I think these are all great questions and while Polly is the OP I thought I would throw in my 2 cents, to kind of answer the questions from my point of view. The thing I like about Paganism is that there are so many ideals and beliefs to choose from. You can take what you like and leave the rest because it's that personal to you.
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I would love to learn more about the moral/ethical code in Paganism. For instance, the views on abortion, suicide, euthenasia, homosexuality
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This, for me, doesn't necissarily all come from Pagan beliefs. I grew up in a Christian household and learned a lot of good lessons that can be carried over to just about any religion. Morally, I just live my life the best way I know how, being accepting of anyone reguardless of their beliefs because I've learned that what is right for me and true for me doesn't means its right and true for others. And while this wasn't a big issue for me I did have a problem with others telling me what was right for me. Does that make sense?
Now a lot of Pagans beliefe in Karma and believe what is sent out will return to you three fold. I am a big believer in it and try to spread good karma around where ever I go. I try to stay away from bad karma because I believe that it gets you into a trap.
From what I know about Paganism there are no official views on abortion, suicide, euthenasia or homosexuality. I believe that in Paganism if you can have a straight, informed, opinion about these subjects without the influence of other religions (what is RIGHT or WRONG) then that is your true opinion and no other Pagan will tell you it's wrong or right. Homosexuality, I know, is a common, acceptable thing. I've even seen a few covens are based on a common sexuality. I imagine that people that are GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered) feel more accepted in the Pagan community than in other religions. That being said, this isn't a fact, just what I would assume to be true.
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What do Pagans believe about the afterlife? Is it something like heaven/hell, reincarnation, or different altogether?
What are Pagan rituals like? I am sure that there are lots of different ones just like other religions have many different rituals and ceremonies, but maybe you could describe one.
What does it mean to cast a circle? Why is that done?
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This again has many possibilities. As far as afterlife goes. I think a lot of pagans believe in reincarnation, that it helps us learn a bigger lesson. I personally believe in it. That we relive the same life (or close to it) over and over again, learning different lessons. I did read a book that was geared towards a more of a Dianic or Goddess belief that told of some lush island that you go to when you die. There is no hell type place. I can't even remember what the island was called. But of course there are so many different ideas about this. Reading about it is good.
Pagan rituals are basically what the individual wants it to be, or if its a group, then a coven. A lot of it is giving thanks to nature and the seasons. Some give thanks to certain Gods/Goddesses, meditation, reading, candle lighting, etc. It's all very calm and centering. A lot of Pagans use the Wheel of the Year. This tells the seasons and different celebrations within the seasons. I know for me winter and fall are VERY special and important to me. It is a time of rebirth. When the Sun God lays down to sleep and the Moon Goddess rules. This is the time when I feel most alive and in tune with nature. To get off on a tangent, if you don't mind, I knew that last fall would bring something amazing. I felt it in the air. It is usually the only time of year that I set up an actual alter. I decorated my alter with lots of holly, pine cones and leaves. I also found some mistletoe growing in my front yard. I brought some of this in and put it high on a shelf above my alter. Mistletoe is said to be the semen of the Gods because it blooms in the cold womb of winter. The berrys are white with a semen textured gel inside. I kept it and let it dry. Meditating often, reading and lighting candles. Anyways, I truely believe I knew this was the time when I would conceive. And we did.
Now, to cast a circle is when one person or a group will come together and invite the corners of the earth (N, S ,E, W) to help them with energy or any spell workings they want to do. It is also a time to listen to the world around you for guidence. I *think* this is mostly used in Wiccan beliefs, a branch of paganism.
I hope this helps some and I know Polly and others can add more. But like I said Paganism is a very personal religion meaning it can be so different from person to person. This is just my take on things
Thanks for reading!