A Pagan's Theories on Recinarnation

[piemaker720]

I have tried to keep from commenting on this thread topic but the views are getting rediculous. I have nothing against Christianity or Paganism. To sit here and argue about things you could not possibly prove is pointless. I know there is no one who could actually prove there is a heaven or hell. I know of no one that has actually seen it for themselves. I also know you can not prove reincarnation, I have never seen anyone die and come back as something else. You believe what you believe because it is what you read in books or was told. As for as the weakminded they can be swayed either way, they have free will just like the rest of us. I grew up going to The Assembly of God [my dad], my mother is Morman, my step-father was Baptist and I know some Pagans as far as I am concerned I don't care what a person believes in as long as they don't try to push their beliefs on me. A vast difference is what makes up this world so to each his own. Close minded people contribute to the distant between people. The arguement about what came first the egg or the chicken who can prove it. Educate yourself even if that is not your belief then you can at least carry on a conversation with others. Enough said.

[AnimeSpirit]

Originally Posted by piemaker720

A vast difference is what makes up this world so to each his own. Close minded people contribute to the distant between people. The arguement about what came first the egg or the chicken who can prove it. Educate yourself even if that is not your belief then you can at least carry on a conversation with others. Enough said.

That's my point, exactly. No one is saying that research must lead to conversion, but keeping an open mind and gathering some knowledge on others allows you to relate more easily when you interact with people who are different. This leads to peaceful conversation, understanding, and tolerance, things that we all need more and more each day.

[Pocahontas]

I'm trying to educate myself a little. Why does the pentacle or pentagram seem to be synonymous with the devil whereas Pagans use the symbol as well and don't believe in devil worship, right?

[AnimeSpirit]

Originally Posted by Pocahontas

I'm trying to educate myself a little. Why does the pentacle or pentagram seem to be synonymous with the devil whereas Pagans use the symbol as well and don't believe in devil worship, right?

Since you ask out of curiosity, I'd be happy to explain. You're certainly not the first person to ask me about this and not likely to be the last.

First, the "pentagram" is a simple five-pointed star, nothing more. It's the same one we all learned to draw as a child and the same one we see on the American flag and carried by many police officers as badges. When a circle is placed around this star, it becomes the "Pentacle," the primary religious icon for most Pagan paths (yes, there are many various Pagan paths).



The pentacle represents the 5 elements that make up all things in our world: Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Spirit. We have all of these within us and without them, life could not exist. The point of the star facing straight up represents spirit, or that spark of the Divine that we all carry. By placing this point above the others (material elements), we concede that the divine rules over the Earth.

Just as Satanic groups use the reversed cross, they also use the Baphomet, or reversed pentacle (often with a goathead on it). By placing the spirit point down, they are claiming that humans are greater than the Divine. As I don't practice this, or know anyone who does, I cannot intelligently speak any more than that on Satanism, but that's their connection to the pentacle.

[Pocahontas]

Originally Posted by AnimeSpirit

Since you ask out of curiosity, I'd be happy to explain. You're certainly not the first person to ask me about this and not likely to be the last.

First, the "pentagram" is a simple five-pointed star, nothing more. It's the same one we all learned to draw as a child and the same one we see on the American flag and carried by many police officers as badges. When a circle is placed around this star, it becomes the "Pentacle," the primary religious icon for most Pagan paths (yes, there are many various Pagan paths).

Attachment 1910

The pentacle represents the 5 elements that make up all things in our world: Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Spirit. We have all of these within us and without them, life could not exist. The point of the star facing straight up represents spirit, or that spark of the Divine that we all carry. By placing this point above the others (material elements), we concede that the divine rules over the Earth.

Just as Satanic groups use the reversed cross, they also use the Baphomet, or reversed pentacle (often with a goathead on it). By placing the spirit point down, they are claiming that humans are greater than the Divine. As I don't practice this, or know anyone who does, I cannot intelligently speak any more than that on Satanism, but that's their connection to the pentacle.

Attachment 1909

Thanks Anime! I'm really glad you don't use Satan in your worship!