Occultist's Notes: Pagan Diversity, Pagan Unity

Paganism, unlike all the unified religions in the world vary depending on location, culture, pantheon, mythos etc. It is as colorful as the flowers in one garden, varied yet beautiful when viewed together. 

As a Pagan in the Philippines, my practice is rooted loosely to the practices of the Cultus Deorum, the Ancient Roman Religion revived by Nova Roma. This modern revival of the worship of the ancient Gods of the Roman culture is beautifully crafted by Nova Roma that they are now practicing the ancient religion as closely as it was observed in the past. As a citizen of this "republic", I am trying my best to observe the religion as close as I can to the source, albeit very challenging. The practice of Roman Paganism in the Philippines is almost non-existent, in my coordination with groups in the country, I have yet to see another Roman Pagan who practices the Cultus Deorum Romanorum. 

Paganism in the Philippines is in fact also very diverse, seeing a lot of Pinoy Pagans practicing a myriad of different practices individually or with a group. Sometimes one "practitioner" would claim to follow multiple Pagan practices, though this ends up badly (based on observing these Pagans). 

In the Philippines, the most common Pagan Religion being observed would be Wicca. Some Wiccans follow specific Traditions and are initiated in Wiccan Churches around the world. Most of the Wiccans I know are Eclectic and they practice their Craft based on either the knowledge of their mentors or information that they themselves acquire. There are also practitioners of the Native Filipino Paganism- Babaylanismo and Diwanihan. Some of the more traditional Pagan Practices of the Philippines came from the tribes and I know some Pinoy Pagans revive these practices. From the Traditional Luy-a to the Hilot and other healing practices, I have seen a revival of these in recent years. Though a few, there are practitioners of other Western and Eastern form of Paganism here and there.

As the Pagan Path is very diverse, with sometimes opposing belief systems, Pagan unity among the Pagan practices are sometimes met with hostility. Some organized covens are against the idea of a central "head" that would "govern" them. Most of the time, they are looking at it as a threat to their autonomy and would then be against the formation of such organization. Sometimes, the mere definition of what a Pagan is  could cause a stir to the community and would leave some people disappointed because they were not given the right to join the group. 

In a country that is mostly Christians, Paganism is a religion that would be dismissed by the government or even be met with contempt and hostility. As a Pagan living in this country, it is difficult for me to openly say my religion without getting asked about Satan. When we, the members of the Pagan community are shouting religious freedom, we must first look at ourselves and our diversity. Without a unified front in making a statement about our practices, which is outside the conventional accepted belief systems, it would be impossible for us to make a stand. How can we show an image of strength, when internally, there is strife and competition. How can we claim that we are united, when we immerse ourselves in the power and authority that our individual groups provide? How can we unite if we are so proud of our diversity that we refuse to work with others because of the fear of being "outshined"?

-Pictures from the internet-