Since Pagans do not have temples in the way that other religions do, most ceremonies take place outside. Secular buildings may be used if necessary, but other religious venues are generally seen as inappropriate. Same as above – make offerings to your ancestors one of your daily pagan rituals. Did your granny like to steal sweet n’ lows? Add a couple to your ancestor altar for her. Did your Uncle enjoy bonfires? Light a candle for him in the evening. A refreshing cup of water, a shotglass of liquor, a bowl of tobacco. 4. Rise to Greet the Sun Most times, things feel weird because they’re unfamiliar. This is especially true when you’re talking about practices from a different culture – and while we may all be Americans (or Irish or English or whatever you happen to be) different religions are absolutely separate subcultures. So if you grew up in an environment where you didn’t hear prayer and probably heard prayer denigrated as useless words, of course it’s going to feel odd. On nights when the clouds are clear, go outside and gaze at the moon. Feel the lunar rays on your skin. 28. Plan the Next Sabbat

Pagan and Wiccan Prayers for All Occasions - Learn Religions

Remember that the world runs on reciprocity. If a God grants your request, They may later ask you for something in return – that’s how my relationship with the Morrigan began. Edred Thorsson talks about runic stadhas in his book on the Elder Futhark. Stadhas are similar to yoga positions. So whether you enjoy yoga or feel a connection to the runes, try physical positions like the runic stadhas or yoga on a daily basis. Even if you only do one or two in the morning to get your day started or in the evening to relax and connect. 6. Go for a Walk Cernunnos is a horned god found in Celtic mythology. He is connected with male animals, particularly the stag in rut, and this has led him to be associated with fertility and vegetation. Depictions of Cernunnos are found in many parts of the British Isles and western Europe. He is often portrayed with a beard and wild, shaggy hair–he is, after all, the lord of the forest: Wiccans believe in a limbo of sorts, a neutral oasis of peace known as the Summerland where one goes to contemplate your life before being born again. Valhalla and FolkvangrIn most Pagan traditions, your life on earth is the most important thing. Pagans do not believe in reward and punishment after death for the lives they have lived, only that living with a sense of honour and morality is a reward in itself. That being said, belief in an afterlife, as well as reincarnation, is common. Summerland

Learning to Pray from a Pagan Perspective | John Beckett

Like most religions, Pagans place certain meanings to different plants and flowers. But they also might hold certain magical significance. It’s common for flowers and plants to be chosen that have protective qualities, or that are associated with peace. Since the Pagan community understands that their traditions are varied and not necessarily known or understood by the general public, they’ll nearly always inform funeral attendees of the proper etiquette before the service. HAIL to thee, Amun-Ra, Lord of the thrones of the earth, the oldest existence, ancient of heaven, support of all things; If you’re an early riser, this should be a simple one – rising to greet the sun. Sit outside with your coffee and watch the sun rise. Bask in the glory of the star that gives life to this planet. Bonus: getting out into the sunlight within one hour of waking aids in regulating our circadian rhythms. Which means, you’ll sleep better at night! 5. Runic Stadhas or Yoga The Pagan tradition centres on the reverence of the natural world, so many opt for the most natural form of interment. A natural burial involves the burial of the deceased in a way that would encourage its decomposition and the fertility of the land in which it’s interred.Prayer can take many forms. It can be scripted or unscripted, formal or conversational, calm and rational or spirited and passionate. Different types of prayers are especially suited for different situations, but the only way to pray wrong is to pray disrespectfully.