Handout 3: Neo-Paganism and Wicca Fact Sheet
Part of Building Bridges
Emerged: Neo Paganism is based on what is assumed to be ancient, indigenous religions, but modern day Wicca is dated as beginning in 1959 and the current Neo-Paganism movement can be dated to the founding of the Church of All Worlds and Feraferia in 1967.
Adherents: estimated 1 million
Ranking: 19
Texts: Various, depending upon the branch.
Prophets: None
Clergy: Varies. Some are non-hierarchal; others have priests/priestesses or other leaders.
Symbols: Many, depending upon branch. Pentacle, Triple Goddess, Kabalistic or Celtic Tree of Life; Wheel of the Year; Eye of Horus, Celtic Cross, the Green Man, the Ankh, and others.
Terms and Fundamental Precepts:
Magic or magick — the art/science of psychically control the energy of the universe toward a specific goal
Druidism — modern Neo-Pagan religion based upon the beliefs of the ancient Celts
Triple Goddess — the Goddess exists as Maiden, Mother, and Crone
Polytheistic — worshipping more than one and/or goddess
Shared with Unitarian Universalism:
- Sixth Source
- Seventh Principle, and a determination to stay connected to and protect nature
- A belief that there are many paths to the divine
- A belief in gender equality
- In Singing the Living Tradition, Readings 446, 451, 517, 524, 663, and 703 and Hymns 57, 72, 73, 91, 155, 226, 235, 327, 337, and 387 are about the seasons, solstices, equinoxes, and other Pagan traditions.