My reply? As said by some above, Paganism is an 'umbrella term' that refers to a variety of nature based polytheistic religions that are not of the main world larger religions, before Christianization began. WhiteRav3n has listed some of these in her post. Neopaganism is a more contemporary version of such, modern religion movements that may sometimes be influenced by or completely derived from the many earlier Pagan religions. Though this isn't always the case, might I add.
Wicca falls under the Neopagan category. Supposedly founded by Gerald Gardner, it's a duotheistic religion following the Horned God and the Goddess, who has several names (Mother Goddess, etc) mainly, although there are variations such as Dianic Wicca, which only follows the female deity.
There are many types of Wicca, however: Alexandrian, Gardnerian, Dianic (as mentioned), Cochrane's, to name a few. Each different.
Wicca is a smaller religion branching off of Paganism. So in other words if you are Wiccan than you are Pagan. But if your Pagan that dosen't mean that you are Wiccan.
Thank you everybody!! All of your answers were helpful. Redmercury, your answer was the longest and most detail, so thank you for it!!! You are an awesome person. Blessed be everyone. )O( I do hope you have an awesome day/night!! :)
There is a major difference. Wicca is more about the earth and her elements. Paganism is really just polytheism or the belief in more than one god or goddess. Hoped this helped.
Can you give us the names of the books, RedMercury? The questioner and others might be interested in them, so they can add them to their summer reading list. Like me. =)
Wicca is paganism.
Paganism is not Wicca.
1.The Druids, Peter Berresford Ellis
2. The Druids. Stuart Piggot
3.Pagan Celtic Britain, Anne Ross
4.Drawing Down The Moon, Margot Adler
5.The Celtic Tradition, Caitlin Matthews
