Pagan Help Line

Generally speaking the difference between the two is time. A very loose and intentionally imprecise definition of “Pagan” is “Any person not following a monotheistic religion, and self-identifies as a pagan.” However, there are Christo-pagans, that believe in and worship the god of Christianity, but also believes in and worships other gods. This definition excludes many First Nation (Native American) peoples as they do not identify as pagans and would like for others to respect their cultural boundaries. Hindu and Buddhist adherents (as a general rule) also do not identify as pagans.

However, because of the ickiness surrounding the etymology of the word pagan, and the lineage/heritage wars about who is more pagan (and thus, more real) (see also: wand wars) than who else, observers to the goings-on coined the word neopagan in response.

Most pagan practices now, are reconstructions at best and personally derived as the norm. With few exceptions, there is not a direct and traceable lineage for whole practices. Especially for those converting from a monotheistic background. Gone is the connection to a direct ancestral practice. Tenuous is the connection to the local land. Personal practices now are a mish-mash of several different concepts, practices, and tools from several different ethnicities, worship practices, and eras.

Modern paganism is a new thing, a new paganism. Thus: “Neopagan” to differentiate between discussions of those following an unbroken ancestral path, and one constructed using modern sources for personal means.

Neopagan is not better nor worse than Pagan. It is merely a frank admission. In the same way that Wicca refers to an exclusive, oath-bound, covened practice, but what is commonly referred to as “Solitary Wicca” is really “Neo-Wicca”. A new path that bears some resemblance to the religion it has descended from, but is fundamentally different.

A Further Notice: Yes, we are aware of the current controversy of some claiming that because of the dominance of European practices in discussions of paganism and Neo-Wicca, only those practices derived from various European sources can be called pagan. We have heard all the comments and arguments for and against this, and it is our official stance that if you wish to be identified as a pagan, then you are a pagan. If you do not wish to be identified as a pagan, then you are not a pagan. It is up to each individual to choose their identity, and not up to a committee of self-important busybodies that has no input in your personal life.

First, we here at PHL would like to extend our condolences on the loss of your pet. I know you loved her and will miss her. I’m sure she will enjoy her resting place as well. Now..as to your physical ailments. No. I do not think what you are experiencing is the impact of her being hit. Her pain was instantaneous and over quickly . The stress over the trauma of the day has manifested itself physically for you. Some nice herbal tea, meditation and looking over photos and remembering the joy of your beloved pet can be helpful. I would like to recommend that if the symptoms persist for you that you seek medical attention just to rule out anything else going on with you.

Unfortunately, you have found our limit of Pack Behavior and Interactions. We apologize for the inconvenience, and suggest you find a person or group that is/are personally involved in such groupings. Anything we would tell you from this point on would be a mish-mash of Google, Managerial Studies, and Social Engineering.

We would rather admit our shortcomings, than hand you some dyed nylon and tell you it’s silk.

It’s best to support those that support you in the manner you are best capable of. It’s best to find out for yourself, what that capability is.

It’s best to be true to yourself.

Oh dear. Oh dear oh dear. We are not in position to amend the referencing post at the moment, but will do so later in the day.

We have found your posts to be greatly informative and entertaining, which is always helpful for the latter keeps the attention long enough for the former to seep in past layers of cruft stuff.

~slides box of tissues and gift certificate for tacos next to asksecularwitch~

I’m sure with or without the FAQ, you’ll continue to lay out those sharp truths that educate those that want to be educated. They resonate across the tumblr-sphere like moose calls.

We’ve never heard of Waincraft until this question, however we have found more information here. We do not know enough about this organization to make a judgement call neither for nor against them. You’ll have to perform due diligence and decide for yourself if this is a teaching you wish to invest yourself in.

That depends on the person looking. (Again, we are going to answer this question in regards to group dynamics in general. As we have found in our research, the terms are being used more and more outside the Teen Wolf fandom.)

An Alpha will want an Omega that can stand being the pack’s whipping post. No matter how benevolent a tyrant the Alpha can be, when it comes down to it, the Omega is the pack’s kicking can. Some Alphas will want to coddle and protect the Omega. Which means chaining the Omega to the Alpha’s side constantly. Because the moment the Alpha turns kir head, the rest of the pack will let the Omega know precisely how they feel about the most worthless member being given such special attention. Open wounds, physical AND emotional, are to be expected.

The Betas of the pack will want a scapegoat as an Omega. Did something go wrong? The Omega did it. Did a Beta get caught in a compromising situation? The Omega failed to stop it. Did a Beta act on bad advice? The Omega said to do it. Did the toilet overflow? Never mind the Omega was two states over at the time, somehow, it’s the Omega’s fault. The Betas will want an Omega that can easily be picked on, that they can transfer their chastisement from the Alpha onto easily, that doesn’t fight back. Or if the Omega does fight back, can be broken with little fight and little risk of damage to the Betas. That includes damage to the Betas reputation.

A person that is actively wanting to be an Omega will likely keep their reasons personal and unvoiced. Perhaps that person is trying to protect a truly weaker member of the group by appearing vulnerable. Acting as a diversion until the wounded recovers. Perhaps that person has been traumatized by life events to the point where they can not conceive of themselves being in any other position than Omega.

Sometimes the Alpha will designate a person to be the Omega, usually privately. This is usually a political play where the Alpha wants a source of information at the lowest levels of the group, but without making it obvious the Alpha is eavesdropping.

There are benefits to being the Omega. The Court Jester/Fool of yore was the Omega of the King’s Court. Everyone picked on him. Everyone gave him shit. But in return, he was able to say the one thing to the Alpha (the King) that no one else could. The Truth. The Omega is in a position to see everything, hear everything, and know secrets that the Betas would rather the Alpha not know. A strong Omega would be able to bring this information to the Alpha, bypassing the usual layers of bureaucracy and rank. If the Alpha has allowed it.

But being an Omega is a thankless, exhausting, and soul-crushing position. After long enough, the Omega may just walk away and become a solitary consultant. Depending on the information the Omega carries, leaving the group may be more damaging to the group than loosing an Alpha. How many groups have fallen apart because the person everyone picked on was also the person that made sure things happened?

How often the Omega should break rank and contact the Alpha directly can only be answered by the individual group’s dynamics. Some groups effectively banish the Omega to the shadows. Some magic groups will have a rotating Omega position for ritual work, where each person plays that role for a designated time or working. Some groups elevate the Omega to the Court Jester position. Some groups try to eliminate the concept of the Omega position entirely.

But as long as there is someone on the throne, there will be someone the throne is sitting on.

If the Omega position is where one finds oneself, there is much thinking, introspection, and honest soul-searching to do. It is a difficult role to play, and will either crush one into powder, or give one the strength to conquer other obstacles in life.

To the Omega we say, “To thine own self, be true.”

A dream dictionary is only a rough guide. While some symbols are universal across cultures, how they specifically apply to you is a very personal and intimate affair.

To some people, these dreams are a warning. The dreamer may be facing an upcoming danger and should stay away from new situations, areas, or people.

To some people, the dreams are a welcoming. The dreamer may be called to spirit-work, and this is their Learning By Doing.

Obviously to advise the first dreamer that their dream is of the second type is a grave miscalculation that could end with the dreamer in deep mental distress.

We advice the dreamer to take note of not only dreaming occurrences, but waking occurrences as well. Are there indications that the dreamer is being pulled into supernatural realms in their dreams? What of the friend that called? Has the dreamer performed any divination to determine if these dreams are the result of stress or other problems.

The friend is in a much better position to determine the nature of these dreams that we strangers here at Pagan Help Line. We advise the dreamer to engage the friend’s assistance to find the source of these dreams. If the dreamer is beholden to any divinities, spirit guides, or mortal guidance, the dreamer should detail all of the troubles (dreams AND waking) to those above them. By taking this holistic view will the dreamer find the meaning of these dreams.