What is PagansConnect?

Wicca is arguably the most widely recognized Pagan denomination. Many Wiccans call themselves "witches" Due to this the Pagan community has become even more associated with the practice of witchcraft than it had previously been under the influence of Christian persecution.

Wicca is best known for worshiping a God and Goddess with the identity of these deities varying from Wiccan to Wiccan.

Many Wiccans believe that the divine energy exists in all things and that creation is believed to be manifested by the elements of air, earth, water, fire and spirit.

Hellenism can be defined as a devotion or the imitation of devotion to ancient Greek thought, customs or styles.

The partitioners of Hellenism are devoted to the Olympian deities but can also worship the Primordial or Titan deities from the Greco-Roman ancient world.

The public practice of Hellenism was made illegal by Theodosius I in the 4th century CE. Continuation of this ban was done by his successors. Folk Paganism allowed the practice to survive to modern day as Europe entered the Dark Ages.

Often defined as an ethnic religion, Celtic Reconstructionism is a polytheistic reconstructionist approach to the ancient Celtic religions of Ireland, the British Isles and Gaul as well as various parts of mainland Europe. This religion puts an emphasis on the historical accuracy and preservation of the ancient practices of the Celtic and Gaelic world.

This religion worships solely the Celtic gods of the ancient world such as Brigit, the Morrigan and Alator.

The primarily difference between Wicca, Druidry and Celtic Reconstructionism is that Wicca and Druidry do not work as hard to follow the practice of the ancient world.

Also referred to as Rodnovery and occasionally Slavic Neopaganism, Slavic Native Faith is a practice in which Pagans attempt to preserve and recreate the Slavic practice of the ancient world. There is no evidence outside of linguistics that would suggest that the Slavic people were their own ethno-cultural group.

The people of Slavic Native Faith typically worship deities such as Freyja, Thor or Hel and are typically involved in a larger group of familial or ancestorial worship.

The primary identifier of Slavic Native Faith versus other Slavic based Neopagan religions such as Heathenry is the difficulty involved in becoming a practitioner.

Roman Polytheism is a religion purposed with maintaining the Pax Deorum (Peace of the Gods). This means keeping harmony and peace between mankind and the gods. They also practice Ius Divinum (Sacred Law) which can be simplified as saying recognizing what rightfully belongs to the gods, what the rights of the gods are and other smaller and more controversial topics such as is Janus (Doorkeeper of the Gods) correct in involving himself in human affairs or is it correct to follow Ceres for ignoring the rights of the poor and downtrodden. One who affirms all this and believes in the necessity of peace between God and man would be affirming the basis of pietas, or Roman peity. A final aspect would be do ut des (I give that you may give) which represents a sense of harmony between the Gods and mankind.

Druidry or Druidism is known for their belief in the "greatest yearnings" of humanity. These yearnings have been defined as the desire to be "fully creative in our lives, to commune deeply with the world of Nature and to gain access to a source of profound wisdom.

Druidry has no set of dogma or religious text, primarily due to prosecution of Christianity and the destruction of the forest areas in which they kept their texts. Druids do not believe in the same polytheistic ways as many other Pagan groups with some practicing monotheism, polytheism and some simply believing in a more agnostic practice.

Nature is believed by Druids to be sacred as well as believing in the "other world." The other world is a place that souls go when they pass.

Based on old Norse beliefs and also called Asatru, these Pagans believe in the old Norse pantheons such as Frigga, Odin and Loki.

They follow a set of guidelines which are referred to as the "Nine Noble Virtues." These virtues include truth, courage, honor, fidelity, discipline, hospitality, industriousness, self-reliance and perseverance.

The most unusual aspect of Heathenry is its emphasis on history. These Pagans work to recreate and honor their ancient roots while adapting the religion to a more modern age.

Faerie Faith is a Neopagan religion which sprouts from the "Old Dianic" tradition. This came to light under the works of Mark Roberts and his high priestess, Epona.

This is not to be confused with other traditions of similar names, such as Feri Tradition, Radical Faeries or Faery Wicca.

The Faerie Faith follows the Celtic tree calendar, which is said to be invented by Robert Graves in his book "The White Goddess." It is not believed to have any relation to a traditional Celtic calendar.

Pagans who worship the goddess Brighid may practice as a veiled pagan. This means they will wear a scarf, mantle or shawl as a symbol of devotion and to protect them from the elements. The term has been linked to "Cailleach" in a very uncomplimentary way.

Veiling can be done by any gender. Those who are neurodivergent, or more specifically Autistic, have reported difficulties following along with this practice.

Dianic Worship is based on a goddess-centered cosmology and the belief that "She who is all and whole unto Herself." The primary goddesses followed in this are Diana and Artemis, goddesses who represent the female embodiment, autonomy and sovereignty.

Seasonal rituals in Dianic Worship are meant to celebrate the mythic cycle of the Goddess within the Earth's seasonal cycles of birth, death, rebirth and their correspondence with the female life cycle.

Dianic tradition is celebrated in solely female circles.

This practice is commonly used by Solitary Pagans or those who do not belong to any form of coven, grove or familial worship.

This practice has roots in a variety of traditions such as Norse, Germanic, Celtic, Grecian or Roman. This results in each practitioner having a unique and individual path.

Their primary defining characteristic is the lack of dogma or definition found in their practice.

Indigenous beliefs are surrounded by a common respect for the genus, environment and the elements which assist with survival of the human race.

Some practitioners of this belief are called "Old Believers." These people believe that man is a part of nature, not the master of it. It approaches the natural cycle and attempts to live within in rather than controlling it. Another major belief held would be the belief in reincarnation, existing in rebirth as animals, humans or plants. Finally, they also believe in the struggle between heavenly and the underworld deity.