Neo-Pagans

It is the name of a contemporary Neo-Pagan ("new Pagan" from Latin paganus meaning "country dweller") religion.

Neo-Paganism is a contemporary and eclectic movement aimed at reviving pre-Christian nature religions, Goddess-worship, and mystery tradition by infusing them with modern concepts.

1. Ceremonial Magick
2. Druidism
3. New Age
4. Occult Sciences
5. Shamanism
6. Voodoo
7. Wiccans

The term Paganism was used, in contemporary times, to refer to nature oriented religions that recognize the male and female duality found in nature.

Wicca is a more woman-positive and Earth-based religion. It allows women full participation in the practice (like most Celtic religions). There is friendliness towards women and a naturalistic view of sex (sexuality is regarded as a gift of the Goddess and God).

They celebrate the sexual polarity of nature (fertilizing rain - male principle, nurturing Earth - female principle). Women are equals and sometimes of a slightly higher rank, than males. Most Wiccans have college degrees and they promote education.

Wiccan believe in reincarnation (repeated birth of the same soul in different physical bodies). It is an ancient and mystical belief that is part of many religions. Reincarnation is commonly associated with the concept of spiritual evolution.

Wiccans do not believe in a torturous hell-like environment. Some Pagans, especially Witches, trust in the Summerland's (a peaceful, enjoyable place of rest where they can recover from their past life, be helped to assess it, and prepare to be reborn).

It is not related to Satanism and they do not perform blood sacrifices. They offer incense, cake, and wine/fruit juices to members during services (drugs and alcohol are not part of the Craft, but wine is used during/after rituals for grounding ceremonies).

Wicca's rituals are based on the four seasons (solstices and equinoxes). Members are free to review different belief systems (Celtic, Norse, Essence, Gnosis, Shamanism) and blend together points right for their personal path. Their belief system is based on living in harmony with all things that exist (Earth, trees, rivers, lakes, oceans, air, people - regard to race, color, religion, personal orientation).

Wicca is a highly individualistic religion and members do not proselytize (believe that if you are called to it, you will come). They neither recruit nor condemn other beliefs.

Wicca includes the practice of various forms of white magick (positive magick/true magick - love spells, healing rituals, luck-attracting amulets). Its rituals are based on the four seasons (solstices and equinoxes).

Three Main Principles

Basic Beliefs

All Initiates are Priests/Priestesses

Belief in Reincarnation

Counter-Culture and somewhat Underground

Dual Polarity of Deity

Education and Learning Valued and Pursued

Eight Solar Sabbats

Immanence of Deity

Magickal Circle used for Celebration and worship

No Proselytizing

Respect for All

Sex and Race Equality

Turning the Wheel and Changing Seasons mark Sabbats

Twelve/Thirteen Lunar Esbats