As Halloween approaches and people across the country prepare to celebrate with costumes and decorations, there is a group of individuals who view the holiday in a more profound way. For Britain’s pagans, particularly those who observe Samhain, this time of year holds great significance. Mark, a retired Army reservist and high priest of a witches’ coven in the South West, describes it as their equivalent of Christmas. It is a time when the veil between the worlds of the living and the dead is believed to be thinnest, allowing for communication with ancestors.
The number of people identifying as pagans has been steadily increasing in recent years. According to the 2021 census, 74,000 individuals declared themselves as pagans, up from 57,000 in 2011. Additionally, 13,000 individuals identified as Wicca, a specific form of paganism. However, these figures may not accurately represent the true number of pagans, as many choose not to disclose their beliefs to the government. There is also a growing tribe of younger followers, such as DJ, broadcaster, and writer Zakia Sewell, who may not be part of a coven but consider themselves “instinctive pagans.”
Paganism encompasses a wide range of traditions, paths, and beliefs. Wiccans follow a structured form of witchcraft, while heathens worship the gods of northern Europe. Druids revere nature as a sacred source of wisdom, and shamans work with the spirits of nature, particularly animals. Most pagans follow the “wheel of the year,” which includes four sabbats (Samhain, Imbolc, Beltane, and Lammas) along with the solstices and equinoxes. At the core of paganism is a deep connection to the land and a belief that every stone, tree, or plant has a spirit.
The recent rise in paganism can be attributed, in part, to the climate crisis. Many individuals are becoming increasingly concerned about protecting the environment, leading them towards land-based religions. Additionally, times of economic hardship often generate an interest in magic and alternative sources of power.
Andrew Pardy, a police officer in Hertfordshire, is an example of someone who has found solace in paganism. Raised as a Jehovah’s Witness, he eventually embraced heathenry, which focuses on the worship of Norse and Germanic gods. Pardy appreciates heathenry for its code of conduct, known as the “nine noble virtues,” which emphasizes honor, discipline, courage, and perseverance. He believes that one’s actions define their reputation and that helping others less fortunate is an essential aspect of heathenry.
When Pardy joined the police force in 2001, he kept his heathen beliefs to himself. However, he eventually founded the Police Pagan Association in 2009 to foster positive relationships between the police and pagan communities. The association now boasts over 250 pagan police officers across the UK. While Pardy has faced some curiosity and misconceptions about paganism, he has been fortunate to receive mostly polite inquiries from fellow officers.
Anna Price, a priestess at the Goddess Temple in Glastonbury, Somerset, follows a different pagan path. The temple is dedicated to the Lady of Avalon, a goddess associated with Glastonbury Tor. Price sees her role as bringing the light, love, and energy of the goddess to the world. She believes that goddess worship represents a resurgence of feminine energy and shapes how she lives her life, with compassion for all beings and care for the environment.
Price’s journey to goddess worship began during her time as a New Age traveler, where she discovered the name Saqqara and became fascinated by Egyptian goddess myths. She later became involved with the Goddess Temple and completed the priestess of Avalon training course. Price now helps manage the temple alongside other priestesses and volunteers.
As paganism continues to grow in popularity, it is clear that individuals are drawn to its connection to nature, its emphasis on personal ethics, and its ability to provide solace and meaning in a rapidly changing world. Whether it’s communing with ancestors during Samhain or worshiping the divine feminine, paganism offers a unique spiritual path for those seeking a deeper connection to the world around them.
