2007-06-22 06:03:15 · 18 answers · asked by Binkin live life 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
pagan is a term for any polytheistic religion, and wiccan is a type of paganism based off of old ways but revised to fit modern day. thats why wicca is commonly refered to as neo-paganism.
2007-06-22 06:11:22 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wicca is a branch of Paganism, like Druidism etc. It's a relatively young section of the grouping (began c.1950) which focuses on the wiccan rede and has a strong belief in magic, unlike some of the other branches.
Pagan is the term given to an individual who practices paganism, wiccan is a more specific term stating exactly which branch.
If you are a wiccan, you're a pagan, but a pagan isn't necessarily a wiccan.
2007-06-22 06:17:15 · answer #2 · answered by Phoenix 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How can you be a Wiccan and not know the difference between Pagan and Wiccan?
How long have you been a Wiccan?
2007-06-22 06:16:34 · answer #3 · answered by Janet L 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Pagan is an umbrella term for a religion that is nature based. Wicca is a branch of paganism. Wiccans worship the God and Goddess as different aspects of the same entity. Paganism includes many different branches - Greek mythology is Paganism as is Celtic mythology, etc. Although Wicca and Celtic mythology is VERY different, they both are Pagan religions. It's like Christian is the umbrella and Methodist and Baptist are branches of Christianity.
2007-06-22 11:26:03 · answer #4 · answered by Heathen Mage 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The term "Pagan" generally refers to an overarching set of beliefs, as in someone calling themselves a "Christian". "Wicca" could be thought of as a denomination of Paganism, as some Christians call themselves Catholic, Lutheran, or whatever.
Pagans aren't into some of the things Wiccans are, as in the boy-girl-boy-girl thing that some older, stricter types like Gardnerians are. Pagans are more free-form, but generally follow a lot of the same things Wiccans do, for instance the Rede, the Law of Three, and the eight yearly celebrations.
Some people don't like this explanation, comparing Wicca and other types of Paganism such as Asatru to Christian denominations, but it's the simplest way to get the point across.
2007-06-22 06:12:39 · answer #5 · answered by Nightlight 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Pagan is an umbrella term that included Wiccans. Wiccans, as you know, worship the God and the Goddess. Pagans expand further on that, following either one tradition or a mish mash of many and focus on a LOT of aspects of the God and the Goddess. My sister is Wiccan but I am Pagan.
Blessed Be
2007-06-22 06:09:54 · answer #6 · answered by ~Heathen Princess~ 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
All Wiccans are Pagans.
Not all Pagans are Wiccans.
"Pagan" is an umbrella term that includes many different religious beliefs - "Wicca" is one of those beliefs.
2007-06-22 06:27:45 · answer #7 · answered by Nandina (Bunny Slipper Goddess) 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wait, so you're a wiccan, but you don't know the difference between that and Pagan? Are you sure you're a wiccan?
2007-06-22 06:09:29 · answer #8 · answered by Chels 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Ok, the word pagan is used to describe all religions/cults/belief systems that are not Christian... some people use it to mean any without a god...
because you are saying you are wiccan, I say you are pagan b/c you are wiccan.
2007-06-22 06:08:16 · answer #9 · answered by Christian in Kuwait 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Wicca is a MUCH newer religion which is a conglomeration of several different traditions. It was started circa 1950s.
Paganism doesn't specify any particular religion, rather it refers to a person who tends to study the ancient beliefs and worships (or works with, as there is a difference) the old gods. No two pagans believe exactly the same thing, and we're okay with that.
2007-06-22 06:08:04 · answer #10 · answered by lupinesidhe 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋