Paganism 101

Paganism (from Latin paganus meaning country dweller) is a term describing a number of ancient and modern religious practices often characterized by polytheism, pantheism, and/or animism.

In another sense, as used by modern practitioners, paganism is a polytheistic, panentheistic or pantheistic, often nature-based, religious practice. This includes reconstructed religions such as Hellenismos and Ásatrú as well as more recently founded religions such as Wicca and other traditions of modern Witchcraft, all of which are normally categorised as "Neopaganism".

Many current Pagans in industrial societies base their beliefs and practices on a connection to Nature, and a divinity within all living things, but this may not hold true for all forms of Paganism, past or present. Some believe that there are many deities, while some believe that the combined subconscious spirit of all living things forms the universal deity.

This information was taken from the PaganWiki article on Paganism.
Used with permission by Creative Commons Share Alike Licensing.
More detailed information is on the way!