Pagan

The Pagan Federation is the largest and oldest Pagan body in Europe. It publishes a quarterly journal (Pagan Dawn) and has an information pack which gives basic facts about modern European Paganism.
Most Pagans will keep an altar, shrine or a devotional room (often called a temple) in their own homes. Private devotions take place whenever the individual wishes and may include prayer, meditation, chanting, reading of religious texts and ritual.
Group Practice often occurs on the lunar observance days and on the seasonal festivals celebrated by most Pagans.

A Pagan would be very upset if a hospital admission form stated that he or she has no religion.
Most Pagans will not have any unusual needs but during one of their festivals they may ask for privacy during visiting hours to allow them to worship with friends.
Because of diverse traditions within Paganism individual patients should be asked how their needs can be satisfied in hospital.
As families may not be aware of their beliefs and most Pagans are wary of making their beliefs known, this information should be treated with the utmost respect.
Pagans may wish to have a small white candle or a small figure of the Goddess on their locker.
Ritual jewellery is very common and may have deep personal religious significance. In some traditions the wearing of a ring, which symbolises the person’s adherence to Paganism or a particular Pagan path, is common. The removal of such a ring may cause considerable distress.

Dietary practice varies but many Pagans are vegetarian and some may be vegan.
Dietary choices are a matter for individuals who should be consulted on their preferences.

Pagans will want to know if they are dying to give them time to prepare positively for death.
Most Pagans prefer to die at home.
It is important that pagans have the name and telephone number of their Spiritual advisor to attend them in the same way as clergy. The Chaplain would be inappropriate unless requested.
Pagans will not welcome prayers at the bedside but, at the point of death, would welcome the comforting presence of a nurse or another person, ideally another pagan.
Most Pagans would be prepared to donate and receive transplants and transfusions. This is a matter for the individual. Routine procedures are acceptable.
Most Pagans believe in reincarnation. The emphasis in funerals is on joyfulness for the departed in passing on to a new life and also consolation for relatives and friends that the person will be reborn.
Cremation or burial are equally acceptable. In some traditions religious items of significance to the deceased must be burned or buried with the body. Ritual jewellery, personal ritual items such as the Witch’s athame and the person’s religious writings (eg the Book of Shadows) are commonly buried or burned with the body.