The Pagan Community: Heathen, Pagan, Wicca, and Witchcraft!
The Pagan Community: Heathen, Pagan, Wicca, and Witchcraft! (c)2001 Aerlynn. (E-Mail: darkfae@tampabay.rr.com) The following is a simple explanation of some of the more common terms which are used within the Pagan community. Included is a brief history of the word and its modern usage. The definitions of many words tend to change over time, and so its always good to understand both a modern and historical definition of any word to ensure proper understanding of the term. Heathen The term heathen was historically used to refer to a person who "dwelled near the hearth" or alternately, "who lived on the heaths." The heaths were rocky outcroppings that existed in the countryside and more rural areas. In ancient times, the hearth was the center of the home and the place where the family gathered for entertainment, food, religious observances, and other important activities. In historic texts, the term heathen is often used to r