NEOPAGANISM Meaning and
Definition
-
Neopaganism is a religious movement that emerged in the 20th century, which seeks to revive and reconstruct the beliefs and practices of pre-Christian ancient pagan religions. It encompasses a diverse array of spiritual and religious traditions that draw inspiration from various ancient cultures and mythologies, including but not limited to the Norse, Celtic, Greek, and Egyptian pantheons.
Neopaganism places a strong emphasis on reverence for nature and the natural world, often adopting animistic or pantheistic beliefs. Rituals and ceremonies usually take place outdoors, where practitioners connect with the earth and its cycles, celebrating seasonal festivals like solstices, equinoxes, and harvests.
Unlike the historic pagan religions, Neopaganism is not a single, unified faith, but rather a loose collection of various belief systems, often referred to as paths, traditions, or branches. These can range from Wicca, a modern witchcraft religion influenced by European folklore and ceremonial magic, to Druidry, which draws on the ancient Druidic practices and Celtic spirituality.
Adherents of Neopaganism typically emphasize personal autonomy and individual spiritual exploration, and rituals can be eclectic and adapted to an individual's own spiritual journey. Many Neopagans hold an inclusive and tolerant worldview, embracing diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, as well as ecological and social justice causes.
Neopaganism has grown in popularity over the past few decades, with practitioners often forming small, local communities and larger international organizations to share knowledge, celebrate together, and create a sense of unity within their respective paths.
Common Misspellings for NEOPAGANISM
- beopaganism
- meopaganism
- jeopaganism
- heopaganism
- nwopaganism
- nsopaganism
- ndopaganism
- nropaganism
- n4opaganism
- n3opaganism
- neipaganism
- nekpaganism
- nelpaganism
- neppaganism
- ne0paganism
- ne9paganism
- neooaganism
- neolaganism
- neo-aganism
- neo0aganism
Etymology of NEOPAGANISM
The word "Neopaganism" combines two components: "Neo" and "paganism".
1. "Neo" is a prefix derived from the Greek word "neos", meaning "new" or "recent". It is commonly used in English to indicate a new or revived version of something.
2. "Paganism" originates from the Latin word "paganus", which referred to a person from the countryside or a rural area. Over time, the term came to be associated with polytheistic belief systems outside of the major world religions like Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.
Therefore, Neopaganism refers to contemporary religious movements that draw inspiration from pre-Christian or indigenous spiritual practices, often combining elements of various ancient polytheistic traditions.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
