What is Paganism ?
Paganism (commonly referred to as ‘Neo-Paganism’ in academic circles) is an umbrella term that covers a number of different spiritual beliefs and practices. These include Druidism, Wicca, modern Witchcraft, Goddess-worship and other similar spiritual paths. Please note: Satanism is *not* considered to fall under the modern Pagan umbrella, as it is historically and culturally derived from Christian/Jewish/Muslim religions.There are distinctly different forms of Satanism and information on these is best sourced from the relevant organisations. There are four main categories within the Pagan community in Australia: • Earth-centred religions. Includes most forms of Wicca and Witchcraft – this is by far the largest category. • Reconstructionist groups. Individuals and groups seeking to re-create the religious practices of the Classical Pagan era, for example worship of Greek or Egyptian gods and goddesses, Druidism etc. • Ethnic North-European traditions, such as Asatru. Traditional Nordic
Paganism is a diverse reconstruction and resurgence of authentic European pagan religions. In South Africa Paganism includes syncretic neo-Pagan religions. Paganism is a religion – a ‘Nature-venerating’ spirituality that draws inspiration from ancient pagan and modern Pagan spiritualities and religio-magical belief systems. The word ‘pagan’ was first used prior to the fourth century to describe civilians of Rome who lived in the country and who more often than not worshipped ancient Roman, Greek, Celtic, Teutonic and Egyptian Deities very closely associated with Nature. With the gradual expansion of Christianity in Europe the word came to include men and women who worshipped the old Gods and Goddesses of the Teutons and the Celts. Largely Christian colonization broadened the usage of the word ‘pagan’ even further to include the beliefs and practices of indigenous peoples of the Americas, Africa, Asia and elsewhere. Modern Paganism, also sometimes called Neo-Paganism (meaning ‘new Pagan
