paganfed.org
News, updates, and official statements from the Pagan Federation.
1st Buddhist Entry to the Vassa Vassa is a significant term in Theravada Buddhism, referring to the three-month rainy season during which bhikkhus observe strict monastic rules and often remain in one location. This period is dedicated to spiritual practice, deeper meditation, and study of teachings, including the Abhidhamma. https://www.spiritualarts.org.uk/the-entry-to-the-vassa/ 1st Zoroastrian Jashn-e-Tirgan Jashn-e Tirgan … Read more
I was reading a social media post on a local Interfaith organisation’s page recently. I had the honour of representing the Interfaith Network on a visit to one of their Interfaith week events a number of years ago and have been following them ever since. Every year they hold an event that involves an interfaith … Read more
On 22nd June 1951, 75 years ago, the government of the day repealed the Witchcraft Act, ending centuries of criminalisation of Pagan belief and practice. Of course, passing laws (or repealing them) doesn’t change the court of public opinion overnight, and since that significant event in 1951, there have been numerous attempts to cast Pagans … Read more
4th June Christian (Catholic) Corpus Christi Body and Blood of ChristThe Feast of Corpus Christi, also known as the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, is a significant event in the Roman Catholic liturgical calendar. This day is dedicated to celebrating and honouring the Eucharist—the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, … Read more
This month begins with Beltane with symbolism and associations linked to fertility- of the land, of livestock, families and of the mind. I’m aware that there’s a notion that some other faiths and beliefs express displeasure with respect to fertility and more specifically to open discussion of sexual intercourse. That, from my experience, is not … Read more
1st May Pagan BeltaneA festival marking the beginning of Summer, associated with fertility for families, fields, livestock and also of imagination and inspiration. Beltane essentially means ‘Fires of Bel’ and is one of the fire festivals. https://religionmediacentre.org.uk/factsheets/the-festival-of-beltane/ 1st/ 2nd May Baha’i 12th day of Ridvan The Twelfth Day of Ridván is one of the most … Read more
Ask in any Pagan gathering what one might do to connect deeply with a Pagan tradition, it’s a pretty safe bet that many of the responses will be to spend time in nature. It’s a good answer. Within those responses is an implication that you would be learning, and in learning, you’d gain understanding, and … Read more
The Pagan Federation has joined faith and belief leaders from across the UK in signing this joint letter because the right to peaceful protest is an important part of a healthy democratic society and a protection relied upon by many communities, including minority faith groups. As an organisation committed to equality, religious freedom, and the … Read more
Recently, I had someone tell me that Interfaith in their area was dead. What they meant was that disagreements between two major faith communities over world events had reached a point of tension where communication between communities was extremely strained. World events can cause strained relations, and has done so many, many times. Heightened emotions … Read more
Continuing in our commitment to sharing festivals from other faiths so we might better befriend andunderstand our neighbours, as mentioned by Sarah Kerr, our President, here are the Faiths festivalstaking place in March. Christian St. Davids day 1st Marchhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-51649367 Baha’I Fast 2nd to 20th MarchAdherents of the Baháʼí Faith observe a sunrise-to-sunset fast annually for … Read more