[running]

Originally Posted by Time

Running - Be very very careful when looking up information on "pagan" traditions. Many of what people "know" now is usually wicca, which is a mish mash of what is left of many celtic peoples (pre christian eastern europeans). Some of the information is sound some is made up, and putting those together really doesnt give much respect to the "proper" traditions.

To put it simply, "pagan" means anything other then monotheism, and originally it meat "hillbilly" "country bumpkin" and the like. Very loosely put any religion that isnt abrahamic or monotheistic is "pagan"..

That being said, the sky and earth are still represented in christianity. Heaven, (" THE heavens) is the sky, while "hell" is below, in reality not much different from roman or greek traditions. They have always brought people in awe of life just staring at the stars in the sky. The sky and earth play a major part in many if not all pe christian traditions.

The big BIG thing, is that in christianity people think that there is nothing they can do but pray and give faith into ONE god, who is responsible for everything. In pagan traditions, it was a reciprical relationship. You give to the gods, and if they accept your gift they will answer. Burning bushels of wheat is a way to give thanks to demeter and persephone in hopes of a good spring season. Sacrificing bulls and boars to ares should give luck to those going to war. Those who wished safe travels on roads would offer something to hermes. At many meals you would dump the best food and burn it to the gods in greek traditions. Many pagans had the same difference in said traditions.

Thanks time! From having read some of your posts you seem to have a lot of knowledge about these things.