Neo-Paganism 101
What Does “Pagan” Mean?
What Does “Pagan” Mean? From Latin word that may be translated as "outsider." It appears to have been used in military accounts to denote civilians (those "outside" the military) and by some writers in ancient Rome to describe people dwelling in the countryside ("outside civilization"). By the 5th century CE, the term "paganus" was being used to label all non-Christians. It was applied to heretics and frequently was connected to Satanism (devil worship). One definition that still exists in dictionaries is "anyone not Jewish, Christian, or Muslim." Under this definition, Buddhists and Unitarian Universalists are pagan. "Pagan" can also be used to define ancient, polytheistic religions or indigenous religions. One definition for "Pagan" from the Religious Tolerance website is "Wiccans and other Neo-pagans whose religion is based on the deities, symbols, practices, seasonal days of celebration, and other surviving components of ancient religions, which had long been suppressed... Some modern pagan sects are earth-centered. They focus on living in harmony with the earth and observing its cycles. Others... are deity centered." From http://www.uua.org/re/tapestry/youth/bridges/workshop21/184411.shtml
How Popular is Neo-Paganism and Wiccan?
How Popular is Neo-Paganism and Wiccan? Estimated 1 million From http://www.uua.org/re/tapestry/youth/bridges/workshop21/184406.shtml
How Old is Neo-Paganism?
How Old is Neo-Paganism? Neo Paganism is based on what is assumed to be ancient, indigenous religions, but … Modern day Wicca is dated as beginning in 1959. The current Neo-Paganism movement can be dated to the founding of the Church of All Worlds and Feraferia in 1967 From http://www.uua.org/re/tapestry/youth/bridges/workshop21/184406.shtml
Who Founded Wicca?
Who Founded Wicca? Gerald Gardner, an Englishman, is often credited as the father of the modern Wiccan religion. Throughout its history, England has had laws against witchcraft, the last of which was repealed in 1951. In 1959, Gardner published The Meaning of Witchcraft, giving Wicca a public face. Wicca is recognized as a religion in the U.S. From http://www.uua.org/re/tapestry/youth/bridges/workshop21/184386.shtml
What Are“Witches”?
What Are“Witches”? Some Wiccans use the term "witch;" others do not. By "witch" Wiccans do not mean the cartoonish version we often see. Magic as practiced by modern day Wiccans involves the use of rituals to achieve balance and harmony in the universe. Wiccans do not worship Satan; most do not even believe in a devil.
What do Neo-Pagans and Wiccans Believe?
What do Neo-Pagans and Wiccans Believe? There is a divine power that is the universe. That power has energy, a force that can be drawn on and re-directed. Some Wiccans cast spells to draw psychic energy from the earth or other elements toward a specific end, usually in situations where things are seen to be off balance. They may seek help from spirits or "elementals," representations of the elements. Wiccans believe any energy you send out, positive or negative, comes back to you threefold, so they are wary of sending out negative energy. Wiccans believed in protecting the environment long before greenhouse effects were discovered. They believe the sexes are equal. They are also very accepting of different paths of spirituality and do not believe in or practice religious oppression. Many other beliefs vary. Some Wiccans worship deities. Some do not. From http://www.uua.org/re/tapestry/youth/bridges/workshop21/184386.shtml
How may Neo-Pagans and Wiccans Differ?
How may Neo-Pagans and Wiccans Differ? Not all Wiccans worship deity. Not all Neo-Pagans believe in magic and the casting of spells. Neo-Paganism places a higher priority on rediscovering and reconnecting to the ancient ways. From http://www.uua.org/re/tapestry/youth/bridges/workshop21/184387.shtml