Why does Paganism and Wicca seem so popular?

Question

It seems to me that these two ways of expressing yourself are growing in popularity, and it seems more prevelant in younger people. Is it because it's not as strict as what some church/religion guidelines are? Do you turn blue in the face trying to convince people that you're NOT devil worshippers?

I myself have always loved the earth, and believe fully that the Native Americans were the only ones that had the best grasp about religion; worshipping the wind/trees/weather. BUT, as an avid hunter I'd probably get booted out of any organization I'd like to join. I would just like to understand a little bit better why these two ways of life are so popular and sought after. Thanks!

Answer 1

I am Pecti-Witan (aka Hedge Witch, not Wiccan) a "solitary" practitioner of "the Old Religion" (witchcraft), and have been for many, many years. Being a Pict is much along the same lines as the Native Americans in that there are multiple "gods".
Being a "Witch" is nothing like what is portrayed in movies or on Television. There is nothing flashy about it. But I think that all of the movies & TV shows do influence quite a few young ones who see some sort of glamour or power in it. Many of us call the wanna-be's fluff or fuzzy bunnies. They may want others to think more of them because they claim to be witches and think it is cool, or they may be in it to shock their parents, a way of rebelling.
We are fairly simple people with "abilities" that everyone has, ours are just honed and utilized. Lots of research and practice. There is a lot to learn when you are dealing with herbal, mineral and candle magick.
I read tarot cards, rune stones and utilize a number of other "fortune telling" tools but would NEVER charge anyone for anything I do! Besides, I do not do "readings" or "cast spells" for others on demand. That sounds more like a con game to me!
My mother was a witch and my Great Grandmother was the daughter of a Comanche "Medicine Man". so it seemed to come naturally to me, as I believe that this is not my first life (nor the last) as a witch. I have always had a deep respect for nature and have an innate ability to communicate with animals. When I was very young my parents encouraged me to learn about all religions, so I did. Books are an excellent source, providing you get the right ones. I prefer Scott Cunningham.
Basically (by definition) Native Americans were (are) pagans! In general wicca(small w) is not an organization (tho Wicca, as in coven based might be considered organized). So I believe that hunting, as long as the game is utilized for something other than trophies, is not necessarily a bad thing.
We have developed a thick skin, because even in this "advanced" civilization there are still those who believe we worship the devil (LMAO, can't worship something you do not believe exists), and would rather turn a blind eye to the world around them. Some will even admit that they think we should be burned at the stake! Ignorance knows no bounds. But trying to make them understand is fruitless, so I just walk away. Odds are if they wish to argue the point they are the ones who will turn blue! I have no problem at all pointing out discrepancies in the bible!
BB
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Answer 2

I think Paganism and Wicca are becoming more popular because people are looking for a gentler way to exist. I think many are tired (like I was) of being a "hater". I was raised in Christianity and everything was just so "this is the way it's done, and everything else, and everyone else is evil." I could no longer do that. I was at first drawn to Native American religions, but Wicca fit my beliefs well and drifted toward that, which is where I am now.

Do I turn blue in the face trying to convince some that I am not a Devil-worshiper? Sometimes, but I try to avoid the argument. I've found that those with the most steadfast opinions are usually the ones with the least facts, and the least likely to explore the facts. When one argues with a fool it is difficult to tell who is the fool.

Answer 3

I found Wicca/Paganism after 20+ years with the Christian church. The draw for me had nothing to do with rebellion or 'fitting in'. My sister found Wicca in high school and was very very happy in her religious journey. I read up on it, wanting originally to find out more about what she was living and enjoying. As I read more into Wicca, the more things clicked. There is a sense of balance there that is lacking from some of the other main stream religions. Not saying some followers do not take it to the other extreme from the Christian Church by only worshipping the Goddess, thus creating an imbalance. But to follow the religion in its true form, it is quite beautiful. I have a deep connection with nature, and always have, so this religion made sense.

I am not a tree hugger Pagan. I do try recycle and be concious of the resources I us. I am not a Vegan/Vegetarian. I couldn't do it! Aside from the nutritional values in meat, it tastes so darn good. LOL I grew up in a family that hunts. My step father and father both use all that they can of the animals they kill, for meat, tools, and other things.

I have a deep respect for the Native Americans. I am 1/8th Cherokee, so that may help in my view of the people. LOL

Answer 4

I found my own way to paganism years ago, and I never belonged to any organisation. It amuses and saddens me when I see that some people want to turn it into an organised religion like all the other religions, with hierarchy and dogmata and what have you. But in these days anything that might lead to a different attitude towards nature has to be welcomed.

I can't speak for anybody else, but to me the precarious beauty of the Mother Earth is the main focus, and to help trying to avoid its total destruction by human greed.
I don't advertise my religion, but in a Catholic country like the one I live in it's quite obvious that I do not belong to the flock. So far there has been only one person to ask me whether I worship the devil, although my children told me there were the wildest rumours when they were at school.

As for you being a hunter - I don't have anything against hunting as long as it is for food. Hunting for any other reason should be considered frivolous and cruel by any right thinking person - as I said, I'm only speaking for myself.

Answer 5

For me, I found my path through my own searching, and a number of years ago learned that there was a "label" for them (or at least a label that matched most of the things that I had already come to believe on my own).

I don't "turn blue in the face trying to convince people" of anything. I don't need their validation or their permission to follow my path. I will explain what I believe, and answer questions, but it's not my job to convince them of anything. If they choose to cling to their misconceptions, that's their prerogative.

As one of the other posters said, if you use the meat, hide, etc of the animals that you hunt, and you respect them as living beings even as you hunt them, then IMHO it's not a problem. Death is a part of the Cycle, and things must die so that other things may live. However, if you're a "trophy hunter" who hunts mainly because you want another head on your wall, then IMHO that's wasteful and prideful and disrespectful of the Cycle.

As far as why are they becoming so popular? They offer a connection to the world around us that has been lost in many ways as a result of industrialization. They focus on the earth and its seasons, the energies and beings that share this planet, not just ourselves. They promote the idea of a Deity that is both immanent as well as transcendant, and they have an emphasis on balance and personal responsibility.

Answer 6

I think it has a lot to do with the fact that it stresses the feminine and gives power back the females and I also think that it is an alternative religion that has nothing to do with the Abrahamic religions which many people have become disillusioned with and are fed up with. There is an appeal in the mystery and newness of it also. It is also somewhat rebellious for the young people, although they would never admit or realize that that is part of the appeal. And yes, I believe it grants a lot of freedom to express yourself and your beliefs and it gives a sense of belonging and a feeling that you are not the only one who feels a certain way about the earth and spirituality.

Answer 7

If you look at the original tales Ares' treatment of women, even Goddesses, was deplorable, in a faith like Wicca which recognizes that both the masculine and the feminine are essential parts of the natural order and are thus equally worthy of respect such behavior could well be off-putting to people. That would not be about his role as a War God or about the rightness or wrongness of war itself but about his lack of balance, the courage of Ares was always associated with cruelty as well, he was more of a bully than a warrior, and it was Athene, Apollo, or Zeus who served as Patrons of the more noble warriors, not him.

Answer 8

Prior to Constantine creating the religian Christianity we were all pagan for millions and millions of years. Christianity has not been around for very long and I think that many people find it very unfullfilling because of our ancestral connection to pagan beliefs. Tom Robbins wrote that western culture will never be satisfied with spiritual practice until we go back to the original practices of our ancestors. The teachings of Jesus emerged out of an eastern culture, so did Buddhism and Hinduism, etc. The only spiritual practice that is truely western is paganism.

And in response to your other question I rarely run into people who consider paganism to be devil worship. Pagans do not believe in the devil. The devil can only exist as the anti-thesis to the christian God. So, people who say pagans are devil worshipeers are being kind of ignorant.

Answer 9

the native americans hunted for food and for materials to build their shelters, for tools, ground up bones for medicinal purposes, etc.... I am sure that you could hunt and still be an "earth" lover as long as you "respected" the earth and the four and two legged animals that lived therein.....the indians considered the buffalo an equal to them, they considered him a brother....they felt that he was a gift given to them by their god and that they were to use them for their survival....in this way, the buffalo (their brother) lives within them.................it's respectful to take what you need from the land, it is an abomination to destroy and misuse this wonderful earth...............some wiccans are vegitarians and would not even think to write on an extra piece of paper if they needed to, and that is a matter of choice and preference and belief.........but some of us eat meat (although I could never hunt, personally), and use paper up by truckload...(I am also a writer and make lots of notes that sometimes get scraped)... you have to go with what your spirit feels is right....

Answer 10

personally having dwelled in paganism myself, and having it seen in some family members, i see paganism just the same as any other cult or religion. i do not doubt some ppl genuinity, but i do know for a fact that a lot of ppl are doing it just to "belong". there are rules in paganism, even if they do not like to think so or cannot see past their noses. there is bigotism between them as well, they have a lot of good qualities and i respect them. i do not want to be part of it though. i am too free to belong to anything. i respect and spend time with nature i use herbs and i do rites. my advice to you would be not to worry about belonging to anything, just be yourself and follow your heart, a good hunter(i hope you eat it afterwards!) knows nature and all the living creatures in it, is in touch with them. all the best.