Masculine religions, both the polytheistic and the monotheistic, are mostly based on the pursuit of power. The rule of power can be seen in three ways: the technological power makes Man rule over Nature; the power of possession makes one man rule over others; and the political power makes few rule over the many. Modern globalization, instead of being beneficial for all human beings, allows the few powerful – mainly men – rule over the world as a whole through the three ways mentioned here.
It is quite obvious that the ability and inclination to pursue possession have developed since the agricultural revolution of the Neolithic period; gatherer/hunter tribes had no way of keeping too many possessions during their wanderings. There is no doubt also that agriculture is one of the most destructive factors of the Earth, as well as of the structure of human society. It was the immediate cause for over exploitation of the soil and water, for the ruling by the strong over the weak, and for gathering too many possessions beyond human needs. Every advantage that could have been useful for humanity in the wake of work division and making free time for creativity and learning was lost because of social oppression and the destruction of the land. Local, urban, state and world politics were an unavoidable result of the Neolithic revolution. These politics are based on an outlook that is in complete contrast to the basic pagan attitude, which is based on a balance between the good of the individual, the good of society and the good of Earth as a whole.
Is it possible, then, to return to the ancient form of paganism in order to save the Earth and humanity with it? The answer is, obviously, that it is not. In contrast to ancient paganism, which was the religion of society as a whole, modern paganism is based on individuals who have forsaken male monotheistic religions and could not define themselves as atheists. Individualism, which the basis for modern society, allows the fulfillment of personal inclinations in many forms and ways, and sometimes there is no ideological or social connection between people or groups who define themselves as pagans. It is not yet clear whether this is a problem or not, and whether there is a need to unite all modern pagans together; in the mean time, this situation enables an individual personal definition of paganism. For me, as a woman who defines herself as pagan, there is no choice but to return to the initial state of belief as I understand it, and base my faith on the primary Goddess in charge of Nature, expressed in the body of the Earth, the soul of the Moon, and the wisdom of the Underworld. (The cosmos beyond our solar system should be, in my opinion, beyond human faith as it is not relevant to human's life, at least for this moment in time).
I see modern paganism's goal in concentrating on two courses, which oppose that of male monotheism. Because, as I have said, there is a tight connection between the religious and the social system of every society, it is clear that one of these courses is to fight for social justice, especially for women (although, it is true, that some modern pagans prefer masculine supremacy, but most of them allow female equality at least, while recognizing the ancient standing of the Mother goddess). The other course should be the preservation of Earth's natural state and resources. Technology can be used for the second purpose, but both the pursuit of possessions and of political power are in complete contrast to these pagan goals.
