Paganism is returning and it grows and grows and I think we will be alive to see how it will become a worldwide religion again. I feel lucky to see it grow so fast in the last 10 years :) To me people over decades had said "it is only a phase", oh yes, a phase for almost 20 years for me now ;) 20 years pagan and now a priestess and it was never a phase, it was and it is and it will be my religion. Thank you for this nice video :)
In many parts of Europe it never really went away it was just co-opted or called something else. I went to the May Pole celebrations as a kid and there was a sort of respect, reverence for the Green Man in the more wooded areas of England. There was a tiny little henge developers wanted to destroy and the locals kicked up a huge fuss from the poor to local Lords, it's a part of people, part of the land so of course it will come back.
I'm not sure how Paganism can become a "worldwide religion" as it's defined as an umbrella term for many different practices outside of mainstream religion such as Christianity or Hinduism. If there is a different definition of Paganism, I'm all for hearing it.
Priestess of the Ancient Flame of Freya Paganism never left. The obelisks and pyramids are all over the world. I am surprised at the comments I see with these videos. People don’t know the religion of the war machine that has been terrorizing humanity for thousands of years.
I recently sent an email to a Christian friend of mine, who travels to various countries doing missionary work, to tell her, inter alia, that I was learning about Paganism. She warned me against, saying Paganism is a "dark religion". In my view the darkest religions in the world are the Abrahamic religions. They have generated much misery.
@@Meowxi245 I'll skip the killing and torturing part. The religions control people through guilt and fear. Our very basic natural features are categorized as sin, like sexuality or even nudity, humans natural form. They separate human from nature and rise us above it putting us between God and the rest of the creations. Love towards nature is only allowed via God, not directly.
When I was a kid my dad wouldn't let me play wizards with my friends because he thought it was the 'devils work'. Today he just gave me a pendulum that he saw at the auction and thought I would like. He still doesn't understand my beliefs and lifestyle but he is a lot more open minded these days, and sometimes even participates (he'll let me do a couple of tarot card spreads for him).
The brainwashing from Christianity goes very deep it can sometimes be very difficult for people to get away from their indoctrination. I'm glad to hear that he's coming around. My own old man holds onto his Christian beliefs hard unfortunately that also means that he is incredibly bigoted homophobic racist so I don't talk to him anymore.
Did you tell him good or evil isn't relevant to Pagans outside of subjective considerations? That we instead have the objective consideration, of what affirms life, and what doesn't? How could parents judge their children for a faith, which condemns suicide? Wouldn't that imply, they supported their children in pondering suicide ... ? Pagans have no abstract moral code, and our ethics are by definition not exclusive to Pagans, but must make sense to anybody, if not, they must be false... so he can easily partake in the essentials of the faith, without believing in the faith itself. He can improve it, if he isn't happy with it, thus far. There's no harm in that, either he will add nuance, or at worst, make a fool of himself. If he realized instead, his faith was opposed to objective, ethical considerations, which are the Pagan foundation... wouldn't this rid him of substantial doubts? What case can he make against the fact, Paganism is the only religion in accord with science, or is he one of those anti-science folks? If so, that would be regrettable, and the only reason I could imagine a mature person to have, to oppose the cornerstones of Paganism. Well, not really mature then, after all, right?
@@PixelKnight93Just like my Mom, since I have real-life friends of the same faith, she depends on claiming "psychosis" as the basis for Paganism. Sure... the very tradition, that came up with vocabulary, that is the foundation for the concept of empirical information as distinct from instinctive opinions, can only be psychotic. No Modernity without Science, no Science without Empiricism, no Empiricism without distinguishing information from speculation (which the Greeks and Romans failed at, but the illiterate Germanic tribes did it), without being able to tell information from speculation, wait... isn't that exactly what psychosis means? I mean, anybody knows, Science and Schizophrenia are basically synonymous 😂😂😂😂
I went to a private Christian school for one year and they wouldn’t even allow Harry Potter books on school grounds lol. It gets insane. The misconceptions out there are just crazy. Glad there are books out there, and videos like yours, that educate people on the reality.
My mom taught at a christian pre-school and I got to go there because of that. The story is a bit fuzzy now, but one day something cool happened and I said, "it's like magic!" And the woman in charge snapped at me and told me that word was not allowed. And shortly after that my mon quit because she realized the people were fucking crazy
My parents never let us near any harry potter book/movie and they never let us watch animes like naruto (because they thought it was about spirits possessing people lmao). Nowadays they're more open-minded but I still find myself fighting against these stupid misconceptions that I was taught at a younger age :/
Feel you. My grandmother is not such extrem, but she still is a strickt christian. I haven't told her that I am a pagan now, it would break her heart. I mean I was a christian too until the 18th August, but I don't agree with things like you'll be sent into hell if you don't go to church or belive in something other than christianity.
I've been a pagan for over twenty years, hiding in the broom closet as they say. Now that I'm in my early 40's I find myself not willing to hide my religious beliefs and not really interested in friendships with people who think that I should. I've heard many of the same things you talk about in the video and usually I try to avoid the argument because it is a sincere waste of energy. For some reason people see only their beliefs as valid and think that not only can they charge yours, but that they have a right to do so. It's the very definition of religious intolerance.
Kandi Russell I've noticed that being a Christian is assumed (but i also live in the southern US, so it's probably skewed). It's considered the default belief system. It's similar to how heterosexuality is the default (I guess that's where "in the broom closet" came from). In fact, I know gay people who would be positively scandalized if I told them I wasn't a Christian.
@@dianabakes1 lol I got the term from a video I watched on paganism. It means someone who is hiding the fact that they are pagan. I can understand your reference to homosexuality though.
When you think about it, Churches are basically cults because they worship a God / someone they see as a god like figure (Jesus) , and meet every sunday. Sounds like a cult meeting to me lol.
@@thumphreybrogart4108 Its not just there as a flare you know, its there to differentiate the word magic (illusions, tricks, magicians, circus stuff) from magick ( the "magic" talked about in this video )
I’m a broom-closeted witch and even though my family has always been very spiritual, they’re also firm Catholic believers. And every time I have tried to bring up witchcraft or paganism they end up lecturing me on how anything other than Christianity is related to the Devil and is out of the question. But I plan on educating them little by little on these topics when I feel more confident with my knowledge and experience so they realize that just because something isn’t Christian doesn’t mean it has to be evil :)
I'm with you. I can't talk about this to my family at all but I am raising my son in the practices of witchcraft and he loves it. It helps him (and me) gain confidence and a sense of control in our lives, which in my opinion leads to a much happier and content mindset. In a world where if feels like we are often spinning out of control and other people are hurting us or making decision on our behalf that don't truly benefit us, witchcraft is a way we can regain some of our own power. Blessed be! And stay strong. I wish you luck with your family.
People generally don't understand paganism. I thought it was vaguely a witchcraft hobby before I started researching it yesterday and discovered I already believe in paganism with the way I view nature. Maybe if you switch out some keywords with "nature" or the "universe" they might understand better? Words trigger people in many ways
Really the best of luck with you there. Experience has taught me that Christians can be quite stubborn. My own dad is a prime example of that. In fact he's so toxic with his religious beliefs that I can't stand to be around him.
I'm a closeted baby Hellenic pagan cuz my family is Christian-Christian like, "shower you in oil" Christian, "crosses lining the entire house" Christian. And my family thinks the same way, anything that isn't Christianity is from the devil according to them.
I feel you. Much christians see in Helheim their own hell, with suffering and the other stuff. But in reality it's not such a bad place. Naströnd is a bad place, this would come nearer to hell.
@@agoodSlytherin2005 Yup, Hel is not a bad place at all, it's said to be peaceful and I can't help but get the suspicion that Christianity borrowed Hel and turned it into hell.
I once mentioned to a group that Easter started life as a pagan celebration. One of the women said, “How many have you had?” Meaning, how much alcohol had I consumed. No alcohol involved, they just didn’t believe me.
@@FrankJRusso it really isnt. the timeframe and practices have nothing to do with christianity, and during it people talk about the "easter bunny", a slightly christianized version of a pagan entity.
I live in Pagan Hell aka the Bible Belt so yeah, I've heard it all. My family had varied reactions. I've pretty much always been Pagan, my grandfather was a shaman, so it's not like nobody ever was in the family but I've always just found it easier to say my religious beliefs align with Native American theology (which isn't untrue, it's just not exactly the full extent of my belief system lol), and since I live in Oklahoma, that's acceptable. There's no explanation for it, it's just the way it is. Anyway: My dad: as long as you don't hurt anyone, I don't care. (Sagittarius like me and his father was the shaman, so yeah, go figure, right?) My mom: where did I go wrong? I did my best to raise you as a Christian blah blah blah clutch the pearls she's got the vapors. I just said "Mom, I haven't changed one bit. Your perception of me has changed. I'm the same person I was yesterday and 3 months ago and years back and if you just take a minute to think about that, you'll see the truth of it." Later, at her house, I was on her computer working on my resume and saw "Wicca 101" on there and checked what she was reading.....and it was objective, so I never said a word. One day at lunch she commented something that was raging at work about Wicca and she said "They're just afraid of stuff they don't know anything about it." Well-played mom, well-played. Sister 1: do you believe in heaven and angels? I believe in a positive afterlife experience so yes. Okay, I'm cool with it. Sister 2: you are going to burn in hell if you don't repent you heathen! To which I replied, "I'm pretty sure that it's not in your job description to determine where my soul goes in the afterlife and even Jesus said Pagans were welcome at his father's table in Romans. Shall I break out your Bible and find that for you?" Pissed her off. Royally. I don't care. LOL Hubs' family was a whole other level of crazy. Big, like really big, Roman Catholic Italian family. Yeah, buddy, you know how that went lol.
I'm from the bible belt too.... Arkansas. I was raised in a pagan punk/anarchist house though. In school I was one of the only ones to let it be known that I am a follower of Druidism and Asatru. I was beatened by classmates, threatened with crucifixion, and ridiculed by the so called holy rollers. I do not trust most people who follow Abrahamic religions.... well except my best friend as well as my boyfriend and his family. They are more interested in learning about my path rather than being afraid. I suppose there is still hope for us after all
A pagan can get into heaven if they accept Jesus as their lord and savior and depart from their evil ways. Of course, you wouldn’t understand as you’ve ignored the love you were given and instead departed for sinful ways
@@BattleTheSuperHotMaleIIIYour bible is full of BS. Pagans aren't going to heaven, they're going to the afterlife they believe in (Elysium, Hel, Valhalla, Summerland ect). And you call pagan ways evil when your book condones slavery and genocide.
I remember telling my catholic friend and she told me she was scared of witchcraft, I asked her why and she just stated it was her religion and I just explained it. Then I told my Catholic teacher about my practices and even showed her a book on Kitchen witchcraft (She’s my cooking teacher) and she was very intrigued by it. It just depends on the person 🤷♀️
Well Christians shouldn't really believe in magic and thus there is no religious reason be scared of witches and their spells. At most they should be concerned about their souls. I would try this approach with your friend, being scared of witchcraft is not her religion.
@lamebubblesflysohigh Maybe her religion used it as a scare tactic? Maybe it was like a "If you follow any other path besides the path God has for you, you will go to hell." Kind of thing
I've been a Wiccan for the past 14 years now, though I have not told anyone, not my friends, not my family, no one. I live in a country where Christianity is the dominant religion (Greece). When I first discovered Wicca and decided to choose this path, I was 15. I tried to explain this to my parents and some of my close friends, and they all freaked out and said that this was some sort of teenage phase that would pass with time. It didn't. It was never just a phase for me. I didn't feel that Christianity was for me. Whenever I tried to explain my beliefs and opinions to others, I was met with a very high wall of rejection. They weren't even open to a simple discussion. One aunt of mine even suggested we go to the priest so he can remove the devil from inside me. After that, I chose to keep my beliefs a secret, and practice on my own. It just amazes me how people won't even accept that I believe in a religion that is not Christianity. I personally have friends from three different aspects of Christianity, and a Muslim. They all criticized my choice of faith, when I never chose to do the same for their beliefs.
I've discovered Wicca about 6 years ago and have been practicing it on and off since then. My family is also Christian and would assume the same sorts of things, but it's weird bc my sister like crystals, incense, manifestation, however she wouldn't believe me if I told her I'm Wiccan
@@aggyzander I have several friends that enjoy it when I light incense, or ask me to see their future in my Tarot deck. Yet, the very thought of me following a different religion is something they cannot accept. It's funny how they choose the aspects of my craft that they like, and reject the rest. I think it has to do with the age-old superstitions that surround Paganism, and everything that is not part of the Christian faith that they are accustomed with.
Back when I lived in New Orleans there was this woman who worked with me who was "Old New Orleans". Well of course that meant she was Catholic. One day we happened on the subject of religion and I told her that I was Unitarian Universalist which I thought would freak her out less than Pagan or whatever. It turned out she had a grandmother who was a Universalist and according to her that meant "she worshiped plants". I decided the conversation had run its course at that point and changed the subject.
"Read the Bible and repent!" Don't you just love when somebody tries to turn you to a religion that you don't believe in by referring to a book that you don't believe in?
It’s an obligation to convert people in some Christian branches, if they don’t they’ll get eternal torture as they say. I think it makes them look silly because they get absolutely destroyed but usually only on pagan vids on a Christian vid if they try to convert people they will get praised sometimes
I love how nerdy bible folks feel compelled to "warn" pagans about what they follow when the majority of pagans were raised "Christian" and saw through the hypocrisy and mythology and grew.
Yeah exactly. I read the Bible cover to cover multiple times and was force fed its ideals my entire life. Even as a kid being raised christian, I knew I was pagan deep down inside. Just didnt have words for it till I was older, since I didnt have access to other knowledge. Christianity was never for me.
Whenever someone asks if we sacrifice animals, I like to say, "No, haha, that's crazy...we LOVE animals! **dark look on face, looking off** No, we stick to humans..." 😁😂 I always make sure they're good-humored, first! 😉 Excellent video, Scarlet...thanks! ⛤💖 #BrightBlessings
Or you could say: you eat animals ALIVE??? Animals are sacrificed for food - it's not something we talk about much, but I'm sure the animals think it a sacrifice.
(I found this video a wee bit late) The one thing that people say to me all the time when they find out I'm a witch, (I'm a guy witch), is "Don't you mean wizard?" and I'm just like NO WITCH IS A FRIGGIN' GENDER NEUTRAL TERM
The pentacle was used by many various Christian sects throughout history and is still in use by Amish and Menonite communities in the form of Barn Stars!
Some of my family live in indiana where there are a lot of Amish communities. I'll drive by a barn with someone and it will have a star on it and they will call them "Satan barns" and then I have tell them that is not at all what that is lol
@@pizzaparker9283 Thank you. Your parents are probably around the same age I am and at that time were exposed to just about everything being Devil worship or Satanic worship. If you do some research on the game Dungeons and Dragons, that was said to be a satanic game that is part of Devil worshipping. You also had people saying that they were witches or warlocks and that Wiccans practice Satanism doing animal and human sacrifices and that the inverted pentagram was a sign of Satanism. I believe when you explain to people in a nonconfrontational manner that they most of the time will listen and will understand. I think you did the right think and now your parents have a more complete understanding of what the pentagram and Pagans represent.
I’ve been pagan most of my life- I find it very comforting. My father is Paiute and my mother is Buddhist. As a 50 plus woman I’ve experienced a lot of misconceptions, many pagans back in the day stayed in the closet or faced losing their children or their businesses(at least in Texas) I’m very happy about people coming out about it now.
what my parents think paganism is: worshipping evil gods, sacrificing blood or i will die, getting punished by those gods, doing satanic rituals how it actually is: *me and lofn peacefully playing cards*
I’m agreeing with you on these thoughts in the video though telling a Christian that praying is like casting a spell might blow up in your face. Some Christians are very against the idea that magic can ever be associated with their religion. Watch out with that one. lol
I agree. My Best Friend is a hard core Christian. When having our many discussions about our differences, THIS is what makes her lose her mind almost every time. My Christian hubby, on the other hand, tends to agree that prayers and spells can be the same because it's the Intention that's guiding the prayer/spell. He's much more laid back and that's why I married a Preacher's Kid 24 years ago!
@Aelithia Magic ‘ Magic which encompasses the subgenres of illusion, stage magic, and close up magic, is a performing art in which audiences are entertained by tricks or illusions of seemingly impossible feats using natural means.’ This is a definition of magic which in text clearly states that Magic is a entertaining tool. Praying is not entertaining but is spiritual.
There are two main comments I've heard when talking to people about my faith. One is "Oh, so you think you're going to Valhalla?" If they're asking a genuine question, I explain that the ancient Norse actually had multiple afterlives and which one you went to depended on how you died and your status in society. The second comment is the classic "You're going to Hell you dirty Pagan!" With that, I usually just say "Yup! :)" and leave them standing in their own confusion.
Something I've learned is that if you have an interaction with someone who asks these types of questions, you need to ask yourself: is this going to be an educational experience for either myself or the other person? If the answer is no, then disengage and avoid in the most polite way possible. You can often tell if someone is initiating a conversation with an open mind/neutral intentions nearly immediately, usually by their body language and tone of voice. If neither of the parties are going to learn or grow from the conversation, then it is not worth wasting your energy on. It is not my responsibility to change people's minds if they are unwilling to change them.
I was once asked in high school, if I shaved my legs even though I was a witch. Super nice kid in my class who was just really curious. I showed off my smooth shin and let him know that there aren't any personal grooming requirements to be a witch, but hey if you wanna feel fuzzy go for it. Hearty laughs were had by all 😀
I finally completely came out of the broom closet a few years ago, and embraced what I had known for years, that my true identity was a witch. I have reason to believe I come from a Strega line. But that side of the family were devout Catholics (off the boat from Rome), and no one in the family talked about such things. But all my life deep down I knew the truth. A couple years ago I was with a group of friends for a girl's weekend before the holidays. We did a secret Santa gift exchange. I made a Yuletide Blessings Witch ball. The one who chose that gift was amazed of how it looked and she loved the smell of the herbs, and spices I put inside. When asked how I came up with such and idea I hesitated to tell my friends the truth since many were devout Catholics, and strong Christians. I wasn't sure how they would take it, and would they look at me any differently than they had before? I was pleasantly surprised at the reaction I got. Most asked questions about my beliefs, and one even said they could definitely see that in me. Two girls even asked me to make blessing bottles for their children as gifts. I know there are many out there that don't understand, and want to argue. But I would rather take the time to explain things to them as long as they are willing to listen.
It’s happening alright apostasy as the Bible predicted the end times are coming pagans and false satanic forces are using wicked magic conjured up by the devil
Herman Willems satan ans god have been alive since the beginning of time pagans have been fooled by demons to worship them angles of death and human sacrifice stay astray from god and into hellfire god sacrificed himself for our sins to come back away from paganism Christianity is gods last phase Judaism was his second the first was Adam and Eve god is beyond religion we all believe in god but some believe in false gods demons
@@covfefe1787 Your username is "Covfefe" your argument is irrelevant, get off all the pagan videos and go read your bible. Wouldn't your god want you to do that anyways rather than antagonize others for being different?
One of the first things I noticed when this video popped up in my recommendations, was your Mjolnir necklace. I too have mine, and I knew I needed to be here. This week has been stressful, hateful, and nasty. I don't know if it's because I am sensitive, or people are just RUDE ASF IN GEORGIA... I've been a Pagan for 11 years now, what used to get under my skin a lot was the "oh its just a phase". During that time when I first started I was in my teens. So I can understand why they would say that. But, the thing is that I wish people would also themselves understand that telling someone just thing does something to someone at times. The second thing that really hurt me in my life and it was the first when I discovered myself and "gifts", was when I told one of my old close friend that I was Pagan. She literally told me to my face that we cannot be friends. She was the only friend I had in High School at the time when I came during the Fall. So... Having moved to GA from PA, originally from VA born and raised, to this shitty as state has made me realize at the time to just keep my mouth shut. Everything was hitting me back to back. Then I thought "Oh why the fuck not" lets tell someone else I am Pagan because I trust them and we are really close. I did that, I then scared her, she cried (people in GA I swear are SERIOUSLY over dramatic) and I shortly afterwards lost my job due to religion ( My first job was at Chick Fil A because I wanted to work). After a while, I slowly started to transition into my "gifts" and became more aware of whom to trust, and even though now, I still have trust issues with people I deem close to me when it comes to religion. At my current job, I'm a warehouse worker. And I am fine with people calling me the "heavily inked witch" or "that heathen". Why? Because they recognize me for who I am and what I am. I mean I've explained Asatru so many times I think most of everyone I work with gets the point now. Anyways, yeah High School was a bitch. Didn't have many friends. I developed eating disorders, went through confusion. Etc. Now I just say "fuck it, I AM ME AND YOU CANT CHANGE ME!". Being a Pagan has given me so much self worth, finding myself, loving myself. Believing in the gods and goddess I follow has helped me over the YEARS especially with depression, and I will be DAMNED to have someone tell me again or more about how "its just a phase" or other bullshit.
Thanks for sharing your experiences. As Pagans we gotta stick together as the wider world can often be cruel about our Pagan beliefs. I'm so happy to have found an online community that shares my beliefs though I'm still searching for like-minded people in my own city.
Your first mistake with Chic-fil-a was letting it be known you were anything...ANYTHING ...other than Christian. This is unfortunate, but it sounds as if it was a lesson you had to learn. I don't mean this in a harsh or negative way either. I converted to Paganism in my early 20's; waaaaay before I ever heard the word pagan, and before it became "popular" and I was just as innocent to the ignorance as you sound like you were. Thankfully, I did not have the experiences you, and others here, have expressed. I'm so glad that you came into your own eventually and don't let others and their ignorances dictate your life anymore!
Scarlet, If some Evangelical walks up to me and says " Witches kill Children!" I'd ask the person " How many people have been killed in Wars that were fought in the name of God?"
I ran into the pentacle problem when I put it on a necklace in an art project, and my art teacher said I couldn't do that. We sorted it out, I explained it, and he later apologized, saying he only knew as Satanic. I'm not really out as a witch so that's been the only time I've ever ran into that
I was raised in a Catholic family with closed minds. When my family first figured out I was doing my own thing, my mother asked how many times a year I had to do a "blood sacrifice" like the druids did. I told her we were sacrificing a virgin after dinner that night and invited her over. LOL She never did show up.... ;)
hey that chart of all the different faiths was AMAZING!! I'd like to know more about all the different branches of animism, shamanism, all the differences between the different stages of human religious evolution. That would be a cool video (or a series ;) ). Blessings to you, my fellow Chicago (or rather Northern Illinois) pagan!
To that I’ve heard people say the brain doesn’t finish maturing til a person is around 30 so that’s why they tend to mature and change in their 30’s to making “right choices”.
If i'm going to wear anything these days i tend to be drawn to celtic symbols but i wore a pentacle for a long time and because of this many people where i live recognized it and struck up a conversation with me cause they were either wiccan or pagan. I have also met a fair amount of people who are asatru. By the way did i mention that i live in south carolina in the " bible belt" pagan and proud !!!
It used to bother me when people would say those things, but I just know that I’m a lot happier, and successful. It works for me, and I do feel like a better person. I don’t even address it anymore unless someone is being genuinely curious.
The "magic doesn't exist" comment is part of the main reason why the western world is in such a binder now, according to me. All of faith/religion/spirituality began with animism and that seems to be lacking in most people I meet. Without the spirits of the plants/streams/etc an the majesty of them, extraordinaryness of every day, we miss out on a lot.
It does look similar.i worked in a Jewish care home. As soon as the manager found out I was pagan, she was trying to sack me and yelling about my being pagan.
He’s the light bringer who brings enlightenment. He tells us to wake up and seek higher revelation. Lucifer is a Roman deity who was wrongly equated with the devil, like pan and Cernunnos.
Magic is a manipulation of the natural forces in the world.. If Gravity is real, and Physics are real, then magic is real. Just because you can't see gravity doesn't mean you wont fall if you trip.
I like to wear a ankh. The funniest reaction ive had is when non pagans find out ive worked with Lilith in the past and get the abrahamic version of her story quoted at me.
I think the main issue for me personally is staying calm and being educational after years of hearing the same silly things. I know I definitely have given sarcastic responses rather than calm and kind responses, especially if I was not having my best day - definitely something to work on! Love this video ❤️
This is really helpful. I know I'm only a teenager, but I'm thinking of converting to Asaru and your channel had really helped put my mind at ease. Thank you
People have asked if I worship the devil because of the pentacle I have tattooed on me, but I usually will explain the the difference and sometimes helps lol
I have to laugh at this because for a time me and my family stayed with my sister in South Carolina (we are originally from the northeast, RI to be exact) and we were instantly judged by the school system there because of our tattoos, my hubby and I sport many of them, lol. Our kids went through their Christian Hell because of our tattoos...and when they sent their version of social services to my sister's door, HE was covered in tattoos!!! LOLOL Needless to say, he didn't find any sort of abuse going on.
I really enjoyed this, I'm just sad that I can't get out of the broom closet cause my family is a firm conservative catholic one and the fear of getting kicked out of the house is greater than living in my truth
I have have been a witch my whole life. I remember one time a group of students in high school during lunch came up to me asking if I was in a cult. They insisted I worshiped the devil and made sacrifices. It took me hours to explain what paganism actually was. About a year later I got ten or more people asking me how to get into paganism and if I could do spells for them. They are all pagan now lol. That’s why it is best to calmly explain your point of view.
Ive grown up in a very conservative Christian household but I've never felt a connection to it but ever since I could remember I'd go outside and try to find and feel the energy and spirits of nature and have always felt a pull towards paganism and witchcraft. I used to think I was like weird or something and hide those interests but I'm super glad I've grown up and seeing these videos and meeting others who've had similar experiences has helped me accept myself better. So thank you for your videos!
"Magic isn't real" I beg to differ. The rule of quantum physics is that everything has energy. Paganism is about recognizing that everything is connected or has energy and that we all have the ability to affect the energy around us, we just need to awaken it. That's why crystals, meditation, chakras, etc work for many people. We still don't understand a lot of things in the terms of science and that's why I believe that there is some invisible force. Call it God, call it goddess, call it fate or destiny, call it mother nature. Whatever deity you believe in, it's an invisible force that we do not yet understand. As for tarot cards and astrology, humanity always had the ability to recognize patterns. There is no way they just looked at the stars and instantly thought capricorn is stubborn. They found patterns in astrology signs. As for tarot cards, it is chance and you get into otherworldly forces again. Fate tells you to pick up that card. Seeing in the future has many possibilities and thus tarot cards aren't always completely accurate. Everything pagans practice, do work. Even if you don't believe everything I say, there is the placebo effect. When you think about it all the religions are correct in some way. Maybe not all of them are 100% accurate, but they all follow similar principles. As for spirits and reincarnation, there are different planes of existence and again unknown forces. Scientists can't prove ghosts don't exist and on a quantum level we are energy right? Ghosts are your energy leaving your body when you die and living on a different plane of existence or you reincarnate and move your energy to a new body, plant, rock etc. In the modern world we like to dismiss all of this and say it doesn't exist. This is because more people believe what they can see or can be proven in science. Religion is believing in what you can't see. For instance, we can't see the wind but we know it's there. Just like us pagans can't see ghosts or deities but we know they are there.
I confused a Muslim student at my school in Denmark the other day. He asked when easters is? I looked confused at him and said, “no idea, I’m a heathen, I believe in our old gods, not the Christian stuff...” guess he hadn’t heard about that before, because he looked very confused.
Great video, as always! As for the "Satan-worshipper" part, though--as I'm sure you've discovered, your explanation will not work for every Christian. There's a certain subset of Christianity that believes that everyone that is not a servant of (their) God is by default a slave of Satan, whether they know it or not, whether they believe in Satan or not. And, to their thinking, *all* other gods are actually Satan (or at best, demons) in disguise. So, while there are people that are genuinely mistaken about *your* religious beliefs, and think you actually believe in and worship Satan as your deity, others are just stating *their* religious belief that you are being a tool of The Evil One and whomever you *think* you are worshipping is really Satan. If it makes you feel any better, I'm a Christian & have been told I'm a slave of Satan for daring to disagree with something my accuser said or did! Guess we're gonna burn together, m'dear--but at least I know I'll be in good company! 😉
There's a reply for them in CS Lewis' The Last Battle -- Aslan (the christ figure) tells one of the presumed, but very morally good, enemies to enter into heaven because "any acts of goodness done in (the devil's) name is accounted unto me, and any acts of evil done in my name is accounted unto (the devil)" -- IOW, by your deeds you are judged, not by whose name you do them in.
Only difference is, pagans don’t go around telling people they’ll go to Hell or some other horrible place because they have different beliefs. That’s always been my one animosity towards Christianity; believe in God or go to hell is not really a choice. It’s twisting the arm. Paganism is free and flexible, do it your own way Bc everyone is different and on a different path. Blessed be!
When someone asks if we sacrifice people just reply. Are you volunteering? Then point out how Christianity revolves around a sacrifice. In reality the execution of a trouble maker.
A decade back I used to search the internet for any sigh of pagans like some people are now searching for extra terrestrial life. but I never found anything serious sadly. However when I search now it is everywhere, its like a wish came true. (BTW I am not a real pagan as I am a Hindu but we will always support every indigenous spiritual systems all over the world..)
Since paganism is a collective term for everything non abrahemic, its ok to identify with it. Some people that practise pagan practises dont completly identify with that term and that is ok aswell, since it is an umbrella term. U dont need to invalite your own experience with that term, if u identify with it thats ok no matter what kind of paganism u practise. If not thats fine u dont have to force it. Thankyou for your aprechiation and kindness☺🧿💕💖 Identifying as Hindu is fine and just do u and keep an open mind on your individual journey and don`t forget to enjoy it from time to time.
@@Captain_Sosuke_Aizen I had to look that up on Google. Thankyou for introducing me to that concept. It reminds me a bit of people who have patron and matron deitys, but in their case they kinda just discover it, without needing to have family roots. Its really cool how that can actually conect a family and bring them closer together. Thankyou for your kind words aswell.❤👍 Also about your Profil: Maybe that is all part of aizens plan.
Telling a pagan they are going to hell is like telling a Christian they are going to mordor. You are threatening me with something I don't even believe in and for someone to pretend like their religion is the only one that exists or the only one that could possibly be correct, even though none of us actually have the answers, is extremely ridiculous and closed minded.
@@CheshireKat44 If there's one thing I know is that Christians all need to repent, pledge their loyalty to Odin so that they have the rights to Valhalla or else they will go to Hel. 😉 See what I did there?
I will make this short this time Scarlet Ravenwood... As a former Christian Ordained Evangelist Preacher I'm Proud and Happy to tell you that I've been an all out Norse/Celtic Pagan for a couple of years now and wanted to tell those who might need this that losing my "SIN COMPLEX was one of the best things to ever happen to me both Spiritually and Mentally!!! (More Later lol) I appreciate your work here Scarlet, keep it up!
I too am a Libra so confrontation is something I try to avoid. I have been told by a Christian that anything but Christianity is wrong. I just told him that we would have to agree to disagree and walked away. I cannot change someone else's mind if that is their opinion so I will not continue that type of conversation.
I don't know if this video stemmed from a recent reddit conversation, but I appreciate you taking the time to make it. Thanks for helping to spread ancient knowledge!
My dad and mom got scared when I told them I was a pagan. My dad asked oboit the creation and told him about the death of Yimir to creat the world. (I follow the Nordic path) he told me that Odin didn't sound like a loving father. I told him neither did his God.
2:28 actually happened at the opening ceremonies for my kids little league season, all because I didn't bow my head in their prayer and told the lady I'm not Christian, that I follow the ways of the old gods, just looked her dead in the eye and said "I'm the bus driver, and I've got your seat reserved"
I told this woman and her creepy husband what my pentagram stood for. She said she'd pray for me (in a condescending tone). Let's face it, you can't educate anyone south of the Mason-Dixon line.
I hope lands of Czech republic will become the new begining for Paganism, here we converted first to christianity, now we are mostly atheist, hope it will become its strenght. But a lot of Rodnověří (birth faith in translation, Slavic paganism was lost to the time and now we have 2 groups Vedists and Normal) Vedists are too altering and are more of cospiracy theories the normals are just practicing the old faith. Well and myself i dont believe in the gods, but maybe once, when time is right, i will. At the moment i am more of naturalist i believe in nature
The non-believers need direct experience to become believers. Sometimes their disbelief is a subconscious defense mechanism as many are so programmed to deny such things they'd blow their fuses when confronted with the truth. But then again, everyone's truth is their own. Magick scares many people...especially the ones that outwardly laugh.
@@ScarletRavenswood They intuitively know...but their conscious mind cannot hand the 'voltage' of such a reality...hence the ridicule or dismissiveness.
I have to say I partially agree. I'm a second generation atheist. I was raised in a very scientific way and science is one of the biggest cornerstones of my life. I'm soon graduating to be a chemist. Before my personal experience I most likely wouldn't even think about giving these things any kind of possibility. But then there's the things that has happened to me. When I was a child, about 5 yo, I saw a very vivid dream. I woke up, put up my clothing and went out. I saw a mailman on my left with a bike, exactly like in my dream, full copy of the situation. So I walked closer and desided to ask the same question than in the dream, to see if I got the same answer. "what are you doing there?" I asked, and the answer was identical "Waiting for another mailman". I looked to my right, up the hill, knowing what would happen next. Another mailman drove down, they met, and drove away. Exactly as in the dream. I started to panic and cry but the only answer I got from confused adults was "sometimes these things just happen". With time the scientific side got hold of me and I came to a conclusion that the memory had to be incorrect because that simply is not possible to happen. Until one summer morning at age of 25 it happened again, this time with a witness. I woke up with my girlfriend in a summer cabin and we started to talk. I then noticed that the talks were identical to my dream I've just had, and I quickly realized what I had to do. I forwarded my dream in my mind and then told her that her cousin is going to come to the door and ask us to breakfast, and then told her to listen. In the dream I could hear his approach. And then it happened. We could hear his steps, and then he knocked on the door, and asked us to come for breakfast. That was it, evidence. Direct evidence that this was real. My girlfriend said it was simply a coincidence, but I knew. Ironically, in her place I would have said the same thing. I'm still atheist and do not support the concept of supernatural. Mainly because it's a paradox. If something exists, it's part of nature, and therefore natural. However I think there are a lot of things science cannot explain yet and we have to research, and we may have gotten some fundamental things wrong. Time will tell, but after what happened, I've approached things with a more open mind.
I think paganism/witchery is the next step in my journey as an atheist but not sure how to practice under the radar my family is very christian. So far im doing it with my writing and art.
Sorry for the second comment but I just wanted to say that I really love how you talk so clearly and enunciate your words. They're like music to my ears. I also really appreciate that you dove in to the history of these religions which to me is so important! As I find it so very troubling when in my neck of the woods, "Christians" refuse to even listen to the history or timeline even of the person they supposedly have devoted their lives to! They just blindly go by the Bible! So sad. So thanks for that. I hope that you shedding light on this fact in such a sweet way will help these stubborn believers find true light in the reality of their savior as the human man that he was and always will have been.
Actually, most Christians have not even read the Bible cover to cover, but only know the parts that have been quoted to them. I"m 69 and have read a half dozen books on the history and development of modern Christian doctrine. It is the blindness of those who refuse to look. But in fairness, Jesus was a deep mystic (and a man) and there are some good bits in the Bible.
@@HerveyShmervy And you wonder why Pagans have such a big problem with Christianity. Just leave them alone, ffs. Have your beliefs and keep them to yourselves. Stop acting like douche bags trying to impose your beliefs on people, and maybe you can have a place in civilized society. But if you insist on proselytizing and getting in people's faces, don't whine like a toddler throwing a tantrum when people react negatively and tell you where to stick it. We are just done taking your crap.
@@carmensavu5122 Wait eighty years, or when you probably perform some suicide ritual to Goatus the goddes of goats. Then you’ll truly learn Hell These sinful beliefs are not a religion, but the inner temptations from Satan
I was told it's just a phase by a friend. 18 years later I am still a pagan and no longer friends with that person. Looking back, I think our friendship was just a phase. Thank you for this video.
I REALLY hope you are a teacher or lecturer of something like that. You gave a very great description. And you are so ez to listen to! I love that you talk about it in a way that people can relate regardless of their background.
A really useful video, thankyou. I couldn't quite hear the name of the symbol you wear on your necklace, instead of a pentacle? Is it linked to Norse paganism?
There is no devil. It becomes something negative or evil when you personally view it that way or give meaning to it. It's the judgment that fundamentally defines the phenomenon. I don't believe Satan or Heylel or Lilith as demons. I even call upon them when I need guidance in terms of shifting perspectives on transmuting fear and learning neutrality. Evilness tend to occur to only those less evolved entities.
Hi Scarlett! I was wondering if you had a video on any Asatru, Heathen, Norse book recommendations or if you could make a video on the books that helped you the most.
I absolutely love the points you made. I can tell it came from some intense feelings about the subject, but you were still very logical. And logic is such a great tool to use when defending “non conventional beliefs.” To me, the ideas of paganism and Wicca are more comforting than judeo-Christian religions. Eastern religions have also made a lot of sense to me because I see a common appreciation for simplicity, nature and life cycles. Great video!!!!
Christianity and Catholicism are popular in my state. But neither have resonated with me; I’ve tried. I love how you put this, that the ideas of paganism and Wicca are more comforting. And that Eastern religions share that common appreciation for simplicity, nature and life cycles. I share this existential perception of reality. I’m 47 and while I’ve tried to be open-minded about different neo-religions, paganism, Wicca and yoga are all involved with tangible things. The 5 elements. Meditation and yoga postures. Things I know are real. That IS comforting. Ok the fifth element isn’t always AS tangible. But… It’s always appeared to be a counterintuitive thing for me to just have faith in a new concept, in this case The Holy Bible. No one could tell me why I should have that kind of faith - and they didn’t even like my pro-Bible explanations. I was finding my own unique way of saying “well, I guess this Bible passage makes sense because…” but my interpretations always made them nervous. After years of much afterthought and serious consideration, that in itself had to be a red flag of something. Looking back, my sense of hearing them out was so logical, that it showed their religion in a more stark, more practical light - and it bothered them. My ultra logical interpretations of the verses made the verses seem less sensible to them, though they never admitted it. My intuition picked up their lack of confidence. It seemed no direct challenge of their beliefs was necessary; for the verses appeared as something more like a literary mirage upon serious consideration. No one could ever explain why or how about anything. “Just because” just doesn’t cut it for me. “My mama told me so” or “my grandparents were Christians” does not tell me why or how. What’s supposed to inspire me, to make me a believer? Having faith in a dependable person or a good faith gesture in business - these are real concepts - I’m ok with REAL faith. But the stuff that Christians call faith never made sense to me. I was not raised religious but I learned about faith long before I learned Bible verses. I don’t know what to call Bible worship but that does not seem like it has anything to do with faith. Faith is something earned from someone being dependable and/ or loyal. They’ve provided proof; otherwise, how do you know it’s real? Without something tangible like proof, how do you even know what’s happening in your own life? True spirit, or getting into the spirit of something about which you are passionate - at least that leap of faith requires your active ritual and ceremonial participation - and has four other elements to back it up. I don’t see crosses occurring anywhere in nature but stars are everywhere. And it’s not that Bible followers aren’t good people; I think many of them are ok and some of them are pretty nice. Being humane is not hard for anyone - and whatever effort is necessary to be humane, gentle and peaceful, it’s worth that effort. I think most people are humane, that everyone has potential and there’s always hope. I love what Scarlet said about how a Christian prayer is the same thing as a magick ritual spell, kinda. When you put your heart into hoping for someone’s betterment, that inspires a person to change their situation For that betterment, in my experience. Anyway, thanks for the comment - it was a great one. Your mention of the comforting ideas of paganism and Wicca really reached me. It just made it easier for me to decide how I really felt about my own journey in life, when it comes to faith, resonance, what inspires me. It helped me be more confident about where I really want to go from here, so to speak. I remember Scarlet Ravenswood and Midwest Witch (now Seraphina Nightingale) providing comfort to me when my father was dying of cancer. My autistic son was upset about it and really acted out because he’s nonverbal and was just trying to express his distress over the profound illness of his grandfather. Those two channels here on YT - those were our spirit-spots. The only thing that would calm us down during those days was car rides with Scarlet or Sarah’s witchy vids playing. I’ve returned to Scarlet’s channel recently, having come to something of an existential crisis in my life. Yet again, her channel has been magickal in cheering me up and reminding me that it’s ok to have my beliefs, though they are vastly different from so many people around me. So it’s not so much a decision as it is a reassurance. That’s the other great thing about paganism: I can praise you as much as I can praise Scarlet here. Many Christians are self-deprecating and feel the need to get the priest’s input before making major decisions in Their Own Lives. While I’m all about getting professional help on something; ie a lawyer or whoever when it’s a good idea, I’m a grown man - and I’m sovereign and equal to other adults who inspire me like you or Scarlet or my brother. I would go so far as to say that I wouldn’t be surprised if Christian priests are in true reality casting a spell on their followers, binding their true divinity with The Holy Bible, effectively encapsulating their sovereignty for unknown uses and agendas of the “priest”. I’m comfortable with healthy leadership. What I mean by that is People sharing their ideas and experiences online and being polite about it, not gatekeeping - just being chill and respectful. Positive, relaxed, thoughtful people inspire me. But the church priests always try to get their attendees to interpret the verses based on their oral presentations during a service. I tried to be inspired. I really did. But I admit that I had to be reminded repeatedly by life: that true inspiration is something that happens like a spark from flint. Inspiration can happen from something as simple as reading a UA-cam comment on a video you liked, as in this case. As a single father of an autistic son, I have a great life but it’s a hard life - so moments like these when I’m inspired make me think that inspiration IS spirituality in its essence. To me, inspiration and spirituality are two different forms of the same quintessence.
What’s supposed to be wrong with primitive? This modern world has left so many depressed and lost, people are much happier when they return to as they call “primitive ways”. I’ve always been drawn to such things.
When I told my dad i was pagan he thought i was going to start slaughtering lambs and drinking their blood. WTF man?
That must've been a stressful conversation
@@shiaseedsalad2726 Christian drink "the blood of Christ" every sunday.
@@jo53ha Yup. I'm a former Christian myself. 💁🏻
I mean lots of people eat blood products. Food is food.
Don’t forget the mild necromancy
I've been screaming in the woods since I was 5. Paganism is not a phase lol.
XD
JESUS CHRIST OF NAZARETH IS LORD.. BE BAPTIZED IN HIS NAME AND BELIEVE THE GOSPEL. AND YOU WILL BE SAVED.
@@christisking4093 let people believe in what they believe in
@@christisking4093 Saved from what? the person threatening me to worship him or else? Sounds like an abusive relationship, no thanks.
@@christisking4093 ewww
Paganism is returning and it grows and grows and I think we will be alive to see how it will become a worldwide religion again. I feel lucky to see it grow so fast in the last 10 years :) To me people over decades had said "it is only a phase", oh yes, a phase for almost 20 years for me now ;) 20 years pagan and now a priestess and it was never a phase, it was and it is and it will be my religion. Thank you for this nice video :)
I believe that paganism will definitely continue to grow! So glad you liked the video. :)
In many parts of Europe it never really went away it was just co-opted or called something else. I went to the May Pole celebrations as a kid and there was a sort of respect, reverence for the Green Man in the more wooded areas of England. There was a tiny little henge developers wanted to destroy and the locals kicked up a huge fuss from the poor to local Lords, it's a part of people, part of the land so of course it will come back.
I'm not sure how Paganism can become a "worldwide religion" as it's defined as an umbrella term for many different practices outside of mainstream religion such as Christianity or Hinduism. If there is a different definition of Paganism, I'm all for hearing it.
Priestess of the Ancient Flame of Freya Paganism never left. The obelisks and pyramids are all over the world. I am surprised at the comments I see with these videos. People don’t know the religion of the war machine that has been terrorizing humanity for thousands of years.
Linda Noel-Duquesnel If they can get their central banks in every country, then it will be worldwide. They almost have it.
I recently sent an email to a Christian friend of mine, who travels to various countries doing missionary work, to tell her, inter alia, that I was learning about Paganism. She warned me against, saying Paganism is a "dark religion". In my view the darkest religions in the world are the Abrahamic religions. They have generated much misery.
How are the Abrahamic religions more scary than the dark arts?
@@Meowxi245 because they are the dark arts.
Would you please explain?
@@Meowxi245 I'll skip the killing and torturing part. The religions control people through guilt and fear. Our very basic natural features are categorized as sin, like sexuality or even nudity, humans natural form. They separate human from nature and rise us above it putting us between God and the rest of the creations. Love towards nature is only allowed via God, not directly.
This comment is fucked up by saying all Abrahamic religion is dark, it’s like saying all Christians are bad or all Jews.
When I was a kid my dad wouldn't let me play wizards with my friends because he thought it was the 'devils work'. Today he just gave me a pendulum that he saw at the auction and thought I would like. He still doesn't understand my beliefs and lifestyle but he is a lot more open minded these days, and sometimes even participates (he'll let me do a couple of tarot card spreads for him).
That's awesome for you that he's trying and has become more accepting. :D
Huh
The brainwashing from Christianity goes very deep it can sometimes be very difficult for people to get away from their indoctrination. I'm glad to hear that he's coming around. My own old man holds onto his Christian beliefs hard unfortunately that also means that he is incredibly bigoted homophobic racist so I don't talk to him anymore.
Did you tell him good or evil isn't relevant to Pagans outside of subjective considerations?
That we instead have the objective consideration, of what affirms life, and what doesn't?
How could parents judge their children for a faith, which condemns suicide?
Wouldn't that imply, they supported their children in pondering suicide ... ?
Pagans have no abstract moral code, and our ethics are by definition not exclusive to Pagans, but must make sense to anybody, if not, they must be false...
so he can easily partake in the essentials of the faith, without believing in the faith itself. He can improve it, if he isn't happy with it, thus far. There's no harm in that, either he will add nuance, or at worst, make a fool of himself.
If he realized instead, his faith was opposed to objective, ethical considerations, which are the Pagan foundation...
wouldn't this rid him of substantial doubts?
What case can he make against the fact, Paganism is the only religion in accord with science, or is he one of those anti-science folks? If so, that would be regrettable, and the only reason I could imagine a mature person to have, to oppose the cornerstones of Paganism. Well, not really mature then, after all, right?
@@PixelKnight93Just like my Mom, since I have real-life friends of the same faith, she depends on claiming "psychosis" as the basis for Paganism.
Sure... the very tradition, that came up with vocabulary, that is the foundation for the concept of empirical information as distinct from instinctive opinions, can only be psychotic. No Modernity without Science, no Science without Empiricism, no Empiricism without distinguishing information from speculation (which the Greeks and Romans failed at, but the illiterate Germanic tribes did it), without being able to tell information from speculation, wait... isn't that exactly what psychosis means?
I mean, anybody knows, Science and Schizophrenia are basically synonymous 😂😂😂😂
I went to a private Christian school for one year and they wouldn’t even allow Harry Potter books on school grounds lol. It gets insane. The misconceptions out there are just crazy. Glad there are books out there, and videos like yours, that educate people on the reality.
My mom taught at a christian pre-school and I got to go there because of that. The story is a bit fuzzy now, but one day something cool happened and I said, "it's like magic!" And the woman in charge snapped at me and told me that word was not allowed. And shortly after that my mon quit because she realized the people were fucking crazy
Wow Irina that’s crazy! Hopefully one day everyone will understand and accept other faiths. Sadly, I doubt that will happen.
My parents never let us near any harry potter book/movie and they never let us watch animes like naruto (because they thought it was about spirits possessing people lmao). Nowadays they're more open-minded but I still find myself fighting against these stupid misconceptions that I was taught at a younger age :/
Feel you. My grandmother is not such extrem, but she still is a strickt christian. I haven't told her that I am a pagan now, it would break her heart. I mean I was a christian too until the 18th August, but I don't agree with things like you'll be sent into hell if you don't go to church or belive in something other than christianity.
@Irina Ivanova How do those zanies figure that there's no rainbows when it's in their own bibles?
I've been a pagan for over twenty years, hiding in the broom closet as they say. Now that I'm in my early 40's I find myself not willing to hide my religious beliefs and not really interested in friendships with people who think that I should. I've heard many of the same things you talk about in the video and usually I try to avoid the argument because it is a sincere waste of energy. For some reason people see only their beliefs as valid and think that not only can they charge yours, but that they have a right to do so. It's the very definition of religious intolerance.
Kandi Russell I've noticed that being a Christian is assumed (but i also live in the southern US, so it's probably skewed). It's considered the default belief system. It's similar to how heterosexuality is the default (I guess that's where "in the broom closet" came from). In fact, I know gay people who would be positively scandalized if I told them I wasn't a Christian.
@@dianabakes1 lol I got the term from a video I watched on paganism. It means someone who is hiding the fact that they are pagan. I can understand your reference to homosexuality though.
I had a friend say "so you have joined a cult" as I put out an offering for Thor during a thunderstorm. almost said no "it's not a church".
When you think about it, Churches are basically cults because they worship a God / someone they see as a god like figure (Jesus) , and meet every sunday. Sounds like a cult meeting to me lol.
The nature of reality is magical
*magickal
magickal
@@gracemiller2475 no. The K is stupid.
@@thumphreybrogart4108 Its not just there as a flare you know, its there to differentiate the word magic (illusions, tricks, magicians, circus stuff) from magick ( the "magic" talked about in this video )
No it’s physics. That’s what the hadron collider is for. Science has put men on the moon, paganism keeps up stuck on Earth. As do all religions.
I’m a broom-closeted witch and even though my family has always been very spiritual, they’re also firm Catholic believers. And every time I have tried to bring up witchcraft or paganism they end up lecturing me on how anything other than Christianity is related to the Devil and is out of the question.
But I plan on educating them little by little on these topics when I feel more confident with my knowledge and experience so they realize that just because something isn’t Christian doesn’t mean it has to be evil :)
I'm with you. I can't talk about this to my family at all but I am raising my son in the practices of witchcraft and he loves it. It helps him (and me) gain confidence and a sense of control in our lives, which in my opinion leads to a much happier and content mindset. In a world where if feels like we are often spinning out of control and other people are hurting us or making decision on our behalf that don't truly benefit us, witchcraft is a way we can regain some of our own power. Blessed be! And stay strong. I wish you luck with your family.
People generally don't understand paganism. I thought it was vaguely a witchcraft hobby before I started researching it yesterday and discovered I already believe in paganism with the way I view nature. Maybe if you switch out some keywords with "nature" or the "universe" they might understand better? Words trigger people in many ways
Really the best of luck with you there. Experience has taught me that Christians can be quite stubborn. My own dad is a prime example of that. In fact he's so toxic with his religious beliefs that I can't stand to be around him.
@@newshades7009 The world isn't so black and white Peter...
I'm a closeted baby Hellenic pagan cuz my family is Christian-Christian like, "shower you in oil" Christian, "crosses lining the entire house" Christian. And my family thinks the same way, anything that isn't Christianity is from the devil according to them.
"You're going to hell"!
Me: "I'm going to Hel? Great because Hel is one of my favorite Goddesses 😎
I feel you. Much christians see in Helheim their own hell, with suffering and the other stuff. But in reality it's not such a bad place. Naströnd is a bad place, this would come nearer to hell.
@@agoodSlytherin2005 Yup, Hel is not a bad place at all, it's said to be peaceful and I can't help but get the suspicion that Christianity borrowed Hel and turned it into hell.
So, they are telling you, that you are going to Norway: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hell,_Norway
Would you be willing to commit blood sacrifice if your goddess of hell required you to?
@@joeroganstrtshots881 i would have to say most of us would say yes. Myself included. And it's Hel. Not hell
"How did you like the avengers?" Thor and all?
Answer "How did you like the Life of Brian?"
John Galtman Ioved both. 😂😂😂
I agree with Bee Keeper 😂👍
Life of brian was hilarious
That's the best response I've ever read! Totally gonna use it.
I once mentioned to a group that Easter started life as a pagan celebration. One of the women said, “How many have you had?” Meaning, how much alcohol had I consumed. No alcohol involved, they just didn’t believe me.
I would have responded I had a lot more education about facts origin than you clearly
@@tcconnection pity I didn’t think of that at the time 🤦🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️ always the way 😂
Okay? So? Now its a celebration of Christ's return to life.
@@FrankJRussoit’s still a pagan holiday, it’s origins and roots are pagan. even if Catholics “ changed “ the meaning of this pagan holiday, Easter
@@FrankJRusso it really isnt. the timeframe and practices have nothing to do with christianity, and during it people talk about the "easter bunny", a slightly christianized version of a pagan entity.
I live in Pagan Hell aka the Bible Belt so yeah, I've heard it all. My family had varied reactions. I've pretty much always been Pagan, my grandfather was a shaman, so it's not like nobody ever was in the family but I've always just found it easier to say my religious beliefs align with Native American theology (which isn't untrue, it's just not exactly the full extent of my belief system lol), and since I live in Oklahoma, that's acceptable. There's no explanation for it, it's just the way it is. Anyway:
My dad: as long as you don't hurt anyone, I don't care. (Sagittarius like me and his father was the shaman, so yeah, go figure, right?)
My mom: where did I go wrong? I did my best to raise you as a Christian blah blah blah clutch the pearls she's got the vapors. I just said "Mom, I haven't changed one bit. Your perception of me has changed. I'm the same person I was yesterday and 3 months ago and years back and if you just take a minute to think about that, you'll see the truth of it." Later, at her house, I was on her computer working on my resume and saw "Wicca 101" on there and checked what she was reading.....and it was objective, so I never said a word. One day at lunch she commented something that was raging at work about Wicca and she said "They're just afraid of stuff they don't know anything about it." Well-played mom, well-played.
Sister 1: do you believe in heaven and angels? I believe in a positive afterlife experience so yes. Okay, I'm cool with it.
Sister 2: you are going to burn in hell if you don't repent you heathen! To which I replied, "I'm pretty sure that it's not in your job description to determine where my soul goes in the afterlife and even Jesus said Pagans were welcome at his father's table in Romans. Shall I break out your Bible and find that for you?" Pissed her off. Royally. I don't care. LOL
Hubs' family was a whole other level of crazy. Big, like really big, Roman Catholic Italian family. Yeah, buddy, you know how that went lol.
That’d be Paul not Jesus if it’s in Romans.
I'm from the bible belt too.... Arkansas. I was raised in a pagan punk/anarchist house though. In school I was one of the only ones to let it be known that I am a follower of Druidism and Asatru. I was beatened by classmates, threatened with crucifixion, and ridiculed by the so called holy rollers.
I do not trust most people who follow Abrahamic religions.... well except my best friend as well as my boyfriend and his family. They are more interested in learning about my path rather than being afraid. I suppose there is still hope for us after all
A pagan can get into heaven if they accept Jesus as their lord and savior and depart from their evil ways. Of course, you wouldn’t understand as you’ve ignored the love you were given and instead departed for sinful ways
@@BattleTheSuperHotMaleIIIYour bible is full of BS. Pagans aren't going to heaven, they're going to the afterlife they believe in (Elysium, Hel, Valhalla, Summerland ect). And you call pagan ways evil when your book condones slavery and genocide.
@@jaxthewolf4572 the bible doesnt condone either xd lol
I remember telling my catholic friend and she told me she was scared of witchcraft, I asked her why and she just stated it was her religion and I just explained it.
Then I told my Catholic teacher about my practices and even showed her a book on Kitchen witchcraft (She’s my cooking teacher) and she was very intrigued by it.
It just depends on the person 🤷♀️
Yes, definitely agree. Some people are more open than others.
Well Christians shouldn't really believe in magic and thus there is no religious reason be scared of witches and their spells. At most they should be concerned about their souls. I would try this approach with your friend, being scared of witchcraft is not her religion.
@lamebubblesflysohigh Maybe her religion used it as a scare tactic? Maybe it was like a "If you follow any other path besides the path God has for you, you will go to hell." Kind of thing
I've been a Wiccan for the past 14 years now, though I have not told anyone, not my friends, not my family, no one. I live in a country where Christianity is the dominant religion (Greece). When I first discovered Wicca and decided to choose this path, I was 15. I tried to explain this to my parents and some of my close friends, and they all freaked out and said that this was some sort of teenage phase that would pass with time. It didn't. It was never just a phase for me. I didn't feel that Christianity was for me. Whenever I tried to explain my beliefs and opinions to others, I was met with a very high wall of rejection. They weren't even open to a simple discussion. One aunt of mine even suggested we go to the priest so he can remove the devil from inside me. After that, I chose to keep my beliefs a secret, and practice on my own. It just amazes me how people won't even accept that I believe in a religion that is not Christianity. I personally have friends from three different aspects of Christianity, and a Muslim. They all criticized my choice of faith, when I never chose to do the same for their beliefs.
I've discovered Wicca about 6 years ago and have been practicing it on and off since then. My family is also Christian and would assume the same sorts of things, but it's weird bc my sister like crystals, incense, manifestation, however she wouldn't believe me if I told her I'm Wiccan
@@aggyzander I have several friends that enjoy it when I light incense, or ask me to see their future in my Tarot deck. Yet, the very thought of me following a different religion is something they cannot accept. It's funny how they choose the aspects of my craft that they like, and reject the rest.
I think it has to do with the age-old superstitions that surround Paganism, and everything that is not part of the Christian faith that they are accustomed with.
Back when I lived in New Orleans there was this woman who worked with me who was "Old New Orleans". Well of course that meant she was Catholic. One day we happened on the subject of religion and I told her that I was Unitarian Universalist which I thought would freak her out less than Pagan or whatever. It turned out she had a grandmother who was a Universalist and according to her that meant "she worshiped plants". I decided the conversation had run its course at that point and changed the subject.
Cool grandma
I live in New Orleans; lots of pagans and witches here. ☺️
"Read the Bible and repent!"
Don't you just love when somebody tries to turn you to a religion that you don't believe in by referring to a book that you don't believe in?
Exactly! Yet they don't seem to get that
It’s an obligation to convert people in some Christian branches, if they don’t they’ll get eternal torture as they say. I think it makes them look silly because they get absolutely destroyed but usually only on pagan vids on a Christian vid if they try to convert people they will get praised sometimes
I've read their book. I didn't like it.
@@The4Headed_Dragon Same. It left me very unimpressed.
Sadly, the one I get the most is; 'But men don't read tarot cards!'
People say that?!
@@shiaseedsalad2726 some do.
Oof
Z Budapest strikes again! However, to be fair Lady Frieda Harris helped to design the Thoth Tarot deck. I always get a good reading with that deck.
LOL, some of the best tarot readers are men!
In my country when they hear "paganism" they say "You are devil worshiper"...Very sad, totally untrue. World is so full of narrowminded people...
That’s Abrahamism to you
I love how nerdy bible folks feel compelled to "warn" pagans about what they follow when the majority of pagans were raised "Christian" and saw through the hypocrisy and mythology and grew.
I know right
Yeah exactly. I read the Bible cover to cover multiple times and was force fed its ideals my entire life. Even as a kid being raised christian, I knew I was pagan deep down inside. Just didnt have words for it till I was older, since I didnt have access to other knowledge. Christianity was never for me.
Whenever someone asks if we sacrifice animals, I like to say, "No, haha, that's crazy...we LOVE animals! **dark look on face, looking off** No, we stick to humans..." 😁😂 I always make sure they're good-humored, first! 😉 Excellent video, Scarlet...thanks! ⛤💖 #BrightBlessings
I've done that but sacrificing humans is in the realm of Christian :-)
This one made me laugh
Or you could say: you eat animals ALIVE??? Animals are sacrificed for food - it's not something we talk about much, but I'm sure the animals think it a sacrifice.
-{SpiresOfRaven}- YHWH loves his blood sacrifice.
Jacey Neubauer Most Christians have been duped into worshipping YHWH/Jehovah.
(I found this video a wee bit late) The one thing that people say to me all the time when they find out I'm a witch, (I'm a guy witch), is "Don't you mean wizard?" and I'm just like NO WITCH IS A FRIGGIN' GENDER NEUTRAL TERM
This comment made me literally LOL! Thank you for sharing it ;)
Besides I was taught that wizard is an insult meaning you are a cheat or a thug.
@@sisterseeker1 Or "Warlock," which means "oath breaker."
i told my friend im a witch and she said im a wizard -_- i might start going by either witch ir warlock
@@caidanphoenix3661 depends on which person
The pentacle was used by many various Christian sects throughout history and is still in use by Amish and Menonite communities in the form of Barn Stars!
Here in Texas, people put those stars up as outside Decor all the time.
You are correct. Amish and Menonites put pentacles on their barns as either to ward off evil from live stock and to protect them.
Some of my family live in indiana where there are a lot of Amish communities. I'll drive by a barn with someone and it will have a star on it and they will call them "Satan barns" and then I have tell them that is not at all what that is lol
@@pizzaparker9283 😂😂😂
@@pizzaparker9283 Thank you. Your parents are probably around the same age I am and at that time were exposed to just about everything being Devil worship or Satanic worship. If you do some research on the game Dungeons and Dragons, that was said to be a satanic game that is part of Devil worshipping. You also had people saying that they were witches or warlocks and that Wiccans practice Satanism doing animal and human sacrifices and that the inverted pentagram was a sign of Satanism. I believe when you explain to people in a nonconfrontational manner that they most of the time will listen and will understand. I think you did the right think and now your parents have a more complete understanding of what the pentagram and Pagans represent.
I’ve been pagan most of my life- I find it very comforting. My father is Paiute and my mother is Buddhist. As a 50 plus woman I’ve experienced a lot of misconceptions, many pagans back in the day stayed in the closet or faced losing their children or their businesses(at least in Texas) I’m very happy about people coming out about it now.
what my parents think paganism is: worshipping evil gods, sacrificing blood or i will die, getting punished by those gods, doing satanic rituals
how it actually is: *me and lofn peacefully playing cards*
I’m agreeing with you on these thoughts in the video though telling a Christian that praying is like casting a spell might blow up in your face. Some Christians are very against the idea that magic can ever be associated with their religion. Watch out with that one. lol
I agree. My Best Friend is a hard core Christian. When having our many discussions about our differences, THIS is what makes her lose her mind almost every time. My Christian hubby, on the other hand, tends to agree that prayers and spells can be the same because it's the Intention that's guiding the prayer/spell. He's much more laid back and that's why I married a Preacher's Kid 24 years ago!
Prayer is not magic. Prayer is having a conversation with God... the only truth!
@@Meowxi245 in what universe is communing with a higher power not magic?
Meowxi245 And there you go. That’s exactly what I was speaking of. We are all entitled to our own opinions, thank you very much. :)
@Aelithia Magic ‘ Magic which encompasses the subgenres of illusion, stage magic, and close up magic, is a performing art in which audiences are entertained by tricks or illusions of seemingly impossible feats using natural means.’
This is a definition of magic which in text clearly states that Magic is a entertaining tool. Praying is not entertaining but is spiritual.
There are two main comments I've heard when talking to people about my faith.
One is "Oh, so you think you're going to Valhalla?"
If they're asking a genuine question, I explain that the ancient Norse actually had multiple afterlives and which one you went to depended on how you died and your status in society.
The second comment is the classic "You're going to Hell you dirty Pagan!"
With that, I usually just say "Yup! :)" and leave them standing in their own confusion.
Them: You're going to hell!
Me: Yup I'm going to Hel alright 😉
Something I've learned is that if you have an interaction with someone who asks these types of questions, you need to ask yourself: is this going to be an educational experience for either myself or the other person? If the answer is no, then disengage and avoid in the most polite way possible. You can often tell if someone is initiating a conversation with an open mind/neutral intentions nearly immediately, usually by their body language and tone of voice.
If neither of the parties are going to learn or grow from the conversation, then it is not worth wasting your energy on. It is not my responsibility to change people's minds if they are unwilling to change them.
Great point! :)
As the old saying goes, "you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink."
I was once asked in high school, if I shaved my legs even though I was a witch. Super nice kid in my class who was just really curious. I showed off my smooth shin and let him know that there aren't any personal grooming requirements to be a witch, but hey if you wanna feel fuzzy go for it. Hearty laughs were had by all 😀
I haven’t shaved for about 3 years to which my mother about had a heart attack but it makes me happy, that’s what matters.
I finally completely came out of the broom closet a few years ago, and embraced what I had known for years, that my true identity was a witch. I have reason to believe I come from a Strega line. But that side of the family were devout Catholics (off the boat from Rome), and no one in the family talked about such things. But all my life deep down I knew the truth. A couple years ago I was with a group of friends for a girl's weekend before the holidays. We did a secret Santa gift exchange. I made a Yuletide Blessings Witch ball. The one who chose that gift was amazed of how it looked and she loved the smell of the herbs, and spices I put inside. When asked how I came up with such and idea I hesitated to tell my friends the truth since many were devout Catholics, and strong Christians. I wasn't sure how they would take it, and would they look at me any differently than they had before? I was pleasantly surprised at the reaction I got. Most asked questions about my beliefs, and one even said they could definitely see that in me. Two girls even asked me to make blessing bottles for their children as gifts. I know there are many out there that don't understand, and want to argue. But I would rather take the time to explain things to them as long as they are willing to listen.
I was once talking about witch balls at work and a lady came up and asked me if they were hereditary!
@@Master_Blackthorne tell her only on men. LOL
@@mariakauffman8050 bruh 😂
Paganism is making a return and I really hope it will be the main belief system once more. There is nothing as toxic as religion.
I truly agree
It’s happening alright apostasy as the Bible predicted the end times are coming pagans and false satanic forces are using wicked magic conjured up by the devil
@@covfefe1787 How is that possible. Paganism is far older than Satanism, or Christianity.... Satan does not exist in paganism.
Herman Willems satan ans god have been alive since the beginning of time pagans have been fooled by demons to worship them angles of death and human sacrifice stay astray from god and into hellfire god sacrificed himself for our sins to come back away from paganism Christianity is gods last phase Judaism was his second the first was Adam and Eve god is beyond religion we all believe in god but some believe in false gods demons
@@covfefe1787 Your username is "Covfefe" your argument is irrelevant, get off all the pagan videos and go read your bible. Wouldn't your god want you to do that anyways rather than antagonize others for being different?
One of the first things I noticed when this video popped up in my recommendations, was your Mjolnir necklace. I too have mine, and I knew I needed to be here. This week has been stressful, hateful, and nasty. I don't know if it's because I am sensitive, or people are just RUDE ASF IN GEORGIA...
I've been a Pagan for 11 years now, what used to get under my skin a lot was the "oh its just a phase". During that time when I first started I was in my teens. So I can understand why they would say that. But, the thing is that I wish people would also themselves understand that telling someone just thing does something to someone at times.
The second thing that really hurt me in my life and it was the first when I discovered myself and "gifts", was when I told one of my old close friend that I was Pagan. She literally told me to my face that we cannot be friends. She was the only friend I had in High School at the time when I came during the Fall. So... Having moved to GA from PA, originally from VA born and raised, to this shitty as state has made me realize at the time to just keep my mouth shut.
Everything was hitting me back to back. Then I thought "Oh why the fuck not" lets tell someone else I am Pagan because I trust them and we are really close.
I did that, I then scared her, she cried (people in GA I swear are SERIOUSLY over dramatic) and I shortly afterwards lost my job due to religion ( My first job was at Chick Fil A because I wanted to work).
After a while, I slowly started to transition into my "gifts" and became more aware of whom to trust, and even though now, I still have trust issues with people I deem close to me when it comes to religion. At my current job, I'm a warehouse worker. And I am fine with people calling me the "heavily inked witch" or "that heathen". Why? Because they recognize me for who I am and what I am. I mean I've explained Asatru so many times I think most of everyone I work with gets the point now.
Anyways, yeah High School was a bitch. Didn't have many friends. I developed eating disorders, went through confusion. Etc.
Now I just say "fuck it, I AM ME AND YOU CANT CHANGE ME!". Being a Pagan has given me so much self worth, finding myself, loving myself. Believing in the gods and goddess I follow has helped me over the YEARS especially with depression, and I will be DAMNED to have someone tell me again or more about how "its just a phase" or other bullshit.
Thanks for sharing your experiences. As Pagans we gotta stick together as the wider world can often be cruel about our Pagan beliefs. I'm so happy to have found an online community that shares my beliefs though I'm still searching for like-minded people in my own city.
Your first mistake with Chic-fil-a was letting it be known you were anything...ANYTHING ...other than Christian. This is unfortunate, but it sounds as if it was a lesson you had to learn. I don't mean this in a harsh or negative way either. I converted to Paganism in my early 20's; waaaaay before I ever heard the word pagan, and before it became "popular" and I was just as innocent to the ignorance as you sound like you were. Thankfully, I did not have the experiences you, and others here, have expressed. I'm so glad that you came into your own eventually and don't let others and their ignorances dictate your life anymore!
Scarlet, If some Evangelical walks up to me and says " Witches kill Children!"
I'd ask the person " How many people have been killed in Wars that were fought in the name of God?"
I ran into the pentacle problem when I put it on a necklace in an art project, and my art teacher said I couldn't do that. We sorted it out, I explained it, and he later apologized, saying he only knew as Satanic. I'm not really out as a witch so that's been the only time I've ever ran into that
I was raised in a Catholic family with closed minds. When my family first figured out I was doing my own thing, my mother asked how many times a year I had to do a "blood sacrifice" like the druids did. I told her we were sacrificing a virgin after dinner that night and invited her over. LOL She never did show up.... ;)
i'm petty so whenever someone says "witches aren't real" i say something like "christians aren't real" or "dogs aren't real"
XDD
It’s actually witchcraft that ain’t real, ur wastin ur life
@@BattleTheSuperHotMaleIII nah because you’ve never done witchcraft so you don’t know what you’re talking about lmao
@@ella8738 i got science to prove witchcraft aint real g lmfao
@@thewitchofshadowwood7755 lol???? christianity is much easier to believe in than ur garbage that is easily debunked by science
hey that chart of all the different faiths was AMAZING!! I'd like to know more about all the different branches of animism, shamanism, all the differences between the different stages of human religious evolution. That would be a cool video (or a series ;) ). Blessings to you, my fellow Chicago (or rather Northern Illinois) pagan!
People told me I was going through a phase when I decided to become Pagan at the age of 15. I am 29 now and still Pagan.
To that I’ve heard people say the brain doesn’t finish maturing til a person is around 30 so that’s why they tend to mature and change in their 30’s to making “right choices”.
If i'm going to wear anything these days i tend to be drawn to celtic symbols but i wore a pentacle for a long time and because of this many people where i live recognized it and struck up a conversation with me cause they were either wiccan or pagan. I have also met a fair amount of people who are asatru. By the way did i mention that i live in south carolina in the " bible belt" pagan and proud !!!
❤❤❤❤
Asatru in Texas here!!!!
It used to bother me when people would say those things, but I just know that I’m a lot happier, and successful. It works for me, and I do feel like a better person. I don’t even address it anymore unless someone is being genuinely curious.
The "magic doesn't exist" comment is part of the main reason why the western world is in such a binder now, according to me. All of faith/religion/spirituality began with animism and that seems to be lacking in most people I meet. Without the spirits of the plants/streams/etc an the majesty of them, extraordinaryness of every day, we miss out on a lot.
I’ve had people ask me before if my pentacle necklace is the Star of David before 😂
Wow
@@Xaforn yeah xD
It does look similar.i worked in a Jewish care home. As soon as the manager found out I was pagan, she was trying to sack me and yelling about my being pagan.
That feeling when you are told you worship the devil and you need to explain that Lucifer is actually not Satan and is very nice
ugh
He’s the light bringer who brings enlightenment. He tells us to wake up and seek higher revelation. Lucifer is a Roman deity who was wrongly equated with the devil, like pan and Cernunnos.
Magic is a manipulation of the natural forces in the world.. If Gravity is real, and Physics are real, then magic is real. Just because you can't see gravity doesn't mean you wont fall if you trip.
I like to wear a ankh.
The funniest reaction ive had is when non pagans find out ive worked with Lilith in the past and get the abrahamic version of her story quoted at me.
@Irina Ivanova I may be wrong but, I if I remember correctly, Lilith also appears in Islam. There are differences, but she's very interesting.
People: “Pentacle’s are EVIL! “
Me: “May I refer you to Supernatural Season 1 Episode 1.”
Also I love the point you made about history. Looking at the full time periods paganism is by far the oldest to date.
Scarlet beings by saying, "Hey pagan family".
I love that.
I think the main issue for me personally is staying calm and being educational after years of hearing the same silly things. I know I definitely have given sarcastic responses rather than calm and kind responses, especially if I was not having my best day - definitely something to work on! Love this video ❤️
I like the fact that Paganism is decentralized, as it should be. It's nature-based folk religion, not catholicism.
This is really helpful. I know I'm only a teenager, but I'm thinking of converting to Asaru and your channel had really helped put my mind at ease. Thank you
People have asked if I worship the devil because of the pentacle I have tattooed on me, but I usually will explain the the difference and sometimes helps lol
I have to laugh at this because for a time me and my family stayed with my sister in South Carolina (we are originally from the northeast, RI to be exact) and we were instantly judged by the school system there because of our tattoos, my hubby and I sport many of them, lol. Our kids went through their Christian Hell because of our tattoos...and when they sent their version of social services to my sister's door, HE was covered in tattoos!!! LOLOL Needless to say, he didn't find any sort of abuse going on.
I really enjoyed this, I'm just sad that I can't get out of the broom closet cause my family is a firm conservative catholic one and the fear of getting kicked out of the house is greater than living in my truth
I have have been a witch my whole life. I remember one time a group of students in high school during lunch came up to me asking if I was in a cult. They insisted I worshiped the devil and made sacrifices. It took me hours to explain what paganism actually was. About a year later I got ten or more people asking me how to get into paganism and if I could do spells for them. They are all pagan now lol. That’s why it is best to calmly explain your point of view.
Ive grown up in a very conservative Christian household but I've never felt a connection to it but ever since I could remember I'd go outside and try to find and feel the energy and spirits of nature and have always felt a pull towards paganism and witchcraft. I used to think I was like weird or something and hide those interests but I'm super glad I've grown up and seeing these videos and meeting others who've had similar experiences has helped me accept myself better. So thank you for your videos!
"Magic isn't real" I beg to differ. The rule of quantum physics is that everything has energy. Paganism is about recognizing that everything is connected or has energy and that we all have the ability to affect the energy around us, we just need to awaken it. That's why crystals, meditation, chakras, etc work for many people. We still don't understand a lot of things in the terms of science and that's why I believe that there is some invisible force. Call it God, call it goddess, call it fate or destiny, call it mother nature. Whatever deity you believe in, it's an invisible force that we do not yet understand. As for tarot cards and astrology, humanity always had the ability to recognize patterns. There is no way they just looked at the stars and instantly thought capricorn is stubborn. They found patterns in astrology signs. As for tarot cards, it is chance and you get into otherworldly forces again. Fate tells you to pick up that card. Seeing in the future has many possibilities and thus tarot cards aren't always completely accurate. Everything pagans practice, do work. Even if you don't believe everything I say, there is the placebo effect. When you think about it all the religions are correct in some way. Maybe not all of them are 100% accurate, but they all follow similar principles. As for spirits and reincarnation, there are different planes of existence and again unknown forces. Scientists can't prove ghosts don't exist and on a quantum level we are energy right? Ghosts are your energy leaving your body when you die and living on a different plane of existence or you reincarnate and move your energy to a new body, plant, rock etc. In the modern world we like to dismiss all of this and say it doesn't exist. This is because more people believe what they can see or can be proven in science. Religion is believing in what you can't see. For instance, we can't see the wind but we know it's there. Just like us pagans can't see ghosts or deities but we know they are there.
I confused a Muslim student at my school in Denmark the other day. He asked when easters is? I looked confused at him and said, “no idea, I’m a heathen, I believe in our old gods, not the Christian stuff...”
guess he hadn’t heard about that before, because he looked very confused.
Great video, as always!
As for the "Satan-worshipper" part, though--as I'm sure you've discovered, your explanation will not work for every Christian. There's a certain subset of Christianity that believes that everyone that is not a servant of (their) God is by default a slave of Satan, whether they know it or not, whether they believe in Satan or not. And, to their thinking, *all* other gods are actually Satan (or at best, demons) in disguise.
So, while there are people that are genuinely mistaken about *your* religious beliefs, and think you actually believe in and worship Satan as your deity, others are just stating *their* religious belief that you are being a tool of The Evil One and whomever you *think* you are worshipping is really Satan.
If it makes you feel any better, I'm a Christian & have been told I'm a slave of Satan for daring to disagree with something my accuser said or did! Guess we're gonna burn together, m'dear--but at least I know I'll be in good company! 😉
I like your devil-may-care attitude!
Love you!
There's a reply for them in CS Lewis' The Last Battle -- Aslan (the christ figure) tells one of the presumed, but very morally good, enemies to enter into heaven because "any acts of goodness done in (the devil's) name is accounted unto me, and any acts of evil done in my name is accounted unto (the devil)" -- IOW, by your deeds you are judged, not by whose name you do them in.
Only difference is, pagans don’t go around telling people they’ll go to Hell or some other horrible place because they have different beliefs. That’s always been my one animosity towards Christianity; believe in God or go to hell is not really a choice. It’s twisting the arm. Paganism is free and flexible, do it your own way Bc everyone is different and on a different path. Blessed be!
I just tell people i will sacrifice a goat for them.
Georgina Taylor 😂😂😂
😂😂😂😂😂😂
When someone asks if we sacrifice people just reply. Are you volunteering? Then point out how Christianity revolves around a sacrifice. In reality the execution of a trouble maker.
Emily Wyatt well.. 😂😂
@@Naturelady-rf5zx When somebody asks me about human sacrifice, I answer: we still have it; it's called war.
Someone said that my thors hammer looked like an upside down cross and asked if I worshiped the devil
Lol what? 🤣
That has to be the most retarded f****** s*** I've ever read how do you say that a hammer is an upside-down cross that is hilarious
....an upside down cross isn't even a Satanic symbol, the Leviathan cross is
A decade back I used to search the internet for any sigh of pagans like some people are now searching for extra terrestrial life. but I never found anything serious sadly. However when I search now it is everywhere, its like a wish came true. (BTW I am not a real pagan as I am a Hindu but we will always support every indigenous spiritual systems all over the world..)
Since paganism is a collective term for everything non abrahemic, its ok to identify with it. Some people that practise pagan practises dont completly identify with that term and that is ok aswell, since it is an umbrella term. U dont need to invalite your own experience with that term, if u identify with it thats ok no matter what kind of paganism u practise. If not thats fine u dont have to force it. Thankyou for your aprechiation and kindness☺🧿💕💖 Identifying as Hindu is fine and just do u and keep an open mind on your individual journey and don`t forget to enjoy it from time to time.
@@lisal.1114 I am actually by birth Hindu from India with Kula & Kula devata (Family deity).
Any way thank you for your kind words.🙂
@@Captain_Sosuke_Aizen I had to look that up on Google. Thankyou for introducing me to that concept. It reminds me a bit of people who have patron and matron deitys, but in their case they kinda just discover it, without needing to have family roots. Its really cool how that can actually conect a family and bring them closer together. Thankyou for your kind words aswell.❤👍
Also about your Profil: Maybe that is all part of aizens plan.
My parents found my norse pagan alter and told me "you bringing dem demons in the house"
One told me I was a book pagan .That I only know what books say. So I am not a good Witch. So I asked how they would learn about something new.
Telling a pagan they are going to hell is like telling a Christian they are going to mordor. You are threatening me with something I don't even believe in and for someone to pretend like their religion is the only one that exists or the only one that could possibly be correct, even though none of us actually have the answers, is extremely ridiculous and closed minded.
Well, actually, I could name names of televangelists who are probably *from* Mordor!
@@magpiecity haha well I was just picking a random place, it doesn't have to be Mordor
@@CheshireKat44 If there's one thing I know is that Christians all need to repent, pledge their loyalty to Odin so that they have the rights to Valhalla or else they will go to Hel.
😉 See what I did there?
My step sister really said that hades is the devil- and then telling me to do research-
"We have found a witch, may we burn her"?
"How do you know she is witch?"
"She turned me into a newt - although I did get better"
I will make this short this time Scarlet Ravenwood... As a former Christian Ordained Evangelist Preacher I'm Proud and Happy to tell you that I've been an all out Norse/Celtic Pagan for a couple of years now and wanted to tell those who might need this that losing my "SIN COMPLEX was one of the best things to ever happen to me both Spiritually and Mentally!!! (More Later lol) I appreciate your work here Scarlet, keep it up!
20 years later people have given up on the "it's just a phase" with me.
I too am a Libra so confrontation is something I try to avoid. I have been told by a Christian that anything but Christianity is wrong. I just told him that we would have to agree to disagree and walked away. I cannot change someone else's mind if that is their opinion so I will not continue that type of conversation.
You are so kind in all of the responses, HOW. as a short-tempered person, I am so impressed
I don't know if this video stemmed from a recent reddit conversation, but I appreciate you taking the time to make it. Thanks for helping to spread ancient knowledge!
My dad and mom got scared when I told them I was a pagan. My dad asked oboit the creation and told him about the death of Yimir to creat the world. (I follow the Nordic path) he told me that Odin didn't sound like a loving father. I told him neither did his God.
Hahaha remind him about the Old Testament
I really agree with this! And you did a great job explaining it !!
Thanks! :)
2:28 actually happened at the opening ceremonies for my kids little league season, all because I didn't bow my head in their prayer and told the lady I'm not Christian, that I follow the ways of the old gods, just looked her dead in the eye and said "I'm the bus driver, and I've got your seat reserved"
I told this woman and her creepy husband what my pentagram stood for. She said she'd pray for me (in a condescending tone).
Let's face it, you can't educate anyone south of the Mason-Dixon line.
I’m a Norse pagan I’ve not encountered anything yet but thanks for preparing me
I absolutely love your knowledge and responses to haters. Thank you!!! You are so
" Refreshing " "Blessed Be "
I hope lands of Czech republic will become the new begining for Paganism, here we converted first to christianity, now we are mostly atheist, hope it will become its strenght. But a lot of Rodnověří (birth faith in translation, Slavic paganism was lost to the time and now we have 2 groups Vedists and Normal) Vedists are too altering and are more of cospiracy theories the normals are just practicing the old faith. Well and myself i dont believe in the gods, but maybe once, when time is right, i will. At the moment i am more of naturalist i believe in nature
The non-believers need direct experience to become believers. Sometimes their disbelief is a subconscious defense mechanism as many are so programmed to deny such things they'd blow their fuses when confronted with the truth. But then again, everyone's truth is their own. Magick scares many people...especially the ones that outwardly laugh.
That's a great point! Often the people most dismissive towards magic are the ones that fear it the most.
@@ScarletRavenswood They intuitively know...but their conscious mind cannot hand the 'voltage' of such a reality...hence the ridicule or dismissiveness.
I have to say I partially agree.
I'm a second generation atheist. I was raised in a very scientific way and science is one of the biggest cornerstones of my life. I'm soon graduating to be a chemist. Before my personal experience I most likely wouldn't even think about giving these things any kind of possibility. But then there's the things that has happened to me. When I was a child, about 5 yo, I saw a very vivid dream. I woke up, put up my clothing and went out. I saw a mailman on my left with a bike, exactly like in my dream, full copy of the situation. So I walked closer and desided to ask the same question than in the dream, to see if I got the same answer. "what are you doing there?" I asked, and the answer was identical "Waiting for another mailman". I looked to my right, up the hill, knowing what would happen next. Another mailman drove down, they met, and drove away. Exactly as in the dream. I started to panic and cry but the only answer I got from confused adults was "sometimes these things just happen".
With time the scientific side got hold of me and I came to a conclusion that the memory had to be incorrect because that simply is not possible to happen. Until one summer morning at age of 25 it happened again, this time with a witness. I woke up with my girlfriend in a summer cabin and we started to talk. I then noticed that the talks were identical to my dream I've just had, and I quickly realized what I had to do. I forwarded my dream in my mind and then told her that her cousin is going to come to the door and ask us to breakfast, and then told her to listen. In the dream I could hear his approach. And then it happened. We could hear his steps, and then he knocked on the door, and asked us to come for breakfast. That was it, evidence. Direct evidence that this was real. My girlfriend said it was simply a coincidence, but I knew. Ironically, in her place I would have said the same thing.
I'm still atheist and do not support the concept of supernatural. Mainly because it's a paradox. If something exists, it's part of nature, and therefore natural. However I think there are a lot of things science cannot explain yet and we have to research, and we may have gotten some fundamental things wrong. Time will tell, but after what happened, I've approached things with a more open mind.
I think paganism/witchery is the next step in my journey as an atheist but not sure how to practice under the radar my family is very christian. So far im doing it with my writing and art.
Sorry for the second comment but I just wanted to say that I really love how you talk so clearly and enunciate your words. They're like music to my ears. I also really appreciate that you dove in to the history of these religions which to me is so important! As I find it so very troubling when in my neck of the woods, "Christians" refuse to even listen to the history or timeline even of the person they supposedly have devoted their lives to! They just blindly go by the Bible! So sad. So thanks for that. I hope that you shedding light on this fact in such a sweet way will help these stubborn believers find true light in the reality of their savior as the human man that he was and always will have been.
Actually, most Christians have not even read the Bible cover to cover, but only know the parts that have been quoted to them. I"m 69 and have read a half dozen books on the history and development of modern Christian doctrine. It is the blindness of those who refuse to look. But in fairness, Jesus was a deep mystic (and a man) and there are some good bits in the Bible.
It's difficult being a pagan living in the bible belt.
I want to study pagan concepts to enhance my Christian perspective. It would not be the first time people did this.✝️
same here, I will become well versed in all sorts of pagan sects and give them the gospel accordingly.
@@HerveyShmervy And you wonder why Pagans have such a big problem with Christianity. Just leave them alone, ffs. Have your beliefs and keep them to yourselves. Stop acting like douche bags trying to impose your beliefs on people, and maybe you can have a place in civilized society. But if you insist on proselytizing and getting in people's faces, don't whine like a toddler throwing a tantrum when people react negatively and tell you where to stick it. We are just done taking your crap.
That's actually a cool idea, but it would go in the opposite direction for me.
@@carmensavu5122
Wait eighty years, or when you probably perform some suicide ritual to Goatus the goddes of goats. Then you’ll truly learn Hell
These sinful beliefs are not a religion, but the inner temptations from Satan
@@HerveyShmervy That's not how it works........a pagan isn't going to magically drop their beliefs because you told them about Jesus.
You definitely did your research. I subbed just because of that. Beautiful, yet intelligent. 🤘
Thanks for subscribing :)
I was told it's just a phase by a friend. 18 years later I am still a pagan and no longer friends with that person. Looking back, I think our friendship was just a phase. Thank you for this video.
I REALLY hope you are a teacher or lecturer of something like that. You gave a very great description. And you are so ez to listen to! I love that you talk about it in a way that people can relate regardless of their background.
The most I get are “witches aren't real” “you must be insane or a crackhead to believe you can do magic” like they just give me a statement?! Wtf
I always get people tying witchcraft and paganism to cults it’s exhaustingly frustrating sometimes
A really useful video, thankyou. I couldn't quite hear the name of the symbol you wear on your necklace, instead of a pentacle? Is it linked to Norse paganism?
It a Mjölnir, and yes it's a symbol of Norse paganism :)
It represents the Hammer of Thor or a bolt of lightning. Literally, the "crusher," I think,
I'm also a libra, but I am not difficult to anger. I'm just good at controlling it.
Þórr is alive and well.
There is no devil. It becomes something negative or evil when you personally view it that way or give meaning to it. It's the judgment that fundamentally defines the phenomenon.
I don't believe Satan or Heylel or Lilith as demons. I even call upon them when I need guidance in terms of shifting perspectives on transmuting fear and learning neutrality.
Evilness tend to occur to only those less evolved entities.
Yeah lol, a lot of witches are doing the devil thing lately. I’m not a fan of it.
Hi Scarlett! I was wondering if you had a video on any Asatru, Heathen, Norse book recommendations or if you could make a video on the books that helped you the most.
I live in a small town , someone flat out asked me if I danced around fires naked. I didn't know how to react.
Say yes and then walk away
I absolutely love the points you made. I can tell it came from some intense feelings about the subject, but you were still very logical. And logic is such a great tool to use when defending “non conventional beliefs.” To me, the ideas of paganism and Wicca are more comforting than judeo-Christian religions. Eastern religions have also made a lot of sense to me because I see a common appreciation for simplicity, nature and life cycles. Great video!!!!
Thanks! Glad you liked the video :)
Christianity and Catholicism are popular in my state. But neither have resonated with me; I’ve tried.
I love how you put this, that the ideas of paganism and Wicca are more comforting. And that Eastern religions share that common appreciation for simplicity, nature and life cycles. I share this existential perception of reality.
I’m 47 and while I’ve tried to be open-minded about different neo-religions, paganism, Wicca and yoga are all involved with tangible things. The 5 elements. Meditation and yoga postures. Things I know are real. That IS comforting. Ok the fifth element isn’t always AS tangible. But…
It’s always appeared to be a counterintuitive thing for me to just have faith in a new concept, in this case The Holy Bible. No one could tell me why I should have that kind of faith - and they didn’t even like my pro-Bible explanations. I was finding my own unique way of saying “well, I guess this Bible passage makes sense because…” but my interpretations always made them nervous.
After years of much afterthought and serious consideration, that in itself had to be a red flag of something.
Looking back, my sense of hearing them out was so logical, that it showed their religion in a more stark, more practical light - and it bothered them. My ultra logical interpretations of the verses made the verses seem less sensible to them, though they never admitted it. My intuition picked up their lack of confidence. It seemed no direct challenge of their beliefs was necessary; for the verses appeared as something more like a literary mirage upon serious consideration. No one could ever explain why or how about anything. “Just because” just doesn’t cut it for me. “My mama told me so” or “my grandparents were Christians” does not tell me why or how. What’s supposed to inspire me, to make me a believer?
Having faith in a dependable person or a good faith gesture in business - these are real concepts - I’m ok with REAL faith. But the stuff that Christians call faith never made sense to me. I was not raised religious but I learned about faith long before I learned Bible verses. I don’t know what to call Bible worship but that does not seem like it has anything to do with faith. Faith is something earned from someone being dependable and/ or loyal. They’ve provided proof; otherwise, how do you know it’s real? Without something tangible like proof, how do you even know what’s happening in your own life?
True spirit, or getting into the spirit of something about which you are passionate - at least that leap of faith requires your active ritual and ceremonial participation - and has four other elements to back it up. I don’t see crosses occurring anywhere in nature but stars are everywhere.
And it’s not that Bible followers aren’t good people; I think many of them are ok and some of them are pretty nice. Being humane is not hard for anyone - and whatever effort is necessary to be humane, gentle and peaceful, it’s worth that effort. I think most people are humane, that everyone has potential and there’s always hope. I love what Scarlet said about how a Christian prayer is the same thing as a magick ritual spell, kinda. When you put your heart into hoping for someone’s betterment, that inspires a person to change their situation For that betterment, in my experience.
Anyway, thanks for the comment - it was a great one. Your mention of the comforting ideas of paganism and Wicca really reached me. It just made it easier for me to decide how I really felt about my own journey in life, when it comes to faith, resonance, what inspires me. It helped me be more confident about where I really want to go from here, so to speak.
I remember Scarlet Ravenswood and Midwest Witch (now Seraphina Nightingale) providing comfort to me when my father was dying of cancer. My autistic son was upset about it and really acted out because he’s nonverbal and was just trying to express his distress over the profound illness of his grandfather. Those two channels here on YT - those were our spirit-spots. The only thing that would calm us down during those days was car rides with Scarlet or Sarah’s witchy vids playing. I’ve returned to Scarlet’s channel recently, having come to something of an existential crisis in my life. Yet again, her channel has been magickal in cheering me up and reminding me that it’s ok to have my beliefs, though they are vastly different from so many people around me. So it’s not so much a decision as it is a reassurance.
That’s the other great thing about paganism: I can praise you as much as I can praise Scarlet here. Many Christians are self-deprecating and feel the need to get the priest’s input before making major decisions in Their Own Lives. While I’m all about getting professional help on something; ie a lawyer or whoever when it’s a good idea, I’m a grown man - and I’m sovereign and equal to other adults who inspire me like you or Scarlet or my brother.
I would go so far as to say that I wouldn’t be surprised if Christian priests are in true reality casting a spell on their followers, binding their true divinity with The Holy Bible, effectively encapsulating their sovereignty for unknown uses and agendas of the “priest”.
I’m comfortable with healthy leadership. What I mean by that is People sharing their ideas and experiences online and being polite about it, not gatekeeping - just being chill and respectful. Positive, relaxed, thoughtful people inspire me.
But the church priests always try to get their attendees to interpret the verses based on their oral presentations during a service. I tried to be inspired. I really did.
But I admit that I had to be reminded repeatedly by life: that true inspiration is something that happens like a spark from flint. Inspiration can happen from something as simple as reading a UA-cam comment on a video you liked, as in this case. As a single father of an autistic son, I have a great life but it’s a hard life - so moments like these when I’m inspired make me think that inspiration IS spirituality in its essence. To me, inspiration and spirituality are two different forms of the same quintessence.
Wanna know the most ridiculous things said to me was? "I'm a Norse Pagan, so I believe in Odin, Thor-" "hEy IsN't ThAt FrOm MaRvEl?!"
This was so helpful,thank you ❤️
Wow I'm so glad I've finally found this
What I heard before is the that paganism is a primitive belief system compared to the monotheistic religions.
People who regularly consume the blood and flesh if a demigod in a room of chanting elders can't call other religions primitive
What’s supposed to be wrong with primitive? This modern world has left so many depressed and lost, people are much happier when they return to as they call “primitive ways”. I’ve always been drawn to such things.