The alternative religion of Druidery has origins which are not known. Almost all groups of Druidery are independent in nature and do not have leaders in authority. The Druid division classes are Druid-which includes lawyer’s, judges and others in the law and legal fields, the Bard-which is made up of poets, artisans of various skills and musicians and the Ovate-which is that of Priesthood and includes seers, psychics, diviners and people who have skills in the religious areas. Druidery worship does not take place in typical buildings or sanctuary’s, they congregate in groves preferably oak groves. Druids promote conservationism and activism in protecting our environment and our world. Holiday’s common in the alternative religion of Druidery are the Solstice celebration and the Equinox celebration, Halloween (Samhain) and (Beltane) Bel’s Day, these last two are associated and part of traditional festivals of Celtic fire.

Gnosticism is another alternative religion practiced. Gnosis is Greek for the word of knowledge. Christianity in ancient times had no singled out Christian groups, but many different and competing groups all had varied beliefs and practices. Theologians, who opposed these groups, used the term Gnostic for them. While there are some Gnostic organized congregation’s out there, most prefer private practice overall. Most worship of this alternative religion is either done in a temple or a private residence. Gnosticism promotes being a vegetarian and those who practice Gnosticism should avoid meat all the time.

The alternative religion of Scientology is a much debated subject for a lot of people. In the year 1955, a man named L Ron Hubbard founded the Church of Scientology. He formerly was a writer of science fiction and a veteran of the Navy. There are clergy of two kinds in this alternative religion, Volunteer Minister’s who give help and aid when disaster strikes or help with events in the public and the Auditor’s which have the job of administering Scientology technology. Some holidays observed by scientologist’s are the month of September’s second Sunday, which is Auditor’s Day and is a day that honors all Auditor’s of the church, May 9th which is publication of Dianetics anniversary and one of the best known is March 13th which is L Ron Hubbard’s birthday. There are many more holidays celebrated by the church that have to do with the church’s founding and the releases of exhibits or books in Scientology.

Wicca is an alternative religion that is practiced in Countries across the world. The Old Religion is what Wicca is sometimes called, because it is believed to be a survival of a very old religion of witchcraft that existed underground and secret for many, many years. Wicca is based on the concepts of a magical nature and varieties of religious witchcraft. Most of Wicca followers call themselves witches. A God or Goddess is worshipped in this alternative religion. Eight Sabbat festivals are observed every year, along with Esbats of the full moon. Wicca’s live by a code of ethics based on harming no one or harming one self. In the year 1985, the state of Virginia district court determined Wicca to be a legally and recognizable religion. Still many witches keep their beliefs and practices to themselves for fear of persecution by others who may not understand fully the way of Wicca religion and alternative religions.

Whichever alternative religion you believe in or practice, the main thing to remember is to never judge someone else’s beliefs just because you do not understand them. We all have the right to our own personal beliefs and practices.