ladimír Turčan

Presented are: the catalogue of ancient sanctuaries of the Czechian and Slovakian Slavs discovered archaeologically, relations to the particular regions or tribal areas, the role of natural conditions by selecting the place for sanctuary build-up. The author makes comparisons of the ground-plans and geographical orientations. The interpretation of the preserved constructive el- ements is given. The evidences of fire and its signification in the religious ceremonies are dis- cussed. The same was made for the ox as a cultic animal, for the finds of cultic sacrifices and gifts to the sanctuaries. The status of the "žrec" in the Old-Slavonic society is also discussed. The Old-Slavonic cult faded out at the time of Christianity

The words "Paganism" and "Pagan" come from the Latin "paganus", meaning country dweller. In simplest terms - Paganism is a religion of place or a native religion, for example, the Native American's religion is Pagan, and Hinduism is a form of Paganism. All Pagan religions are characterized by a connection and reverence for nature, and are usually polytheistic i.e. have many Gods and/or Goddesses.

Paganism is a religion of nature, in other words Pagans revere Nature. Pagans see the divine as immanent in the whole of life and the universe; in every tree, plant, animal and object, man and woman and in the dark side of life as much as in the light. Pagans live their lives attuned to the cycles of Nature, the seasons, life and death.

Slavic mythology and Slavic religion evolved over more than 5,000 years. It is conjectured that some parts of it are from Neolithic or possibly even Mesolithic times. The religion possesses numerous common traits with other religions descended from the Proto-Indo-European religion.

Sources
Unlike Greek or Egyptian mythology, there are no first-hand records for the study of Slavic mythology. Despite some controversial theories (for instance, the Book of Veles), it cannot be proven that the Slavs had any sort of writing system prior to Christianization; therefore, all their original religious beliefs and traditions were passed down orally over generations, and were forgotten over the centuries following the arrival of Christianity. Prior to that, sparse records of Slavic religion were mostly written by non-Slavic Christian missioners who were not very interested and/or objective in their descriptions of pagan beliefs. Archaeological remains of old Slavic idols and shrines have been found, but they do not tell us much more other than confirming existing historical records. Fragments of old mythological beliefs and pagan festivals survive up to this day in folk customs, songs, and stories of all the Slavic nations. Reconstruction of ancient myths from remains that survived in folklore over a thousand years is a complex and difficult task that can often lead researchers astray. This may result in misinterpretations, confusions, or even pure forgeries and inventions.

Slavic Priest, Leader, and Editor in Chief.
Interview with Belojar
By Christopher Blackwell

My Russian Heathen friend lets me know about other Pagans in Russia and the surrounding Countries. So far the Pagan/Heathen movement has proven to be very interesting. This time my friend Yggeld brought Belojar, a Slavic Priest, deputy head of the Union of Slavic Communities of Slavic Native Belief and editor in chief of the first Russian magazine about Paganism, "Rodnoverie," to my attention. Fortunately for my sake he knows English, as I don't know a word of Russian.