Neopaganism
Neopaganism refers to a collection of modern religious movements that seek to revive or reinterpret various forms of pre-Christian, nature-based spiritualities. It encompasses a wide array of practices, beliefs, and traditions, often characterized by:
- Polytheism or animism
- A reverence for nature and the Earth
- A focus on personal spiritual experience
- Rituals and festivals tied to natural cycles and seasons
History
The roots of Neopaganism can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries:
- Romanticism: The Romantic movement of the 18th and 19th centuries, with its emphasis on nature, folklore, and the mystical, laid some of the groundwork for Neopagan revivalism.
- Theosophy: Founded in 1875 by Helena Blavatsky, Theosophical Society introduced ideas of ancient wisdom traditions and esoteric knowledge, influencing later Neopagan thought.
- Occult Revival: The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw a resurgence of interest in magic, witchcraft, and occultism, exemplified by groups like the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn.
In the mid-20th century, key developments included:
- Wicca: Founded by Gerald Gardner in the 1950s, Wicca is perhaps the most well-known Neopagan tradition. Gardner's Witchcraft Today (1954) introduced the modern concept of witchcraft as a religion.
- Reconstructionism: Movements like Heathenry and Hellenic Neopaganism aim to reconstruct ancient religious practices as closely as possible from historical sources.
Modern Context
Today, Neopaganism includes diverse groups and practices:
- Druidry: Inspired by ancient Celtic practices, modern Druidry focuses on nature reverence and often includes elements from Celtic Spirituality.
- Asatru/Heathenry: These are Germanic or Norse pagan traditions that honor the pre-Christian gods of the Norse pantheon.
- Wicca: A duotheistic religion focusing on the worship of the Goddess and the Horned God, with rituals based on seasonal cycles.
- Eclectic Paganism: Many modern Pagans create their own paths, combining elements from various traditions or creating entirely new ones.
The spread of Neopaganism has been facilitated by:
- The Internet, allowing for community building and information sharing.
- Legal recognition of pagan marriages, rituals, and rights in some countries.
- Environmental movements, which often resonate with Neopagan values.
Sources
For further reading and exploration:
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