Thelema and Paganism

[seeker_ov_truth]

93!
is there any connection of Thelema with traditional Heathen religious groups and beliefs. can a thelemite worship his tradtional folk Gods for example,what is a thelemic statement on that.

[Jim Eshelman]

@seeker_ov_truth said

"Is there any connection of Thelema with traditional Heathen religious groups and beliefs. "

There are individual Thelemites who practice in such systems, and there are many people who see considerable overlap between (at least the interests of) Thelemites and pagans.

I think most of the similarity - the basis of a kind of solidarity - is that both are often eager to differentiate themselves from current mainstream religions such as Christianity. That is, many use "pagan" simply to mean "decisively non-Christian." I can tell that you know that this is a misuse of the word, but it does explain much of the areas of overlap.

To piss people off, I often will say something I consider true on this subject but not necesswarily relevant: "Thelemites have more in common with Christians than Pagans. After all, Christians are only one Aeon out of date, not two."

The Book of the Law encourages the worship or any and all gods as one chooses, provided one understands what abides at their center.

"can a thelemite worship his tradtional folk Gods for example,what is a thelemic statement on that."

A Thelemite can worship any gods he or she chooses (some are even Christian!), by whatever rites that god requires.