The theory that the lunar cycle would affect the behavior of people goes back thousands of years, but modern medicine has largely dismissed it. But new research suggests that these ancient hypotheses may have some merit (Geddes, 2019). 

The influence of the moon dates back to ancient cultures ' myths and mythology. The super moon has been affiliated with behavior that is strange or insane, including death, having a nightmare and violent acts. The lunar hypothesis is the belief that there is some connection between moon cycles and human behavior, otherwise known as the lunar effect. Most people view theories about the moon's impact, but science finds real effects through scientific methodology. Since decades, the moon has been said to change a person's characteristics as one of the heavenly bodies (Mitchell, 2019). 

     "His ability to turn one from inside derives from a long chain of conviction that he has the power to change the inner chemical composition of a person, even if only for a moment. Birds chanted tales of how people changed when the moon was full in mood, science and even personality. Even the moon impact worked in the English language providing the term lunacy with the etymological roots. Mental behavior was normal, and on the night of a full moon there are even several tales that tell of those who transform into wild wolves. The biggest issue is whether there is any connection between lunar eclipses and changes in behavior of people" (Solano, 2018).

     The moon has great spiritual meaning, without doubt, even if we fail to realize it. In respect, the first hunter-gatherers looked heavenward, seeing the patterns that linked the moon to the world around them, and to their own minds and bodies. With the phases of the moon came the cycles of nature, sacred rhythms that are reflected not only in clear signs like the waves of the ocean, but also in more interesting ways.Of plants fertilizing on the lunar eclipse, animals and humans trying to conceive and creating new life under the light of the full moon, and the isolation and obscuring regeneration of the soul when the light of the moon disappears, forcing us to sleep and refresh ourselves. Being connected to life, living as an indivisible part of the natural environment, the ancient man could not help but see and appreciate these cycles, but when we open our eyes, we see them all around us, even in the modern hyper-connected world (Martina, 2019).

    Based on the most recent Particle physics, there is an operating rate for everything in the Universe – stars, planets, satellites or even the moon. The brain, which is a conscious and subconscious mind responds to the moon's location and place in the sky. Neurology has acknowledged that 95 percent of our lives are dominated by the unconscious. Subconscious mind is the shared storeroom of cumulative experiences, memories and emotions over the years and lifespan and has a higher operating rate than the moons. To get into the realms of the subconscious mind, one needs constructive thinking and observatory skills (Roy, 2017). 

     Many people still call menstrual periods "moon cycles," and many continue to believe that there is a sort of synchronicity between moon and woman menstrual cycles. Some even recommend how to increase their odds of becoming pregnant by taking into account moon phases. The idea that the menstrual cycle is somehow associated with the phases of the moon comes from the fact that a menstrual cycle lasts 28 days on average, which is about as long as a moon cycle. It takes 27 days, 7 hours, and 43 minutes for the moon to complete one revolution around the Earth, and 29.5 days for a cycle of the moon (Cohut, 2019). Notwithstanding this curious coincidence, there is no hard proof to support any link between the moon and menstruation. 

Reports struggle to establish whether more females have their cycle around the time of the full moon and whether anything would be definitive. So if you happen to get your period on a full moon early, it's actually pressure, not some magical celestial influence, which makes you catch a tampon early (Feinn, 2016). 

     Scientists researched possible connections between the moon and a wide variety of human behaviors. Some scientists looked at birth rates, visits to emergency rooms, or events involving heart disease. Others took episodes of mental illness, aggression or crime into consideration. Some even questioned whether the moon could affect stock market ups and downs. Much of the evidence is incomplete or contradicts other information. For each study that finds people losing sleep during a full moon, with instance, there is another study that says ‘hold on’ there is no relation (Wayman, 2019). 

     The human body is around 75% water, and people often ask how tides work in us. The moon and the sun work together to create waves in the oceans of Earth (the gravitational effect is so strong that the crust of our planet is stretched by these same tidal effects on a daily basis) (Britt, 2016). The moon is connected with our emotional selves in general. Within our subconscious, many of the full moon effects on human behavior and emotions are deeply hidden. So when the moon is full, it releases energy that both individually and collectively affects us all greatly (Solano, 2018).

     Early cultures believed the moon had a role to play in fertility, even deciding when a female might become pregnant. While before electricity this may have been accurate, today's effect of the moon on our sleep-wake cycle is insignificant. There have been no valid substantial associations between moon and sleeplessness, so you're just as likely to have a good night's rest during a full moon, then other lunar phases. Once upon a time, epileptic seizures were blamed on magic and abduction, rather than mechanisms within one's own body. While these theories today seem crazy, the myth persists that a full moon can cause or trigger epileptic seizures has no value today (Feinn, 2016).

Hippocrates, Aristotle, and Pliny the Elder believed the moon goddess influence evil. While there is no evidence that the moon was related to emotional instability, one theory suggests that the moon's bright light kept people awake, their bad behavior triggered by lack of sleep (Spiritual Research Foundation). 

        

References:

Britt, R.A. (2016). It’s Just a Phase: The Super moon Wont Drive You Mad. Retrieved from

https://www.livescience.com/7899-moon-myths-truth-lunar-effects.html as on 13 December, 2019.

  

 Wayman, .E. (2019). Does the Moon Influence People. Retrieved from

https://www.sciencenewsforstudents.org/article/does-moon-influence-people as on 13 December, 2019.

  

 Cohut. M. (2019). Can  the Moon Really Influence Your Health. Retrieved from

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326012.php#1 as on 13 December, 2019.

  

 Matrina. (2019). Why is the Moon so Important to Spirituality. Retrieved from

https://www.modernmysteryschooleu.com/moon-important-spirituality/ as on 14 December, 2019.

  

Mitchell. C. (2019). Do full Moons and Super Moons Really Influence People and Animals. Retrieved from

https://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/do-full-moons-and-supermoons-really-influence-people-and-animals-2/433601 as on 15 December, 2019.

  

  Geddes. L. (2019). The Mood Altering Power of the Moon. Retrieved from

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20190731-is-the-moon-impacting-your-mood-and-wellbeing as on 15 December, 2019.

  

 Solano. S. (2018). The Full Moon Effect, aka the Lunar Effect. Retrieved from

https://www.gaia.com/article/full-moon-effect as on 15 December, 2019.

  

 Roy. G. (2017). The Relation Between the Moon and the Human Mind. Retrieved from

https://fractalenlightenment.com/29465/issues/the-relation-between-the-moon-and-the-human-mind as on 15 December, 2019.

Martin. L. (2017). The 8 Moon Phases & How They Affect Your Body And Mind. Retrieved from

https://www.elitedaily.com/p/the-8-moon-phases-how-they-affect-your-body-mind-2754760 as on  15 December, 2019.

 Spiritual Research Foundation. Effect of the moon on man. Retrieved from

https://www.spiritualresearchfoundation.org/spiritual-problems/effects-of-nature-and-environment/new-full-moon-effects/ as on 15 December, 2019.

  

Feinn. L. (2016). 7 Ways The Full Moon Supposedly Affects The Human Body. Retrieved from

https://www.bustle.com/articles/185033-7-ways-the-full-moon-supposedly-affects-the-human-body as on 15 December, 2019.

     When you seek more answers and guidance in life you can call upon the animal spirit guides just like our ancestors did centuries ago. Animal totems play huge roles in our lives. They help you self-discover end express your emotions.

Webster’s Dictionary defines a totem as: “A natural object, usually an animal that serves as a distinctive, often venerated emblem or symbol. A means of personal or spiritual identity. “

     Native American animal totems most commonly come to mind when discussing this topic. However, animal signs are found throughout all cultures. Every animal responds to a unique kind of energy. We can break them down like this:

Land Animal Totems

  These animals symbolize intuition, cognizance, and awareness. This group also represents mental and physical stability as well as the state of being grounded. Popular animals that belong to this group include Cats, Dogs, Bears and more. These are the mammals on earth. Some examples of the land totem include:

Wolf Totem - The wolf is a creature with a high sense of loyalty and strength. It is also a social and friendly creature. Those whose Animal Totem is a wolf possess high intellect, creative side is also strong. They are also loyal, compassionate and independent.

Bear Totem – Just like the mighty bear this totem represents duality in a person. On one side you have a fierce, strong warrior and on the other a compassionate and peaceful person. Some traits of this totem are motherhood, peace, bravery, and power.

Cat Totem - Almost every culture has some kind of myth or story about a human’s favorite pet. Just like people today either love them or hate them, through history they were represented as both the villain and the worshipped animal. Some traits of the cat totem are clever, selective, mysterious, intelligent and highly independent. Just like the furry friend people associated with this totem carefully choose who to trust but once they are on your side they will be there through thick and thin.

Fox Totem – Just like cats, the fox has been in many stories. Usually, it is represented as cunning. In Japan, the fox was considered one of the rain spirits, and a messenger of Inari the rice god. In Native American lore, fox animal symbolism deals with two interpretations. One perspective from the Northern tribes looks at the fox as a wise and noble messenger. Plains tribes, however, view the fox as a trickster playing pranks, or even as a bad omen sometimes. The traits of the fox totem are cunning, wisdom, clever, adaptable and quick on their feet.

Water Animal Totems

     Water is an unknown quantity, understanding water animal totems will help us to understand some unknown elements in our lives. They help us reveal and discover our hidden actions or thoughts. Popular water animal totems include Dolphins, Crabs, Frogs and more. Since you can only see the surface of the water and what is underneath people that are drawn to these totems are not afraid of the unknown and they want to dig deeper to explore themselves.

Dolphin Totem – Dolphins are considered the “king of fish” by many ancient cultures. They are also considered very gracious. Some other traits associated with the dolphin totem are intelligence, playfulness, gentleness, friendly, generous and power.

Shark Totem - Shark is an authority on all fronts of survival. Those who connect with the shark totem will be masters at survival in their waters of life. Shark people are extremely good at summing up social situations, manipulating people and events. This is not necessarily in a bad way, they are just very calculating and know what has to be done when. Some other traits include perceptive, intelligent, powerful, efficient and strong focused.

Otter Totem – The first thing that comes to mind when looking at an otter is cute and playful. And that stands correct for this animal. Usual traits are playful, fun, curious and creative. But also, there is a strong sense of friendship and love and protection of loved ones.

Koi Fish Totem – Japanese people have a long history with animal totems. One of the most used ones is the koi fish. The term ‘nishikigoi’ in Japanese means ‘colored carp’ and refers to the koi fish. The Japanese symbolism of fish goes so far as to categorize certain fish according to their attributes. So, we have:

•Yamabuki - The gold fish represents gold, wealth and prosperity.

•Ogon - The platinum-colored fish also represents the fulfillment of wealth in the form of success in business.

•Kumonryu - A midnight black colored fish that is named after a Japanese dragon of transformation, and this fish is said to bring about change in life circumstances.

•Kohoku - A white and red fish believed to encourage advancement in career.

•Kuchibeni - Also white and red said to inspire long-lasting, loving relationships.

Air Animal Totems

     Animals that inhabit air, which is considered as the most ethereal of elements, are equipped with the capacity to lend the best understanding of things you do not understand. They are also symbols of strength, physical and mental, as well as independence. Popular air animal totems include Falcons, Doves, Eagles and more.

Bat Totem - Bat isn’t the most popular of animal totems. In fact, it’s largely misunderstood and so many of its symbolic meanings are inappropriately based on fear. Bats are a symbol of communication, the Native Americans observed the bat as a highly social creature. Some other traits include intuition, communication, and self-awareness.

Owl Totem – The first association that comes with the Owl is wisdom. However, in ancient Egyptian, Celtic, and Hindu cultures the symbolic meaning of owl revolved around guardianship of the underworlds and protection of the dead. Owl was the keeper of spirits who had passed from one plane to another. Some other traits associated with owls are wisdom, mystery, transition, and intelligence.

Dove Totem – Dove is sometimes associated with Christian culture with Mary as a symbol of care, devotion, purity, and peace. The dove is a companion of Ishtar too, the Great Mother of Assyrian culture. Doves also symbolize grace, peace, love, sacrifice, and hope.

Dove Totem Orb

Sparrow Totem - Sparrows derive power and protection from their numbers. Always with their kind, they move together and eat in together. This can be quite intimidating to some predators. Safety in numbers is a lesson the sparrow offered us. They are also joyful, creative, resourceful and friendly.

Insect Animal Totems

     Insects are not the most popular creatures of the animal kingdom. However, they symbolize patience and tenacity. They are progressive, proactive and have the natural capability of balancing the importance of minding one’s own business and keeping a strong sense of community. Popular insect totems include Bees, Cicadas, Grasshoppers and more.

Spider Totem - Spider is an ancient symbol of mystery, power, and growth. The spider reminds us that our choices construct our lives just like they weave their web. Other spider traits are fate, mystery, intelligence and time.

Dragonfly Totem – Dragonfly represents change. They are creatures of both air and water so they symbolize good luck, prosperity, harmony, and peace.

Bee Totem – Bees are a very social and hardworking animal. A common expression is ‘hardworking as a bee’.
They represent unity, family, nurture, and beauty.

Reptile and Amphibian Animal Totems

  Animals belonging to this group are masters of perception. They are intuitive and value independence. They might insight fear in some people, but once you get past that they are very brave and intelligent creatures. Popular reptile and amphibian totems include Lizards, Crocodiles, Chameleons and more.

Snake Totem – Snakes are probably the first reptile that comes to mind. Many people fear them, but since ancient times, snakes have been used as a symbol of power. Even today snakes are either feared or admired. They also represent rebirth, balance, intuition, and awareness.

Lizard Totem – Lizards are one of the oldest animals on earth. Just like the animal itself symbolism behind the lizard totem is colorful. They are very perceptive and in tune with nature. They are also down to earth, playful, intelligent, intuitive and adaptable to the environment.

     Imbolc is the ancient Celtic festival that honors the goddess Brigid that takes place between the first and second day of February. This holiday is known by many names such as Brigid’s Day and Oimelc. Oimlec means milk of ewes since it is also the traditional lambing season in the old world, animals have either given birth to the first offspring of the year are soon to give birth.  Imbolc is the second Sabbat of the Wiccan year and it celebrates the coming end of winter. After Imbolc we start seeing the first signs of spring, days are becoming longer and the sun shines bright again.  Imbolc is a time of new beginnings and of purification, which is perfectly symbolized by the transition from winter to spring.

     There are many different ways you can celebrate Imbolc. Some people focus on the Celtic goddess Brigid, as a deity of fire and fertility. Celtic Fire Goddess, Brigid, is a patron of smithcraft, healing, midwifery, and poetry. Others focus their rituals more towards the cycles of the season, and nature.

Imbolc Candle lighting ritual

     One of many names for Imbolc is Candlemas. Hundreds of years ago it was believed that our ancestors relied upon the sun as their only source of light, candles represent the sun and the guiding path. This ritual is often used as a way to call back the lights, and it is practiced today with the seven candles ritual. One candle represents the thin line between good and evil, some of them stand for the cleansing that fire brings, and the rest of them symbolize the light that comes with the end of winter.
     To perform this ritual you will need seven candles, in red and white colors, something to light your candles with, a large bowl or cauldron that can hold the candles, and or salt to fill the bottom of the bowl or whatever you choose using. Pour the sand or salt into the bowl or cauldron. Place the seven candles into the sand so they don’t fall. Once you light the first candle you should say:

 “Although it is now dark, I come seeking light. In the chill of winter, I come seeking life.”

Then light the second candle and say:

“I call upon fire that melts the snow and warms the hearth. I call upon fire that brings the light and makes new life. I call upon fire to purify me with your flames.”

Light the third candle and say:

“This light is a boundary, between positive and negative. That which is outside, shall stay without. That which is inside, shall stay within.”

After lighting the fourth candle repeat the same as for the second candle:

“I call upon fire that melts the snow and warms the hearth. I call upon fire that brings the light and makes new life. I call upon fire to purify me with your flames.”

Light the fifth candle and say:

“Like fire, light and love will always grow. Like fire, wisdom and inspiration will always grow.”

After sixth candle you should repeat:

“I call upon fire that melts the snow and warms the hearth. I call upon fire that brings the light and makes new life. I call upon fire to purify me with your flames.”

And finally after lighting the last candle, imagine all the flames coming as one, a union, and say:

“Fire of the hearth, blaze of the sun, cover me in your shining light. I am awash in your glow, and tonight I am made pure.”

     This ritual perfectly represents Imbolc, the time of healing and purification. It can help you deal with your problems in a healthy way and start fresh in the spring. That would be the whole point of Imbolc, throwing out the old and breathing in the new just like the snow melts allowing plants to bloom so shall you.
     If you are not really up to do the seven candles ritual, an easier way is to just light up all your house lights. That will symbolize the sun and fire of Imbolc.

 

Searching for Signs of Spring

      The first thing that comes to mind is the groundhog coming out of his cave to greet spring, but this can be a lot of things. You can go for a walk and find a flower that started to bloom or a leaf that started growing. Watch for the birds that started returning like little beacons of hope that spring is coming!

     Despite the fact that we live in the 21st-century paganism is still widely practiced. Although it has somewhat adopted a new life in the form of Wicca, people all around the world still take part in some of the ancient rituals and practice. So what exactly has changed over time and is it that different? The monotheistic religions view god as an absolute good, righteous and infallible. 

     Most pagan religions have a lot of gods and goddesses that are far from perfect. Some are good, some are bad, and they are capable of errors and most importantly of change, bringing them closer to people and easier to make a deep and personal connection with. The fact that gods and goddesses can evolve, better themselves and learn is a major point of attraction for people towards paganism. In recent years more and more people are turning to paganism because of the ever-growing consumer society. Turning to Mother Nature is not as frowned upon as it was before and with the freedom that the modern world brings, paganism gives a certain sense of freedom and acceptance that the wildly practiced religions can't.

     Nothing is black and white, there is no absolute good or bad and god can be in anyone and anything man or woman. In the ancient forms of paganism and the new forms, the basic notions of respect and love have never changed. In modern-day and age what could you expect from paganism? Let's start with the people that practice the religion in this day and age. If we look at the statistics the number can be between 500.000 to a million but there are so many people that keep their religion private so the number of practicing pagans is probably much higher. There is not one united doctrine. Everyone has their own heritage, for example Nordic religion, Slavic, some turn to activism and some turn to druids.

     Druidry or Druidism is a form of a modern pagan, mostly practiced in Britain, belief that is on the rise today. Even though druids were originally Christian and they started out as a cultural movement, only after the 19th century did they transform into a religious movement. The core of their belief is respect, harmony and connection to the natural world which includes all living beings and the environment. 

     Each grove has ceremonies unique to them (group of druids is called a grove). Their rituals usually take place during the day in the sun. What follows is a rough description of how one of their ritual looks like. Druids stand in a circle calling the quarters – drawing a circle in the sky to hail the north, east, west and south and mark the space of the ritual. A chalice of milk and some bread or cake is passed around the circle among the druids. The druids then visualize the earth's energy that is sent with a healing purpose towards an individual, group or even someone on the outside.

 

     Modern Slavic tradition is still practiced in the area of the Balkans and Russia. Unlike the Druids of Britain that changed over time the people of Slavic belief are trying to bring the old gods, rituals, myths and overall religion back. Slavic religion lays on the belief in opposite forces that complement each other, and in that duality god is expressed. Through the example of Belobog (White god) and Chernobog (Black god) both masculine and feminine energies are expressed, both strength and weakness and good and bad. Another form of the two are gods Perun/Svarog and Veles. Perun the force of thunder and masculine energy and Veles the god of inspiration and poetry. 

      So what does a modern day Slavic ritual look like? I actually attended one of the rituals dedicated to the summer solstice. Group members gather in a circle around a piece of wood with torches in hand. Firstly a prayer is read from the book of Veles then a fire is lit by the torches. When the fire dies down the group members jump over the remains of fire and ashes leaving their troubles burning beneath them. After the fire comes water, the male portion of the group take a ritual bath in the river and the women put candles into flowery wraiths that they then light up and release along the river.

  

     Modern Norse paganism more commonly called Asatru or Heathen has deep connections to the past belief of the Nordic people. Asatru believe that god are living beings, the Aesir, the Vanir and the Jotnar and they take an active role in everyday life. The Asatru that are killed in a battle will ascend to Valhalla while the dishonorable ones will end up in Hifhel. The ones that go to Valhalla are escorted by Freya and her Valkyries and there they will Sarimner (A pig killed and resurrected every day) with the gods. 

     The dishonorable ones go to Hifhel a place of torment and pain and the remaining of people go to Hel a place of eternal rest and peace. It is one of Iceland's fastest-growing religions. The Asatru have weekly gatherings that are open to the public. The first pagan temple after 1000 years is being built in Iceland at the moment and is close to being finished!

Amethyst, this crystal is one of the best-known in the world. Its energetic power transmitted through its violet rays is known from ancient times, where even the Greeks possessed knowledge of its vibration and immortalized it in one of their legends of the gods.

The Amethyst is a member of the quartz family, which possesses a pale to intense purple coloring and brings in itself the energy of protection, spirituality and healing, for being extremely powerful about when it comes to vitality and spiritual elevation.

Its name comes from the Greek language, where the people believed since ancient times that this crystal was able to protect them from various kinds of sorcery, nostalgia, evil thoughts, drunkenness, any kind of penetration of these energies into the spirit and relief of frustrated passions, using the amethyst stone also serves to turn evil thoughts into optimism, and is very efficient in order to ward off false friendships.

The History of Amethyst

In the mythical Greek culture, it is said that the Amethyst originated from a maiden, who had the same name. The god Bacchus (god of feast and wine) in a day of fury for having been thwarted, decided to murder the first person who passed by and would release his tigers to devour that person.

Unfortunately, Amethyst, a pure mortal, had left her home to go to the temple of the goddess Diana to worship her. By releasing his tigers on the young woman, the young woman herself called for the help of the goddess Diana, she attended her by turning her into a white crystal. At this moment Bacchus realized the injustice he had committed, and then, as proof of his repentance, poured wine on the stone, making it have a violet hue.

It is believed that amethyst can be used as an amulet to protect against intoxication. The amethyst was also considered an amulet for the protection of soldiers and to help hunters capture wild beasts.

The Use of Amethyst

Because of this legend, the stone got known to combat addiction, especially alcoholism. During the 15th century amethyst became widely used to nourish wisdom and block negative thoughts.

It is a suitable stone to relieve mental tensions, to remove negative vibrations from our own mind and to allow humility to be always present in our decisions, which will benefit us with harmony.Therefore, these factors make it an excellent stone for meditation, because it assists in the search of the essence of the questions and in the purity of the conclusion of the answers.

Places in the world where amethyst is found: Brazil, Madagascar, Namibia, Sri Lanka, Uruguay, USA.

As chakra, it represents our third eye, it is a low cost stone and very easy to be found.

Being a cristal with great calming forces, it has the ability to leave the heart and nerves calmer which also improves the ability of those who are in your presence. It is extremely beneficial for people who have headaches, migraines and who are under a lot of stress pressure in any area of life.

Amethyst is a crystal that has a lot of contact with our mental states, so it is used in the front and crown chakra by people who suffer from nightmares. If placed under the pillow will cause a calm sleep.

This violet colored crystal is popularly used by connoisseurs of crystallotherapy for counteracting vicious behaviors and thought patterns. Amethyst brings mental clarity to the physical body which protects it against any other addiction that has a very violent effect on our moods. It also helps balance the nervous system and the brain, can be used to eliminate ringing in the ears, emotional imbalances, and is very powerful when used to increase blood oxygenation.

To release tension, you should hold an amethyst in your left hand (or right hand if you are a canhorus) and quietly let the soothing and soothing energies and vibrations envelop your being.

An amethyst in contact with the skin helps to avoid states of emotional disturbance. Amethyst helps unlock fears and increases hope, brings excitement to the spirit, and amplifies higher thoughts and spiritual reality in our lives.

How to take care of it

Cleaning should be done when buying it and once you feel that it is already charged with negative energies, you will have to dip it for a few hours in a container with water and coarse salt;

Do not forget that the stone needs to be loaded after cleaning, to perform this task, leave it in the morning sun, before 10am for only 5 minutes.

Signs related to Amethyst

Amethyst is the birthstone associated with January and February, and is associated with the signs Pisces, Aries, Capricorn, Aquarius (especially the purple and violet varieties) and Sagittarius. It is a symbol of heavenly understanding, pioneering thought, and action in philosophy, religion, and spiritual and material planes.

Amethyst is a well-known crystal used in many cultures and its energetic power benefits us by maintaining our balance, clearing us of negative energies, selfish thoughts and giving us good vibes so that we can use wisdom prudently and humility.

     Wicca is a religion of mysteries and veneration of nature based on the beliefs the concepts of Paganism.

     The broad and general term known today as Paganism has its origin in pantheistic, animistic, totemic forms of spirituality, with shamanistic and most often polytheistic bases centered on the forces of nature.

     Paganism can't be considered a religion, but rather the central pillar that encompasses the way of life, the spiritual and philosophical concepts in which all religious expressions focused on nature support and develop their foundations. Thus we might say that any earth-centered religion that does not believe in the Holy as a transcendent and non-monotheistic form is Pagan.

     Scholars subdivide Paganism as follows: Paleopaganism, Mesopaganism, and Neopaganism.

Paleopaganism

     It's the general term used for the intact, nature-centered tribal faiths found in ancient Europe, Africa, Asia, and polytheistic Americas. Paleopaganism is practically non-existent in modern urban societies and is only found, perhaps, in regions distant and untouched by the presence and influence of contemporary man.

Cernunnos, Lord of Beasts

Mesopaganism

     It is used to refer to a series of organized and unorganized movements that arose in order to recreate and/or revive what would be Paleopaganism. It can be considered an intermediate paganism, which includes the pagan elements that remained alive until the Middle Ages and influenced Freemasonry, Rosicrucianism and Theosophy, for example. However, such attempts can not be considered Paganism per se, for they were strongly influenced by the concepts, values and practices of many Judeo-Christian monotheistic religions.

Neopaganism

     It is the current modern terminology used for a variety of movements, usually unorganized, initiated since the 1960s, with ancient roots or not. In this classification of Paganism are included all those who tried to create, recreate, revive or continue the practices of Paganism of different cultures. This category of Paganism includes ideas and attempts to eliminate inappropriate concepts, as well as attitudes and practices, of monotheistic, dualistic and atheistic religions and worldviews.

     It can be considered a movement initiated by contemporary society to reestablish the worship of nature. This definition may include any attempt, ranging from reconstructionist movements to nonreconstructionist groups such as Neodruidism and Wicca.

Thus, Wicca is a Neopagan religion, an alternative name given to Modern Witchcraft, which is inspired by the Paganism of the Ancient Peoples of Europe and which proposes to re-celebrate the Mother Goddess and the Ancient Gods of nature, creating and recreating the rituals of ancient cultures where these Deities were once celebrated.

     Wicca is the revival and modern survival of this Ancient Religion based on Earth and its manifestations. Its spiritual roots lie in the Neolithic and Paleolithic Europe, at a time when primitive peoples worshiped the Mother Goddess as the great creator, nurturer and sustainer of life.

Check our Wicca and Spell Books!

     If you don't already know then, you're being introduced to one of the best celtic and pagan folk bands nowadays.

     Omnia is a Bohemian Pagan folk band with influence in the pagan culture of the netherlands. One of the many bands we'll cover in Alter-native!

     Omnia is a Celtic music band influenced by the pagan culture of European people, including references to Dutch, Irish, Belgian and Persian music. Mixed with the folk and the singing tale of the troubadours, their music is a real sound and visual spectacle, for the characterization of the members and even more for the instrumental. A journey that transcends space-time.

     Founded in 1996 by Steve Sic Evans-van der Harten, Jennifer Evans-van der Harten, Daphyd Crow Sens and Rob Raido van Barschot. The instrumentation is made from various percussion instruments, such as celtic harp, flute, hang drum, guitar, among others. The creation of the lyrics is developed from tales and stories, with themes that involve nature and the stars. With influences in songs of pagan rituals, they sing in several languages like English, Irish, Finnish, Breton, German, Latin and even Hindu.

     Omnia has recorded ten records since its foundation! The group has also traveled the world touring and in several music festivals we'll cover in our EVENTS section, among them the most famous and most frequented by the group is the Castlefest.

Check out the videos below for some wicked sound by Omnia and stay tuned that soon we will publish more bands!

Want to know more about the band Omnia? Follow them through their social networks:

Facebook

Youtube

Liked this post? Like, comment and share! Do not forget to enjoy Alter-Native on Facebook!