What is the difference between wiccan and pagan beliefs and practices?

Ask 12 pagans, get 13 different answers... For most of us who label ourselves as such, the definition is never set in stone, but constantly expanding and evolving as we ourselves learn and grow, expanding our horizons. I can only give you my personal definition. The word Pagan comes from the Latin “Pagi”, which were fortified places in the country around Rome where common folk and farmers could flee to avoid hostile invasions. With the coming of Christianity, those who did not want to convert fled to these closed communities. Christianity in its early years was an urban religion and "Pagan" was an insult hurled at the country cousins who saw no need to convert to the new religion. These days it is a generic term encompassing a diverse range of religions excepting the main three Judaism, Islam and christianity. There is debate as to whether or not it includes Hinduism. Generally Paganism is not considered a religion, just as monotheism is not a religion; however there are those of us ...  more