Religious experience
Pagans prioritise the experiential dimension of religion, and individual experience as a source of authority. Belief in the sacredness of nature often springs from numinous or mystical experiences which have happened to Pagans when in special places or as part of a ritual or of meditation. Such experiences are not just passing feelings but can be deeply personally transformative, if hard to talk about. Graham Harvey talks about the fundamental characteristic of Paganism being ‘enchantment’, the recognition of a world full of myriads of amazing life-forms, with whom we can develop relationships that recognise our mutual dependence. Paganism puts the wonder back into life.