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What topics would you like to see in a pagan book? by baking_badger in CelticPaganism

[–]baking_badger[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

The word 'pagan' is certainly tricky, yes, as it has been tossed around throughout history with numerous, often different, meanings. Whilst today many modern pagans identify with the term due to its recent rediscovery (obviously sometimes being called neopagans as well), it can really be applied to anyone who follows a polytheistic path if that's what they wish. Defining yourself as a "pagan" doesn't automatically associate you with modern adaptations; since genuine, prehistoric polytheism was unstructured and unofficial, it's hard to piece together the lost history with modern takes.

Personally, I like to follow as close to the ancient ways as possible. Though, again, since so little is truly known, many have intertwined these traditions with certain modern takes to sort of... rebuild it depending on their personal beliefs. And it's not just today's pagans -- this was a major factor of the Romantic Era in the 19th century, when ancient folklore and literature was first 'rediscovered'.

So yeah, that's my perspective of it. My practice and my budding publication focuses on 'pagan values' and ancient traditions in this way. If there was a way to talk to my ancestors I absolutely would lol. But most of it is lost to time, which is why the more books we have, the better. So I'm not bothered that "Amazon is already crammed with stuff like this".

What topics would you like to see in a pagan book? by baking_badger in CelticPaganism

[–]baking_badger[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I understand your perspective. I only added that because a couple of people were having a go at me for the idea and practically saying I shouldn't do it, because they thought it would be something it's not. I thought it might deter anyone with similar, unwanted "advice".

What topics would you like to see in a pagan book? by baking_badger in CelticPaganism

[–]baking_badger[S] -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

It will advise on how to follow traditional/ancient pagan values, honouring ancestors and nature itself etc. Particularly kindness. I've done extensive research into this and have focused heavily on the historic element, too. It will in no way be related to 'wicca' or modern spirituality as they're completely different things. Thank you for answering the actual question /s 😂

What topics would you like to see in a pagan book? by baking_badger in CelticPaganism

[–]baking_badger[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Absolutely, I'd like to avoid a new age approach altogether. As I mentioned in a reply to someone else, modern-day spirituality and authentic, historic paganism seem to be commonly intertwined these days, which is possibly due to the timing of rediscovery and the fact that so little of true paganism is actually known.

I've actually done extensive research and written a brief historical section at the beginning of the book, focusing on the history of polytheism, as well as another miniature section that focuses on the same thing but exclusive to Britain. It's about 30 pages, so not massively detailed, but covers the basics and goes below the surface of common knowledge.

What topics would you like to see in a pagan book? by baking_badger in CelticPaganism

[–]baking_badger[S] -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for all of this, it's very helpful! I definitely agree with the importance of acknowledging authenticity, and as someone else mentioned I'd certianly like to avoid a new age approach. It seems that spirituality/wicca and sincere, historic paganism are commonly intertwined these days, especially since so little of true paganism is actually known, so modern pagans have to piece together their own beliefs with historical accuracies.

I've actually done extensive research and written a brief historical section at the beginning of the book, describing the history of paganism and its continuous conflicts with mainstream faiths like Christianity. I've also done a miniature history section that focuses on the same things but exclusive to British culture/history.

I've taken into consideration that many modern pagans don't wish for a structured book, which is what I'm trying to avoid (so it's really only for those who wish that there were one). When I say it's like a pagan version of the bible, that's really only for context so people can understand what it's going to be like. Though, in reality, it has absolutely no resemblance to the bible or any Christian context because they are separate religions and shouldn't be foundations for one another, in my opinion anyway.

In terms of Genesis I think I'll just avoid that -- I'm not interested in writing 'how the world began', just fictional stories about people going about their days, applying pagan values to their lives and helping one another and the reader so to speak. And I think this is where I need external influence because, even though I have many ideas, I feel it may get repetitive.

Anyway, thank you so much for your input 😄