Modern Manifestations

Practice

Paganism today has developed into a number of `houses`, which represent a variety of beliefs. Though this categorisation attempts to unify those with the same type of beliefs, the pagan ethic remains one of personal choice. A modern pagan can belong to any number of groups or none at all, and two worshipping pagans might follow different beliefs and define their religion in different ways. This diverse aspect of paganism makes it almost impossible to give a definitive description of what it is to be a modern pagan. However, for those who prefer a little order, here’s a rundown of the most popular groupings.

Main houses

Animalists The worship of animal groups and their abilities or magical powers. Still widely practised in the Eastern world and Africa.

Asatru The Asatru beliefs are based on the old pagan Viking teachings, which are often recorded in the Norse Sagas.

Celtic Reconstructionists This group is mainly concerned with the practices of the ancient Iron-Age Celtic tribes of northern Europe.

Discordianism Worshippers of the Goddess of Chaos, Eris, the Discordians follow a complicated path that is, by its own definition, very difficult to define.

Druids As recorded by the invading Romans of 43 AD, the Druids were the high priests of the Iron Age and still have many devotees today, who study the reconstruction of their ancient beliefs.

Greek Reconstructionism Sometimes known as Hellenismos, this type of paganism follows the ancient gods of Greece.

High Magick Also known as Ceremonial Magick and Ritual Magick, an intimate and complicated practice of the more occult aspects of worship.

Kemetic This group follows Ancient Egyptian gods.

Satanism Often not accepted as a pagan religion by pagans, contrary to popular belief Satanists do not worship a conscious entity but an element of power they believe is within all humans.

Shamanism Not so much a religion, more a way of life and a philosophy, the different aspects of Shamanism are based on a spiritual conduit-like relationship with the gods.

Wicca The religion was developed by Gerald Gardner in the 1950s after he studied ancient ritual and practice. Wiccans follow a set of Sabbats which act as guidelines for believers. Some also practise magick and so are sometimes referred to as witches.


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