Also known as Modern or Contemporary Pagan, or hyphenated as Neo-Pagan, a Neopagan is a term for a variety of new religious movements influenced by what is known or believed about the historical Pagan beliefs of pre-Christian Europe, North Africa, and the Near East.
As a religious movement, Neopaganism might also be referred to as Modern Paganism, Contemporary Paganism, or Neo-Paganism.
Neopagan traditions are diverse, and without a centralized religious body or standard dogma. There are common areas, however.
Most Neopagans believe that every part of the universe is interconnected, and this shapes the way in which they view the nature of the Divine and with the place of human beings in the universe. Generally, Neopagans believe that every part of the universe is blessed, including humanity. Unlike Christianity, Neopagans hold that human beings are unflawed in their nature, that they are not damned, and that they are in no need of a Savior.
Like other religions, Neopagans gather together in churches, in homes, or outdoors, meeting in groups that, depending on the tradition, may be called circles, covens, churches, groves, or by other names.
Most Neopagan groups have clergy who perform certain religious functions, such as marriages and funerals, and who may officiate at other ceremonies or rituals.
Most Neopagan groups are earth-centered, and Pagan holidays usually fall on dates marking changes in seasons.
Common holidays recognized by Neopagans include Winter Solstice, Spring Equinox, Summer Solstice, Fall and Equinox. Others might include Imbolg (Candlemas), Beltane (May Day), Lammas (Loafmas), and Samhain (Summer's End).
Rites of passage include pregnancy, birth, baby welcoming, coming of age, handfasting, marriage, handparting, croning for women, saging for men, death, dedication to a path or course of study, and ordination. Some Neopagan traditions have specific rituals for these, while others do not.
Although Neopaganism traditions frequently borrow concepts and practices from other spiritual paths, Neopaganism is a new religion. Neopagan movements are characterized by a pronounced religious individualism, an emphasis on experience rather than doctrine or belief, a practical perspective on authority and practice, tolerance for other religions, a holistic worldview, and a flexible organizational structure.
Although individual Neopagan traditions may adopt an internal governing structure and specific beliefs, Neopaganism as a whole has no central hierarchy or dogma. Some Neopagan groups, such as the Asatru, African, and Celtic Traditionalists, have a specific ethnic focus, others blend elements of several Pagan traditions with those from other belief systems, forming the Eclectic and Blended paths.
Since "pagan" was initially a derogatory term applied to non-Christian religions as a whole, some Neopagan groups prefer not to use the term and use others to define their paths, such as African Traditional Religion, Native Spirituality, Celtic Spirituality, Heathenry, Earth-Centered Spirituality, European Traditional Spirituality, Elder Faith, and the Old Religion.
Many Neopagan groups prefer to refer to themselves as Pagans
In a broad sense, Neopaganism is an umbrella term that describes a large number of diverse spiritual traditions, the largest of which is Wicca. Others include Asatru, Celtic Traditionalism, Ceremonial Magick, Druidism, Eclectic, Family Traditions, Mystery Traditions, Santeria, Shamanism, Strega, and Voudon, as well as several blended paths, such as Buddhistpaganism, Christopaganism, Judeopaganism, and others. Approximately half of Neopagans are not part of any named group.
Generally, these traditions are indigenous, earth-centered, contain magical elements, recognize both male and female deities, or emphasize a connection with the natural world. There is also often a shared feeling of having been suppressed or eradicated by another religion, largely Christianity or Islam.
Several of the named groups are subdivided into sects, which may or may not be in communication with one another.
Statistics are subject to change, but at the turn of the 21st century, nearly half of all Neopagans had identified themselves as such for less than five years, and the number who practice by themselves and those who practice in groups were equally split.
The focus of this category is on Neopagan religions, Neo-Pagan religions, Neopaganism, Modern Paganism, Contemporary Paganism, or whatever term might be used, including the traditions named here and others that may not have been specifically named. Informational sites are also appropriate, whether complementary or oppositional.
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Recommended Resources
The site discusses a variety of African religions, including Ifa, Santeria, and Palo, with proclamations, documentation, histories, and contacts for each, as well as the text of religious documents, many of them in Spanish. Other resources include African-Cuban folklore, the text of several myths associated with Ife, a list of Orduns and Orishas, with informational texts, directives, and opinions. Legal notices are posted to the site.
http://www.awonifa.com/
Incorporated in 1968 and recognized by the IRS in 1970, the CAW is the first Pagan church founded in the United States, teaching a vision of Gaia as a living entity, a wide range of magic and beliefs, tribal intimacy, positive sexuality, living in harmony with the natural world, and immanent divinity. Its history, board of directors, staff, membership information, and a calendar of events are elucidated.
http://www.caw.org/
Quimbanda is an Afro-Brazilian religion practiced mostly in the urban city centers of Brazil. Originally considered to be part of the Macumba tradition, it is now determined to be a distinct religion. A brief description of the religion is given, and a glossary of terms used in Quimbanda is included, along with its services, which may include consultations and readings, denominational contacts, and links to related resources.
http://houseofquimbanda.org/
Specializing in the sale of Wiccan, Pagan, Druidic, Occult, and New Age products, the site offers candles, candlesticks, mirrors, goblets, pentagrams, scrolls, goblets, mugs, spoon rests, clocks, watches, earrings, pendants, ear wraps, chokers, crystals, books, and apparel, which are highlighted here, along with new products, special offers, ordering information, and contacts. Gift certificates are available, and its customer services are defined.
http://www.newmoon.uk.com/
Using a vBulletin script, the online discussion forum provides an opportunity for Neopagans and others with an interest in paganism to discuss a variety of topics, such as Pagan traditions and practices, Pagan holidays, Eastern and Abrahamic traditions, atheism and agnosticism, healing and other health issues, as well as non-Pagan topics, such as science, history, politics, entertainment, movie reviews, and others.
http://www.paganforum.com/
Serving as a portal for Pagan news and information, the site was established in 2003. Interested writers and graphic artists are solicited to contribute to the publication on a voluntary basis. Topics include, but are not limited to, the planets, the usage, and properties of herbs and metals, suggestions on finding your Pagan path or choosing a Pagan tradition, as well as Pagan rituals and holidays, astrology, divination, and the Kabbalah.
http://www.pagannews.com/
The non-profit organization’s chief purpose is to advance Paganism and to strive for the elimination of prejudice and discrimination based on religious beliefs. Each September, the Pagan Pride Project sponsors public Autumn Equinox rituals, as well as food drives and charity drives, the schedules and details of which are reported here, along with a press kit, its bylaws, incorporation, symbology, and contacts.
http://www.paganpride.org/
Offering basic information on modern neopagan religions and magic, including suggestions for books and additional resources for Pagan beginners and others who are interested in neopagan religions. Paganism is defined, and several specific neopagan religions are listed, with additional information about some of them. An interactive online discussion forum is also available, using an SMF (Simple Machines Forum) script.
https://www.ecauldron.net/
