Giving thanks is a tradition that has roots in paganism. In ancient times, people would express gratitude to the gods for a successful harvest or other blessings. This practice was a way of showing appreciation for the abundance of nature and the divine forces that controlled it. In pagan cultures, giving thanks was often a communal event, with elaborate rituals and ceremonies. People would come together to offer sacrifices, prayers, and songs of praise. These ceremonies were believed to ensure the continued goodwill of the gods and secure their ongoing blessings.
These ceremonies were believed to ensure the continued goodwill of the gods and secure their ongoing blessings. The idea of giving thanks has evolved over time, but the core concept remains the same – expressing gratitude for the abundance in our lives. Today, we may not offer sacrifices to gods or participate in elaborate rituals, but the spirit of giving thanks lives on.
Giving thanks pagan tradition
(You alone will know when to perform this ritual. It can be done at any phase of the moon, during the day or night, whenever needed.)
You'll need one large white or pink bowl; one white candle; water; small, fresh flowers (white blooms are best) and one piece of white cotton cloth.
Place the bowl on the altar (or on any table). If desired, cast a circle. Affix the white candle to the center of the bowl with warmed beeswax or with drippings from another white candle (so that the bowl acts as a candle holder).
Pour water into the bowl. Float the fresh flowers on the surface of the water. Light the candle.
Visualize your reason for the ritual; remember why you're thanking the Goddess and God. Touch the water on both sides of the candle with your fingertips, saying these or similar words:
Lady of the Moon, of the stars and the Earth;
Lord of the Sun, of the forests and the hills;
I perform a ritual of thanks.
My love shines like the flame;
My love floats like the petals
Upon You.
Lady of the Waters, of flowers and the sea;
Lord of the Air, of horns and of fire;
I perform a ritual of thanks.
My love shines like the flame;
My love floats like the petals
Upon You.
Lady of the Caves, of cats and snakes;
Lord of the Plains, of falcons and stags;
I perform a ritual of thanks.
My love shines like the flame;
My love floats like the petals
Upon You.
Look into the candle's flame, then down into the water. Blow gently upon the water's surface and watch the flowers' movements. Meditate. Commune. Thank.
When it's time, remove the petals from the water. Place them in the center of the white cotton cloth. Wrap the cloth around the petals. If you've cast a circle, close it now. End your rite of thanks by quenching the candle's flame, pouring the water onto the ground and burying the flowers in the Earth. It is done.
Look into the candle's flame, then down into the water. Blow gently upon the water's surface and watch the flowers' movements. Meditate. Commune. Thank.
Modern celebrations such as Thanksgiving and Harvest festivals can be traced back to these ancient pagan traditions. These holidays serve as reminders to pause and reflect on our blessings, to acknowledge the abundance in our lives, and to express gratitude for what we have. Giving thanks is an important practice that helps us cultivate a positive mindset and appreciate the goodness in our lives. When we express gratitude, we acknowledge the interconnectedness of all beings and recognize the role that others play in our happiness. In today's fast-paced world, it can be easy to forget the importance of giving thanks. However, taking the time to cultivate an attitude of gratitude can bring immense benefits to our mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. It helps us shift our focus from what we lack to what we have, fostering contentment, optimism, and a sense of abundance. So, let us embrace the pagan tradition of giving thanks, not just on specific holidays, but as a daily practice. Let us take a moment each day to reflect on our blessings, express gratitude to those around us, and cultivate a spirit of appreciation for the abundance in our lives. For in giving thanks, we open ourselves up to even more blessings and deepen our connection to the world around us..
Reviews for "Celebrating Thanksgiving: A Pagan Legacy"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I found the book "Giving thanks pagan tradition" to be misleading. The title suggests that it will explore the ancient pagan roots of Thanksgiving, but instead, it focuses on modern practices and rituals. I was looking for a historical analysis, and this book failed to deliver. The writing style was also dry and repetitive, making it a tedious read overall. I would not recommend this book to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the pagan origins of Thanksgiving.
2. Mark - 1 star - I was extremely disappointed with "Giving thanks pagan tradition". The author seemed to be more interested in pushing their own personal beliefs about paganism rather than providing well-researched information. It felt like a biased and one-sided account of Thanksgiving's supposed pagan connections. Additionally, the writing was convoluted and lacked clarity. I was left unconvinced and unsatisfied after reading this book, and I would not recommend it to anyone seeking an objective exploration of Thanksgiving's pagan ties.
3. Emily - 2 stars - I was excited to delve into the topic of pagan traditions surrounding Thanksgiving, but this book left me underwhelmed. The author's arguments were weak and often contradictory. Furthermore, the lack of credible sources and evidence undermined the book's credibility. I expected a more well-researched and evidence-based exploration, but instead, I was left with a shallow and unconvincing narrative. If you're looking for a comprehensive examination of Thanksgiving's pagan origins, I would suggest looking for other sources.