What Makes A Pagan?

People discover their connections to Paganism in a variety of ways. Some start with an affinity for nature and eventually discover their way to the old gods through a series of circumstances, some follow an interest in magic in some form and discover Paganism as one of a choice of paths that can be practised, which involves use of magic. Still others come to Paganism through a deep need for some form of religion, or through social contacts with other Pagans. In the modern generation, more are even learning Paganism through their parents which a few decades ago only happened within Hereditary families.

The diversity of paths within what one may call Paganism is quite widespread. There are many who have had to question their own paths as to whether they could be defined as Paganism, which to a large extent has become an umbrella term for many widely divergent paths of non-Christian religions and philosophies. Pagan organisations and Conferences attract many who might not think of themselves as Pagan in a daily sense, yet have chosen to define themselves under the 'umbrella' of Paganism for the sake of solidarity.

So what really makes one a Pagan? There is no point in reverting to outdated dictionary definitions. These have been overused and abused to death in the never ending battle to reclaim words which have been defined in a derogatory sense by our detractors over the years. Hanging ourselves up on semantics can only be counterproductive in an attempt to define exactly what we are.

The parameters of this Pagan umbrella are very hazy in some places. There are people such as new age travellers who may or may not define themselves as Pagan, yet often live what most of us would define as a Pagan lifestyle. Some members of these groups may consider themselves Pagan, while others in the same group may choose not to identify as such, while still sharing much of the beliefs and practices of those who do. People in some paths such as Asatru may identify with Paganism in the larger sense of social contacts and organisations, while still maintaining a specific path which they would not otherwise define as Pagan, but as something unique and apart from other paths.

One of the more difficult areas of crossover lies in the line between 'magician' and 'Pagan'. Magicians, like Pagans, come with a wide variety of philosophies and beliefs. Some will define themselves as 'magician and Pagan', others will not, and yet may practise some elements of Paganism within their magic. Still others may follow a magical path which does not overlap with Paganism much, and these people may well consider themselves as separate from Pagans, yet be seen at Pagan conferences and other events.

A few years ago, I found myself examining my own definition and identification as Pagan/not Pagan. This was instigated by the end of a relationship wherein my joint membership in a well known Pagan organisation in the UK necessarily had to come to an end, and I had to make a choice as to whether I felt it appropriate to re-join the organisation as a single person. I have always identified myself as 'magician', but have participated in attending and even organising Pagan events at various times. I was a magician at an early age, but discovered Pagan networking later in my mid-twenties.

The decision would be effected by the ex-partner's active membership in the organisation, and the number of 'his' friends who held important positions within the framework. It was also effected by my initiation into a Witchcraft line which I held in common with these people, and my mixed feelings about ever having accepted the initiation.

Ironically, I was working on the third book of my Spirits of the Elements series at the time. The answer to the dilemma was at my fingertips from the start, which would eventually lead to the insight that belief in nature spirits and my ideas about Spirit in general did indeed qualify me by my own definitions as Pagan. My belief in nature spirits has always been quite genuine, and in the end it was that which I decided defined me as a Pagan.

I soon found that many of 'his' friends were still mine as well, and others from the Witchcraft line who had not been friends with my ex were suddenly more friendly toward me and inspired me to take a stronger interest in the Pagan community. I joined the organisation independently and got involved in a couple of projects on their behalf which I found very satisfying. Ironically, I'm far more active in the pagan community now than I was in that earlier chapter of my life when I was constantly surrounded with 'officers' within the organisation.

When it comes to belief systems, we all have the right to define ourselves by our own criteria and claim or not claim labels as we see fit. Yet words have meanings, and a definition of what constitutes the meaning of the word 'Pagan' in modern usage is long overdue, although a consensus on that definition would be a real challenge to achieve. I still identify myself as 'magician', yet when it comes to the census form, I write 'Pagan' as many have been encouraged to do in order to bring recognition to Paganism as a valid path, despite its diversity.

A visit to any major Pagan conference will show the extent of this diversity. So on the bottom line, what really makes one a Pagan is something that each person must define for themselves. To identify as Pagan or not Pagan, or to attend Pagan events while identifying as something else related to the Pagan community if only a by shared interest in the general subject of magic, is an individual decision. Becoming involved in Pagan related activities is as valid a connection as the most central themes of popular Pagan beliefs. What really makes us Pagan is a feeling of identification with 'Pagan' as a concept, for whatever reason. When I walked into the Witchfest Conference in London in November 2002, I was still 'magician', but I was also part of the collectives of 'Witch' and of 'Pagan', along with all of my fellow Witches and Pagans, and any magicians who choose to attend. For that one day, we all shared an identification with each other under a common banner which carries only one signifier, that of "Pagan".