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INTRODUCTION
'...You'd be so lean, that blast of January
Would blow you through and through. Now, my fair'st friend,
I would I had some flowers o' the spring that might
Become your time of day...'
William Shakespeare, The Winter's Tale, Act IV Scene 4
This is the second month of winter, the 'Gate of the New Year', the first of the Gregorian calendar, and the third month of the Celtic seasonal calendar known as Samhain (see Mystical WWW Months : November introduction), which translated means 'The coming of the dark'.
The name, given to the month of 'January', is derived from the ancient Roman name 'Janus' who presided over the gate to the new year. He was revered as the 'God of Gateways', 'of Doorways' and 'of the Journey', later known as 'St. Januarius'. Janus protected the 'Gate of Heaven', known as the 'Lord of Beginnings', is associated with the 'Goddess Juno-Janus', and often symbolised by an image of a face that looks forwards and backwards at the same time. This symbolism can easily be associated with the month known as for many the start of a new year bodes opportunity, casting out the old and in with the new. It is the time when many reflect on events of the previous year and often resolve to redress or improve some aspect of daily life or personal philosophy. January has traditionally been also associated with the qualities of 'Goddess Venus', 'Freya', 'Hera' and 'Irene', and the Egyptian 'Nile God Hapi' amongst many others.
'Lauwmaand' (The frosty month)
Old Dutch
'Wulf-monath' (Wolf month, a threat in a time of little food)
Old Saxon
'Se oeftera geola' (After yule)
'Forma monath' (First month)
Saxon (after influence of Christianity)
'The Horned One steps forward
bringing darkness, and the end of the year.'
As part of the seasonal calendar January is the time of the 'Wolf Moon' according to Pagan beliefs, and the period described as the 'Moon of Frost in the Tepee' by Black Elk, Mystic and Medicine Man of the Oglala Sioux (Black Elk Speaks, Neihardt).
It is a time when favourable colours to improve personal healing are black (jet stone), white and blue-violet (the colour of crocus flowers). These are the colours often associated with winter whilst the delicate crocus and snowdrops, along with the scented carnation lend beauty and a glimpse of the fine weather to come in spring to a time of austerity.
The herbs and produce of the woodland too are closely connected, with nuts and cones, musk, marjoram and mimosa lending sweetness. As the second month of the winter calendar the holy thistle too reminds us of the link with winters rule and faith tested in times of extreme hardships. (See Mystical WWW Plants, & Trees for more folklore information).
The fox (See Mystical WWW Mystic's Menagerie : Animals, for more folklore information) and its brother on a distant shore the coyote find the ability to retrieve food in the harshest of environments. As we approach spring birds too are seen to be remembered with January, with the pheasant appearing from the hedgerow and the jay (and the blue-jay) taking to the wing as a sign of the skies and earth giving hope of insect life and nesting materials. (See Mystical WWW Mystic's Menagerie : Birds, for more folklore information). A traditional belief amongst farmers in the British Isles said that a mild January was an omen of wet weather to come (from February through to May) and would give a bad crop in the field.
'Bid the past farewell,
and receive the year that has just been born.'
As part of the astrological calendar, January has many associations. This is the month of the house of Capricorn (December 20 - January 20) and the house of Aquarius (21 January - February 18). Capricorn is the tenth sign of zodiac and depicted by the symbol of the 'Goat'. The resolve to achieve is evidenced by Capricorn's who work hard and long, like the goat, slowly but surely to reach the top of their mountain until they wish to move on to new and better pastures. The sign is said to embody authority and maturity being associated with the stage of latter life of the adult.
Here is the chance for a Capricorn to work and rework ideas to get it right, as second best is not bad but things can always be better. In ancient Babylonian mythology Capricorn was depicted as the 'God Ea', fish-tailed, also known as the 'Antelope of the Sea'. Capricorn is also known by the name the 'Gate of Death' (opposite sign Cancer, 'Gate of Birth'). This is the time when the Sun enters its tenth phase of the journey and a time of new wisdom; Ea is seen to rise from the deep waters and instruct Man on the divine wisdom.
'Saturn' is the ruling planet of Capricorn bringing with it the qualities of wisdom, security, self-control, discipline, determination, responsibility and limitation. Saturn is also known as 'Lord of Saturday', 'Kronos' or 'Time' (See Mystical WWW Mystical Time : Days of the Week). Capricorn is a cardinal and negative earth sign associated with the statement 'I master' and 'I will refine'. It rules the skin, knees and bones. It is associated with the Aspen, Elder, Elm, Pine, Poplar, Weeping Willow and Yew (See Mystical WWW Trees), and with Burdock, Hemlock, Holly and the Black & Red Poppy (See Mystical WWW Plants, & Language of Flowers).
Colours associated with Capricorn are black, earth tones, indigo and orange. The main stone associated with Capricorn is the Garnet, and the main stone associated with December is the Turquoise (See Mystical WWW Mystical Time : Rhymes & Time - Language of Gems).
Lucky number is eight, lucky day Saturday. Metal associated is lead.
‘'In spring, when woods are getting green,
I'll try and tell you what I mean:
In summer, when the days are long,
Perhaps you'll understand the song?'
Aquarius is the eleventh sign of the zodiac and depicted as 'Ganymede', a youthful male water carrier, also known as the 'God with Two Streams'. Ganymede became cup-bearer to the 'Olympian Gods', ruled over by 'Zeus', and borne to 'Mount Olympus' on the back of an eagle. Out of the carrier springs new wisdom, for the good of humanity.
The 'Age of Aquarius', generally thought to commence around 2000 AD, is foreseen as one which will embody these qualities. It is also the subject of many predictions, some of which indicate Armageddon, the Second Coming of Christ, one of major natural cataclysmic occurrences, and a shift in the earth's axis. Yet the New Age is also the subject of excitement not because as it has been suggested the beginning of Aquarius will prelude either the weakening or strengthening of Christianity, but that with the new era comes a religion will be wholly embraced. So far this has been deemed to be one based on the now famous statement 'Make love not war'. A desire to move away from materialism and violence is predicted to surface.
There has, however, been extreme concern shown on the place of drugs in all this with some predicting that the New Age will signal no more than the beginning of a period not of reawakening but of sleep dictated by a drug induced delirium.
'Uranus' is the ruling planet of Aquarius bringing with it the qualities of revolution, change, unpredictability and disruption. Aquarius is a fixed and positive air sign associated with the statement 'I am the embodiment of all that society needs or desires', 'I universalise', and 'I will change'.
It rules the circulation and ankles.
It is associated with the Ash, Birch, Cherry, Elder, Fig, Plum, and the Rowan (See Mystical WWW Trees), and with the flowers Apple, Lemon & Peach Blossom and Orchid (See Mystical WWW Plants, & Language of Flowers).
Colours associated with Aquarius are aquamarine, electric blue and turquoise tones. The main stone associated with Aquarius is the Aquamarine (this also has associations with Pisces, but the main stone associated with the month of January is the Garnet (See Mystical WWW Mystical Time : Rhymes & Time - Language of Gems).
Lucky number is four, lucky day Saturday (See Mystical WWW Mystical Time : Days of the Week).
Metals associated are aluminium and uranium.
'The dream-child moving through a land -
Of wonders wild and new,
In friendly chat with bird or beast -
And half believe it true.'
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A PLEDGE TO PAGAN SPIRITUALITY
by Selena Fox (1960)
I am a Pagan and I dedicate myself to channeling the Spiritual energy of my inner self to help and to heal others and myself.
I know that I am part of the Whole of nature. May I grow in understanding of the Unity of all Nature. May I always walk in balance.
May I always be mindful of the diversity of Nature as well as its Unity. May I always be tolerant of those whose race, appearance, culture and ways differ from my own.
May I use my psychic powers wisely and never use it for aggression or for malevolent purposes.
May I never use it to curtail the free will of others.
May I always remember that I create my own reality and that I have the power within me to create positivity in my life.
May I always take responsibility for my actions be they conscious or unconscious.
May I always act in honorable ways, being honest with myself and others, keeping my word whenever I have given it, fulfilling all responsibilities and commitments I have undertaken to the best of my abilities.
May I always remember that whatever is sent out returns magnified to the sender. The forces of Karma will move swiftly to remind me of my spiritual commitments when I have begun to falter from them. May I use this Karmic feedback to remain strong and committed to my Spiritual ideals in the face of adversity or negativity. May the force of my inner Spirit eliminate all malevolence directed my way and transform it into positive light. May my inner light shine so strongly that malevolence can not even enter my realm of existence.
May I continually grow in wisdom and understanding. May I see every problem that I face, as an opportunity to learn and grow and to develop spiritually.
May I act out of love for other beings on this planet -- to other human, plants, animals, mineral, elementals, spirits or other entities.
May I ever be mindful that the Goddess and God in all their forms dwell within me and that this divinity is reflected through my own Inner Self, my Pagan Spirit.
May I always channel love and light through my being. May my inner Spirit, rather than my Ego self, guide all my thoughts, feelings and actions.
So Mote It Be.
Copyright © 1960 Selena Fox Circle Sanctuary P.O. Box 219 Mt. Horeb, WI 53572 USA.
Copies of the Pledge to Pagan Spirituality by Selena Fox may be downloaded, photocopied, and placed on websites for personal and group use as long as it includes the credit and copyright info noted above. Advance written permission must be obtained for reprinting in publications.
Paganism
Paganism from Latin paganus, meaning "an old country dweller, rustic" is a term which, from a Western perspective, has come to connote a broad set of spiritual or cultic practices or beliefs of any folk religion, and of historical and contemporary polytheistic religions in particular.
The term can be defined broadly, to encompass the faith traditions outside the Abrahamic monotheistic group of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The group so defined includes the Dharmicreligions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Native American religions and mythologies and Shinto as well as non-Abrahamic ethnic religons in general. More narrow definitions will not include any of the world religions and restrict the term to local or rural currents not organized as civil religions. Characteristic of Pagan traditions is the absence of proselytism, and the presence of a living mythology which explains religious practice.
The term "Pagan" is a Christian adaptation of the "Gentile" of Judaism, and as such has an inherent Christian or Abrahamic bias, and pejorative connotations among Westerners, comparable to heathen, and infidel, mushrik and kafir (كافر) in Islam. For this reason, ethnlogists avoid the term "Paganism", with its uncertain and varied meanings, in referring to traditional or historic faiths, preferring more precise categories such as polytheism, shamanism, pantheism, or animism.
Since the later 20th century, however, the words "Pagan" or "Paganism" have become widely and openly used as a self-designation of adherents of polytheistic reconstructionism and neo-Paganism.
Pentagram - Five pointed star often used by Pagans to identify themselves as such. Four of the points represet the elements earth, air, fire and water and the topmost point represents spirit.
Pentacle - Similar to the Pentagram but the circle surrounding it represents the unity of the four elements with spirit. Both the Pentacle and Pentagram are often used as powerful symbols of protection
Goddess - Also known as the Triple Moon or Triple Goddess and represents the three aspects of the goddes, maiden mother and crone. This symbol can be used when female energy or attributes are required
God - Also known as the horned god, he represents both the hunter and the hunted, nature and man. This symbol can be used when wild or masculine energy is needed
 
Earth - Associated with money, prosperity, stability, fertility, grounding and employment Alchemical symbol for earth. One of the four alchemical elements, earth has the properties cold and dry, and symbolizes physical sensation. In esoteric tradition, earth represents the manifestation of matter.
 
Air - Associated with travel, instruction, freedom, study and knowledge Alchemical symbol for air. One of the four alchemical elements, Air has the qualities of coolness and dryness, associations with breath, life, communication, and the holy spirit. In the Latin Alchemical language, it is Flatus, gas. In Ritual Magick and Kabbalah, it is the element overseen by the Archangel, Raphael. The ruler of Air is Peralda, and the elemental spirits associated with air are Sylphs. In Astrology, it rules the signs Aquarius, Gemini, and Libra. The elemental sybols are derived from the hexagram
 
Fire - Associated with protection, passion, courage, strength, authority, sex, energy and banishing negativity. The upward pointing triangle is the alchemical symbol for fire. One of the four classical elements, fire has the properties of heat and dryness, and symbolizes the "fiery" emotions- love, hate, passion, compassion, empathy, anger, etc., as well as spiritual aspiration- those actions of intent which bring us closer to the divine. Fire is represented in numerous cultures as the tringle, symbolising rising force.
 
Water - Associated with purification, love, dreams, sleep, friendship, psychic awareness and peace. The alchemical/magical symbol for water is an inverted triangle, symbolizing downward flow. The downward pointing triangle is an ancient symbol of femininity, being a representation of female genitalia. One of the four alchemical elements, water has the properties cold and moist, and symbolizes intuition, the unconscious mind, and the enclosing, generating forces of the womb.
Neo-paganism
In another sense, which according to Religious Tolerance.org should be the primary definition as used by modern practitioners who embrace the term for themselves, Paganism is a polytheistic, panentheistic, or pantheistic religious practice, often nature-based. Most Pagans consider themselves to be religious, however some others use the term for a form of Atheism, Agnosticism, or philosophy. Neopaganism includes reconstructed religions such as Hellenic polytheism, Celtic Reconstructionist Paganism, and the many Germanic revivals such as Ásatrú, Heathenry, Norse paganism and Theodism. Due to the fact that Reconstructionist religions are polytheistic revivals and elaborations based on surviving cultural practices, many Reconstructionists prefer to be called Pagans, not Neo-pagans. It might best be assessed that they inhabit a grey area between Pagan and Neopagan. Further, some Reconstructionists reject the classifications of Pagan and Neopagan altogether and prefer terms such as polytheists, "traditionalists", or names in the languages of their specific cultures.
Also categorised as Neo-pagan are religions such as Forn Sed, Neo-druidism, Longobardic Odinism, Lithuanian Romuva, and Slavic Rodoverie that also claim to revive an ancient religion rather than reconstruct it, though in general the difference is not absolutely fixed.
Modern eclectic traditions such as Discordianism, and Wicca and its many offshoots, are Neopagan, although Wiccans and Wiccan-influenced Neopagans may also refer to themselves simply as "Pagan".
Many of the "revivals", Wicca and Neo-druidism in particular, have their roots in 19th century Romanticism and retain noticeable elements of occultism or theosophy that were current then, setting them apart from historical rural (paganus) folk religion. The Íslenska Ásatrúarfélagið is a notable exception in that it was derived more or less directly from remnants in rural folklore.
Still, some practitioners even of syncretized and eclectic traditions tend to object to the term "Neopaganism" for their religion as they consider what they are doing not to be a new thing. It must be said, also, that since the 1990s, the number of reconstructionist movements that reject romantic or occult influences has increased, even if those Neopagans who make a conscious effort to separate pre-Christian from romanticism influences are still a minority.
Many current Pagans in industrial societies base their beliefs and practices on a connection to Nature, and a divinity within all living things, but this may not hold true for all forms of Paganism, past or present. Some believe that there are many deities, while some believe that the combined subconscious spirit of all living things forms the universal deity. Ancient Greek Paganism, which tended in many cases to be a deification of the local deity, as Athena in Athens, saw each local emanation as an aspect of an Olympian deity during the Classical period and then after Alexander to syncretize the deity with the political process, with "state divinities" increasingly assigned to various localities, as Roma personified Rome. Many ancient regimes would claim to be the representative on earth of these gods, and would depend on more or less elaborate bureaucracies of state-supported priests and scribes to lend public support to their claims.
In one well-established sense, Paganism is the belief in any non-monotheistic religion, which would mean that the Pythagoreans of ancient Greece would not be considered Pagan in that sense, since they were monotheist, but not in the Abrahamic tradition. In an extreme sense, and like the pejorative sense below, any belief, ritual or pastime not sanctioned by a religion accepted as orthodox by those doing the describing, such as Burning Man, Halloween, or even Christmas, can be described as "pagan" by the person or people who object to them and the individuals who choose to claim this title.
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