Welcome to Gaia! ::

Not everyone has to agree with every aspect of paganism. I know several people who don't buy the idea that creatures like dragons actually exist. But that's ok. I personally don't believe in the "Three Fold Rule."

Paganism is all about finding your personal path so I think if you don't want to dabble in astral planes and things like that, its your choice. Just like its my choice to steer clear of the witches' rede.

The key is to respect other peoples' beliefs, even if you don't buy them personally.

And to answer your question, to some "those things" have a heck of a lot to do with Paganism. For many people, if they buy the fact that magic exists, then they buy the whole box.

The traditions that today's paganism is based on included a lot of reverence toward supernatural creatures. Back then there was no line between mythical and real, so some people like to follow that idea today.

That's just a lil anthropological explanation. But in the end, do what works for you. Just don't scream at people that they're wrong if they believe fae exist.

*sigh* Yeah, Atlantis and Lemuria theorists just seem a little xp to me. Especially Ash who thinks they're going to find Atlantis soon and the world is going to end etc.

If you can't believe in something, don't. You can still participate in the religion if you have trouble accepting the existence of dragons. I agree with that Bell (Yes, Bell not Will) Shakespeare guy "The only reason I am glad of my Catholic upbring is that it has allowed me to believe anything" I'm glad it's done something for me.