Neopaganism

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*Superstition
 
*Superstition
 
*Certain holidays, most notably [[Halloween]], or as they spell it, Samhain and the Winter Solstice (Yule)
 
*Certain holidays, most notably [[Halloween]], or as they spell it, Samhain and the Winter Solstice (Yule)
*Belief in [[Gaian hypothesis]], the belief that the Earth is, itself, a living organism, as truth not disputed.
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*Belief in [[Gaia hypothesis]], the belief that the Earth is, itself, a living organism, as truth not disputed.
  
 
They may also choose to study or practice these traditions:
 
They may also choose to study or practice these traditions:

Revision as of 23:33, 15 November 2009

Neopaganism is a series of religious beliefs, often polytheist, animistic or pantheist in nature. Although some neopagan practices draw inspiration from pre-Christian European religions, essentially all of it was dreamt up since the late 19th century. Prominent neopagan faiths include Wicca, some variants of Asatru[1], and neo-Druidism. Due to its syncretic, anti-dogmatic, and highly personal nature, neopaganism can be seen more as a subculture than as a religion.

As a general rule, faiths such as Hinduism[2] and vodun[3] are not considered part of the neopagan community; rather, the term is usually understood to refer to any sort of mish-mash of ideas that are mostly from pre-Christian European religious traditions. Amusingly, some neopagan beliefs are based on false Christian propaganda about "heathen" practices.

Neopagans are usually pretty tolerable, because they aren't that keen on convincing you or your children (or even their children) to follow their religious beliefs. And, they will only turn you into a newt if you really piss them off.

Beliefs

Their beliefs tend to centered broadly around these concepts:

  • The earth as mother of all life. see Gaia
  • Goddess worship; or that there is both a God and a Goddess (Lord and Lady)
  • Animism
  • Respect for other lifeforms, including their oppressors
  • Superstition
  • Certain holidays, most notably Halloween, or as they spell it, Samhain and the Winter Solstice (Yule)
  • Belief in Gaia hypothesis, the belief that the Earth is, itself, a living organism, as truth not disputed.

They may also choose to study or practice these traditions:

Talk to the waters and they will reply
  • Tarot card reading
  • Astrology and the reading of horoscopes
  • Sexual acts with people they like. Guess it turns out I'm a neopagan after all...
  • Numerology
  • Herbalism
  • Various forms of meditation
  • Ritual "circles" for worship and celebration.
  • Rune symbology and magic
  • Reiki healing practices
  • Talk to water nicely and it will talk back nicely.

Those perceived by the broader neopagan community as overly self-centered or superficial are often branded "fluffbunnies" and dismissed with the same sort of contempt often directed at people who shop at Hot Topic.

Symptoms of Neopaganism

It is often said within Neopaganism that "you don't become a pagan, you realise you are one". Therefore, in the spirit of public education, here are some warning signs:

  • Your favourite films include Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter and The Wicker Man (but not the crap Nicholas Cage version). And anything about King Arthur.
  • You feel inspired by trees, mountains etc.
  • You feel that there's some spiritual aspect to life, but the main religions have nothing to offer you.
  • Deja vu makes sense, because it really seems that you have been here before.
  • You have a dreamcatcher.
  • You are a vegetarian, environmentalist and/or libertarian.
  • You like quite a few of the following: ancient Egypt, being outdoors, black, bonfires, cats (especially black cats), green, herbal remedies, horses, night-time, sex, silver, Stonehenge, storms, Terry Pratchett, Vikings, goats.
  • Deja vu makes sense, because it really seems that you have been here before.

Footnotes

  1. Though most Asatru hate the term, and prefer "heathen"
  2. Though there have apparently been some strong negotiations between Neopagan groups and the mainstream Hindu groups to form a polytheistic alliance.
  3. Though Neopagans are shameless at appropriating vodoun ideas and loa, without necessarily understanding any of it
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