Neo-Paganism

Paganism is growing rapidly, which makes it hard to characterize the 'average' Pagan.  Also, since Paganism is bound to a particular dogma or document, the believe system is evolving along with the movement.  Paganism is, generally speaking, a cluster of nature-centered or Earth-based belief systems.  Witchcraft and Wicca have become increasingly visible these days, so much so that the public may not realize that Paganism is an umbrella term for many alternative religions. 

While we are seeing more second and third generation Pagans, many Pagans came from other religious traditions.  Some merge their passion for environmental issues and sciences with religious beliefs.  Others are enchanted by mythology.  Still others have followed a feminist view of religion to find a thriving Goddess faith.  Bringing all these passions together has given Pagans the reputation as activists -- a label that most of us wear proudly.  This is particularly evident in the Wikipedia, entry on Pagan Activism which states, "Pagan activism is activism that arises from a person's pagan religious beliefs, often including activism on political issues related to environmentalism, feminism, LGBT rights, pacifism, and religious freedom.  Many neopagan activists combine direct action with magic in the pursuit of various social and political goals."

Who Are Modern Pagans?

Ronald Hutton found that modern witches "are unusually lively, independent, and adventurous people who demand a proportionately exciting and unusual religion which affords them the maximum scope for self-development" (page 402, Triumph of the Moon).  Helen Berger, a sociologist, found that "Most of the adherents of this religion are white, middle class, and well educated" (page 123, Community of Witches).

In his book, The Triumph of the Moon:  A History of Modern Pagan Witchcraft, Hutton made the following 5 observations of the Pagan movement (page 391):

• It aims to draw out and enhance the divinity within human beings
• It abolishes the traditional Western distinction between religion and magic
• It is a mystery religion, or a set of mystery religions
• Its essence lies in the creative performance of ritual
• It is eclectic and protean

Many people confuse Paganism, Wicca, and Witchcraft.  In short, Paganism is an umbrella term for many groups, whereas Wiccans and Witches are the largest group under the Pagan label.  Vivianne Crowley, a psychology professor and author, views the Wiccan movement as the result of Pagans who revived a dying set of beliefs.  She writes, "much was grafted onto the core of the folk traditions from elsewhere; principally from the various European Pagan traditions and from ritual magic, a magic which is dedicated to transformation of the self -- the goal of the ancient Pagan mysteries, rather than spell craft"  (page 47, Principles of Paganism).

The Covenant of the Goddess, a well-established Pagan organization, describes Wicca or Witchcraft as "an Earth religion -- a re-linking (re-ligio) with the life-force of nature, both on this planet and in the stars and space beyond."  And the authors add, "Wicca is a participatory revelation, a celebratory action leading to greater understanding of oneself and the universe. We believe there is much to learn by studying our past, through myth, through ritual drama, through poetry and music, through love and through living in harmony with the Earth."  I couldn't have said it better myself!

If you'd like a good overview of leaders within the movement I would suggest you follow up on some of the individuals named in the Recent History section.  You can also find collections of interviews, such as Being a Pagan and A Witch Like Me.  As you read books on Pagan studies you'll find that many Pagan authors begin with their account of how they were introduced to Paganism.  

How Many People are Pagan?

That's a difficult question to answer.  For those who say that anyone who does not follow the Judeo-Christian-Islamic God is a Pagan, then the numbers are pretty high.  If we check census data there are other problems.  Often times census items do not include a Pagan category, and even if one were there, some Pagans do not want to make their religious preference public.  I've heard many stories of adults remaining quiet in order to protect their children or their jobs.

So, having said that, what estimates do we have?  Adherents.com estimates that there 1 million Pagans in the world.  ReligiousTolerance.org estimates that there are 750,000 Wiccans in the United States, making it larger than the Society of Friends (Quakers).  They also estimate that there are 100,000 in the U.K., 70,000 in Canada, and 10,000 in Australia.  In Canada, where religion is included in the census, the number of Pagans rose from 5,530 in 1991 to 21,080 in 2001.

Who Are Solitary Pagans?

Along with the rise in Paganism is the  growing number of solitary Pagans.  Many individuals are taking advantage of the many books and websites available to find the information and inspiration they need to thrive in their nature-based spirituality.  Solitaries may attend classes, festivals, and study groups, but generally they are not directly connected with a continuing, close-knit spiritual group.  As with any lifestyle, solitary Pagans may have chosen a solitary practice for numerous reasons, such as simply preferring to work alone, the absence of other Pagans in their area, or many concerns related to "coming out" to family, friends or employers.  Harassment and discrimination seem to be part of any minority lifestyle, including a Pagan lifestyle.  The question of going public as a Pagan is serious and worth considering cautiously.