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Today we have seen a resurgence of Pagan traditions and practices. As the younger generations begin to grow and develop they seek spiritual guidance from other religions rather than the primary three: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. This rising interest in the older faiths has brought about revivals and restorations of traditions long forgotten, from the frozen shores of the far North to the tropical forests of the Amazon.
In modern times, Paganism has grown to have roots in communities and in some places, entire towns. Most are just small gatherings but they are normally in communication with other groups or smaller covens. This is widely thanks to the growth of internet communities which has allowed pagans from great distances to contact one another, pass along knowledge, or plan festivals and gatherings. In fact, one could go as far as to say that thanks to the internet, paganism as a whole has grown and flourished. Speaking from personal experience and having lived in a very rural area, I have only met fewer than twenty fellow pagans in person. Thanks to such online pagan communities, I was able to contact many more pagans including fellow followers of my own faith and philosophies. My story is quite similar to many young pagans today who live in such areas. As their interest grows, they seek more information and will find more communities and help them blossom.
One such community was founded in 1974 as a Shamanic Wiccan church and nature preserve. The name of this lovely community is Circle Sanctuary, and it is located in Barneveld, WI. As stated on their website, www.circlesanctuary.org, the vision of this community is to bring pagans of different faiths together, to meet and grow spiritually. “As a result of our sacred work, our vision is of a sustainable organization with strong connections to our local, national and international community, living in a world where our religious traditions and spiritual diversity are respected and honored, and walking in harmony with each other and the greater Circle of Nature of which we all are part.” As a little history, this lovely place was founded by Selena Fox in 1974. It started as only a small gathering for Yule. Through fellow pagans from varying walks of life brought together over time to celebrate, to teach, and to worship, it quickly grew to what it is today. It became a sanctuary and place of learning for those of any pagan faith who seek such a place.
This community is just one of many that have been founded and grown from a single person’s wish to meet others with similar beliefs and values. In truth, it shows the values that Paganism today holds: the value of spiritual prosperity not just for oneself, but for those who seek it. There may be a variety of beliefs and philosophies, in fact so many that it is impossible to list, but no matter how different the rites or beliefs, the core remains the same: spiritual unity.
Paganism Today
Adam T. Szabo