As a cultural and religious studies expert, I have spent considerable time examining the myriad of beliefs and practices that make up the world's religious landscape. One area of particular interest is the diverse and complex subject of pagan religions. Paganism is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of beliefs, practices, and traditions that are often characterized by their reverence for nature and their roots in pre-Christian, indigenous cultures.

Paganism is generally defined as a movement by modern people to revive or reconnect with nature-revering and indigenous, pre-Christian religions or other nature-based spiritual paths. It is important to note that paganism is not a single, unified religion but rather an umbrella term for a variety of different belief systems. These belief systems often share common elements such as a belief in multiple deities, a connection with the natural world, and a focus on seasonal cycles and rituals.

One of the key aspects of pagan religions is their emphasis on the natural world. Many pagans view nature as sacred and believe that it is filled with divine energy. This reverence for nature is often reflected in their rituals and practices, which frequently involve the use of natural objects such as herbs, stones, and plants. Additionally, many pagans celebrate the changing of the seasons and mark important dates on the calendar, such as the solstices and equinoxes.

Another important aspect of paganism is its polytheistic nature. Unlike many of the world's major religions, which are monotheistic (believing in a single god), pagan religions often recognize and worship multiple deities. These deities are typically associated with specific aspects of the natural world, such as the sun, the moon, or the earth. They may also be associated with human qualities or experiences, such as love, war, or wisdom.

The modern pagan movement is also characterized by its inclusivity and diversity. While some pagans may identify with a specific tradition, such as Wicca or Druidry, others may draw from a variety of different sources to create their own unique spiritual path. This diversity is one of the strengths of the pagan community, as it allows for a wide range of beliefs and practices to coexist and thrive.

It is also worth mentioning that modern paganism often incorporates contemporary liberal values, which may be at odds with the beliefs and practices of ancient pagan societies. For example, many modern pagans are committed to social justice, environmentalism, and gender equality. While these values may not have been present in ancient pagan cultures, they are an important part of the modern pagan identity.

Some of the groups that fall under the pagan umbrella include:

- Wicca: A modern pagan, witchcraft religion that emerged in the mid-20th century. It is characterized by the worship of a goddess and a god, the use of magic, and the celebration of eight seasonal festivals known as sabbats.
- Neo-Druidism: A spiritual movement that seeks to revive the ancient Celtic religious practices of the Druids. It is focused on connecting with nature and often involves the use of meditation, ritual, and the study of ancient Celtic lore.
- Heathenry: A term used to describe a variety of modern pagan religious movements that focus on the revival of the pre-Christian polytheistic beliefs and practices of Germanic and Norse cultures.
- Slavic Native Faith: A modern pagan religion that seeks to revive the indigenous religious beliefs and practices of the Slavic people. It often involves the worship of Slavic deities and the celebration of traditional Slavic festivals.

In conclusion, pagan religions are a diverse and complex set of beliefs and practices that are characterized by their reverence for nature, their polytheistic nature, and their connection to pre-Christian, indigenous cultures. While the specifics of each pagan path may vary, they all share a common commitment to honoring the divine in all its forms and to living in harmony with the natural world.

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A movement by modern people to revive nature-revering/living, pre-Christian religions or other nature-based spiritual paths, frequently also incorporating contemporary liberal values at odds with ancient paganism. This definition may include groups such as Wicca, Neo-Druidism, Heathenry, and Slavic Native Faith.read more >>