Neopaganism
As it harms none, do as thou wilt.
- Traditional Wiccan Rede
Introduction
Neopaganism is a revivalist movement powered by an amalgamation of primal
traditions from various geographical areas and eras. An uncodified faith
system with no central authority, it does not have many adherents or a set of
canonical faith texts; and it is exemplified by almost personal faith
practices and extreme variation in belief, purpose, and custom. One concept
that has gained wide acceptance in Neopaganist thought is that each person
should do what they decide is ‘right,’ with the term being defined as what
benefits themselves and causes harm to no other.
Diversity
“Neopagan” refers to a reclamation of the formerly pejorative term “pagan,”
used by Abrahamic religious tradition to refer to primal traditional faith
practices everywhere in the world. While the original primal religions were
localized and even sometimes exclusive to all but their adherents, the
Neopagan movement has adopted a policy of universal acceptance and wide
assimilation of the practices of many cultures. Common characteristics of all
branches of Neopaganism include reverence for surroundings – usually natural,
but sometimes urban – and the ability to personally direct material world
change through the control of spiritual forces.
One of the most popular and best-established branches
of Neopaganism is Wicca, which is a system incorporating magic and which may
venerate a Goddess, Horned God, or other deities. Wicca itself is sectarian,
almost to the point where most Neopagans fit someone’s definition of “Wicca.”
Other popular branches of Neopaganism include types of animism; specifically
Shamanism, which is
typically a leadership-based and intuitive system of spiritual interaction;
and Druidism, which is typically a communally-led and ritualistic system of
spiritual interaction. Neopaganism has enacted the rise of
scientifically-integrated physical, mental, and spiritual healing practice
systems involving techniques such as ayurveda, yoga, acupuncture, massage,
herbalism, alchemy, and psychonautical travel.
Newness and Lack of Educational Resources
Unfortunately, the demand for spiritual fulfillment in the Neopagan faith
system is currently in crisis as many who are interested in Neopaganism are at
a loss to find good teachers, be those teachers practicing Neopagans or simply
good books due to the lack of history and ritualistic tradition. Undoubtedly
Neopaganism will grow in value and importance over time.
Necessity of Community
Neopaganism is currently difficult to explain in text form due to its rich
varieties of practices. Interested parties are encouraged to join a Neopagan
community to get guidance from a practicing and experienced Neopagan or even
start a new Neopagan community, rather than attempt solitary research in
books.
The Internet can be key resources for finding other Neopagans. Neopagans
tend to congregate in cities in spite of the preference to perform rituals in
a natural setting. To remedy to this problem is a community issue much like
successful churches of older faiths incorporate social networks to serve their
members’ needs.
Organizations
The New Age movement is currently dispersed in the sense that no one
organization has made enough of a significant contribution to achieve wide
renown. Almost all successful New Age practitioners are talented individuals
associated with either small schools or churches, private research firms, or
simply their own family or community.
As it harms none, do as thou wilt.
- Traditional Wiccan Rede
Introduction
Neopaganism is a revivalist movement powered by an amalgamation of primal
traditions from various geographical areas and eras. An uncodified faith
system with no central authority, it does not have many adherents or a set of
canonical faith texts; and it is exemplified by almost personal faith
practices and extreme variation in belief, purpose, and custom. One concept
that has gained wide acceptance in Neopaganist thought is that each person
should do what they decide is ‘right,’ with the term being defined as what
benefits themselves and causes harm to no other.
Diversity
“Neopagan” refers to a reclamation of the formerly pejorative term “pagan,”
used by Abrahamic religious tradition to refer to primal traditional faith
practices everywhere in the world. While the original primal religions were
localized and even sometimes exclusive to all but their adherents, the
Neopagan movement has adopted a policy of universal acceptance and wide
assimilation of the practices of many cultures. Common characteristics of all
branches of Neopaganism include reverence for surroundings – usually natural,
but sometimes urban – and the ability to personally direct material world
change through the control of spiritual forces.
One of the most popular and best-established branches
of Neopaganism is Wicca, which is a system incorporating magic and which may
venerate a Goddess, Horned God, or other deities. Wicca itself is sectarian,
almost to the point where most Neopagans fit someone’s definition of “Wicca.”
Other popular branches of Neopaganism include types of animism; specifically
Shamanism, which is
typically a leadership-based and intuitive system of spiritual interaction;
and Druidism, which is typically a communally-led and ritualistic system of
spiritual interaction. Neopaganism has enacted the rise of
scientifically-integrated physical, mental, and spiritual healing practice
systems involving techniques such as ayurveda, yoga, acupuncture, massage,
herbalism, alchemy, and psychonautical travel.
Newness and Lack of Educational Resources
Unfortunately, the demand for spiritual fulfillment in the Neopagan faith
system is currently in crisis as many who are interested in Neopaganism are at
a loss to find good teachers, be those teachers practicing Neopagans or simply
good books due to the lack of history and ritualistic tradition. Undoubtedly
Neopaganism will grow in value and importance over time.
Necessity of Community
Neopaganism is currently difficult to explain in text form due to its rich
varieties of practices. Interested parties are encouraged to join a Neopagan
community to get guidance from a practicing and experienced Neopagan or even
start a new Neopagan community, rather than attempt solitary research in
books.
The Internet can be key resources for finding other Neopagans. Neopagans
tend to congregate in cities in spite of the preference to perform rituals in
a natural setting. To remedy to this problem is a community issue much like
successful churches of older faiths incorporate social networks to serve their
members’ needs.
Organizations
The New Age movement is currently dispersed in the sense that no one
organization has made enough of a significant contribution to achieve wide
renown. Almost all successful New Age practitioners are talented individuals
associated with either small schools or churches, private research firms, or
simply their own family or community.