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When dealing with the subject of "Pagan Origins" the first duty is
to determine the sense of which the term "Pagan" is being referred to.
In this particular article, it is used as a reference to the countries
in historic times, that have been at one time or other mainly of Celtic
speech and origin. There is nothing clearer than the marvelous
persistence of immemorial modes of thought regarding whatever ideas on
Paganism that any may bring to the table. This writing is based upon
the scanty remnants of all Celtic religion that are examined, the
clearer it becomes that many of the characteristic features evolved
during the vast period of the ages of stone. During this time, men
evolved into a working philosophy of life. Any who study the origins
are compelled to realize that the names of deities, rites, folk-lore
and legend, the fundamental groundwork for the basic ideals of all
Celtic religion can be seen as far back as the Paleolithic man.
It is not settle in history as to whether the Paleolithic man
survived the Ice Age Celtic speech originated countries. There is
evidence however, that there is continuity between the Paleolithic and
Neolithic periods. So somewhere civilization must obviously existed. We
know, from some of the drawings and carvings that have been
uncovered,that at some point the life of man changed from a hunter to a
tamer of animals. What we do not know is what motivated the change.
Some believe it was a kinship that man developed with the animals
suggesting a "magic" developed between them or at the very least an
alliance with the animals to protect man from hostile spirits. In all
probability, we shall never know the true motivation of the alliance.
The spiritual/religious ideas of man in Neolithic times came into
correlation with his development. Evidence abounds in striking
illustration with uninterrupted stone circles and pillars of the world
stand witness to the zeal of mans mind that was almost haunted by
stone. As you delve further into historical origin, commonalities
between the Celtic, Italian and Greek tongues suggest contact with men
of different speech. The more the relics of Celtic religion are
investigated, the more complex do its contributory factors become. In
the long ages before history books, there were unrecorded conquests and
migrations innumerable, and ideas do not fail to spread because there
is no historian to record them.
Looking back Caesar tells us that Mars had at one time been the
chief god of the Gauls, and that in Germany that was still the case. In
Britain, also, we find that there were several deities identified with
Mars, notably Belatucadrus and Cocidius, and this, too, points in the
direction of a development of religion under military influence. This
is not something most that study the origins of Paganism wish to shed
light upon.
It isn't until late 300 BC do we begin to see what is considered now
to be the fantastic Celtic art of Paganism. From the sketches of Celtic
civilization it is seen, as well as elsewhere, that religious
development is closely related to the development of the civilization
in general. Bear in mind though that all parts of the Celtic world were
not affected in equal proportion between the religious development and
civilization development. This is part of the extreme complexity of
studying the history of Celtic religion. One can not be certain as to
the degree of progress either in civilization or the religious
progress, nor the ideas that pervaded the interests of man at that
time. In addition, accounts given by ancient authorities that were
written do not match up with indisputable evidence, carvings, nor
inscriptions.
Primitive man came to seek a solution not of the Universe as a whole
(for of this he had no conception), but of the local Universe, in which
he played a part. In dealing with Celtic folk-lore, it is very
remarkable how it mirrors the characteristic local coloring and scenery
of the districts in which it has originated.
The same holds true even today. Those who seek a solution to the
true origins of Paganism can only mirror the characteristic of their
own universe in which they live in. The true nature of Paganism itself
is reverence and honor to all things. Since even the Stone Age,
historically it is fact that primitive man held nature at its very
purest form in a place of honor and respect. To that end, I subscribe
to the theory that Paganism was, is, and always will be a part of the
universe as we know it to be. For all man kind has taken heed to the
energies of nature, be it a perceived positive or negative energy.
In conclusion, I hope that the brief sketch, which is based on an
independent study only, will interest students of religion to pause and
reflect without subjectivity, not only the dominant modes of thought
held in the midst of our highly developed and complex world of today
but, with openness of mind and spirit, allow that which is folk-lore
and customs to show them selves as we all grope towards the light of
understanding and spirituality.
All work is copyrighted upon publication by Ashira.
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