mydnyte asked this question on 5/14/2000:

Is there such a thing as an afterlife in Wicca? How does it, if it exists, compare to the views of Christians or Moslems? If it doesn't exist, what do Wiccans see as reason to live a good or fulfilling life?

faeryshaman gave this response on 5/15/2000:

Dear Mydnyte,

Please bear in mind that this is how I view your question. Wicca is not a dogmatic faith and my opinions may not reflect the opinions of others who are Wiccan.

I believe that there is no difference between life and death except that when we are 'alive' our spirits or souls inhabit a material body and when we are 'dead' they don't. So, do I believe in reincarnation? Yes, but not in the same way that folks in the Orient are thought to do. I believe that we may choose to inhabit material bodies, or not, or even choose complete annihilation. This annihilation is a complete ceasing to exist as a distinct being and becoming at one with All That Is.

As I was a Christian for many years and studied theology at college I know that Christian belief in the afterlife is not completely homogenous - there are differences in belief among various denominations and these views have also changed over the centuries. Certainly in the Judea of Jesus Christ many believed in reincarnation. Of course they were Jews and not Christians but it was not until quite late - beginning in 325 CE with the Council of Nicea - that belief in reincarnation was rejected as appropriate belief for a Christian. Today most Christians believe that when one dies one is subject to the judgement of God and that one ends up in heaven, paradise, hell, or purgatory. (This of couse depends on one's denomination. Most Protestants believe there is only heaven and hell while the Anglicans, Orthodox, Catholics and other churches of that type believe one may be given a second chance at heaven through purification in purgatory - this is certainly a more compassionate dogma than the 'as the tree falls so it lays'.)

I know nothing of Moslem belief in re the afterlife - they are - however People of the Book like the Jews and Christians and so I presume that the have a doctrine of the afterlife based on rewards and punishments.

I do not know how other Pagans may reason that they should live a good and fulfilling life - this is my reason: Virtue is its own reward. Goodness is its own reward. I love my Goddess and seek to serve Her because I love Her not because She requires my service, not because I am in fear of being punished if I fail to serve well. I serve purely from love alone. If I am able to show forth Her love to my brothers and sisters I am rewarded by that alone and need no other reward.

Please, bear in mind that this is only my humble opinion and may not reflect those of others on the Pagan path.

(I have taken time to reply to your question. Please, return the favour and take the time to rate my answer. I do appreciate it.)

One hundred thousand blessings to you and yours, Tira of the Grove http://www.faeryshaman.org

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