By Jacob Ogles. Roman gods fulfilled different functions corresponding to various aspects of life. Gods and Goddesses, Pagan God early and clearly commanded the descendants of Abraham not to have any other gods besides him (Exod 20:3). Both the literary settings of some important myths and many important sanctuaries relate to locations that were … In Roman mythology, Zeus' name is often given as Jupiter. Hellenism originated in and is practiced in Greece and in other countries. We've been around a long time. The ancient Romans worshipped gods and goddesses involved with every aspect of life. Gaia was known as the life force from which all other beings sprang, including the earth, the sea and the mountains. The ancient Greeks honored a wide variety of gods, and many are still worshiped today by Hellenic Pagans. Apollo — Greek/Roman young solar God, God of light, truth and prophecy, God of archery, medicine … This is because that, while Wicca draws on older beliefs and principles, it’s a fairly young and modern religion. Pagan Gods and the naming of the days. Scripture reveals the names and order of Biblical months, however, none of the customary names of months and names of days found in the Gregorian calendar can be found anywhere in the Bible. Despite her husband's philandering ways -- or perhaps because of them -- she is the guardian of marriage and the sanctity of the home. Regardless, at some point, you're going to have to sit and sort them all out. They loved, they hated, they killed their enemies and bestowed gifts upon their lovers. Greece is no exception. Every day of the week, religious and non-religious people alike follow the old pagan tradition of giving thanks to the gods of old. Let's look at the Role of Prayer in Modern Paganism. If you don't have a specific, written tradition, then how do you know which gods to call upon? There’s arguably no Pagan religion that’s been as influential on language, politics, philosophy, art, and literature. Sometimes remnants of the old culture and religion remained, however, and rather than discarding the old gods entirely, some cultures re-branded the native gods as Christian saints. While this is by no means a complete list, it's a good place to get started. For the Greeks, much like many other ancient cultures, the deities were a part of daily life, not merely something to be chatted with in times of need. … Jupiter, the chief of the gods, was the deity of rain and storms, while his … Let's talk about the concept of Appropriate Worship. Although the Celts consisted of societies all over the British Isles and parts of Europe, some of their gods and goddesses have become a part of modern Pagan practice. Gods and Goddesses. In modern Pagan religions, people often feel drawn towards many of the ancient gods. There are both reconstructionist Modern Celtic Pagans and syncretic Modern Celtic Pagans who also incorporate Wicca and other traditions into their religion. Ahura Mazda, a major God in Zoroastrian religion became Ador Ormazd (Saint Ahura Mazda) in the early Syriac Christian church. Patti Wigington is a pagan author, educator, and licensed clergy. Like Wiccan Goddesses and Pagan Goddess names, the Wiccan Gods are derived from many different cultures around the world. Norse women honored Frigga as a goddess of marriage. Their pleas and offerings are documented in the hieroglyphs that adorn the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs, in the carvings and inscriptions left for us to read by the philosophers and teachers of ancient Greece and Rome. The wolf gods detailed here are: Odin, Lycaon, and Mars. The conquests of Alexander the Great of Macedon took the Greek culture throughout the Near East. Bear in mind that despite the reciprocal nature of our relationship with the divine, it's not a matter of "I'm offering you this stuff so you'll grant my wish." Quetzalcoatl 2. This strict, undivided loyalty was the basis of the covenant relationship God established between himself and the people of Israel. Not all Christian saints came from Roman and Greek Pagan deities. Name Of Pagan/False god: Baal-Zebub (Beelzebub in NT Greek) Worshipped By/In: Ekron In Philstine Bible References: (Total Verses): 2 Kin 1:2,3,6,16 (4 OT)(6 NT) These posts contain detailed information for various Greek Gods and Goddesses, including associations with elements, Sabbats and other gods, different names they may have been known by, a description of their origins, stories and lore surrounding them and more. The Norse culture honored a wide variety of gods, and many are still worshipped today by Asatruar and Heathens. Here are some of the most important Gods and Goddesses of the Ancient Greeks. Doomed to spend his life ugly and unloved, Priapus was tossed down to earth when the other gods refused to let him live on Mount Olympus. The “mythical” pagan “gods” of antedeluvian times were Nephilim…..offspring of the fallen angels breeding with the “daughters of men”….superhuman in size and abilities,and by human standards practically immortal….most perished in the Flood,but a few … Although technically, Athena is a warrior goddess, she is not the same sort of war god that Ares is. Xipe-Totec - God of force, patron of war, agriculture, vegetation, diseases, seasons, rebirth, hunting, trades, and spring; lord of the east 3. Tezcatlipoca - God of hurricanes and night winds 1. Harald Sund / Photographer's Choice / Getty Images, Kris Ubach and Quim Roser /Collection Mix / Getty Images. Ehecatl - God of wind 3. Chances are good that someone is listening. It's only mythology if the characters never existed. This isn’t difficult and should be a fun part of your pagan practice. Read Later ; Print. First of all, this explanation is not for all Gods, since many God's, a good percentage of them would have to do with nature and celestial objects. Demeter was a goddess of grain and of the harvest in ancient Greece. Here are a few tips on Working With Deity. 1. Adherents of the ancient Greek religion, called Hellenism, gather at Mt. The “mythical” pagan “gods” of antedeluvian times were Nephilim…..offspring of the fallen angels breeding with the “daughters of men”….superhuman in size and abilities,and by human standards practically immortal….most perished in the Flood,but a few … Druidry or Druidism is a Pagan religion that seeks to the “greatest yearnings” of humanity. There's Inspired designs on t-shirts, posters, stickers, home decor, and more by independent artists and designers from around the world. Patti Wigington is a pagan author, educator, and licensed clergy. Many people get confused on what offerings to give their gods, goddesses, and ancestors. As a goddess of childbirth, she was often invoked for rites of puberty, and in some cases watched over maidens who were beginning to menstruate. She was known to fly into jealous tirades, and wasn’t above using her husband's illegitimate offspring as weapons against their own mothers. Eventually, Hecate evolved to become a goddess of magic and sorcery. The ancient Greeks honored a wide variety of gods, and many are still worshiped today by Hellenic Pagans. While some traditions of Wicca and Paganism honor an all-encompassing "The God" or "The Goddess", others worship specific deities. You can find various followings of different Gods, or groups that worship many Gods and Goddesses from different pantheons. Gaia herself caused life to spring forth from the earth, and is also the name given to the magical energy that makes certain locations sacred. He is personified in all kinds of love and lust and was worshipped at the center of a fertility cult that honored both Eros and Aphrodite together. The worship of many Gods is linked throughout all of the Pagan religions; Wicca, Druidism, Witchcraft and Neo-Paganism. Numerous cults dedicated to Artemis sprouted up around the Greek world, most of which were connected to women's mysteries, such as childbirth, puberty, and motherhood. And the wolf goddesses: The Morrighan, Skadi, Artemis, Diana, and Leto. A gay cupbearer on Mount Olympus? Europe is in the midst of a pagan revival. In fact, the word erotic comes from his name. A prominent figure in Greek mythology, Gaia is also honored by many Wiccans and Pagans today. Hera is known as the first of Greek goddesses. High quality Ancient Greece Pagan Greek Gods gifts and merchandise. Here are some of the best-known Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Egypt. Some American law-makers recently characterized Hinduism as pagan. He was seen as a protector deity in rural areas. (Many pagan deities were known by … An ancient tradition, it was originally practiced in classical Greece. Hestia was the deity who watched over the home fires, and offered sanctuary and protection to strangers. There tends to be some question about what, exactly, is the right offering to make to the gods or goddesses of one's tradition, and how we should honor them when making those offerings. Gods and goddesses of the ancient world often … He is associated with nature, wooded areas and pasturelands, from which his name is derived. Hellenic Paganism refers to pagans devoted to the Olympian deities. Across Europe, different cultures are attempting to revive their pre-Christian religious heritage. Some gods … Originally, she was a deity who simply doled out what people had coming to them, whether good or bad. There's For example, Aphrodite of the Greek pantheon is the goddess of love and fertility. Twelve gods. Hera also played a crucial role in the story of the Trojan War. He was known not only for his own exploits in battle, but also for getting involved in disputes between others. As a goddess of war, Athena often shows up in Greek legend to assist various heroes -- Heracles, Odysseus and Jason all got a helping hand from Athena. Hades was the Greek god of the underworld. Although the movement is small, there is a religious movement attempting to revive the worship of the ancient Greek gods .One name for this revival of the ancient Greek religion is Hellenismos, or simply Hellenism. Olympus to worship. White or transparent. As wife of Zeus, she's the leading lady of all the Olympians. Some you may recognize, some you may not. Greece has seen a resurgence of the once ancient religion of the Greek gods of mythology, with neo-pagan practitioners gathering at Mt. On the contrary, a little research shows us that the name of the months and days in the Gregorian calendar are names of pagan sun gods and goddesses. Because he’s unable to get out much, and doesn’t get to spend a lot of time with those who are still living, Hades focuses on increasing the underworld’s population levels whenever he can. Dec 9, 2019 - Pagan gods of the Romans. Priapus is considered a god of protection. Master all heroes, each with their own unique playstyle and earn unique rewards. Hades – Greek God of the Underworld and Death Hephaestus – Greek God of the Forge, of technology, craftsmen, sculptors, fire and volcanoes. With the coming of Christianity, the Original Pagan Gods were blasphemed as monsters. While Ares goes to war with frenzy and chaos, Athena is the goddess who helps warriors make wise choices that will eventually lead to victory. In many Pagan and Wiccan traditions, it's not uncommon to make some sort of offering or sacrifice to the gods. https://www.learnreligions.com/about-hellenic-polytheism-2562548 The Greek Gods and their stories have always been embedded in the heart of Western civilization. 8 Common Belief Systems in the Modern Pagan Community, Appropriate Worship - Honoring the Gods the Way They Want. Greek religion was a predominant form of early Paganism and as a result their religion reflected many central ideas and concepts of earlier forms of Paganism, such as Druidism, both ancient and Modern and Witchcraft and Wicca. Greece has seen a resurgence of the once ancient religion of the Greek gods of mythology, with neo-pagan practitioners gathering at Mt. She is the author of Daily Spellbook for the Good Witch, Wicca Practical Magic and The Daily Spell Journal. Hermes – Greek God of boundaries and travelers, shepherds and cowherds, orators, writers and poets, invention, commerce, and thieves. She was venerated as a mother goddess, and during the Ptolemaic period in Alexandria was elevated to her position as goddess of ghosts and the spirit world. But the majority of the most common names for Pagan Gods come from the Greek and Roman pantheons, with a large dollop of Egyptian Gods and Hindu Gods as well. Ludwig Feuerbach defined the paganism of classical antiquity, which he termed Heidentum ('heathenry') as "the unity of religion and politics, of spirit and nature, of god and man", qualified by the observation that man in the pagan view is always defined by ethnicity, i.e. It's more along the lines of "I honor you and respect you, so I'm giving you this stuff to show you how much I appreciate your intervention on my behalf." In Greek legend and mythology, Pan is known as a rustic and wild god of the forest. In particular, she was invoked against those whose hubris and arrogance got the better of them, and served as a force of divine reckoning. Olympus to worship. [fuggle26] Not all Pagan saints are even based on Pagan Gods. The Pagan gods are neither good or evil, because they are beyond the spectrum of good and evil. Male lovers of the god included the satyr Ampelos and the famously handsome Adonis. Learn Religions uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. The Abrahamic religious traditions, as Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are collectively called, associate paganism with the worship of many gods, and their many idols. The earliest evidence of Greek religious practice involving twelve gods (Greek: δωδεκάθεον, dōdekátheon, from δώδεκα dōdeka, "twelve" and θεοί theoi, "gods") comes no earlier than the late sixth century BC. In classical myth, Athena never took any lovers, and was often revered as Athena the Virgin, or Athena Parthenos. Wicca is a unique Pagan religion in that we really don’t have our own pantheon of Gods. Leaders of the movement claimed in 2005 that there are as many as 2,000 adherents to the Hellenic tradition in Greece, with an additional 100,000 who have "some sort of interest". We speak the names of the gods on a daily basis and most people do not even realise it. Some Hellenes object to being described as "Pagan" at all, simply because many people assume that all Pagans are Wiccans, which Hellenistic Polytheism definitely isn't. Anubis guided the souls of the dead through the underworld. In addition to the revival of Greek, Germanic, and Slavic forms of paganism, there is also an attempt to revive Celtic paganism. Many Pagan deities are associated with various aspects of the human experience, such as love, death, marriage, fertility, healing, war, and so forth. All orders are custom made and most ship worldwide within 24 hours. Meet some of the gods and goddesses found in contemporary traditions. Kirk points out in The Nature of Greek Myths, with the oral rebirth of his brothers and sisters, Zeus, once the youngest, became the oldest. She is the author of Daily Spellbook for the Good Witch, Wicca Practical Magic and The Daily Spell Journal. In Greece, a couple of organizations have emerged promoting a revival of the ancient Greek religion under the name “Hellenism.” The Hellenists also call themselves Dodekatheists or believers in twelve gods, namely the Olympian deities. Often described as a son of Aphrodite by her lover Ares, the god of war, Eros was a Greek god of lust and primal sexual desire. It was polytheistic, consisting of the worship of many Gods. According to legend, before his birth, Hera cursed Priapus with impotence as payback for Aphrodite's involvement in the whole Helen of Troy fiasco. In ancient Greek religion and mythology, Pan (/ p æ n /; Ancient Greek: Πάν, romanized: Pán) is the god of the wild, shepherds and flocks, nature of mountain wilds, rustic music and impromptus, and companion of the nymphs. The Morrigan in Celtic mythology is associated with war and death on the battlefield. This was the view of Tertullian (160-229), who is known as the “founder of western theology” who believed that because pagan gods were supposedly deified human beings, they weren’t real. Prayer is a very personal thing. This raises the question: is Hinduism a pagan religion? Certainly it's almost impossible to imagine people in the 21 st century believing in the old gods in anything like the same way their ancient worshipers did. The Christians therefore attributed the actions of the Pagan Gods to daemons, identified as fallen angels." Many cultures have a goddess of hearth and domesticity, and the Greeks were no exception. There are literally thousands of different deities out there in the Universe, and which ones you choose to honor will often depend significantly upon what pantheon your spiritual path follows. (Source: Solitary Witch by Silver RavenWolf) Keep in mind: This is in no way a complete list. Here is a collection of some of the best known gods and goddesses of modern Paganism, as well as some tips on how to make offerings to them and interact with them. Mar 23, 2020 - Explore Hearthfire Handworks's board "Greek Gods - Poseidon", followed by 2133 people on Pinterest. In some cases, we may choose to ask a deity for assistance in a magical working or in problem solving. Hellenismos would be Pagan. Hecate has a long history as a goddess, from her days in pre-Olympian times to the present. 'Greek' Wicca, Greco-Wicca or 'Hellenistic' Wicca. Eager for souls to cross the river Styx and join fief, Hades is also the god of proper burial. The Gods of Pagan mythologies are involved not in an elaborate theology, but in an interweaving of tales of basic human-like needs, urges and relationships - sometimes mapped to … An ancient tradition, it was originally practiced in classical Greece. He is associated with the animals that live in the woods, as well as with the sheep and goats in the fields. Pan is considered to be one of the oldest of Greek gods. Hellenic Paganism refers to pagans devoted to the Olympian deities. For the Norse and Germanic societies, much like many other ancient cultures, the deities were a part of daily life, not merely something to be chatted with in times of need. Different types of deities seem to respond best to Different Kinds of Offerings. God early and clearly commanded the descendants of Abraham not to have any other gods besides him ( Exod 20:3).This strict, undivided loyalty was the basis of the covenant relationship God established between himself and the people of Israel. The local town hall served as a shrine for her -- and any time a new settlement was formed, settlers would take a flame from their old village to the new one. Outside Greece, Hellenic religious organizations began to emerge around 1998, with some individuals claiming to have been engaging in some form of traditional practice since the 1970s. Greek religion and other forms of Paganism were earth based cultures, placing a high respect upon nature. In fact, statues of Priapus were often adorned with warnings, threatening trespassers, male and female alike, with acts of sexual violence as punishment. The Gods and the Wolves. Male lovers … The Greeks believed that the Gods would offer protection and The Greek Pagan religion is commonly called Hellenism, and the Roman Pagan religion is commonly called Religio Romana. As Christianity swept into pagan lands, it officially replaced the old religions. According to legend, she was born fully formed from the white sea form that arose when the god Uranus was castrated. Here are some of the best-known gods and goddesses of the Greek pantheon. No official estimates exist for devotees worldwide. "Probably the clearest example of the survival of an early goddess into Christian times is Brigid, the great triple goddess of the Celtic Irish. Central to Greek religion in classical times were the twelve Olympian deities headed by Zeus.Each god was honored with stone temples and statues, and sanctuaries (sacred enclosures), which, although dedicated to a specific deity, often contained statues commemorating other gods. 20 Gay Greek Gods. She was honored by the ancient Greeks, and is still celebrated by many modern Pagans. Tlaloc - Water god and minor death god; ruler of Tlalocan, a separate underworld from those who died from drowning 2. One issue that comes up often for people learning about Pagan and Wiccan spirituality is the concept of appropriate worship. Pagan Gods and Goddesses Worshipped as Christian Saints Saint Brigid was named after one of the most powerful goddesses of the Pagan religion. Some are based on Pagan … She came ashore on the island of Cyprus, and later was married off by Zeus to Hephaistos, the deformed craftsman of Olympus. The gods and goddesses of ancient Egypt were a complex group of beings and ideas. Some Hellenes object to being described as "Pagan" at all, simply because many people assume that all Pagans are Wiccans, which Hellenistic Polytheism definitely isn't. Paganism: Paganism generally refers to the religions of pre-Christian Europe and the Mediterranean region. Nemesis was a Greek goddess of revenge and retribution. Furthermore, he often served as an agent of justice. By using Learn Religions, you accept our, Profile of Eros, Greek God of Passion and Lust, Gods and Goddesses of Death and the Underworld. Hellenismos would be Pagan. Although he is married to Here, Zeus is well known for his philandering ways. If you're going to study Hellenic Paganism, the exploits of the gods are a must. Here are some of the Deities Honored by the Celts. Messenger of the Gods… Leave a comment To Polyhymnia August 25 2016 7:02 AM EDT. Artemis/Diana – Greek/Roman Goddess of the hunt, virginity, and childbirth, twin sister of Apollo, … Poseidon is the god of the sea, known as "earth-shaker.". The Study of Pagan Gods & Goddesses: Hades, Lord of the Underworld Hades ... For the Greek god Hades, the inevitability of death ensures a vast kingdom. During and after the Middle Ages, the term paganism was applied to any unfamiliar religion, and the term presumed a belief in false god(s). New Testament The pagan gods of the New Testament world were the deities of the Greco-Roman pantheon and certain eastern gods whose myths gave rise to the mystery religions. Olympus. So the question arises, then, of what to offer them? Another link between Greek religion and other forms of Paganism can be seen by their polytheistic nature. Keep in mind that the idea of right or appropriate worship is not about someone telling you what's "right or wrong." Well, it has a lot to do with Eros, the Greek god of and lust. Some Pagans still honor her today because of her connection to times of female transition. Perhaps the best known of all the harvest mythologies is the story of Demeter and Persephone. Artemis was the Greek goddess of both hunting and childbirth. Today, many Hellenic Pagans still honor him as ruler of Olympus. It is simply the concept that one should take the time to do things–including worship and offerings–in a way that is conducive to the demands and needs of the god or goddess in question. Let's look at some of his legends and mythology, and see why this ancient god is still important today. Ever wonder where the word "erotic" comes from? Read more about the different Types of Pagan Deities, so you can figure out which ones you'd like to try working with, depending on your personality and your magical goals. Greeks honored a wide variety of gods, and many are still worshiped today by Hellenic Pagans. Why would people observe a day that honors pagan gods by associating it with Christian saints? At any rate, even if the regurgitation-reversal doesn't persuade you that Zeus could claim to be the oldest, he became the leader of the gods … Wondering about some of the major deities of the ancient Celtic world? Druidry. Still others are connected to different phases of the agricultural cycle, the moon, and the sun.