Other meanings of Neopaganism
Religion
Neopaganism is a modern religious movement that revives or reconstructs pre-Christian pagan traditions, emphasizing nature worship, polytheism, and ritual practice. It encompasses diverse traditions such as Wicca, Druidry, and Heathenry, and emerged prominently in the 20th century, particularly in Europe and North America.
Neopaganism as a self-conscious movement arose in the mid-20th century, drawing on earlier Romantic and occult currents. Gerald Gardner, often called the "father of Wicca," popularized a form of witchcraft in the 1950s, claiming continuity with ancient European practices, though historians note its eclectic synthesis of sources.1 Concurrently, Druidry revived in Britain, and Heathenry (Germanic paganism) grew from the 1970s. These movements shared a rejection of monotheism and a focus on immanent divinity in nature.
Neopagan traditions typically embrace polytheism, animism, and reverence for the Earth, often celebrating seasonal festivals such as the Wheel of the Year in Wicca. Rituals may include casting circles, invoking deities, and honoring ancestors. Many practitioners emphasize personal experience over dogma, and ethics often follow the Wiccan Rede: "An it harm none, do what ye will."2 Reconstructionist groups, like Hellenic and Kemetic pagans, strive to revive historical practices with scholarly rigor.
Neopaganism has grown steadily, with estimates of adherents ranging from one to two million globally, concentrated in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, and Scandinavia. The movement has influenced environmental activism, feminist spirituality, and popular culture, as seen in media like Charmed and American Horror Story. Interfaith dialogues and legal recognition, such as the U.S. military's acceptance of Wiccan symbols on headstones, reflect its institutionalization.3
Beyond mainstream Wicca, niche traditions include Feri, a ecstatic tradition founded by Victor Anderson, and the Goddess movement, which focuses on female divinity. Some groups, like the Church of All Worlds, blend science fiction with paganism. Historical figures such as Doreen Valiente, who authored key Wiccan texts, and Isaac Bonewits, a Druid scholar, are less celebrated but pivotal. Additionally, Neopaganism has faced controversies, including debates over cultural appropriation and the authenticity of claimed lineages.4
Neopaganism is a diverse and evolving movement, with no central authority, making precise demographic data difficult to ascertain.
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