What Are the Core Beliefs of EarthSpirit's Pagan Tradition?

EarthSpirit describes its pagan tradition as rooted in a sense that the Sacred — which it also calls the Great Mystery — manifests throughout the natural world, that this Sacred can be experienced directly through communion with Nature, and that the Spirit of the Earth unites all beings in an interdependent web. These beliefs apply to anyone exploring Earth-centered spirituality as EarthSpirit presents it; they are the organization's own framing, not a universal definition of paganism.

The Sacred manifests through Nature

EarthSpirit states that at the core of pagan traditions is the sense that the Great Mystery, or the Sacred, "manifests throughout the natural world." This is the starting premise: divinity is not located apart from the world but is encountered within it.

Direct experience through communion with Nature

From that premise follows a second belief: the Sacred "can be experienced directly through communion with Nature." Practice, in this view, is not primarily about accepting a doctrine but about cultivating direct contact with the natural world.

The Spirit of the Earth connects all beings

EarthSpirit holds that "the Spirit of the Earth unites all beings in a vast and varied web of interdependent connections." Everything that exists is understood as a vital part of the whole of Nature, and all things interact in both a physical and a spiritual relationship.

How these beliefs shape a way of life

The organization says the pagan traditions "incorporate attitudes of veneration and respect for the Earth" and shape a way of life reflecting patterns and wisdom found in Nature. That way of life is described as inspiring members to:

• Honor diversity
• Value tribal, cooperative community
• Live in harmonious balance as an integral part of the natural world

The tradition's context

EarthSpirit describes paganism as a spiritual path rooted in ancient European traditions, particularly the indigenous traditions of pre-Christian Europe, which it says have survived in varying degrees to the present day. The organization notes that paganism has seen a dramatic resurgence in recent decades as many people have sought a spiritual context for addressing the current environmental crisis.

What EarthSpirit does with these beliefs

EarthSpirit is a 501(c)3 non-profit founded in 1977, based in the Massachusetts area with membership across the United States and in several other countries. It says it was founded to help create an active pagan community in New England, and that once that was accomplished it turned its focus toward:

• Developing pagan concepts and attitudes for living in the present age
• Encouraging communication and understanding among people of different traditions and ideologies
• Providing opportunities for shared spiritual experience
• Educating the general public about Earth-centered spirituality

It also offers an Associate Membership that includes event discounts, described as a donation of $30 per year, or $45 for families.