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What Is... ?

In my research, I came across these definitions in the Winnipagan mailing list archives. It's written by Laurie Smith, who is active in the local community. I've met Laurie a few times in passing, and though she may not remember me, I hope she doesn't mind me resurrecting this and posting it here as something meaningful to me.

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Paganism: A series of religious traditions from pre-Christian Europe, based on the cycles of the natural world, with symbolism derived from it. Technically speaking, IMHO, true Paganism in this sense is more or less dead; despite certain people claiming unbroken family lineage to these tradition, what we have today are primarily re-creations of these ancient religions. Which brings us to...

NeoPaganism: This movement started in the 1940s, when the writings of Gerald Gardner touched a theological nerve. There is considerable debate over whether or not Gardner was making up his accounts of coven activities; nevertheless, his books became the basis for a new set of religions based on Pagan thought. Often called "Paganism".

Wicca: A denomination of NeoPaganism, with an emphasis on ritual, magick, and rules of moral conduct (the Rule of Three and the Wiccan Rede). Wiccans hold roughly the same position in NeoPaganism as the Catholics do in Christianity. All Wiccans are NeoPagans, but not all NeoPagans are Wiccans.

I have a rough litmus test for NeoPagan theology: "If you believe in pantheism (Divinity is present in all things), polytheism (Divinity has many faces and aspects), and pluralism (there are many legitimate paths to Divinity), you're probably a NeoPagan. In addition, if you follow the Wiccan Rede (And it harm none, do what you will) and the Rule of Three (Whatever you do, for good or ill, will come back to you three times over), you are probably a Wiccan."

Because NeoPaganism is, almost by definition, a re-created religion, NeoPagans borrow from almost any other religious and philosophical tradition that crosses their path. This is not considered a bad thing, indeed entirely the opposite, since it is believed that every individual has their own unique path to Divinity and should be allowed to pursue that path without interference, so long as none are harmed (if you're Wiccan, anyway). As a result, NeoPaganism's traditions are broken down into innumerable splinter sects, making detailed classification almost impossible.

The above opinions are my own, and only my own. I make no claim to authority or even authenticity.

Cheers!
Laurie