Neopaganism

Neopaganism refers to modern religious movements that revive, reconstruct, or synthesize pre-Christian polytheistic and nature-based traditions. Practitioners range from reconstructionists who seek to recreate ancient practices and calendars to eclectic solo practitioners who blend multiple sources. Common features include reverence for the natural world, polytheistic or panentheistic conceptions of the divine, ritual practice, and ethical codes that emphasize personal responsibility and ecological awareness.

Modern neopaganism emerged in the 20th century amid occult revival, feminist spirituality, and cultural experimentation. It includes strands such as Wicca (originating in Britain in the mid-20th century), Druidry, and various reconstructionist movements honoring Norse, Celtic, Greco-Roman, or other ancestral paths, as well as eclectic and solitary practices. The movement grew in North America and Europe and spread to other regions through publishing, festivals, and online networks.

Beliefs vary by tradition but often center on a polytheistic or pantheistic view of divinity, animism, and a sacred relationship with the land. Ritual life may include circle casting, offerings, and seasonal celebrations known as Sabbats, such as Samhain and Beltane, tied to the Wheel of the Year, along with Esbats aligned to the lunar cycle. Initiation, covens or groves, spellcraft or magic, and personal devotional practices are common elements in many paths.

Neopagan communities are typically decentralized, with practitioners meeting in covens, groves, or practicing solitary. The movement has attracted scholarly attention as a form of modern religion and myth-making, and it faces criticism concerning cultural appropriation, commercialism, and internal debates over tradition and ethics. Practitioners generally emphasize spiritual autonomy, inclusive practice, and respect for diverse cultural contexts.