Curiosity on Differences By: CHCSorceress / Novice
Post # 1 Apr 04, 2013
I know they are different but I would like someone who follows the practices explain them. (Other then the Deities) What are they differences between Heathenry and Paganism? Are they sister (so to speak) religions/practices?
I am researching my ancestery and I am finding different lineages going back into both and was wondering.
I want to see how much of their influence has passed down into mine/me.
That and it sounded like a good discussion question.
Pagan refers to non-Abrahamic religious beliefs. These can be pre-Christian like Grecian paganism and heathenry, or newer faiths like Wicca. They can be polytheistic or monotheitic. In short, Pagan is an umbrella term for multiple faiths.
Heathenry is a belief in Norse/Germanic gods and the other spirits (wights) of that tradition. The peoples of Scandinavia, Germany, Northern France, and England at one time observed beliefs of this sort.
There are differing traditions from each culture's form of heathenry, but they are still extremely similar.
I suggest you read these articles as they will cover the basics.
Re: Curiosity on Differences By: CHCSorceress / Novice
Post # 3 Apr 05, 2013
She has been giving me information on the Norse side. My ancestors come from North men/Vikings on my mothers Fathers side and on my mothers mothers side they are from England area. We have everything from German, Swiss,Scandinavian, Polish, Sweden, and Irish to Native American, French Canadian and more. I am a Heinz 57 so to speak, but I wanted to focus on the majority consintrated in one area (in a manner of speaking).
Personified has been busy, I think. Because I have messaged her several times with no response. But I believe she will when she can and is able to.
Re: Curiosity on Differences By: Personified / Knowledgeable
Post # 4 Apr 06, 2013
All Heathens are Pagans, but not all Pagans are Heathens.
Paganism is like a tree with a lot of branches heading off in different directions. Using this analogy, Heathenry is a branch off of the Paganism tree.