Ancient pagan prayers have been an essential part of various pagan traditions throughout history. These prayers were addressed to a pantheon of gods and goddesses believed to rule over different aspects of life. The intention behind these prayers was to seek favor, protection, guidance, and assistance from the divine beings. In ancient times, pagans worshiped gods and goddesses connected to natural forces, fertility, war, love, and other areas of human existence. Each deity had specific attributes and powers, and devotees would choose which god or goddess to invoke based on their specific needs and desires. The prayers were often performed during religious ceremonies, festivals, or personal rituals.
The prayers were often performed during religious ceremonies, festivals, or personal rituals. Ancient pagan prayers varied in form, content, and style. Some were recited chants, hymns, or invocations, while others were spontaneous expressions of devotion, gratitude, or supplication.
A Year of Pagan Prayer: A Sourcebook of Poems, Hymns, and Invocations from Four Thousand Years of Pagan History (Paperback)
This treasury of beautiful and powerful pieces is the perfect companion for marking holidays, milestones, and the seasons. You'll discover prayers to Janus from Horace and Ovid, a traditional Scottish blessing for Imbolc, an invocation to Pan by Aleister Crowley, an ode to Proserpine by Mary Shelley, a pharaoh's hymn to Isis, a song for Lammas by Gwydion Pendderwen, and many, many more.
A tribute to the beauty and resiliency of Paganism, this sourcebook will enhance any special day throughout the year. Enjoy prayers for weddings and funerals, blessings for the sabbats, and hymns to the gods and goddesses of various pantheons. Barbara Nolan includes brief historical or biographical details to contextualize each piece as well as descriptions of different celebrations and festivals to help you integrate these readings into your practice.
A Year of Pagan Prayer demonstrates that the literary worship of Pagan deities was never fully lost in the West. This bounteous collection draws from the spiritual legacy of Italian Renaissance poets, ancient Sumerian priestesses, twentieth-century Pagans, French Romantics, Greek playwrights, nineteenth-century British occultists, and Egyptian hymnists, making it a must-have resource for anyone who yearns to embody the eloquent expressions of our Pagan past.
Barbara Nolan (Philadelphia, PA & Mohawk Valley, NY) has been a practicing Pagan since she was nine years old. She studied Latin, ancient Greek, and Near Eastern archaeology at Bryn Mawr and Irish Gaelic at the University of Pennsylvania. Barbara holds an honors degree in English with a concentration in Celtic Studies. Her writing has appeared in The Philadelphia Inquirer and the Irish Edition, and she has worked in the book industry for more than twenty years.
- Occultism
- Prayer
- Paganism & Neo-Paganism
God bless the corners of this house and all the lintel blessed,
And bless the hearth and bless the board and bless each place of rest,
And bless each door that opens wide to strangers as to kin,
And bless each crystal window pane that lets the starlight in,
And bless the rooftree overhead and every sturdy wall.
The peace of man. The peace of God. With peace and love for all.
The prayers were generally spoken or sung aloud, allowing the worshiper to establish a direct connection with the divine. These prayers were not only recited in temples or sacred spaces but were also conducted in personal settings. Individuals would offer prayers at home or in nature, often accompanied by offerings such as food, flowers, or other symbolic items. The purpose of these prayers was to bridge the gap between the human and divine realms, seeking divine intervention or guidance in their daily lives. Ancient pagan prayers were deeply rooted in the belief that the gods and goddesses played an active role in human affairs. The worshipers believed that by appealing to the gods through prayer, they could influence the course of events and secure divine assistance. Although ancient pagan prayers have largely been replaced by other religious practices over time, some modern pagan traditions continue to incorporate ancient prayer forms and adapt them to their specific beliefs and practices. These prayers provide a connection to ancestral wisdom and allow modern pagans to connect with the divine powers that were central to the lives of their ancient predecessors. In conclusion, ancient pagan prayers were an integral part of pagan religious practices, aimed at establishing a connection with various gods and goddesses. These prayers served as a way to seek divine assistance, guidance, and favor, and were performed during religious ceremonies, festivals, and personal rituals. While no longer as widely practiced, ancient pagan prayers continue to influence some modern pagan traditions, allowing individuals to connect with their ancestral past and the divine forces that once held significance in their lives..
Reviews for "Ancient Pagan Prayers: Honoring the Gods and Goddesses"
1. Sarah - 2/5 - I found "Ancient Pagan Prayers" to be a disappointing read. While I was initially intrigued by the concept, I found the execution to be lacking. The prayers felt repetitive and lacking in depth. Additionally, the language used was overly flowery and difficult to connect with. Overall, I didn't feel a sense of connection or resonance with the prayers, and it left me wanting more.
2. John - 1/5 - I was disappointed with "Ancient Pagan Prayers" as it did not live up to my expectations. The prayers seemed generic and lacking in spiritual depth. I was hoping for more profound and meaningful words that would truly connect with my pagan beliefs, but I was left feeling underwhelmed. The structure and rhythm of the prayers also didn't resonate with me personally. Overall, I found it to be a lackluster collection that didn't capture the essence of ancient pagan spirituality.
3. Emily - 2/5 - "Ancient Pagan Prayers" fell short of my expectations. The prayers felt repetitive and lacked originality. I was looking for a collection that would evoke a sense of connection with ancient pagan traditions, but instead, I found myself disengaged. The writing style lacked depth and failed to capture the essence of paganism for me. Overall, I was left feeling unsatisfied and unfulfilled by this book.
4. Michael - 2.5/5 - I was intrigued by the concept of "Ancient Pagan Prayers," but unfortunately, it didn't meet my expectations. While there were a few prayers that resonated with me, the majority felt unoriginal and uninspiring. The language used seemed forced, and the prayers lacked the power and emotion I was hoping for. I was left wanting more depth and substance from this collection. Overall, it was a middling read that didn't leave a lasting impression.