If you are looking for pagan churches near you, you may find that options can be limited. Paganism is a broad term that encompasses various earth-based religions, and it is important to note that many pagan practitioners do not necessarily have formal church buildings or organized congregations in the same way as mainstream religious groups. Instead, pagans often gather in smaller, more informal settings such as private homes, outdoor spaces, or local community centers. These gatherings may take the form of rituals, ceremonies, or discussions centered around pagan beliefs, traditions, and practices. To find pagan groups in your area, you can start by searching online directories, forums, or social media platforms dedicated to pagan communities. Additionally, local metaphysical shops or holistic healing centers may have information about gatherings or events happening in your area.
Blod Manoð (Blood Moon)- New Moon: November 13 Full Moon: November 27
Sivendo Manoð Seventh Moon - New Moon June 18 Full Moon July 3 Ahtodo Manoð Eighth Moon - New Moon July 17 Full Moon August 1 Niguða-manoð Ninth Moon, a leap moon - New Moon August 16 Full Moon August 30. edu 1366945 Jul_disting_och_f C3 B6rkyrklig_tider C3 A4knin Please note for Saxon Heathens, the Indiculus superstitionum et paganiarum written circa 743 CE AD , a Latin writing by St.
Additionally, local metaphysical shops or holistic healing centers may have information about gatherings or events happening in your area. It is also worth considering that paganism is a diverse and decentralized set of practices, and different pagan groups may have varying beliefs, rituals, and traditions. Therefore, it is important to be open-minded and respectful when exploring different pagan communities and their practices.
2023 Heathen Calendar for Old Ways Heathens
Historical Germanic Heathenry had three major blots, which lasted for three days. Historical Heathens in Sweden also had a minor celebration which was not a public blot: Disting. The Old Saxons in Saxony most likely held their Althing at Marklo at the same time as the Swedes did Disting. At the bottom of this article, I will give the 2023 dates for these historical Heathen holidays for modern practice for Old Ways Heathens. First, some brief background: The Ynglinga Saga (chapter 8), from the year 1225, lists the three great blots of the year: “Odin established the same law in his land that had been in force in Asaland… On winter day (first day of winter) there should be blot for a good year, and in the middle of winter for a good crop; and the third blot should be on summer day, a Victory-blot.” In Old Norse, “Sigurblot” means “Victory-Blot.” Therefore, we have three major Norse blots a year, that appear in the context of Ynglinga Saga (and other references) that were done publicly at Uppsala. In Heimskringla, the saga of Hakon the Good, section 15 (circa 1230 AD) it says the following: “The first night of Yule was hǫkunótt, that is midwinter night, and Yule was held for three nights.” Heimskringla Saga, Magnus the Blind, Chapter 6: “Yule was kept holy for only three days, when no work was done.” The Poettic Edda states Yule was three nights. HELGAKVITHA HJORVARTHSSONAR The Lay of Helgi the Son of Hjorvarth, Chapter 4. This passage is too long for this blog, but I encourage you all to look it up. Hethin came home alone on the evening of Yule, and after a stay of three days, a battle commenced. Like the Heimskringla Saga above written by Snorri, the Poettic Edda agrees that battles were not fought during the three days of Yule. Therefore, Yule was too holy to desecrate with bloodshed.
Bede states in De Temporum Ratione, Ch 15 (725 AD): "Thus, the moon by which they began their winter season was called “Winterfylleth”, a name compounded of the terms for winter and full moon, because from the full moon of that moon winter was thought to begin." Andreas Nordberg, the world’s foremost scholar on Norse Holidays, makes clear in his book on the dating of Yule that “The pre-Christian Yule feast occurs at the first full moon after the first new moon following the winter solstice, while the disting took place at the third full moon according to the same method of calculation.” (Jul, disting och förkyrklig tideräkning Kalendrar och kalendariska riter i det förkristna Norden Uppsala 2006, P.4) At Yule it was determined if a thirteenth moon would be added to the year. To keep the following year’s Yule as the first full moon after the first new moon after the solstice, it would be determined if a 13th moon would be needed or not. You can see Nordberg's book, in PDF form, with a one page English Abstract (Introduction) and twenty page summary in English (the rest is in Swedish) here: https://www.academia.edu/1366945/Jul_disting_och_f%C3%B6rkyrklig_tider%C3%A4knin *** Please note for Saxon Heathens, the Indiculus superstitionum et paganiarum (written circa 743 CE/AD), a Latin writing by St. Boniface and his henchmen, is in the same historical codex as the Old Saxon Baptismal Vow, also written in the 8th century. The Baptismal Vow forces the Saxons to renounce Thunar (Thor), Uuoden (Odin) and Sahsnoth (Saxnote). However, the Indiculus superstitionum et paganiarum prohibits the Old Saxon celebration of Victory Moon. This is a clear reference to Sigrblot, meaning "Victory Blot." Therefore, we are changing the name from "Summer Moon" to "Victory Moon" based on a renewed understanding of this text. Dr. Scott T Shell also believes that this is a reference to the Old Saxons celebrating Sigrblot. Dr. Shell is a Saxon Heathen, and please, check out his YouTube channel. Dr. Shell holds his PhD in linguistics as well as bachelor and master degrees in Old Saxon and Germanic languages. **Since the Germanic Rule for Yule is that Yule is always the first full moon after the first new moon after the winter solstice, 2023 is a Leap Year, having thirteen moons.
Overall, while it may be challenging to find specific pagan churches near you, there are likely pagan groups and communities that can provide opportunities for connection, learning, and spiritual exploration. Taking the time to research and engage with these communities can help you find like-minded individuals and deepen your understanding of paganism..
Reviews for "The Power of Ritual: Visiting Pagan Churches Near Me"
1. John - 2 stars - I visited a Pagan church near me out of curiosity, and I must say I was disappointed. The whole experience felt disorganized and lacking in structure. The rituals were confusing and seemed to be made up on the spot. The energy in the room felt chaotic rather than calm and spiritual. I was hoping to learn more about Paganism and connect with like-minded individuals, but this church did not provide that experience. Overall, I left feeling unsatisfied and would not recommend it to others seeking a genuine Pagan community.
2. Sarah - 1 star - I had high expectations for the Pagan church near me, but unfortunately, it did not meet them. The people in attendance seemed more interested in socializing than engaging in any meaningful spiritual practices. The leaders lacked knowledge and did not provide any valuable insights into Paganism. The entire experience felt superficial and as if it were just a way for people to gather without any real depth or purpose. I left feeling frustrated and disheartened by the lack of authenticity in this Pagan church.
3. Mark - 2 stars - As someone interested in exploring different spiritual practices, I decided to visit a Pagan church near me. However, what I encountered was a disorganized and cliquish community. They seemed resistant to newcomers, making it difficult for me to feel welcomed or included. The rituals they performed lacked coherence and meaning, leaving me questioning the purpose of their practices. Overall, I did not feel a connection or sense of belonging in this Pagan church, and I would not recommend it to others seeking a genuine spiritual experience.