10 Reasons Why Being a Pagan is Actually Pretty Cool

By Katrina Rasbold

Welcome back to the Witch At The Crossroads blog! Whether you’ve been walking the Path for decades or you’re just starting to notice that you feel a strange pull toward the moon, you’ve probably realized that Paganism isn’t exactly “mainstream.”

While the rest of the world is busy staring at screens, we’re out here talking to trees and celebrating the solstice. But beyond the mystery and the incense, there are some genuinely practical—and occasionally eclectic and quirky—reasons why being a Pagan is a fantastic way to live.

Here are ten reasons why being a Pagan is undeniably cool.

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1. The Holidays are Actually Fun (and Frequent…and Relevant)

In most traditions, you get a handful of major holidays a year. In Paganism, we have the Wheel of the Year. With eight Sabbats, you’re never more than six weeks away from a party. Whether it’s the bonfire chaos of Beltane or the cozy, hygge vibes of Yule, there’s always something to celebrate. Plus, we celebrate the actual change of seasons, which feels a lot more logical than celebrating a groundhog. PS: “hygge,” pronounced “hoo-gah,” is a fabulous Danish word that aptly wraps up the warm cuddle aspect of Witner Solstice.

2. Nature is Your Cathedral

One of the most practical perks? No commute to a specific building. You don’t have to dress up in a suit or find a parking spot at a mega-church. Your “sacred space” is the local park, your backyard, or a particularly mossy rock in the woods. This deep connection to the Earth isn’t just spiritual; it’s scientifically proven to lower cortisol levels and boost your mood.

3. Your Aesthetic is “Eclectic Forest Wizard”

You know, or Bog Witch or Urban Mage. Let’s be honest: the fashion is a vibe. Whether your style is “Victorian Goth,” “Renaissance Fair Reject,” or “Comfortable Linen Layering,” Paganism embraces the unique. You can wear a giant pentacle, carry a crystal the size of a potato, or simply smell like sandalwood and cedarwood, and everyone just nods and says, “Yeah, that tracks.” While others roll their eyes at the Halloween inventory rolling into department stores in August, we’re just excited that it’s “Home Decor & Fashionwear Shopping Time.”

4. You Become a DIY Expert

Being Pagan often means making your own tools. You’ll find yourself learning how to dry herbs, pour candles, carve wood, and mix essential oils. Before you know it, you’re not just a practitioner; you’re a kitchen chemist and a master gardener. If the apocalypse happens, the Pagans will be the ones with the herbal medicine and the ability to start a fire with two sticks. We might not be who you want on your zombie apocalypse team for taking out the brain-eating marauders but we are for sure the ones you want to have in the bunker making things smell good and keeping the energy stable.

5. Guilt is Not the Default Setting

Many major religions rely heavily on “original sin” or divine shame. In Paganism, the focus is generally on personal responsibility and balance. There isn’t just one guy in the sky keeping a tally of your minor mistakes. The “Rede” or similar ethics (like “Harm None”) encourage you to be a good person because it’s the right thing to do for the community and the Earth, not because you’re afraid of eternal hellfire. We are self-regulated not because someone told us we should feel overwhelming guilt, but out of an evaluation of reasonable actions and consequences.

6. You Have a Literal “Rock Collection”

Remember when you were five and you’d bring home “special” rocks from the playground? As a Pagan, you never have to stop doing that. Except now, those rocks are “Rose Quartz for emotional healing” and “Black Tourmaline for protection.” Having a house full of shiny stones is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it also makes you very easy to shop for during the holidays.

7. Moon Phases: The Original Self-Care Calendar

Instead of fighting against your energy levels, Pagans use the moon. New Moon? Time to set intentions and rest. Full Moon? Time to finish projects and maybe get a little wild. Following the lunar cycle gives your life a natural rhythm that prevents burnout and helps you stay in sync with your own body. Nature gave us a roadmap to follow and put it exactly where we would take notice of it. Well played, Nature. Well played.

8. You’re Part of a 24/7 Global History Book

Being Pagan connects you to the deep, ancient roots of humanity. You’re looking at the same stars and honoring the same cycles as your ancestors did thousands of years ago. It turns every hike or gardening session into a historical reenactment. You start to see the “magic” in the mundane—like the way a seed sprouts or how the wind changes before a storm. This creates a whole new layer of experience onto life itself.

9. Total Intellectual Freedom

There is no “Pagan Pope.” (If there was, I’d nominate Oberon) There is no single book that tells you exactly what to believe. You are encouraged to read, research, and find the path that resonates with your soul. If you want to study Norse mythology on Tuesday and Zen meditation on Wednesday, go for it. It’s a “choose your own adventure” spirituality that respects both your intelligence and your right to choose. We carefully hone the art of self-awareness and ideally stay in tune with what our spirit and our life goals need to flourish.

10. We Have the Best Snacks

Most Pagan gatherings (circles, moots, or festivals) end with “Cakes and Ale” (or juice and cookies). Because we honor the Earth’s bounty, the food is usually incredible. We take “potluck” very seriously. Our pots are extremely lucky. You haven’t lived until you’ve shared a homemade rosemary loaf and local honey with a group of people who just spent an hour chanting under the stars. I remember this meme from long ago: