“If you have ever come on a dense wood of ancient trees that have risen to an exceptional height, shutting out all sight of the sky with one thick screen of branches upon another, the loftiness of the forest, the seclusion of the spot, your sense of wonderment at finding so deep and unbroken a gloom out of doors, will persuade you of the presence of a deity. Any cave in which the rocks have been eroded deep into the mountain resting on it, its hollowing out into a cavern of impressive extent not produced by the labours of men but the result of the processes of nature, will strike into your soul some kind of inkling of the divine. We venerate the source of important streams; places where a mighty river bursts suddenly from hiding are provided with altars; hot springs are objects of worship; the darkness or unfathomable depth of pools has made their waters sacred.”
Seneca - “Letters From a Stoic”, translated by Robin Campbell (London and New York: Penguin Classics, 1969, ISBN 0140442103)
Erik posted this over at Pagan Godspell. I can't believe that I've never seen it before, but it's lovely.
2 comments:
I think I could use this piece as an explanation of Paganism for the uninitiated.
The words are much better than mine usually are, anyway.
Love,
Terri in Joburg
I agree with aquila. This is a profound statement of pagan faith. I'm going to copy and paste it somewhere safe. Thanks for sharing!
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