...So what is a Pagan?

Well that depends on who's using the term.

The word 'Pagan' can refer to many different diverse religions, but because the term is so broad there can be some confusion about what it means to be Pagan. Originally, it was a Christian term used to mean "non-Christian".

Because much of the information about Pagan religions was lost after the spread of Christianity, there is little in the way of a precise doctrine. For this reason, modern Paganism tends to be a very personal, individualized form of spirituality. The practices are based on the ancient traditions, but the real goal is for each person to experience the divine in a way that is personal and meaningful to them.

I am a Nature Based Pagan - treating the divine with extreme reverence; most traditional holidays come from the cycles of the seasons and year, and we draw much of our symbolism from nature Herself. When I meditate (daily) I sit and talk to the trees, mainly an Oak for Strength and a Hazel for wisdom. During meditation I do receive answers to the things that are paramount in my life. These answers come as with any other type of prayers, mostly mentally, but when I follow those answers the outcome is usually good. A bit of caution: Watch for what you wish.

The three common Pagan tenants are as follows. Most Pagans who don't believe in all of these theories, will incorporate at least one into their personal belief system and practices.

Animism - everything in creation has energy or Spirit.

Pantheism - Divinity is in everything; the Divine is Nature and Nature is Divine.

Polytheism - the belief in many deities.

Common beliefs of Paganism are that:"All Gods and Goddesses are but faces of Divinity, like different facets of the same diamond." Many Pagans see Divinity as all part of the same "force", which may manifest in different forms. "All paths and viewpoints are valid, particularly to the individual holding them." Many Pagans have extremely different opinions about the nature of the Divine; an important part of Paganism is the belief that the way YOU experience Divinity does not contradict the way I experience it, even though it may seem to.

I don't know a Pagan who doesn't live by the Wiccan Rede, "An' it harm none, do as ye will." This is the last line of the poem. Pagans who uphold the Wiccan Rede take it to mean that any action is okay as long as it doesn't harm anyone (including yourself). This means that those who follow this law must carefully examine EVERY action to make sure that they are not causing harm; this law takes quite a bit of discipline to follow honorably.

This everyone has probably heard of, THE LAW OF THREE, no matter what their spiritual leaning, "Whatsoever you sent out shall return thrice upon you." This is essentially a varient of the idea of Karma. Karma means that every action carries a consequence, and that each person must weigh those consequences carefully before acting. Karma is the force which keeps things in balance.

Unlike the Wiccan Rede, Karma does not give any standards for right and wrong. Sometimes, it may be necessary to harm someone -- for example, in defense of yourself or of the innocent. It is therefore, up to the individual to decide if the Karmic responsibility is worth the benefit gained by the action.

Needless to say this is a very diverse religion. Pagans welcome all who come with an open mind and a respectful attitude