Paganism
About
Pagans are a diverse community that share a reverence for nature. They include Wiccans, Druids, Shamans, Sacred Ecologists, Odinists and Heathens. While they vary in their different practices, most Pagans believe in the spirituality of the natural world.
Paganism is linked to themes of ecology, witchcraft, Celtic traditions, and deity worship. Due to historic persecution and misrepresentation, it’s important to highlight that Pagans are not sexual deviants, devil worshippers, or evil “black magic” people.
End of Life
Many Pagans believe in reincarnation or the union of the spirit with nature. They tend to accept death as a natural part of life’s continued journey, with the elements fire, water, earth and air often playing a theme. They usually want to know when they are dying so they can consciously prepare.
Pagan rituals commonly begin with some form of spiritual support for the dying person, where they can be caressed tenderly, sung to, and given the chance to discuss their fears and feelings about the dying process or afterlife with their loved ones.
Some Pagans, such as NeoWiccans, see the afterlife as an eternal summer of grassy fields and flowing rivers that is neither heaven nor hell, known as the Summerland. Others see it as a realm without form where different energies coexist with the energy of their Gods and Goddesses.
After Death
Because Paganism is so varied, it’s hard to define specific funeral standards. Reflecting the personal beliefs and wishes of the deceased is usually of great importance, such as any preferences of being viewed in an open casket, style of funeral, their choices over organ donation, and whether to have a wake.
Both burial and cremation are generally accepted, and natural or green burials are most popular to reflect the Pagan association with nature. Pagan funerals often take place outside or within a crematorium, and may include eulogies, music, poetry readings, and prayers to different Gods and Goddesses. Again, the four elements are a common feature; the Air in the East, Fire in the South, Water in the West and Earth in the North.
Sometimes a wake follows with drinks, food, music, dancing, and more readings. These might be held at home, community halls, restaurants, or private gardens, and can be akin to traditional Christian wakes. Either way, all these preferences tend to be decided by the dying person’s personal wishes ahead of their death, or that of their loved ones.