Return to Information Return HomePagans have different ideas on these subjects. Some people talk about Valhalla or The Western Isles as our ultimate destination, or perhaps the Underworld where we await rebirth. We like to think we will meet loved ones who have gone before, and some of us think we'll be reincarnated. But, of course, none of us knows for sure, and such beliefs are not central to our practice.
The only thing everyone can agree on is that we're here, life is precious and we must make the most of it. For most thoughtful people, Pagan or otherwise, that generally means using our particular gifts to their fullest, loving one another and trying to leave behind a decent world for our children.
Depending on the wishes of the surviving family, a Pagan who has died may receive a traditional funeral service. In addition, his or her friends will probably hold a memorial service themselves or with the family. However, Pagans can have “official” funerals held for and by their co-religionists. Most funeral homes can provide a room without built-in pews, which enables Pagans to do their ritual in their usual circle. The service will usually provide an opportunity for everyone to speak about the deceased.
We have no problems with organ donations (a wonderful idea, giving of ourselves that someone else's life may continue), autopsies, etc. Pagans may be buried in the normal way, or cremated and their ashes scattered in a favorite place. The “traditional” or perhaps mythical way to be buried was unembalmed, with a tree planted on top. However, the laws of the land must prevail.
Wiccans remember their dead at Hallowe'en (which they call Samhain, pronounced Sow [rhymes with 'how']-wen, which is the last day of the Celtic year. In the feast following the ritual, extra plates are set out for the dead who are thought of as celebrating with us. As well as those recently passed over, we remember all our ancestors, and frequently there is a time for thinking about all the people we didn't know who died that year, especially those who were victims of war or disaster.
You can find further information in books in Occult or New-Age bookstores. A highly recommended book is The Pagan Book of Living and Dying, by Starhawk et al, HarperSanFrancisco, 1997.