The sign of the pagan is a symbol often associated with various pagan and occult practices. It is characterized by a circle, typically intersected by two vertical lines that extend towards the top and bottom. This symbol holds different meanings depending on the specific belief system or tradition it is associated with. In modern paganism, the sign of the pagan is sometimes referred to as the pentagram or pentacle. It is seen as a protective symbol and is often used to represent the four elements - earth, air, fire, and water - with the fifth element being spirit or ether. The five points of the pentagram are believed to symbolize these elements and their harmonious balance.
A rare film in which one of film's most intelligent visual stylists fails to find even a basic foothold in the material - poorly dressed second rate actors line up in rows in front of painted backdrops so close to the camera lens you can practically feel the flat physical texture. Would love to claim an auteurist or formalist rationale for this but it just seems like Sirk was defeated by the design (Jack Palance gives his all as Attila the Hun but his brown-face makeup is one of the most ludicrously awful in all of Hollywood, and that's saying something) and the muddled script, all Christian religiosity and lukewarm Roman psychodrama.
And not even just legally - this film is next to impossible to find in America even in some of the sketchier backrooms I ve searched for these Sirk pictures. At best, the film is a romp of technicolor exotica, but it is just too dry, notably lacking the sensuous quality that would inspire someone Jack Smith, for instance to uncover and reclaim its image-power.
The five points of the pentagram are believed to symbolize these elements and their harmonious balance. In some traditions, the sign of the pagan is perceived as a symbol of connection with nature and the divine. It is believed to represent the four directions - north, south, east, and west - along with the center, which represents the self or the divine.
The Sign of the Witch
The witch is a uniquely powerful image in Western society. It is a symbol alternately vilified, ridiculed and idealised by differing sectors of society and is a powerful symbol in Western mythology. This book traces the evolution of the modern representations of Witchcraft and Paganism from the popular imaginings of witchcraft in 16th-century England to their contemporary manifestations amongst neo-Pagan and Wiccan religious movements in America, Australia and Great Britain today. Tracing how this symbol is continually constructed and reconstructed by the neo-Pagan movement is indicative of broader social, political and cultural issues arising out of the interaction of Romantic and Enlightenment epistemes in Western society.
Central to this process is the locating of representations of witchcraft within the twin discourses of romanticism and enlightenment modernity. Beginning with the aftermath of the English witch hunting craze of the 17th century, the book examines how the witch transformed from a symbol of ridicule during the enlightenment to an idealised symbol of romantic rebellion which led to its systemic adoption by romantic religious and political movements. Along the path it examines the development of the neo-Pagan movement from 19th-century Romantic pagan revivals, to Gardner's Wiccan movement, the sixties counter culture, the rise of eco-feminist neo-Paganism and the contemporary phenomena of "teen witches" and pop commercialization.
This book is part of the Ritual Studies Monograph Series, edited by Pamela J. Stewart and Andrew Strathern, Department of Anthropology, University of Pittsburgh.
"Modern Paganism is still in the process of finding its history. Dr. Waldron brings to the quest a very wide knowledge of all aspects of the subject and a good grasp of cultural theory. He is fair to all the players in a notoriously complex and fractious field, and covers it deftly and evenly, deploying his learning and his intellectual models with a light but sure touch." — Ronald Hutton, Professor of Historical Studies, Bristol University
"Waldron's identification and critique of the core aspects of the modern Witch's identity provide what should be seen as an invitation for practitioners to remove our rose-coloured glasses approach to our own history and instead to take on board the results of rigorous investigation. For the general public, by whom Witches are so often misunderstood, an academic examination of the movement can only enhance the likelihood of tolerance and understanding that are the essence of religious pluralism." — Caroline Tully, Witchcraft Magazine
"David Waldron has done the scholarly community, neo-Pagans, and anyone interested in the study of neo-Paganism and Witchcraft a great service with this volume. In addition to its historical, cultural, and social overview of the subject matter, it makes for an interesting study in the construction of identities and symbolism within witchcraft. I highly recommend this book." — John W. Morehead, Senior Editor, Sacred Tribes Journal and Director, Western Institute for Intercultural Studies
"[Waldron] does an excellent job of summarizing the history of the English witch trials, their end, and the development and commercialization of the witchcraft and Pagan movements. The book will be useful for those who want to begin exploring that history as well as to scholars of ideas who want to consider and investigate his basic thesis of the relationship between the Romantic and the Enlightenment epistemes." — Helen A. Berger, West Chester University, Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion
Comp Copy If you are a professor teaching in this field you may request a complimentary copy.
Roman centurion Marcian is captured by Attila the Hun en route to Constantinople, but escapes. On arrival, he finds the eastern Roman emperor Theodosius plotting with Attila to look the other way while the latter marches against Rome. But Marcian gains the favor of Pulcheria, lovely sister of Theodosius, who favors a united Empire.
This symbol is often used in rituals, spells, and other magical practices to invoke elemental energies and establish a sacred space. However, it is important to note that the sign of the pagan has been misunderstood and associated with negative or Satanic connotations by some. This is primarily due to its misuse and misrepresentation in popular culture and media. In reality, the symbol holds diverse meanings and is not inherently tied to any particular religious or spiritual belief. Overall, the sign of the pagan is a significant symbol within pagan and occult practices. It represents various concepts such as balance, elemental energies, and connection with nature and the divine. Its interpretation and usage can vary depending on the tradition or belief system it is associated with..
Reviews for "Exploring the Sacred Geometry of Pagan Signs"
1. John - 2 stars - I recently read "Sign of the Pagan" and I have to say, I was quite disappointed. The story was slow and lacked any real depth. The characters felt one-dimensional and I couldn't connect with any of them. Additionally, I found the dialogue to be awkward and unrealistic. Overall, it just didn't live up to my expectations and I wouldn't recommend it.
2. Sarah - 1 star - "Sign of the Pagan" was a complete letdown for me. The plot was confusing and poorly developed. I couldn't follow along and found myself constantly questioning what was happening. The writing style was also lackluster, with dull descriptions and unengaging prose. I struggled to finish the book and was left feeling unsatisfied. It's safe to say I won't be picking up another novel by this author anytime soon.
3. Emily - 2 stars - I was really looking forward to reading "Sign of the Pagan" based on the synopsis, but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The pacing was inconsistent, with some parts dragging on and others rushing through important moments. The historical accuracy was also questionable, making it difficult to fully immerse myself in the story. While there were a few moments of intrigue, they were overshadowed by the overall lackluster execution. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone seeking a captivating historical fiction read.