Reading some basic introductory textbooks on paganism and new religious movements, I am coming to understand that paganism is essentially a step backward. That isn’t to say that it is uncivilized, behind the times, or a bunch of crock. Paganism steps back from the normal diversions and divisions between man and nature. It steps away from modernity. It rekindles mystery and magic. Though parts of some pagan movements may be new, its roots are very, very old.

During my month of paganism I am going to be taking up cartomancy, which is divination through cards, such as the classic Tarot deck or a simple playing card deck. I picked up a book and deck of playing cards a few years ago, but never did much with them. Now I hope to be able to do basic spreads by the end of the month, or ideally by the solstice.

Divination seems to me to be one of the quintessential characteristics of paganism. It involves interactions between people and the natural world, the proliferation of supernaturalism and mystery. It brings us back to the times when we didn’t know everything about the world, when there were still forces at work which we did not understand. Divination is about the magic and mystery of nature, of the things about us and the world which we do not understand. That stuff that leaves room for superstition, spirits, Gods, and Goddesses. Old things and old beliefs.

Paganism, in my mind, is a very general term for indigenous religions, animism, and the spiritual religions of Africa. We will be following a certain set of practices based on western Paganism, but I will be doing my best to write about a very large variety of religions that I think fall under this category. Expect to see topics concerning Native American religions, Voudon, Wicca, ritual magic, and various forms of divination.

Once upon a time we cared about nature and the magic of life. Paganism remembers those days, and seems to still be keeping them alive.