Becoming a Reborn Pagan

Sometimes I get a lot of flak from re-purposing a term from another religion. My defense of the term stems from our belief in rebirth and reincarnation. We are constantly, both physically and spiritually, being reborn. I use this term as a goal marker for Seekers investigating a free, nature-loving religion. Many of us in today’s society are looking to reconnect to Mother Nature, to the cycles of the cosmos, and to others who follow the Old Ways. They are looking to be reborn in the Old Faith, allowing their previous religion to whither and die. If these Seekers can find comfort in this religion, then they can achieve the goal of being reborn as pagans.

After a year (or more) of training and participation, a new Seeker restarts their spiritual life with us and our tribal community. Like in other religions, we cleanse or baptize them with the elements of our faith. This clears away the contaminants and grime from their non-pagan life. It sets the slate clean for a new Pagan start. The most difficult part is changing a Seeker’s world view from a “Good vs. Evil” paradigm to “Polytheistic Animism”. Think of it as moving from seeing only two colors, black and white, to seeing a million shades of color—or the difference between an ink drawing and a photograph.

The goal for those wishing to be reborn is to join a religion that welcomes and suits their needs. Being a Reborn Pagan is an uplifting experience. The rewards are happiness and gods that answer prayers.

A few quick steps will help you on your way to shifting your mind’s thought process.

• Use the phrase “Oh gods”, not ‘oh god’.
  
• Use the phrase “Gods bless you”, not ‘god bless you’.
  
• Use the phrase “May your deeds be forgotten”, not ‘go to hell’.
  
• Be nice to others because it is right to do, not because you’ll go to some make-believe heaven.
  
• Pray with your head held high, not lowered down or in a groveling manner.
  
• Don’t attend boring religious services. Religion should be fun and glorious.
  
• Sacrifice often to your gods.

As a Reborn Pagan, it is our actions that are important not that we believe unquestionably in some re-edited, holy document. Correct actions and character are the heart of our faith. We walk our talk. Diversity is the key to survival and to Life. Remove diversity (of thought, food, or species) and you handicap the natural cycles and systems put in place to support Life.