Introduction to Neo-Paganism

Heyo! Over the next few months, I'm going to scatter some neo-pagan stuff in with my normal gaming and academic posts. After all, I want to research pretty much everything, religion included. Being neo-pagan myself, it felt natural to start with a religion I know well. 

This will eventually be published as a book, but I wanted to share what I've learned about my own religion.

❤ A Quick Note ❤

As with any informational text, you should always fact check and do your own supplemental research. While I am doing my very best to bring you accurate information, I am not infallible. I'm human. So if something sounds too good to be true (or similarly too bad to be true) fact check me. I will always link my sources at the bottom with in-text citations as well. (This will be added to the main blog page too.)

❤ Introduction ❤

If you're reading this, I'm going to assume you're either interested in practicing neo-paganism or are at least interested in the concept. Or you're just bored. Who am I to judge?

Over the next few months, I am going to make several neo-pagan posts, from the history of neo-paganism- the fall of paganism to the rise of the neo- to in depth information about various paths and their histories. I will also, eventually, make posts about different deities, holidays, and correspondences for anyone wanting to start practicing. As always, feel free to leave a comment below! I'm excited to hear from you!

So, what is neo-paganism? Neo-paganism is not one religion. It's a series of religions that revere nature. These religions come in many forms, from many different time periods, and from many different places, but the love for nature is the thread that ties them all together. 

But what is neo-paganism not?

First and foremost, you do not have to practice witchcraft to be a neo-pagan, or a pagan at all for that matter. Most people conflate the two, but while many paths do practice some form of magic, it is not a requirement. 

In addition, you do not have to worship specific gods, or any gods for that matter (just wait 'til I get to Atheopaganism). Many neo-pagans (though not the majority) are more likely to view the gods as personifications of aspects in the world, rather than living beings.

Finally, all neo-pagans are pagans, but not all pagans are neo-pagans. It's like that thing where all squares are rectangles but not all rectangles are squares. You know, that really confusing thing from grade school? (Maybe it wasn't confusing for you. Yet again, who am I to judge?)

Unlike many pagans, neo-pagans are not set on bringing back the old religions exactly how they were. Instead, they mix the traditional with the modern to create a practical religion suitable for a modern world.

Back to the nature thing. All pagans love nature. However, someone who doesn't identify as neo-anything may find their love for nature through their deity. For example, a pagan who worships Pan may take special interest in the animals around them. Meanwhile, neo-pagans typically do the opposite. A neo-pagan who takes special interest in plant life may choose to worship Gaia or Demeter. 

You'll notice I'm using the Greek pantheon. It's just what I'm most acquainted with (Thanks Mr. Riordan). It's by no means the only pantheon you can worship. For example, you may be interested in Cernunnos from the Celts or Hel from the Norse. We'll get to deities and pantheons later. And yet again, you don't have to choose any gods or goddesses to be neo-pagan.

It's your path. All I can do is give you pointers. No one can tell you you're doing it wrong because it is personalized to the individual. If you want to collect bones, all power to you. If you just want to soak up the sun and drink your tea or coffee, you can do that too. The only wrong answer is to tell someone else how to worship.

"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I - I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference." -Robert Frost, The Road Not Taken

So, are you interested in neo-paganism? Do you already practice? Let me know below!

Next time, we'll get to a brief history of paganism and neo-paganism.

I didn't use any sources besides the quote this time. Be on the look out for next time.