Characteristics of Contemporary Paganism

Most Pagan religions have an element of earth-based, global and/or ecological philosophy, belief in feminism or gender equity, and immanent divinity as part of their belief structure. Most also place some degree of emphasis upon mystical self-development, the evolution of a dynamic and personal belief system, and ethical conduct on the part of their practitioners. Furthermore, most Pagan traditions also value creative or artistic expression as a manifestation of the divine. In addition to a common Pagan reverence for the natural world, some Neo-Pagan traditions also focus upon seeking an understanding of divine immanence in the artifacts of present day culture including technological and social constructs such as computers and "urban sprawl." Many Pagans also incorporate various psychological and philosophical theorems into their belief structures.

Specific modes of belief within Pagan communities vary greatly. Pagan theologies range from Animism (belief in spiritual consciousness in all things) to Polytheism (belief in many God/desses), Henotheism (belief in many deities but worshipping one), Dualism (belief in two deities, most commonly a Goddess and a God), Monotheism (belief in one God), Pantheism (belief in godhead within all things), and Atheism (belief in no divinity per se), and they are often found as combinations of two or more such belief systems. Some Pagan religions also include Elementalism (reverence for the natural elements), reverence and respect for spirit beings other than deities, and ancestor reverence/worship. Philosophies concerning death and dying also vary widely within Paganism, encompassing beliefs in nihilism, afterlife, reincarnation.

Some Pagan religions believe in spiritual fulfillment through attunement with natural cycles of the world whereas others are salvationist (believing in an ultimate goal of enlightenment or spiritual salvation).

Most Pagans do not believe in proselytization, emphasizing individual choice and spiritual Calling in the pursuance of a given path.

Pagan Practice

Depending upon individual tradition, Pagans may celebrate a range of different holidays. Common among many Pagan paths is the celebration of the full and/or dark phases of the Moon, solar events such as Solstice and Equinox celebrations, and other specific holy days of a given tradition (many Neo-Pagan sects have incorporated the observance of the Celtic fire festivals of Samhain, Imbolc, Beltainn, and Lughnasadh for example). Many Pagans also celebrate life-cycle events such as births, adolescence, and menopause.

Because of social misconceptions and persecution, low Pagan populations in some areas, and/or personal choice, many Pagans practice their religions as solitary persons or families. Others worship in groups which can include covens, discussion groups, churches and ministries.

For a list of celebrations sponsored by UPM, check out our calendar of events.

Some Examples of Pagan Religions

Asatru: A Norse Pagan religion focused upon the virtues of courage, truth, honor, fidelity, discipline, hospitality, industriousness, self-reliance, and perseverance. Defined as the way of service to the Gods of the Aenir; comparable to Vanatru the way of service to the Vanir. It should be noted that many followers of Asatru and Vanatru prefer the word "Heathen" due to its Norse linguistic roots over the Latin-derived "Pagan."

Dianic Witchcraft: A Neo-Pagan tradition founded upon the principles of feminism, incorporating their personal, political, and spiritual aspects into a woman-centered religious perspective. Honors Goddesses and the divine feminine.

Discordianism: A Neo-Pagan tradition centered around the manifestation of divinity through Chaos as well as the importance of chance and levity in life. Theist Discordians often honor Eris, Goddess of chaos.

Druidry: Includes both Neo-Druidry and traditionalist Druidry. All varieties of Druidry in practice are rooted in the Druidic priestly, scholastic, and judicial caste in ancient Celtic society, either through reconstruction or continuation.

Eclectic Paganism: Is arguably the Pagan grouping with the largest number of "adherents." Eclectic Pagans take elements from various religious traditions and incorporate them into a spirituality custom-tailored to the individual.

Reconstructionist Paganism: Encompasses many different practices, including some Neo-Druidic traditions. Reconstructionist Pagans seek to recreate the ancient religious systems of various cultures (Celtic, Greek, Germanic, Slavic, Chinese, Egyptian, etc) through research and inspiration, in forms adapted to modern society yet true to their ancient roots.

Wicca: Often called "Witchcraft" or simply "The Craft." The largest and fastest growing Neo-Pagan religion today. Originally founded and popularized in the 1950s by Gerald Gardner (Gardnerian Wicca), Wicca has since diversified into many different and widely varied Wiccan traditions. Most Wiccan traditions are Dualist in theology, believing in the Goddess and Her consort, the God.

Witchcraft: Many Pagans identify as Witches. Witchcraft is a very diverse classification in its own right and is not fully synonymous with Wicca.

Pagan Leaders' Dictionary Project

In 1997, the Pagan Educational Network coordinated an effort to submit recommended amended definitions of 'Pagan' and 'Witchcraft' to major American dictionary publishers, drawing upon the leaders of many major Pagan organisations, as well as Pagan writers, publishers, and activists. The recommended definitions submitted by this group are:

"Neo-Pagan: Collection of diverse contemporary religions rooted in indigenous traditions or deriving inspiration therefrom, characterized by a belief in the interconnection of all life, personal autonomy, and immanent divinities.Often nature-centered and supportive of gender equity."

"A Neo-Pagan religion, loosely organized in autonomous traditions, honoring masculine and/or feminine divinities and practicing magic and folk traditions for benevolent ends, such as healing and the mystical development of the self. WICCA."