neopaganas

Neopaganas, often written in English as neopagans, refers to adherents of neopaganism, a family of modern religious movements that draw inspiration from ancient polytheistic, nature-based, and folk beliefs of pre-Christian peoples. Neopagans may practice within organized traditions, such as Wicca, Druidry, Heathenry, or Hellenic polytheism, or follow eclectic, non-denominational paths. Central emphases include reverence for nature, cyclic seasonal celebrations, reverence for deities or spirits, and ritual acts that mark life transitions and agricultural calendars. Practices vary widely and can include solitary worship or group covens, circles, or temples; ritual tools, liturgy, spellwork, and the use of symbolic correspondences are common in some paths.

The neopagan landscape is diverse and often decentralized. Wicca, one of the best-known currents, emerged in mid-20th-century Britain and spread globally; it commonly emphasizes moral codes such as harming none and worship of a Goddess and a God. Druidry emphasizes nature spirituality and the lineage of ancient Celtic priesthoods; Heathenry revives North European folk traditions; Hellenism reconstructs ancient Greek religion. Many neopagans identify as eclectic, combining elements from multiple traditions.

Historically, neopagan ideas arose in the 19th and 20th centuries during romantic nationalism, occult currents, and countercultural movements. Since the late 20th century, neopagan communities have grown worldwide, with varying degrees of formal organization and legal recognition. Scholars study neopaganism as a contemporary religious phenomenon, examining belief, ritual practice, gender roles, ethics, and social dynamics, as well as its reception in wider society.