View Chapters

Book: Pagan Religions in Five Minutes

Chapter: 5. What is the Relationship between Ancient and Contemporary Paganism?

DOI: 10.1558/equinox.45472

Blurb:

This chapter explores the differences and similarities between ancient and contemporary Paganism. Ancient Paganism was characterised by practices such as animal sacrifice and mystery religions. Contemporary Paganism includes Pagan Reconstructionism and Neo-Paganism, which is influenced by Wicca and British ceremonial magic. Neo-Paganism is a modern reinterpretation of ancient practices, focused on duotheistic conceptions of divinity with nature-based rituals.

Chapter Contributors

  • Caroline Tully ([email protected] - carolinetully) 'University of Melbourne, Australia.'