Neopaganism

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I'd rather be a

Pagan

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Suckled in a creed outworn

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 tolerant, 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. (Also, more often than not, they're fighting amongst themselves anyway, if only to try to get rid of the crazies like Kevin Carlyon.)

Contents

[edit] Beliefs

There are a wide range of beliefs within Neopaganism, depending on which path is being followed. Neopaganism is not based on doctrine. Most Neopagans follow the code 'if it harms none, do what you will'. Their beliefs tend to centered broadly around these concepts:

  • Pantheism - the belief that the universe is equal to divinity. Neopagans are deeply aware of the natural world and often try to live in an environmentally friendly manner.
  • Equality of the sexes is strongly emphasised. In many Neopagan festivals, Goddess worship takes place.
  • Certain holidays are celebrated, such as Samhain, which is one of the origins of Halloween. These holidays are all nature based, and create awareness of the passing seasons.
  • Belief in the Gaia hypothesis as a literal truth rather than a philosophical viewpoint.
  • Respect for other lifeforms, including their oppressors

[edit] Practices

Neopaganism is a very diverse religion, so practices are specific to the individual. It must be noted that not all Neopagans believe in the value of Tarot card readings, crystal metaphysics, or the significance of horoscopes. Naturalistic Paganism, for example, supports science and is skeptical of the supernatural.

Nature is an important part of Neopaganism.

Some (but not all) Neopagans may take part in the following practices:

  • Rituals for worship and celebration
  • Witchcraft
  • Herbalism
  • Sexual acts with people they like. Guess it turns out I'm a neopagan after all...
  • Tarot card reading
  • Astrology and the reading of horoscopes
  • Numerology
  • Various forms of meditation
  • Rune symbology and magic
  • Reiki healing practices
  • Belief that crystals have metaphysical properties

[edit] The attraction 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 signs it may be of interest:

  • 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.
  • You are a vegetarian, environmentalist and/or a political radical.
  • You like quite a few of the following: being outdoors, bonfires, cats, nature, herbal remedies, sex, Stonehenge, Vikings.

[edit] Mesopaganism

Some groups, particularly Asatru and "Hellenic Reconstructionist", prefer the term "mesopaganism", to denote the fact that they try to reconstruct (as much as possible) the ceremonies and faith of older, "paleopagan" faiths (such as the ancient Norse and Greek religions.) The term "mesopagan" is used to denote the fact that they know they are not fully the same as the old groups (due to the loss of so much information), but to also distinguish themselves from the neopagans who instead prefer to forge a completely new path. Most neopagans consider mesopagans to be further members of the overall umbrella term, but there is sometimes tension between the two groups as well.

It should be noted that owing to the necessity of hewing as closely as possible to historically attested rituals, mesopagans do not adhere to most of the beliefs and practices enumerated above.

[edit] See Also

[edit] 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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