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Paganism Facts & Worksheets

Various spiritual traditions, generally with origins in pre-Abrahamic and polytheistic beliefs, make up what is commonly known as paganism. Those who practice it may honor a pantheon of gods, establish a bond with the natural world through ceremonial practices, and find meaning in long-forgotten customs.

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Various spiritual traditions, generally with origins in pre-Abrahamic and polytheistic beliefs, make up what is commonly known as paganism. Those who practice it may honor a pantheon of gods, establish a bond with the natural world through ceremonial practices, and find meaning in long-forgotten customs. There is a wide variety of pagan traditions within modern paganism, including Wicca, Heathenry, Druidry, and many more.

See the fact file below for more information about Paganism, or you can download our 25-page Paganism worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

DEFINITION

  • The word “paganism” encompasses many spiritual and theological traditions that do not share common ground with the four main Abrahamic faiths (Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and Hinduism). In cultural and historical contexts, the word is frequently used to characterize the polytheistic faiths practiced by ancient civilizations, especially in Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East, before the arrival of Christianity.
  • Modern spiritual movements that find inspiration in nature, old traditions, and various pre-modern belief systems can also be identified as Paganism. Many practices, including polytheism, animism, nature worship, and rituals derived from old traditions, make up modern Paganism.
  • The term “pagan” has several possible meanings and applications, so it’s essential to consider the cultural, historical, or theological setting when discussing Paganism.
  • Although some members of the contemporary Pagan movement use the term positively to characterize their spiritual activities, others may see its negative connotations with religions that did not originate from Abraham. 

HISTORY

  • A wide variety of spiritual traditions are reflected in the history of paganism, which spans ages and nations. Polytheism was common in ancient times, from the Roman and Greek pantheons to the Scandinavian Norse gods. Many ancient pagan traditions were suppressed or assimilated as monotheistic religions became more influential, especially with the rise of Christianity. Notwithstanding this, folklore contained traces of pagan ideas, and the Renaissance saw a resurgence of curiosity in ancient spiritual practices and classical mythology. 
  • Several modern pagan traditions, including Wicca and Druidry, arose in the twentieth century to re-establish a connection with nature, revive old rituals, and develop new forms of Pagan faith. The modern practice of Paganism is dynamic and ever-changing, drawing from a wide range of traditions that together provide a complex and dynamic spiritual landscape.

TYPES OF PAGANISM

  • There are various types of Paganism, each with its own beliefs, practices, and traditions. Here are some of the main ones.

Wicca

  • Wicca is a modern Pagan religious movement that emerged in the mid-20th century. It is characterized by its emphasis on nature worship, ritual magic, and the worship of a god and goddess.
  • Practices: Wiccans celebrate seasonal festivals, such as the solstices and equinoxes, and often follow a set of ethical principles known as the Wiccan Rede.
  • Deity: Wiccans often worship a god and goddess representing masculine and feminine energies. These deities may be named differently in various Wiccan traditions.

Druidry

  • Modern Druidry is inspired by the ancient Celtic priests and scholars known as Druids. Druids today focus on nature, spirituality, and environmentalism and often engage in rituals and ceremonies in natural settings.
  • Practices: Druids may celebrate the cycles of the moon and the changing seasons, and some follow a system of three grades within their spiritual path.
  • Deity: Modern Druids may honor Celtic deities such as Cernunnos (Horned God), Brigid (Goddess of Healing and Inspiration), and Lugh (God of Light and Skill).

Heathenry (Ásatrú)

  • Heathenry, also known as Ásatrú, is a revival of the pre-Christian Norse/Germanic religions. Followers of Heathenry worship a pantheon of deities, including Odin, Thor, and Freyja.
  • Practices: Heathens often honor their ancestors, practice blóts (sacrificial offerings), and celebrate festivals tied to the Norse calendar.
  • Deity: Heathens honor a pantheon of deities from Norse mythology, including Odin (All-Father), Thor (God of Thunder), Freyja (Goddess of Love), and Loki (Trickster God), among others.

Hellenism

  • Hellenism involves the revival of ancient Greek religious practices and beliefs. Followers, often called Hellenists, worship the gods and goddesses of the ancient Greek pantheon.
  • Practices: Hellenists may participate in rituals, festivals, and ceremonies that mirror those of ancient Greece.
  • Deity: Hellenists worship the gods and goddesses of ancient Greece, including Zeus (King of the Gods), Athena (Goddess of Wisdom), Apollo (God of the Sun), and Artemis (Goddess of the Hunt).

Kemeticism:

  • Kemeticism is the modern revival of ancient Egyptian religious traditions. Practitioners, often called Kemetics, worship deities such as Ra, Isis, and Anubis.
  • Practices: Kemetics engage in rituals, meditation, and offerings to connect with the gods and honor the traditions of ancient Egypt.
  • Deity: Kemetics follow the gods and goddesses of ancient Egypt, such as Ra (Sun God), Isis (Goddess of Magic), Osiris (God of the Afterlife), and Anubis (God of Embalming).

Eclectic Paganism:

  • Eclectic Pagans draw inspiration from various Pagan traditions, creating a personalized and often eclectic blend of beliefs and practices.
  • Practices: Eclectic Pagans may incorporate elements of Wicca, Druidry, Heathenry, or other traditions into their spiritual path.
  • Deity: Eclectic Pagans may choose deities from various traditions or create their own pantheon based on personal connections and preferences.

PAGAN BELIEFS AND TRADITIONS

  • The beliefs and traditions of Pagans are diverse and can vary significantly among different Pagan paths and individual practitioners. However, some common themes and principles are often associated with Paganism. Some of their beliefs are: 
    • Polytheism – Many Pagans are polytheistic, meaning they believe in and worship multiple deities. These gods and goddesses are often associated with natural forces, elements, or aspects of human experience.
    • Nature Worship – Pagans often have a solid connection to nature. They may see the divine manifest in the natural world and engage in rituals and practices that celebrate and honor the cycles of nature.
    • Animism –  Animism is the belief that spirits or divine forces inhabit living beings, natural objects, and landscapes. Many Pagans incorporate animistic beliefs into their spirituality.
    • Sacred Cycles and Festivals – Pagans frequently celebrate seasonal festivals and honor the cycles of the Moon. These celebrations often mark changes in nature, such as solstices, equinoxes, and agricultural events.
    • Ritual and Magic – Rituals and magical practices are every day in Pagan traditions. These can include spells, divination, meditation, and other activities aimed at connecting with the divine, influencing events, or promoting personal growth.
    • Ancestor Worship – Some Pagans honor and venerate their ancestors, believing they can provide guidance, protection, and a connection to their cultural and spiritual heritage.
    • Personal Responsibility and Ethics – Many Pagans adhere to ethical principles that emphasize personal responsibility, environmental stewardship, and respect for the interconnectedness of all living things.

Paganism Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Paganism across 25 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Paganism. There is a wide variety of pagan traditions within modern paganism, including Wicca, Heathenry, Druidry, and many more.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

  1. Paganism Facts
  2. Quiz Time!
  3. Q&A
  4. Reflection Journal
  5. The Pagans
  6. The Symbol
  7. Paganism Trivia
  8. Famous Pagans
  9. One With Nature
  10. Personal Altar
  11. Make It Happen

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Paganism?

Paganism is a term that encompasses a diverse range of spiritual and religious beliefs that are often nature-centered. It includes various traditions, such as Wicca, Druidry, Heathenry, and others, which may involve polytheism, animism, and a reverence for the Earth.

Are all Pagans Wiccans?

No, not all Pagans are Wiccans. Wicca is just one form of Paganism. Paganism is an umbrella term covering a variety of traditions, and Wicca is a specific modern Pagan religious movement founded by Gerald Gardner in the mid-20th century.

What are some common Pagan rituals?

Pagan rituals vary widely among different traditions, but common elements include honoring nature, celebrating seasonal changes (sabbats), conducting ceremonies for life events, such as births or weddings, and practicing magic or spellwork as a means of spiritual empowerment.

Is Paganism an ancient religion or a modern revival?

While some Pagan traditions draw inspiration from ancient pre-Christian religions, modern Paganism itself is a contemporary movement. Many Pagan practices are reconstructions or adaptations of ancient beliefs, and Paganism as a whole has seen a revival and reinterpretation in the 20th and 21st centuries.

Do Pagans worship the devil?

No, Pagans do not worship the devil. Pagan religions are diverse and do not adhere to a Christian worldview that includes the concept of Satan. The idea of devil worship is a misconception often rooted in misunderstandings and historical biases against non-Abrahamic belief systems. Pagan traditions typically focus on the worship of nature, deities, and spiritual energies.

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Link will appear as Paganism Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, January 24, 2024

Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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