Q&A || Answering all your Pagan & Witchy Questions!

[@ScarletRavenswood]

Did any of my answers surprise you? I'd love to hear YOUR opinions/answers to these questions in the comments! 💕

[@eaglefeather2957]

As I am native American and practice native American medicine I have explored many other medicines and spiritualities from many groups from around the world and found that it helps you better understand your own medicine if you take a look from different magical perspectives.

[@happytrees2491]

For those raised in fundalmentalism there are 2 books I recommend: “Christopaganism” by River Higginbotham and “Leaving the Fold” by Marlene Winell, PhD.

[@SkadiBella]

Atheopaganism is an actual movement too, I've seen it called Spiritual Naturalism as well, atheist witches exist as well. I've found myself in that after losing my faith but still feeling connected to paganism and I thought you explained it pretty well. For me besides the philosophical and the placebo effect there is a huge creative/artistic aspect to it as well, doing rituals and working with archetypes can be such a wonderful way to explore that

[@ScarletRavenswood]

I'll definitely look into Spiritual Naturalism, it sounds interesting. And that's a great point about the creative/artistic aspect. :)

[@darthszarych5588]

I am an atheopagan. I wish there were more of us. I celebrate 8 pagan holidays, and definitely get spiritual fulfillment from a connection with nature. I don't do magick but I know a lot of atheopagans do though. I occasionally worship gods but not because I believe in them, but I believe in what they represent (for example I worship Seshat, the egyptian goddess of sacred knowlege, mathematics, surveying, books/writing, and wisdom. I wear a pendant with her image on it when I am in school because I want the wisdom and skills (math, science, reading, and writing ect.) She represents. I know that those skills are inside me, but I sometimes need her as a reminder and a way to stay focused on what I need to do acedemically). The atheopagan community for the most part does not believe in the supernatural, but does believe strongly in the phycological need for ritual. One youtuber who I like is Senda Woo. I think she is an atheopagan because she describes herself as a skeptical witch.

[@childfreegamer8840]

@@darthszarych5588 Hi fellow atheopagan!

[@rosegoi360]

When it comes to "expressing espiritality" part, my mom prefers me to not believe in anything rather than being pagan, funny enough, she already know that i don't "follow" any religion, according to her. I have been given them hints that i might be pagan, but they go blind and don't want to hear. She's a very die hard christian, she thinks that all pagan "are blasfemous and sinners" and gets shocked when i tell her stories of crimes commited by christian/catholic people to other pagans or any other religion.

[@stankybee]

You're amazing Scarlet. You are definitely my go to for reliable and accurate information regarding Paganism. Can't wait for tomorrow's Pagan Happy Hour!

[@deewagner4817]

Hi Scarlet, I love the way you answer the question, "How can a Pagan break free from religious indoctrination?" Please forgive my long post -- I want to expand upon your message of encouragement to the Pagan community. (Just this past weekend, at Georgia Renaissance Festival, I was reminded how beautiful and wonderful Pagan people are.) -- Yes, I very much agree with you about the huge disconnect between modern Christianity and Christ's teachings in the Bible. In the original Greek translations of the New Testament, Jesus never mentions "eternal damnation". Even though he mentions fire as a cleansing element, Jesus never once tells anyone they are going to "burn forever." Indeed, words such as "eternal", "eternity", and "forever" very rarely appear in Hebrew or Greek versions of scriptures. In addition, the earliest church fathers, such as Origen and even the Apostle Paul, taught that all human souls will ultimately be accepted into heaven. The modern, repressive, exclusionary, hellfire-teaching Christianity is a perversion of Jesus' teaching, brought to us by Saint Augustine, Emperor Constantine, and Emperor Theodosius. Peace and Blessings to you and everyone who is part of this online community!

[@shannonchristie-wickham8453]

I am Christian but very nature based pagan also. You are so true about the historical Christianity being very different than the Christianity preached mostly today.

[@cindyfoxtaylor2880]

Watching replay. I consider myself pagan and don't have the faith component. You described my beliefs very well in that answer

[@vikarfoxbeard7500]

You're videos have really helped me on my path. Thank you!

[@ScarletRavenswood]

You're welcome :)

[@ejllamobeolan5025]

I'm 61 years old. (what) my oldest brother became a preacher independent denomination! And now we just don't talk about our believe to each other. We're just brothers with different believes.

[@reika7443]

Personally I loved your answer on paganism if you're an atheist. Not really knowing what I believe as far as deities go (maybe I'm an "agnostic pagan"), I find it helpful to feel accepted into the pagan community as my beliefs in that area grow and change. It seems like a positive and welcoming attitude to have, which could potentially attract more people to paganism in the first place.

[@GravesRWFiA]

most pagans are pretty accepting of you finding your way along. If you run into the odd one who declares "the only way is...!" just ignore them.

[@alysecraven980]

This video was wonderful! I want to say that I really love your channel. My husband and I just made the decision to leave the Catholic Church last month, and we are now searching for what feels right. Your channel has been a wonderful resource for both of us! I hope you're liking Texas btw. We live in the DFW area as well.

[@katrinamills2949]

Your answer about atheist pagans gave me so much clarity & calmed me down even. + I found out a lot throughout the video, super informative as always. Can go to sleep peacefully now, thank you, Scarlet❤

[@darthszarych5588]

I am an atheist pagan. There is a growing community of atheopagans.

[@katrinamills2949]

@@darthszarych5588 That's amazing to know, to be honest. Where are you from?

[@annoulamaraki5315]

14:09 Yes Greek philosophers didn't necessarily believed in gods literary A little note: I recent years convert to Christianity isn't only made by force but mostly we have a proselytism dressed with charity work, like "I provide you the tools to have a better quality of life and you must accept Christ as your only savior". As a Greek I know the Orthodox Church uses missionaries a lot in Africa (as other denominations do) and as a result there are Orthodox Africans, extremely few but along with Christianity they are propagandised by Greek culture (like the crazy thing I saw once where African kids were holding Greek flags-like a different kind of colonialism). I believe that the worse thing can happen to your life is not having a supportive family who want to control your life and choices. 😩 Lastly I must say that you can't use Parthenon as a temple again as it is a historical building and thus very sensitive after so many centuries of life and due too climate change that affects historical sites. Unfortunately 99% of Greek polytheists are racists and far right (antisemites, Muslim haters and Christianity in their mind made Greeks less intelligent) and the only exception are a part of solitary practioners and Wiccans. So we must be careful on what kind of people the state will give the freedom of practicing their beliefs.

[@SarahEsmaeWolfe]

funny that you (and so many others) mention not meeting together as a downside because "not going to church" would be one of my top pros hahaha. but my number one pro would be how much more spiritual nature feels and every moment in nature becomes a deeply spiritual experience.

[@GravesRWFiA]

I know what you mean but i think the idea of not meeting others is not having a community you can just talk to and not be guarded or the outsider in. After 9/11 i was very aware of christians and other groups going to worship as a community far more than before and yet pagans were still on their own.

[@GlimmeringAtelier]

I am struggling with the keeping your beliefs secret. My family have started visiting mine and my partners new place and I have to hide all things pagan I place around my house from them because they don’t know I no longer believe Christian beliefs How would you deal with that? I want to have my altar in a room and they walk into that room. It’s definitely not in my interest to speak to my family about my beliefs When I came out gay/lesbian it didn’t sit well with them either. I know they’ll will blame my new beliefs on my girlfriend as she’s Buddhist. 😞

[@waynewatts8736]

I was 43 when I came to Wicca so self initiation is ok What did the first witch or wiccan do?

[@missalyssa99]

I think it'd be cool if you did a video one of these days talking about Mysticism😊

[@GravesRWFiA]

A big part of how Christianity took over the continent was the roman empire. when that converted to Christianity. It provided the bureaucracy throughout Europe, the organization to spread a particular from Anatolia (turkey) to the coast of north Africa to Hadrian's wall (northern England.)With individiaul pagan groups on the fringe htey just didn't have the organization to oppose this all pervasive group.

[@ScarletRavenswood]

That's a great point about how the organization and bureaucracy of the Roman Empire helped Christianity spread.

[@diannenixon621]

This was a point I was going to make. The Romans when they conquered a people they usually added their gods to the Roman Pantheon, except the British Isles. Because there was so much resistance and expense to subjugate the tribes the Romans decided to eradicate the religious sects. Then with the fall of the Roman Empire and the withdrawal of Roman troops in the 5th and 6th centuries the Romanized Christians were in the majority and this continued the fall of the Pagan religions. I could go on, but maybe there will be a rise of Paganism in this"modern" age. One could only hope 🌹

[@KellyLouiseBrown]

Hi Scarlet and everyone. I am a new celtic pagan. Feeling a bit lost about how to practice.

[@lifestylemamaxo5565]

I saw a new video and clicked so fast!! ❤️

[@johnoneill919]

There were so many good questions here and you gave so many good answers. Very good video and very informative !

[@mstanton79]

Can you do content talking about the role dragons played in Paganism and the beliefs behind them?

[@vaishaleedeymukherjee7868]

OMG I was thinking about Hinduism as a pagan culture and you answerd it, as being a Hindu and very much attracted to witches ( self acclaimed modern witch) I am so happy that we are into this from ancient times #satya_sanatan_dharma

[@GravesRWFiA]

I think the risk is just in terms. Both are about living and honoring the old gods from before the followers of the White god tried to wipe them out. Pagan implies something old but Hinduism is very much an existing faith. Should I ever find myself in India, (or japan if we say the same about Shinto) I would have no trouble in offering up prayers in those temples.

[@natachaguyot]

So happy to be catching up with your recent videos! I've been interested and have read about paganism for so many years but am still an agnostic witch as I'm unsure I want to actually work with deities. Your channel has been my favorite KZbin channel on paganism and one of my go-to witchy ones. Thank you for what you share!

[@jackiemulloy1423]

Love videos like this, thank you for the helpful info (and for answering one of the questions I sent in!)

[@ScarletRavenswood]

Glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for sending in your question. :)

[@dindrane1]

I really enjoyed the video. Informative and helpful as always. I've been a practicing pagan off and on since 1997, but I always learn a little something new from each of your videos. I love exploring new paths and concepts,and I find your videos really helpful with that. Thank you, Scarlett. Have a wonderful rest of your day and I'll see you for Pagan Happy Hour tomorrow. 😄

[@celinefournier1492]

Very interesting video Scarlet as always! I just want to add that christianity has pagan roots as well, some principles like a battle between good and evil, one and only god and so on come from the ancient religion of Persia, zoroastrianism which still exists today...thank you and have a nice day!

[@tripplespringsfarm9737]

Thank you for sharing your beautiful messages 💜

[@EmilysTarotandMagick]

This was really interesting Scarlet thank you for sharing 🙏 As a creator of two very small youtube channels, I really appreciate hearing your thoughts on KZbin as well. So inspiring! 💓 😊 Xx

[@bronwynnvictoria8401]

Love your video. What is your necklace? Love it! Not many people wear gold anymore and I thought I was the only one!

[@miriamocean5275]

Blessed Be from down under Australia 🌛🌟🌜♻️💖💖💖maybe one day we get excepted and concluded 🌹

[@isaacaccomando435]

I agree with you about monotheism.

[@invadertifxiii]

i dont really follow a branch and i just do what feels right from different branches, i consider myself eclectic pagan or eclectic spiritual

[@saltymeow9205]

I got christened when I was 3,I knew even then I didn't belong to that belief,and screamed the church down shouting that I didn't want to do it,is there a way for me to leave christianity? I'm sick of being in a religion I was practically forced into...I just don't relate to it,when I found paganism,I had never been happier :)

[@jenniferprice2574]

Love this video like all the others!! Your videos are so helpful.

[@ScarletRavenswood]

So glad you enjoyed the video :)

[@unknownuser4418]

I grew up in a Christian family. I first discovered paganism as a kid after reading Raymond Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft, 30 some years ago. My beliefs are accepted by some of my family and not accepted by others. Keeping quiet has helped avoid problems, but I also have been locked in a church basement before. I have taught my kids my beliefs, but I have also taught them how to practice quietly. As Scarlet mentioned you don’t need any tools to be pagan, it all comes from within. However, it sure is nice now that I am older and I can do as I please. I have many pagan things displayed open in my home. I leave them without explanation unless someone asks.

[@GravesRWFiA]

My mom is a regular church goer. My brother knows I'm a wiccan and he and I agree that if I told mom she wouldn't disown me but it wouldn't make her happy, so we just don't tell her. There are times it surprises me what a blind spot she seems to have on it.

[@francisselvey8527]

I've Been Pagan All My Life, Or What You Would Call A Collective Pagan, From Celtic to Norse. I Am 62 and Wouldn't be Anything Else.. Love The Video.

[@ScarletRavenswood]

So glad you enjoyed the video :)

[@walkialyon8507]

I would catagorize myself as a interpretation of naturalism, I call it neo naturalism or astrological naturalism. The faith uses the concepts of astrology as the foundation with the gods being the planets themselves

[@alisonneverland]

Loved this one!

[@elvacoburg1279]

An other great video, with helpful answers. In regard to why Christianity was able to defeat the various Pagan societies, I have read that it was at least partly due to early medieval politics, in that peace treaties were normally sealed with a marriage, the daughter of one royal house would marry the son of the opposing family. BUT when Christian countries were dealing with Pagan ones, they would insist that the child of the Pagan family must convert before wedding their child, and sometimes that the parents of the child must convert as well. Add this to the fact that they saw nothing wrong with breaking a peace treaty with Pagans, but breaking a treaty with another Christian country could bring down the wrath of the church. Then as time progressed, several Christian counties would gang up against a single Pagan one, with the ultimatum of convert or be invaded. Unfortunately the Pagan countries rarely allied together to stand against such tactics. I know that when I was in Iceland, the one guide told us that Iceland had only converted when given an ultimatum by Norway and Denmark, in the face of such threats Iceland outwardly converted, but as our guide put it "they also continued to worship the Norse Gods in private". I would love for a more in depth discussion regarding how some of the Gods and Goddesses from various pantheons are connected, as this is something that I am really interested in. I have done a lot of research into some possible connections, but would liken to hear someone else's view on the topic. I might put some of my notes on the discord server once I have polished them a little. As on interesting point from what I have found out, the worship of Aphrodite first appeared in southern Greece after the Bronze Age Collapse (she had not been worshiped in Greece before the collapse), as such Sparta was one of the first cities to worship her, with the statues and temples that they created being to Aphrodite Areia, a Goddess of Love and War, then as her worship spread north, she lost the war aspect.

[@Max_Le_Groom]

Maybe the seed of organism was a seed in the subconscious that blossomed into a full society level substrate much like ancient Sumerians went from essentially hunter-gatherer to a sprawling advanced civilisation, and much of what gives Humans meaning is some kind of similar evolution of subconscious elements impressed upon the universe to the point They gain a tangibility to Them like how They're similar in many essentially disparate cultures the world over instead of just staying in the Mind. It even explains Astrology.

[@Anne-oo1py]

Thank you for answering my question, I'll be studying the Bible in the Old Testament then the New Testaments then the perspectives of Christianity as told in the eyes of both sides from both the ones that lost in history and those who wrote it though I'm likely choosing to read sources from the Jewish side instead, Sol Scriptural turns out to be originating from Greek not Hebrew, I learned that after asking (or would it be considered pestering) the local church and ministry elders or leaders questions if there is a Hebrew Bible subtlety in the years and got no response from it so I ended up doing my own research. There's no public known Pagan community in my country, at least the region I live don't have any known by the public, they're mostly in the provinces and even then they are still hidden to avoid being hunted down by hardcore followers of monotheistic faiths, most of the ones from my country in the past were forced by conquerors to become Catholics or Christians, it's a complex mess of history which involves Colonialism and Christianity working together when one looks back 300+ years ago in the Philippines even though the land they conquered already has their own cultures, beliefs and traditions, Mindanao is the only island safe from Christianity but in it's place is Islam instead during and after the land was conquered. On the bright side because there's no public groups for Paganism, I ended up passing by Wicca in an online setting and somehow it works too, despite Paganism being shunned it seems to have made those who've found it to be even more resilient and stronger most of the times... it'll be difficult, for me I guess it's probably for the best then if I leave the current relationship I have with a Christian that's been undergoing indoctrination in majority of his life, the difference of philosophies to both sides of two different beliefs will only make communication and relationship harder and may cause more harm than good

[@kurtsteiner8384]

Scarlet witchcraft is not just religion, there is much more to it than that. It incorporates many different things. Like spell casting, study of plant trees animals nature, herbs, journying using the 3rd eye. You are just getting boged down with religion and religious practice. You can be christioan, pagan agnostic, athiest, budist and shinto and hindu and be a witch.

[@carmensavu5122]

To the person whose parents threw went through their room and threw away their religious stuff, gather all their Christian books and dispose of them. Make a big fat bonfire in front of the house. Some people really don't understand any other way than if they find themselves at the receiving end. Sometimes they don't react even to that, but at least you'll get revenge for the things dear to you that they threw away.

[@isaacaccomando435]

Are you wearing a half ponytail? It looks beautiful.

[@slayerdude18]

ok,... so what if you want to explore paganism, but you have 0 knowledge how do i figure out wich one fits best with me?

[@KaylaMarie01]

My advice to the people living at home and your parents don't approve, save up money & move out as soon as possible.

[@GravesRWFiA]

yeah I sort of wondered how old she was since she went away on a vacation.

[@SabbatarianSundayer.]

Can I be a Christian; and ask a "Familiar spirit" question? For 2 years; years ago, I lived with a Wiccan. Something did happen very early on. May I send you the link?

[@jemsilver]

Venus wishes she could be as cool as Freya! I'm joking of course, all Gods are cool, but come on, chariot drawn by 2 cats?? Epic. Great video, I liked all your answers!

[@galadriel9127]

Good morning! A wonderful way to wake up. Thank you very much for your talk about atheistic pagans. That's my thoughts too. If anyone want's to lesen more about it check the book "Atheopaganism" from M.A. Green (if I have it right in mind) or his website/YT Channel. Love from Germany💜

[@ScarletRavenswood]

Thanks for the book recommendation, I'll definitely check that out as I've been wanting to learn more about Atheopaganism.

[@nahnahnahnah8850]

what is your starsign

[@walkialyon8507]

I think the fundamental reason why the abrahamic religiones won in the old days has to do with faith. They simply had a greater zeal to overcome their enemies then the pagans did. We kind of see it happening to modern christianity in many ways, how the lack of faith is causing the institution to fade away in favor of more zealous competitors like islam.

[@TabithaReminiec3399]

Jarila is my goddess of love

[@juliebaumert1334]

Is the number 9 associated with paganism?

[@GravesRWFiA]

it depends on the particular branch but in general multiples of 3 are often considered powerful.

[@juliebaumert1334]

@@GravesRWFiA my husband, son and I all have birthdays on the 9th

[@benjalucian1515]

Scarlet pretty much spelled out why Christianity eventually won out. "Yeah, just convert so we can do trade." Polytheist: "Oh, no problem." Polytheist continues his range of beliefs. Christian then says, "Hey, you converted, you can't do that anymore." Polytheist, "Why not?" "You're cavorting with demons. Don't be surprised if someone burns your house down..." Threats

[@TabithaReminiec3399]

Then it also was forced on the people by the blade of a sword..

[@ejllamobeolan5025]

Yep you hit the nails on the head!

[@ScarletRavenswood]

Yay! Glad you enjoyed the video :)

[@albertl.cruztoro3050]

Fellow art and comparative literature major ✨📖✨ Conversion of Pagans to Christianism happened in very diverse ways! I’ll share some info... The spread of Christianity started in late Antiquity; Constantine the Great, an ancient Roman emperor of the 4th century, converted to this faith and after winning a battle under the alleged “blessing” of Yahweh. After his conversion, he commissioned many temples in the name of this god. Paleo-Christian religion spread throughout the territories of Rome quickly, it becoming the official religion of the Empire a few years later. In the case of the Celts, these were converted in the Early Middle Ages, as well as many Germanic Pagans. Celtic peoples where integrated into Roman society in large part, in the case of the British Isles, many traditions were still alive, however they syncretized with Christian traditions and beliefs. Celtic monks produces the most beautiful illuminated manuscripts! Lastly, the Germanic people’s converted to Christianity in large parts because of the power it was associated with. Here is the key: Christianity has the perfect structure for empires. It promotes the idea that only one or few can interact directly with God. After migrating to the lower half of Europe, many Germanic Pagans adopted Christianity because of its reputation and its ability of creating allies in an already Christian Europe (which also reinforced hierarchy). Many beliefs where syncretized at the end, nowadays many recon Pagans try to salvage and rethink about what is left... This is extremely summarized, but if needed I’ll share some sources and explanations! ❤️✨

[@KellyLouiseBrown]

The Romans eradicated celtic Christianity as they thought that was too Pagan.

[@leviolmr2448]

Scarlet Ravenswood fan club President here. Who wants to join?

[@invadertifxiii]

i cant believe people would send u death threats, thats not very "christian" of them. and they need to remember the first amendment of freedom of religion, and to love thy neighbor

[@outdoorgurl2474]

Girl, lol. Next time one of those "religious nuts" tell you that you are going to hell, just simply say, "You first!" 😂 On a serious note, I totally can understand keeping quiet around your family for the sake of drama, I'm right there with you. I live in the Bible Belt and I haven't gotten brave enough to tell anyone that I am no longer Christian. Love your channel ❤

[@WarriorPoet01]

I would imagine that deities would be offended if a practitioner were to bounce around from one to another. As I recall, many of the ancient gods/goddesses had a jealous streak a mile wide, and practitioners of some of those religions probably wouldn’t look to kindly of their neighbors worshipping what would be, to them, foreign/false dieties. Why not mention Islam by name when discussing monotheism, fundamentalism, indoctrination, and the fall of paganism? Islam wiped out many pagan traditions, from N. Africa to the Far East in the last 1500 years. It was just 10-15 years ago that the Taliban destroyed the largest Buddha statues in the world with anti-aircraft guns and explosives, and, more recently, ISIS, destroyed old temples in Iraq and elsewhere. I find it funny, and sad, how Islam gets a total pass when it comes to forced conversion - which is happening in Africa and other parts of the world this very day. While Constantine and Theodosius added power to the spread of Christianity (hence the Holy Roman Empire), it’s interesting that about 1/3 of the Roman Empire (due to its long reach) was already Christian. Be thankful, if you live in a 1st world - Western - Christian society as it’s much easier to be yourself, there, than in many other parts of the world where scorn would be the very least if one’s worries.

[@iamuniverse3154]

True.Sad

[@happierabroad]

Q: If I feel that you may be my soulmate Scarlet, what can I do about that? :)

[@Leezeo]

Hey I'm atheist. And there is no magic.

[@TheAtheopaganismChannel]

Doesn't mean you can't be a Pagan...

[@allimarie3511]

Why do you think it's ok to go on to someone's youtube page who is openly pagan and say some stupid shit like that would you like it if someone disrespected you for being atheist because that’s what you’re doing you’re being disrespectful to this lady for no reason at all she did nothing to you

[@happierabroad]

Q: Are you single? How can I meet you? hehe