A Working Definition of "Pagan"
"The Old Religion--call it Witchcraft, Wicca, the Craft, or with a slightly broader definition, Paganism or Neo-Paganism--is both old and newly invented. Its roots go back to the pre-Judeo-Christian tribal religions of the West, and it is akin in spirit, form, and practice to Native American and African religions. Its myths and symbols draw from the woman-valuing, matristic, Goddess-centered cultures that underlie the beginnings of civilization. It is not a religion with a dogma, a doctrine, or a sacred book; it is a religion of experience, of ritual, of practices that change consciousness and awaken power-from-within. Beneath all, it is a religion of connection with the Goddess, who is immanent in nature, in human beings, in relationships. Because the Goddess is here, She is eternally inspirational. And so [Paganism] is eternally reinvented, changing, growing, alive." (Starhawk, Dreaming the Dark: Magic, Sex and Politics, 1988, p. xxvi).
Isaac Bonewitz has also thoroughly defined the term "Pagan". See his excellent website.
10/07/2001
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