The term Slavic Paganism is composed of two parts:
“Slavic”, referring to the Indo-European people who speak various languages of the Slavic language group. Slavs are the largest ethno-linguistic group in Europe: three of the top ten most spoken languages in Europe are Slavic languages [1]. “Slavs” are not one ethnic group, but rather a group of ethnic groups including Russians, Ukrainians, Poles, and many others totaling over 300 million. Slavic people can be found as far west as Germany and Czechia, to the east deep into Asia, within the Arctic Circle and as far south as the Aegean Sea. Also, millions of Slavs and their descendants live in diaspora across the world.
“Paganism”, referring to the pre-Christian and pre-Islamic beliefs systems that were displaced by these incoming religions. Paganism in Europe was often polytheistic, animistic and panentheistic. Ancestor worship was another common practice in pagan religions. It was a widespread but regionally-varying religion (local myths and gods), with both large public celebrations and temples, and small private shrines and altars within the home. Historically speaking, most Slavic countries officially converted between the late 800s and early 1100s CE. The last Slavic pagan temple was destroyed at the island of Rugen in northern Germany in 1168 CE.
Paganism Today?
Yes, Slavic paganism is a reconstruction of the pre-Christian and pre-Islamic religion of Slavic peoples. Reconstructionism “…is a methodology used to build a cohesive belief system revolving around certain/specific ethno-cultural peoples, located in a specific era of time…” This methodology includes close study of primary sources about Slavic paganism: medieval chronicles, epic poetry, etc. But it also emphasizes Christian folklore (often a thinly veiled retelling of pagan oral tradition), linguistic analysis and comparison to other mythologies. Altogether, these different approaches compose a reconstructionist method which we employ to revive the Slavic pagan religion.
The use of this methodology in contemporary paganism is not new. It has proven its worth through the compelling reconstructions of the paganisms of other ethno-cultural groups, such as the Gauls, Anglo-Saxons, Greco-Egyptians and Norse, among others.
In a Slavic context, this methodology has produced a contemporary religion: polytheistic, panentheistic, ancestor venerating and animistic. So, to be very specific, Solntsa Roshcha is a blog for the practice of Slavic Reconstructionist Paganism. Some Russian names for our religion would include Slavyanskoye Yazychestvo or Yazycheskaya Vera, “Slavic Paganism” or “Pagan Faith”. Someone who practices this religion is called a Yazychnik, or simply a pagan.
Polytheism? Animism? Ancestor Worship?
Slavic reconstructionist paganism includes three main objects of worship: the gods (Russian: Bogi), the spirits (Russian: Dushi), and the ancestors (Russian: Predki). We believe in multiple, distinct gods who are both immanent (appearing in the world) and transcendent (not limited to the material world). We believe that every building, every forest, every river or lake, the landscape itself is populated by countless spirits. We believe that our ancestors watch over and protect us throughout our life.
We understand that these gods, spirits and ancestors are not archetypes, concepts or part of the human psychology, but that they are truly in the world and real beings.
Who can practice Slavic Paganism?
Anyone who is willing.
You do not need to be Slavic, have Slavic ancestry or speak a Slavic language to learn and practice Slavic paganism. While that identity can be valuable, regardless the Gods will see your genuine study and veneration. They will hear your prayers and receive your offerings.
Hatred, bigotry and ethnic nationalism are not welcome in Slavic paganism.
Slavic paganism is also not mutually exclusive with other religions. Many Slavic pagans also practice other forms of paganism, like Hellenism or Heathenry.
How do you practice Slavic Paganism?
The core of Slavic Pagan practice, much like other reconstructed pagan religions, is the gifting cycle. Either a practitioner or god, spirit or ancestor can initiate this cycle, by granting a blessing or giving an offering. A sacrifice or blessing is a ‘gift’, a freely given tangible or intangible offering out of good will. In our religion, gift giving obligates the receiver to reciprocate, to return a gift for a gift. This understanding of sacrifice informs our practice: we regularly offer to the gods, spirits and ancestors to maintain this cycle, and in doing so to grow closer to them.
Our Ritual page describes in detail how to worship formally in Slavic paganism.
We worship both within our homes and in natural spaces, and this is left up to the individual practitioner. We may worship water-spirits by rivers or lakes, but worship our ancestors or patron deities at a shrine in our house. Keeping shrines, including altars, offering dishes, idols and icons of deities, pictures of deceased ancestors, and many other sacred items, is a common practice in Slavic Paganism. Other practices may include keeping sacred oaths, dietary restrictions or meditation.
Slavic Paganism also includes a number of annual and seasonal holidays, some of the most important being Kolyada at the winter solstice, Maslenitsa at the end of winter, and Kupala Noch at the summer solstice. Our calendar includes a full list of holidays celebrated by Solntsa Roshcha. There are other Slavic holidays which vary from region to region, which other Slavic pagans choose to practice. Solntsa Roshcha focuses on the Eastern European region. The traditions of the “East Slavs”, who include Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians and Rusyns, are the primary inspiration of Solntsa Roshcha’s practices and beliefs.