NeoHeathenism

Neo-Heathenism, also known as Modern Paganism or Neopaganism, is an umbrella term for a range of contemporary religious movements that have adopted or adapted beliefs and practices from pre-Christian European religions. These traditions are often inspired by the historical polytheistic, animistic, and nature-venerating religions of the ancient Celts, Germanic peoples, Greeks, Romans, and others.

The specific beliefs and practices within Neo-Heathenism vary widely among different denominations and individual practitioners. Some groups focus on reconstructing ancient religious practices as accurately as possible, while others emphasize personal spiritual experience and contemporary interpretation. A common thread is a reverence for nature and the natural world, often incorporating seasonal cycles and earth-centered spirituality.

Deities worshipped by Neo-Heathens can include gods and goddesses from various pantheons, such as the Norse Æsir and Vanir, the Celtic Tuatha Dé Danann, or the Greco-Roman Olympian gods. Ancestor veneration is also a significant element for many. Rituals, celebrations of solstices and equinoxes, and the use of symbols and myths from ancient cultures are typical.

Neo-Heathenism is not a monolithic religion; it encompasses diverse paths like Asatru, Druidry, Hellenism, and Wicca, though Wicca has some distinct origins and practices that lead some to categorize it separately. These modern spiritualities offer alternatives to mainstream religions, often emphasizing individual autonomy, community, and a connection to the divine through the natural world and ancestral heritage.