Pagan sacred rituals have been a part of human culture for centuries, and in 2023, the United States continues to embrace and practice these ancient customs. These rituals are deeply rooted in nature worship and the cycles of the seasons, allowing individuals to connect with the divine and honor the Earth. One of the significant pagan rituals in the US is the celebration of the solstices and equinoxes. These annual events mark the changing of seasons and are revered as pivotal moments in the natural world. During these sacred gatherings, individuals gather in outdoor spaces to perform various rituals, such as lighting bonfires, dancing, and feasting, all of which aim to honor the changing energies of the Earth. Another essential aspect of pagan rituals is the veneration of specific deities and spirits.
That is exactly what my Administration is doing. We established the Protecting Places of Worship Interagency Policy Committee last January, and implemented the largest-ever increase in funding for the physical security of non-profits — including churches, gurdwaras, mosques, synagogues, temples, and other houses of worship. In my 2023 Budget proposal, I called for another large increase in funding for this key program. In September, we hosted the United We Stand Summit, the first White House summit on combating hate-motivated violence, including violence on the basis of religion. In December, I established a new interagency group to increase and better coordinate the Federal Government’s efforts to counter antisemitism, Islamophobia, and other forms of bias and discrimination within the United States. As its first order of business, this group is developing a national strategy to fight antisemitism. To build bridges across beliefs and backgrounds, the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships is collaborating with diverse faith and community leaders on a range of projects — including helping families recover from disasters, distributing COVID-19 vaccines, improving maternal and child health, and resettling refugees across the United States.
To build bridges across beliefs and backgrounds, the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships is collaborating with diverse faith and community leaders on a range of projects including helping families recover from disasters, distributing COVID-19 vaccines, improving maternal and child health, and resettling refugees across the United States. Across the world, minority communities including Uyghurs, Rohingya, Ahmadiyya Muslims, Jews, Christians, Bahá ís, Yezidis, atheists, and humanists continue to face intimidation, violence, and unequal protection under the law.
Another essential aspect of pagan rituals is the veneration of specific deities and spirits. These deities often represent various aspects of nature, such as the sun, moon, forests, or rivers. In 2023, individuals continue to offer prayers and make offerings to these divine entities, seeking their blessings, guidance, and protection.
A Proclamation on Religious Freedom Day, 2023
On Religious Freedom Day, we reflect on our right to practice, pray, and preach our faiths peacefully and openly. Across the country, we practice many different religions. We celebrate many different traditions. And we honor our faiths in many different ways and places — from churches, to mosques, to synagogues, to temples. This religious freedom — this freedom to practice religion fully and freely or to practice no religion at all — is enshrined in our Constitution. And together we must continue to preserve and protect it.
This effort is as important now as it has ever been. In the United States, we are facing a rising tide of antisemitism and renewed attacks against certain religious groups. Across the world, minority communities — including Uyghurs, Rohingya, Ahmadiyya Muslims, Jews, Christians, Bahá’ís, Yezidis, atheists, and humanists — continue to face intimidation, violence, and unequal protection under the law. This hate is harmful to our communities and countries, and it is on all of us to speak out and stop it.
That is exactly what my Administration is doing. We established the Protecting Places of Worship Interagency Policy Committee last January, and implemented the largest-ever increase in funding for the physical security of non-profits — including churches, gurdwaras, mosques, synagogues, temples, and other houses of worship. In my 2023 Budget proposal, I called for another large increase in funding for this key program. In September, we hosted the United We Stand Summit, the first White House summit on combating hate-motivated violence, including violence on the basis of religion. In December, I established a new interagency group to increase and better coordinate the Federal Government’s efforts to counter antisemitism, Islamophobia, and other forms of bias and discrimination within the United States. As its first order of business, this group is developing a national strategy to fight antisemitism. To build bridges across beliefs and backgrounds, the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships is collaborating with diverse faith and community leaders on a range of projects — including helping families recover from disasters, distributing COVID-19 vaccines, improving maternal and child health, and resettling refugees across the United States.
The United States is also speaking out and standing up against religious persecution around the world. Last year, my Administration provided $20 million to help promote religious freedom and protections for members of religious minorities globally, including helping ensure that people everywhere can practice their faiths free from fear. I appointed Rashad Hussain as Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom — the first Muslim to hold this post — and Deborah Lipstadt, a Holocaust expert, as the first Ambassador-level Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism. As a founding member of the International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance, we also have coordinated with partners around the world to promote the rights of religious minority groups and combat persecution. And we are ensuring that United States diplomats continue to receive training on religious freedom and its central importance to our work.
Faith has sustained me throughout my life. For me and for so many others, it serves as a reminder of both our collective purpose and potential in the world. But for far too many people within our borders and beyond, practicing their faith still means facing fear and persecution. Today, let us recommit ourselves to ending this hate. And let us work together to ensure that people of all religions — and no religion — are treated with equal dignity and respect.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim January 16, 2023, as Religious Freedom Day.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
thirteenth day of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-seventh.
The United States is also speaking out and standing up against religious persecution around the world. Last year, my Administration provided $20 million to help promote religious freedom and protections for members of religious minorities globally, including helping ensure that people everywhere can practice their faiths free from fear. I appointed Rashad Hussain as Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom — the first Muslim to hold this post — and Deborah Lipstadt, a Holocaust expert, as the first Ambassador-level Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism. As a founding member of the International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance, we also have coordinated with partners around the world to promote the rights of religious minority groups and combat persecution. And we are ensuring that United States diplomats continue to receive training on religious freedom and its central importance to our work.
These rituals are often performed in private, in designated sacred spaces, or even in nature itself. Pagan rituals also involve a strong sense of community and communal participation. In addition to individual worship, larger festivals and gatherings are organized throughout the year. These events attract like-minded individuals from all walks of life who come together to share knowledge, experiences, and celebrations. They provide a supportive and inclusive environment for pagans to connect, learn, and grow in their spiritual journeys. Furthermore, pagans believe in fostering a harmonious relationship with the natural world and the creatures that inhabit it. Animal and plant symbolism, as well as herbalism, play significant roles in these rituals. In 2023, individuals continue to use sacred herbs and engage in practices such as smudging for spiritual purification and healing. The use of animal symbols and totems also serves as a way to connect with the spirit world and seek guidance. Overall, pagan sacred rituals in the US in 2023 continue to thrive as a means for individuals to honor nature, seek spiritual growth, and foster a deep connection with the divine. Through solstice and equinox celebrations, deity veneration, community gatherings, and the use of herbalism and animal symbolism, pagans find solace, meaning, and inspiration in these ancient practices..
Reviews for "Rediscovering Ancient Wisdom: Pagan Sacred Rituals in 2023 United States"
1. Jane - 1 star
I found "Pagan sacred rituals 2023 us" to be a complete waste of time. The rituals depicted were not only poorly executed but also highly disrespectful towards actual pagan practices. It felt more like a mockery than a genuine portrayal. The acting was subpar, and the story lacked depth and coherence. I was extremely disappointed and would not recommend this film to anyone interested in learning about pagan traditions.
2. Mark - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "Pagan sacred rituals 2023 us," but unfortunately, it fell flat. The film struggled to find a balance between informative and entertaining, leaving it in a state of confusion. The rituals depicted felt forced and lacked authenticity. Moreover, the characters were underdeveloped, making it difficult to connect with their experiences. Overall, I found the film to be a missed opportunity.
3. Sarah - 2 stars
"Pagan sacred rituals 2023 us" came across as a cheap attempt to cash in on the growing interest in pagan practices. The film failed to capture the essence and spirituality associated with these rituals. The performances were wooden, and the execution felt amateurish. It seemed like the filmmakers were more interested in exploiting the subject matter rather than creating a respectful and educational experience. I would advise skipping this film and seeking better representation of pagan culture elsewhere.