What Is Paganism?

Paganism is an umbrella term for a variety of spiritual paths, both ancient and modern, that honor nature and its cycles, the God and Goddess, or many gods. Unlike Christianity or Judaism, paganism isn’t a single religion.

It should also be noted that not all witches are pagans and not all pagans are witches. Similarly, not all polytheistic religions are pagan and not all pagans are polytheistic. That said, historically the term was used as a way to define any religion that wasn’t Christian. While others used it only when describing the spiritual beliefs of practices of ancient polytheistic religions.

When we talk about paganism in the Pagan Grimoire, we’re referring to either ancient polytheistic faiths such as those practiced by the Greeks, Romans, Norse, and Celts, or modern neo-pagan faiths, such as Hellenism and Ásatrú. Also, if you’re curious, here’s a calendar of many of the major pagan holidays.

What Does The Word Pagan Mean?

It depends who you ask. The word “Pagan” comes from the Latin paganus, which originally meant “country dweller,” but in a derogatory way, like a country bumpkin or unlearned person. As Christianity spread through the cities of the Roman Empire, those holding onto their older polytheistic traditions—like many in rural areas—were labeled pagans.

The word also meant “civilian,” in the sense that early Christians referred to themselves as “soldiers of Christ,” making nonbelievers “civilians.” By the time of the Middle Ages, the word referred to any non-Christian.

In 1860, that meaning was still in play. In John Hayward’s book, “The Book of All Religions,” he defines each religion, and places Pagans directly before Satanists. He writes that “[Pagans is] a general term, applied to heathen idolaters, who worship false gods, and are not acquainted either with the doctrines of the Old Testament or the Christian dispensation.” And then goes on to say that Tibetan Buddhists, Hindus, and some other faiths are pagan. (They’re not, at least not in the modern sense.)

In modern times, most neo-pagans and reconstructionist pagans would agree that paganism is a diverse collection of faiths practiced by those who work with nature and its cycles, the archetypes of the God and Goddess, or a variety of gods.

And, starting around the late 19th century, modern practitioners began to reclaim the word as a badge of honor.

Common Modern Paganism or Neo-Paganism Beliefs

Modern Paganism is as varied as the people who practice it, but some common threads include the following aspects. Keep in mind, that not all pagans embrace or work with these themes.

Nature Is Sacred

Whether it’s Druidry, Wicca, or Hellenism, most Pagan paths treat the Earth as sacred and see natural cycles as spiritually significant. Some paths observe the Wheel of the Year or work with moon phases, and connect their spiritual practice to nature’s rhythm.

Magic or Ritual Practice

Not all pagans practice magic or perform ritual work. But, some do. Spells, offerings to gods or nature, and sacred ceremonies are common across many traditions, even if the methods differ. At its core, pagan spirituality is less about dogma and more about lived experience and relationship with the divine.

Animism

Paganism often sees the divine as present in the world around us. Within nature, within us, and between us. But, this also isn’t a must to be pagan.

Polytheism

Polytheism and pantheism often get conflated with paganism, but you can be a pagan monotheist (Mithraism, for instance, was practiced by a group of pagans who worshiped the god Mithras). Or a pagan athiest. Or you can believe in a wide range of different gods across a different pantheons and be an eclectic pagan.

Personal Autonomy

There is no central holy book or single leader. Your practice is yours to shape. This is also how things get a bit confusing on what is pagan and what isn’t.

While there is no single book to follow for these faiths, such as the Bible, there are historic writings, books of myth, and of course, the still standing temples, that provide us with clues to how the ancient peoples worshiped.

Whether or not you follow these, is up to you. Here, on the Pagan Grimoire, we do our best to present rituals, offering suggestions, and knowledge based on these historical documents and works.

Types of Paganism

There are many pagan faiths. Here are some you might have heard of or might consider exploring more deeply. (You can alos find a list of major pagan holidays here.)

1. Wicca

Wicca is one of the most well-known modern Pagan religions. It was founded in the 1950s by Gerald Gardner. It it is a combination of ceremonial magic, practices and beliefs inspired by the ancient Celts and other peoples, and elements of Western occultism. It is a duotheistic faith that honors the God and Goddess. Some people belong to a coven, others are solitary.

Wiccan rituals often align with the phases of the moon and the eight sabbats on the Wheel of the Year, including Samhain, Imbolc, Beltane, and Lughnasadh.

2. Druidry

Modern Druidry draws inspiration from ancient Celtic cultures, particularly the poet-priests known as Druids. The 18th-century Druid revival in Britain brought about a reimagining of the path lost to Christianization. This evolved further with the founding of the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids (OBOD) in 1964.

Druids honor the natural world, seasonal festivals, and poetic expression. Their Wheel of the Year includes festivals such as Alban Eilir (Spring Equinox) and Alban Arthan (Winter Solstice). Core beliefs often include animism, connection with ancestors, and honoring local spirits or deities.

3. Hellenism

Hellenism, or Hellenic polytheism, is the modern revival of ancient Greek religious practices and devotion to the Olympian gods. The Hellenic Religion has seen a resurgence since the early 1990s, with groups like Hellenion offering structured practices and educational resources.

Major sacred days include the monthly Noumenia (new moon celebration), Hekate’s Deipnon, and festivals such as Anthesteria and Panathenaia. Rituals often involve offerings (libations, incense, food), hymns, and acts of devotion grounded in ancient texts where possible.

4. Heathenry

Heathenry, also known as Ásatrú or Germanic Paganism, seeks to revive the pre-Christian traditions of the Norse and other Germanic peoples. It’s recent rise in popularity can be connected to the founding of Iceland’s Ásatrúarfélagið (Ásatrú) in 1972. Heathenry honors deities such as Odin, Freyja, Thor, and Frigg, as well as land spirits and ancestors.

Blóts (sacrificial rituals, though the ones these days are usually offerings of bread and mead, or grilled meats) and sumbels (ritual toasts) are central practices, often performed during holy days such as Yule, Midsummer, and Winternights.

5. Kemetism

Kemetism is a modern revival of the religious practices of ancient Egypt, honoring gods such as Isis, Osiris, Ra, and Thoth. The name derives from “Kemet,” the ancient name for Egypt. Practitioners often observe rituals like Senut (daily devotional rites), the Wep Ronpet (Egyptian New Year), and festivals tied to the mythological calendar, such as the Mysteries of Osiris.

6. Eclectic Paganism

Eclectic Paganism is less a formal tradition and more a personalized, intuitive approach to spirituality. Practitioners draw from multiple sources such as those above to create a path that resonates with their values and experiences. This flexibility makes it one of the most accessible and popular forms of Pagan spirituality today.

Misconceptions about Pagans and Paganism

No, we don’t worship the devil.

Paganism predates Christianity by thousands of years and is rooted in Earth-honoring, polytheistic traditions (generally, see the section on beliefs above) with their own distinct pantheons. Some witches work with the devil, but it’s not a pagan thing.

The figure of Satan is a creation of Christian theology and doesn’t exist within Pagan cosmologies. That said, some Pagans and witches do work with chthonic (underworld) deities, spirits, or archetypes that outsiders might interpret as similar. But these beings are not evil, and certainly not Satan.

Satanism is an entirely different religious path with its own philosophy, symbols, and beliefs, often more concerned with liberation, critique of authoritarianism, and personal autonomy than devil worship. Paganism and Satanism are not the same — different pantheons, different purposes, different spiritual maps.

Not all Pagans are witches

And not all witches are Pagan. Witchcraft is a practice that can involve spells, ritual, and working with energy or spirits. Paganism, on the other hand, is a spiritual path.

While some Pagans do practice witchcraft, you can absolutely be one without the other. Some witches identify as atheist, agnostic, or spiritual-but-not-Pagan, while some Pagans choose not to engage in magical practice at all. The overlap is common, but it’s not universal.

How to Get Started with Paganism

On the Pagan Grimoire, we have a lot of content on various pagan topics here, such as how to work with the Sabbats on the Wheel of the Year, the Moon, and some deities. We also have a Sabbat guide that goes over the meaning of each Sabbat and ritual and altar ideas.

Here are some other ways to begin.

Read Foundational Books

For any of the paths you’re looking to follow, you’ll discover there are many books written on the topic. Depending on what faith you want to follow (if any), some popular ones include:

• Paganism: An Introduction to Earth-Centered Religions by River Higginbotham
• Drawing Down the Moon by Margot Adler
• Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner by Scott Cunningham
• The Druidry Handbook by John Michael Greer
• Hellenic Polytheism : Household Worship by Christos Pandion Panopoulos

Connect With Others

Some of the paths have a central organization, or at least a very popular site that might help you find others to connect with. Look for local or online groups, read blogs, or follow modern Pagans on social media. We have a free forum for pagans and witches.

Here are some sites you might want to check out, depending on your path.

• Wicca – Covenant of the Goddess
• Druidry – Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids (OBOD)
• Hellenism – Hellenion
• Heathenry – The Troth
• Kemetism – House of Netjer

Work with Deities

You don’t need to know everything to start working with a god or goddess who you feel a connection with. Just begin. You’ll find, over time, that there books and guides about many of the popular gods and goddesses. These can help you deepen your connection, but start with what feels right for you.

Celebrate the Seasons

No book or membership required. Start observing the Wheel of the Year or lunar phases in simple ways. Go on a nature walk or visit. Write a journal entry at each sabbat or full moon. Your faith is what you make it, so let your heart guide you.

FAQ

Do Pagans believe in God?

Some pagans believe in one deity expressed through many, while others honor multiple gods and goddesses as distinct beings. So the answer is yes, but likely not the Judaeo-Christian God.

Do Pagans Exist Today?

Millions of people around the world practice some form of Paganism today. Practitioners gather in covens, groves, online communities, and solo practices to honor nature, celebrate the seasons, and connect with their gods.

Is Paganism a Religion or Spirituality?

Some view Paganism as a religion as it has rituals, communities, and spiritual frameworks. Others see it as a deeply personal spirituality outside of organized religion.

What is the Pagan symbol?

There is more than one pagan symbol, because there is more than one pagan faith. One of the most recognized Pagan symbols is the pentacle, a five-pointed star within a circle representing the five elements (earth, air, fire, water, and spirit) in balance.

Other symbols include the triple moon, the triquetra which is often used in Celtic Paganism, and the Mjölnir, Thor’s hammer, used in Norse Paganism.

Why Do People Practice Paganism?

People are drawn to Paganism for many reasons: they find connection with nature, they seek personal empowerment, they hold reverence for the divine feminine, they want meaningful seasonal rituals. It offers freedom, autonomy, and a chance to engage with the sacred in everyday life.

For many, it’s less about belief and more about their relationship with the Earth, with the divine, and with the self.