Curiosity on Differences

I know they are different but I would like someone who follows the practices explain them. (Other then the Deities) What are they differences between Heathenry and Paganism? Are they sister (so to speak) religions/practices?

I am researching my ancestery and I am finding different lineages going back into both and was wondering.

I want to see how much of their influence has passed down into mine/me.

That and it sounded like a good discussion question.

Thanks and Blessing Be.

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Pagan refers to non-Abrahamic religious beliefs. These can be pre-Christian like Grecian paganism and heathenry, or newer faiths like Wicca. They can be polytheistic or monotheitic. In short, Pagan is an umbrella term for multiple faiths.

Heathenry is a belief in Norse/Germanic gods and the other spirits (wights) of that tradition. The peoples of Scandinavia, Germany, Northern France, and England at one time observed beliefs of this sort.

There are differing traditions from each culture's form of heathenry, but they are still extremely similar.

I suggest you read these articles as they will cover the basics.

http://www.spellsofmagic.com/coven_ritual.html?ritual=2330&coven=628

http://www.spellsofmagic.com/coven_ritual.html?ritual=2289&coven=628

Check out some of the things Personified has written. It is very informative and covers wide ranges of topics involving heathenry.

She has been giving me information on the Norse side. My ancestors come from North men/Vikings on my mothers Fathers side and on my mothers mothers side they are from England area. We have everything from German, Swiss,Scandinavian, Polish, Sweden, and Irish to Native American, French Canadian and more. I am a Heinz 57 so to speak, but I wanted to focus on the majority consintrated in one area (in a manner of speaking).

Personified has been busy, I think. Because I have messaged her several times with no response. But I believe she will when she can and is able to.

I will check these out, thank you.

All Heathens are Pagans, but not all Pagans are Heathens.

Paganism is like a tree with a lot of branches heading off in different directions. Using this analogy, Heathenry is a branch off of the Paganism tree.

I suggest you also read:

http://www.wyrdwords.vispa.com/heathenry/callusheathen.html

http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/paganism/subdivisions/heathenry_1.shtml

http://paganfed.org/pagan-heath.shtml

Thank you Personified, I knew you would add when you were able to :)

As a Mod I know you are very busy so I knew you would when you could.

Thanks

And I hope this post helps others find information on this subject too.

Sure thing. Let me know if you need any help or if there's more I can do for you.