Greetings!
>> Another, perhaps unexpected, truth; and one which, perhaps, should be
>> noted. In modern times, in which western country has the government most
>> embraced paganism and occultism?
>
>I think the verdict is still out on this question. "Paganism" loosely
>defined is enshrined everywhere in the United States. The attempt to change
>the face of Americašs pagan inspired governmental architecture with a
>monotheistic monument of the Ten Commandments didn't succeed. There are
>about two dozen very large Zodiacs in public government buildings in
>Washington, D.C. and many more Zodiacs on monuments and room interiors
>honoring pagan deities all over the capitol.
Good point! I had not considered that. Classical architecture in Britain
was, I think, also an expression of a general appreciation of
pre-Christian Greek and Roman civilisation. The thought occurs that some
may have had the intent of employing archetypal symbols to better
manifest the Christian revelation and for others the exploration of
these symbols, an their incarnation in architecture was a dimension of
their religion. Incidentally, I am going to publish a book that deals
with these themes.
>
>Even our seemingly benign daily rituals and customs, in America at least,
>like making a wish by tossing a coin in a well or a fountain, give homage to
>pagan gods. Though arguably the honoring of water deities and spirits is not
>on most folk's mind.
The cognizance issue. It attends any discussion of the survival of
rituals or symbols. Sometimes rituals can preserve wisdom that the
practitioners are quite unaware of.
>
>Also would need to consider the modern native nations in North America that
>celebrate their old beliefs and have incorporated them into their modern
>sovereign governmental systems, especially when it comes to their official
>holidays and festivals.
As an aside, and relating to the cognizance issue. I live close to one
of the most multicultural cities in Britain. Municipal architects have
obviously scratched their heads to find references that will neither
favour, offend or exclude. The result, street architecture that evokes
the glamours of megalithic monuments and cosmological maps! No reason to
think there are pagans working on the council, but there might be!
With my best wishes
Ben
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Ben Fernee
Caduceus Books
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