Information
Our Business Card and Mission Statement
We are a community committed to the spiritual development of Pagans,
Wiccans, and others who are practicing their faith paths with
Earth-Centered values. We gather to strengthen our knowledge, to honor
the cycles of the moon, to celebrate the eight holy days of the year
that are tied to the cycles of the seasons (the equinoxes and the
solstices), to learn to live in community while developing our
leadership skills, to create ritual, and to have fun.
"A place where Pagan and Wiccan members of the MHC
community can gather in friendship."
Paganism is the name given to several spiritual paths that are based on
the wisdom of ancient peoples of the world's spiritual and folk
traditions. One of the largest sub-groups are Wiccans. The term Wiccan
derives from the Anglo-Saxon wic, which means to bend or shape, implying
that we are shaped by our spiritualities and in turn the world is
transformed. Pagans and Wiccans are practicing their faith paths
everywhere on the globe. While our paths are very diverse, we do share
Earth-centered values: most of us honor the directions, the lunar
rhythms, as well as celebrating the eight holy days of the year that are
tied to the cycles of the seasons (the equinoxes and solstices). As a
result, respect for the planet Earth as a Sacred Being is another common
theme. Some of us worship Goddesses and Gods, many of us believe in
reincarnation and karma (and hence we take care with our actions and
words), and many of us have meditation or insight practices, although
these are not prerequisites for these paths. Some examples of Pagan and
Wiccan paths include (but are not limited to): Asatrú (Norse/Teutonic),
Yoruba and Yoruban based faiths (Vodou, Santeria, Candomblé, etc.),
Shinto, Feminist Spirituality, Egyptian (Pharaohnic, Kemetic), Italian
(Strega), Dianic (the Women's Mysteries), Celtic (Irish and
Anglo-Saxon), and many types of Shamanism.
Paganism and Wicca
Paganism and Wicca are self-directed, earth-based faiths.
There is no central scripture, authority, or organization;
instead, members are free to construct a belief system for
themselves. Pagans share a deep respect for the earth, and
nature is often one of their primary sources of spiritual
inspiration. Many Pagans observe eight holy days during
the cycle of each year: the solstices, the equinoxes, and
the cross-quarters between these days; it is also common to
gather for services at the full or new moon. Many Pagans
are polytheistic, and may honor the deities of many
different pantheons from all over the world. The goddess
is usually highly honored, especially in groups focusing on
Feminist Spirituality or Dianic Wicca. Most Pagans have a
strong code of ethics, sometimes including the maxim “As
long as you harm none, do as you will,” and a belief in
karma. There are many traditions, new and old, that fall
under the category of Paganism or Earth-based Spirituality;
these include Wicca, Druidism, Asatru, Strega, Egyptian
Traditions, Feminist Spirituality, and Dianic Wicca.
Contrary to the common misconception, Paganism and Wicca
are not connected to Satanism.
Common Symbols
The pentacle (a five-pointed star within a circle) is an
ancient symbol that is used by many Pagans. It’s five
points represent earth, air, fire, water, and spirit.
Goddess figures, moons, and celtic symbols such as the
triskele (three-armed spiral) are also common Pagan
symbols.
