How to Make Pagan Offerings: What to Say and What to Give in Ritual
We are finally on to the practical aspects of ritual! This is part three in a series of articles about Pagan offerings and ritual. Part 1 and Part 2 are focused on the reasoning behind why we do ritual. Now, we are looking at how we do ritual. Per previous parts of this series, there…
How to Make Pagan Offerings: Speaking to the Gods
The thing about polytheism is that there are many (poly) gods. And beyond the gods, there are spirits and ancestors. There are a lot of beings, and it can be overwhelming! So how do you approach the gods and other spirits? Who do you go to in a specific situation? When is a problem better…
How to Make Pagan Offerings: Reciprocity and the Cosmos
Pagan ritual is not Christian ritual. And it’s not like any other Abrahamic rituals. To understand why we do what we do in ritual, we need to understand the larger context behind why we do ritual and how to think of ritual. This article will deal with some theoretical concepts. Not every Pagan will agree…
Thoughts on My Grandma’s First Deathday
I’m often told that a deathday sounds “morbid.” But memento mori, y’all. In all seriousness, I came up with the term while adding ancestor’s birthdays to my calendar. I am trying to start a more active ancestor practice, and I thought honoring them on their birthdays would be a great way to start. Then I…
The Four Centers of Paganism Reimagined
If you ask the same question to 10 witches, you will get 13 answers. This truism has only ripened with age. But when our definitions of Paganism are so diverse, how do we know what Paganism is at all?
Pagan Identity: Terms to Consider
Over the last century or so, Pagans have argued and defined our own terms. Any attempt to describe ourselves is important, but we do not have to agree with them.
The Types of Pagan Books You Need And Why
Most pagans start their journey grabbing a “Beginner’s Guide To…” book, thinking it will contain all the answers. While many introductory pagan books are useful, people find that the more they learn, the more questions they have. I’ve heard it many times: paganism is a religion of research. And, yes, many pagans are — or…
Who are the Indo-Europeans?
World Tree Heritage is primarily intended to discuss modern paganisms which have their roots in Indo-European polytheism. I wanted to make this introductory article for anyone who is unfamiliar with this term or has questions about it when they see future references to the Indo-Europeans. Important disclaimer: There have beens heaps of articles and mounds…
Who are the Ancestors: Types of Ancestors, Troubling Ancestors, and Deepening Your Relationship
The Ancestors, in the most general sense, are the ones who came before you. And ancestor veneration is the practice of honoring your ancestors (vs worshipping). While I generally write about Indo-European Neo-Paganism, ancestor veneration is one of the oldest, and the most global, spiritual practice among all people. Why? I’m no sociologist, but it’s…
What do Pagans Do?
I see people — including pagans — ask some form of this question regularly. So, if you’re a pagan…what are you supposed to DO? It’s easier if you are part of an organized religion. Most of us know someone who goes to church/temple/mosque. They know to pray at certain times of the day, to celebrate…
A Non-Pagan’s Guide to Understanding Modern Paganism
So I’m a pagan. Yes, you read that right. No, it’s not devil worship. Pagan is a very loaded term. And its definition has change a lot over time. It comes from the Latin paganus, which means something like ‘villager’ or ‘rural person.’ Then the term was used by the Church to distinguish people in…
World Tree Heritage 