The roots of what we now call "Paganism" stretch back through time to an era long before the formation of written history. Most of what we know began around 10,000 B.C. during the Paleolithic Age. The people of this age were nomads. They lived directly off the Earth and relied on their strong sense of community and connection to the natural world to maintain their survival. They used the stars and herds of animals to guide their way. They harvested wild fruits and vegetables and were the first hunters of our time.  
 
Their connection to animals was a deep one. Animals were often seen as earthly manifestations of deity with spirit totems that lived on long after their deaths. They were used for everything from food, clothing, housing, and companionship. Their connection with animals was a respectable one. Only taking what they needed and being very careful to maintain the delicate relationship that is so important between non-human animals and the natural world. 
 
However, it’s a new century. Most of us live in warm comfortable homes, have three square meals a day, and can rely on our modern world to provide us with all the amenities we could ever need. Sadly, our relationship with animals has been deeply severed in this period of time. The deep connection that we had with them and the bonds we've built have been stripped in favor of giant multi-billion dollar corporations that have taken our natural world, and turned it into a horrific machine of violence and gore. In fact, the only relationship that most of us have with animals is now at the dinner table...when we eat them. In this world of endless choices and advanced knowledge of how our bodies work; surely the way we use animals is not only unnecessary and cruel, but obsolete as well.  
 
As Pagans, it is morally incumbent upon us to take a closer look at our relationship with animals. The environmental travesties of places like factory farms and leather tanneries have butchered our Earth that we so naively call our "Mother". The cholesterol-packed, fat-laden pounds of flesh most people eat every day is certainly a disservice to the most precious gifts given to us by the gods; our lives. Where many of our traditions inform us that to enrich our spiritual lives by knowing and respecting ourselves is a must, many of us fall short of this creed in the simplest choices we make each day.  
 
Reclaim your connection to the Earth. It's time we stop giving power to industry and start giving power to ourselves. We can get this power back by making simple choices that have a profound affect on not only our lives, but the lives of animals and the Earth.  May you learn, love, and grow with all the passion instilled within us by divinity. 
 
Blessings, 
 
David 
Staff Writer, paganveg.com