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"Pagan" is a broad general term best defined as One who is not a Christian, Muslim, or Jew, especially a worshiper of a natural or polytheistic religion. Most people today who have heard the term Pagan, or the more recent term Neo-Pagan, seem to think that all Pagans are Wiccans. This is a simple misconception, and easy to make if it is outside of your knowledge or experience.

"Pagan" is, obviously, more of an umbrella term. While Wiccans are Pagans, one can be Pagan without being a Wiccan, and quite likely, folks who could come under the term Pagan by the definition I have given, wouldn't necessarily consider themselves to be Pagans. The closest I can come to an accurate label for my beliefs is "Eclectic Solitary Practitioner". On Government or official forms the term would be..."Other" lol.

Some folks I've encountered, Pagan and Non-Pagan, go out of their way to avoid this term, as if it is still seen as a negative label. Others, embrace the term wholeheartedly, and still others prefer the even more emotionally charged term "Heathen". There are also Plenty of people who, for whatever reason, believe most firmly that Pagans or Witches in general are Satanists, which is actually a religion based on the beliefs of Anton LeVay as laid out in his Satanic Bible. Personally, I've always felt this was more of an 'anti-religion" than a real doctrine of faith, but that is just my opinion. Satan, however, is a Christian concept, not a Pagan one.

If your religious/spiritual practices could be listed under Shamanism, Polytheism, or Animism...you could consider yourself Pagan. "Neo-Pagan" is just a recent term someone coined to refer to the slow but steady trend of people turning to such alternative spiritual paths. It does seem to specifically refer to modern reconstruction of ancient Pagan belief systems though; Asatru, Druidism, Goddess Worship, Wicca, Witchcraft. Keep in mind too that there are many different types of Wiccans... Gardnerian, Dianic, Alexandrian, and Caledonii just to name a few examples.

So, what does all of this mean? It means that some in today's society have been seeking outside the traditional, established religions for spiritual guidance, solace, and a sense of unity. Nor is this exclusive to one nation! Pagans can be found in most countries with a varying degree of social acceptance.

I have always resisted labels as I feel that they are dangerous tools, much like fire. Potentially very useful...or very destructive. I believe that it is basic human

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