“There is no one set of beliefs that defines Paganism. “Despite similarities in belief or practices, some people who practice these traditions do not identify as Pagan,” said LaFond. One aspect that most share is a veneration of the Earth as being sacred. He notes that these ancient traditions also have a lot in common with other Indigenous traditions, such as heathens, a polytheistic religion which recognizes multiple gods and spiritual entities, and non-European Indigenous traditions such as Hinduism, which has monotheistic and polytheistic elements. LaFond, a resident of Westhampton, said that because the term Paganism is used so broadly, it includes numerous traditions, many of which are inspired by ancestral traditions, including polytheists, practitioners of Hellenistic traditions characterized by reverence of the gods of the Hellenic world, and animists, who believe that all things possess a spiritual essence. STAFF PHOTO/DAN LITTLE One definition does not fit all Christopher LaFond poses for a photo Tuesday afternoon among apple trees in Westhampton. At that point, Paganism was equated to godlessness and that was then applied to define all peoples outside of Abrahamic religions.Ĭorban-Arthen feels that the bleak implications were the product of old “classist, cultural and religious prejudices,” which the EarthSpirit Community rejects. He said that the term went on to carry negative connotations when Christianity began to spread beyond the Roman Empire.

Pagan comes from the Latin word, “Paganus, Pagani,” which generally meant “people of the land” or “people of the earth.”Ĭorban-Arthen says that the Romans added to it the pejorative sense of “bumpkin” or “simpleton” which urban peoples have often characterized those who are rural and uncivilized. “It’s one of those words that has come to acquire so many meanings, and they don’t always agree with each other,” said Corban-Arthen.Īs such, he says that no single individual or organization can represent the views of all Pagans.įrom Corban-Arthen’s perspective - as well as various members within the EarthSpirit Community - Paganism is a collective term that refers to the Indigenous, pre-Christian cultures and spiritual traditions of Europe, some of which survived into present-day, while others have been modified to meet modern times. Trying to condense the definition of Paganism into one sentence can prove to be challenging.Īndras Corban-Arthen, founder and spiritual director of the EarthSpirit Community, said Paganism encompasses a very wide variety of chronological, geographic, cultural and spiritual scope. The event is part of a national Pagan Pride Project to help foster pride in the Pagan identity through education, community and activism as well as charitable efforts. Now in its 24th year, the nonprofit organization strives to establish awareness of Earth-centered spiritual traditions. LaFond hopes to dispel other misconceptions and to further shed light on the Earth-based spirituality at this year’s Western Massachusetts Pagan Pride Day event in Northampton on Sept.

Christopher LaFond poses for a photo Tuesday afternoon in Westhampton.

Fall equinox pagan traditions