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Where is paganism on the concept of Heaven?

As a neophyte pagan, I am curious about the separateness or integration of traditional Christian views with paganism. I imagine that the answer depends on the particular faith practiced, but perhaps there is a more general position. Ideas?

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Permalink Reply by Maris Hellfaerie (Maire) on September 12, 2012 at 8:31pm

What I like about Germanic heathenism, is that you have heathens who believe Valhalla is great, and Hel not so much, and you have heathens who really would rather go to Hel, and who could be more excited about the idea of being in Valhalla. There are a few places more one could go.

Permalink Reply by Dale on September 12, 2012 at 10:04pm
I too am facinated by what informative answers will pop up.
I'd live to hear you points of view.
Dale da Ogre.
One of pagan spaces token Christians.
Permalink Reply by Poppi Raven on September 14, 2012 at 4:26pm
Hi Dale, I appreciate your follow-up and curiosity. On a general level I might be described as a curious seeker, and on a more formal level, I am a Buddhist and practice in the Theravada tradition. As such, reincarnation comes up a lot in our discussions of an after-life. I am fascinated by diverging practices and faiths, so I've enjoyed reading what people have to say from a Pagan perspective. Be well.
Permalink Reply by Psyche on September 12, 2012 at 11:05pm

I can only go with what I believe in as an eclectic pagan. I don't believe in the Christian aspect of Heaven. I believe in reincarnation.

Permalink Reply by Aurelia Pontia on September 12, 2012 at 11:26pm

Everyone else has said it.

Most pagans believe in some sort of afterlife.

They're not like a Christian heaven though, many of them.  

Some are of the thought that the afterlife is much like this life, only less so.  You're dead after all.  Life is what is desirable, not death, so unless you're a hero or a demi-god, the afterlife is just that much duller and not as vibrant.

Wrong-doers are punished for their deeds, but the punishments match the crimes and none of the punishments are forever.

Sometimes reincarnation is an option if the dead person does choose it, but it's not mandatory.

Permalink Reply by Kixs on September 13, 2012 at 12:03am

"I imagine that the answer depends on the particular faith practiced,"

I think you answered your own question.

Permalink Reply by Ms.Pouncer-Curiousier&Curiousier on September 14, 2012 at 9:09am

I think that if there is an afterlife, here is how it works (disclaimer: I speak for myself, not all pagans)

We live on this earth for x number of years. Then the spirit/soul/essence/etc leaves the body. Then, depending on your actions in life (karma) you are sent to 'sort the rest out' if there is any ' unfinished business', so you can move on (Christian idea of 'limbo'....or a reason for some hauntings) Once you move on you are sent into those 'cited places' (Heaven, Summerland, Valhalla, Hel(l), etc.) And each of those places are just different areas in that (under)world (akin to the concept of continents/cities) I think we vacation there for a while, until we are needed back on earth (reincarnation)

Permalink Reply by Dale on September 14, 2012 at 9:15am

To fine tune this question if I may.
What is your faith / path, and what is your idea of the afterlife . Does it parallel with the Christians ideals of heaven?

Permalink Reply by Kixs on September 15, 2012 at 6:31am

I really don't know the true christian ideals of heaven are. It seems every christian I have asked has a different answer. So possibly it's a personal choice? Maybe you can tell me Dale?

Permalink Reply by Dale on September 19, 2012 at 11:13pm

Sorry for the delay in answering. Been truck driving and darn wifi is so spotty.

     For me?  Jesus said, as He was heading up.  " I go to prepare a place for you ..." 

I think, and hope that would mean for us according to our individual desire and hope what heaven would be like. He said ..." for you".  He didn't say I go to heaven to prepare a track home neighborhood where all homes look the same.

  In my mind that is quite simple. He's building a home for us all.  Heaven.  Perfect. Peaceful. And without all the mental strain and stress and well Earthly drama.  Reading revelations gives an idea of what some thinks Heaven will be. 

   I personally would like a simple house.  Smalll back porch. A Bed I can finally be comfortable in.  A huge deep dark dense forest. A lake to fish in.  An very few people to pester me.  My dad who is awesome, once said. The ideal heaven will be a paradise. Animals we've always wanted to pet but they were too mean.  Like sitting with gorillas.  or peting lions.  Etc.  But also God giving us wings.  Pointing to the stars above and saying There. now go see what else I've made.  Spending an eternity amongst the stars,  oh that would be heaven.

Permalink Reply by Poppi Raven on September 20, 2012 at 10:49pm
Thank you Dale. Your depiction of heaven sounds sweet. I especially like the imagery of your simple house. Your dad's comment about petting animals has a gentle quality that is soothing and comforting. For my part, I imagine the feelings and sensations that would come from experiencing things, not so much the things themselves. Be well and drive safely.
Permalink Reply by Ritalin-Bunny on September 14, 2012 at 5:45pm

I love the idea of my personalized heaven but am not optimistic about seeing it realized.

I find the Xtian concept ridiculous, as well as most of others I've heard of.

The thing is, whatever keeps you going can't be dismissed as bad, even if it's really unlikely.

I'm an animist and sometimes I even wonder about that.

Some mornings there's nothing there at all, it's like a dry desert wind blowing where my thoughts should be.

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