MAIN Society Religion Paganism & Neo-Paganism

Fieldes have eies and woods have eares. John Heywood, Nature Quotes

Common misconceptions about Paganism are often traced back to the early rise of European Christianity, when missionaries began to make major inroads into communities that formerly held fast to "the old ways."

These included devotion to Norse gods & goddesses in Iceland, Denmark and Norway, along with centuries-old Celtic, Heathen, Druid, or a blend of these belief systems throughout Europe arising out of the natural world or seasonal cycles.

As the church became firmly entrenched, those who still practiced the old ways were eventually branded Pagans as a catchall phrase meaning "backward," or "country bumpkin."

In particular, witchcraft was soon perceived as tantamount to Satanism and, by association, all Pagan religions came under suspicion. This, despite evidence that all Pagan beliefs (including witchcraft) were antithetical to devil worship.

Paganism and Neo-Paganism is still looked upon as odd, mysterious or "out there", but a growing interest is reflected in the number of Web sites and online Pagan communites - which now have come to outnumber even those dedicated to major organized religions.

On the Web, learn more about general beliefs held by those outside the religious mainstream, along with historical background, and facts & information on the moral or ethical tenets followed by Pagans & Neo-Pagans today ...

The Celtic Connection - Witchcraft & Wicca Information Index - The oldest pagan resource on the Net with a virtual library of informational essays on pagan teachings, beliefs & history, seasonal holidays, related glossary, FAQ, recommended reading.

The Cauldron - A Pagan Forum - Major community site with an excellent intro to the topic at the Pagan Primer, plus chat & active discussions, news & updates, information on divination, healing herbs, metaphysics, occult & wicca, with suggested reading, online shop.

Modern Paganism - Brief overview & historical sketches defining the various belief systems usually termed as Pagan with more detailed information on Wicca and witchcrafts, related links, suggested reading.

Paganism Past & Present - ThinkQuest Library presentation tracing paganism back to ancient Greece & Rome with more on witchcraft, Druidism, and Neo-Paganism.

What is Pagan Religion? - Historical background and modern practices, common myths about Paganism, related informational articles, recipes, potions & spells.

BBC Religion & Ethics - Paganism - Good general overview of pagan beliefs, festivals, customs & traditions, plus more information on Heathenry and Wicca, feature stories on pagan history, Stonehenge and related downloadable video presentation.

also see -> Summer Solstice | Winter Solstice

also see in Holidays -> Halloween History