Gates grew up in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) and became interested in the metaphysical at the age of 12. She got her first pendulum at 16 and from there began to fall in love with the effects of crystals.
Once Gates discovered her passion for witchcraft, she quickly discovered a growing community of like-minded Utahns.
“There are a lot of very similar things between LDS or Christianity and witchcraft—like belief in an afterlife. So a lot of people might turn to witchcraft as something they might resonate with. We aren’t bound by any rules, per se, but still believe in something…There are a lot of people who are into witchcraft, the metaphysical and healing, you just wouldn’t know it.”
Events at The Pleiadian Altar
Every week the shop hosts Witchy Wednesdays from 6 p.m.–9 p.m., where anyone can participate in witchy crafts such as making spell jars from an open “herb-bar” or painting glass jars for moonwater. With instructions from Gates and her staff, everyone of all levels and interests can join in on the fun.
Check their instagram:
@the.pleiadian.altar for their monthly event schedule. 917 Vine St., Unit B, Murray (Located behind Garden Espresso.) utahcrystals.com
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Michaelis is a current Editorial Intern for Salt Lake Magazine and a recent graduate from Westminster College.
Unlike monotheistic religions that advocate for the existence of a single supreme being, paganism embraces a polytheistic worldview. Each deity is associated with different aspects of life, such as love, war, wisdom, and fertility. Pagan rituals often involve prayers, offerings, and invocations to these divine figures, seeking their blessings and guidance. Pagan ceremonies also frequently incorporate the use of symbolic tools, such as wands, cauldrons, and athames, to conduct rituals. These items are believed to represent spiritual power and are used for various purposes, from casting spells to invoking deities. Additionally, pagan worship often takes place in sacred spaces, such as groves, megalithic structures, and natural formations like mountains or rivers. While pagan ceremonies and beliefs are sometimes misunderstood or stigmatized, they play a crucial role in preserving ancient wisdom and connecting individuals with their ancestral roots. They provide a sense of belonging and connection to the natural world, fostering an appreciation for the diversity and beauty of existence. Ultimately, pagan ceremonies and beliefs serve as a reminder of the rich tapestry of human spirituality and offer a unique perspective on our place in the universe..
Reviews for "The Allure of Pagan Beliefs: Exploring the Appeal of a Pre-Christian Path"
1. Sarah - 1 Star
As someone who has strong religious beliefs, I found "Pagan ceremonies and beliefs" to be highly unsettling and discomforting. The rituals depicted in the book seemed to go against everything I stand for. The author's attempt to portray them in a positive light only served to further emphasize the unorthodox and unnatural practices being described. I would not recommend this book to anyone with a deep-rooted faith in more traditional religions.
2. John - 2 Stars
I picked up "Pagan ceremonies and beliefs" out of curiosity, hoping to gain some insight into a different belief system. Unfortunately, this book failed to deliver an objective viewpoint. The author seemed overly biased in favor of Paganism, painting it as some sort of magical and mystical practice without acknowledging any potential drawbacks or criticisms. I understand that everyone is entitled to their own beliefs, but I wish the author had presented a more balanced perspective.
3. Emily - 1 Star
"Pagan ceremonies and beliefs" left me feeling incredibly uncomfortable and disturbed. The descriptions of the rituals and ceremonies were filled with an eerie and unsettling aura that I found disturbingly dark. I struggled to understand the appeal of these practices and felt a strong sense of unease throughout the book. For those looking for a positive and uplifting spiritual experience, I would advise staying away from this book.