Misconceptions About Paganism

Many people have turned to Neo-paganism without fully understanding what it entails. This is due in part to television shows such as Charmed and Buffy the Vampire Slayer that show supposedly Wicca women engaging in acts that have absolutely no relation to Wiccas or Neo-paganism. It is because of these television programs and others that the common misconceptions are still around. These misconceptions, and the "myth busters" are outlined below.

Neo-pagans are satan or devil worshippers.

Neo-pagans do not believe in any evil entity so they certainly do not worship one.

Neo-pagans practice their rituals naked.

Some Neo-pagans do choose to practice the rituals naked but it's a matter of personal choice and certainly not mandatory.

Neo-pagans sacrifice animals and humans.

Neo-pagans revere life. While traditional Pagans did use the animal sacrifice as part of their rituals, they have no place in the Neo-paganism belief system today.

Neo-pagans eat babies.

This may be one of the most disturbing misconceptions of the Neo-paganism belief system. Again, all life is sacred and this is something that Neopagans would certainly never be a part of.

Neo-pagans hold sex orgies.

It is true that some rituals in some religions call for ritual intercourse but this does not include orgies.

Neo-pagans put hexes and curses on people.

Neo-Pagans are strongly determined to uphold the sanctity and righteousness of balance and harmony and therefore, would never cause someone such undue pain. In addition the Wicca Rede2 (the Wicca ethical code) strongly forbids it.

Neo-pagans are foolish and misguided.

This is probably a misconception held by anyone who does not follow a certain religion. Neo-pagans have their own beliefs and follow a religion that is acceptable and suitable for them. It is for no one else to decide if these practices and beliefs are foolish.

Neo-pagans are all hippies, Goths, druggies, pacifists, or feminists.

Again, just like any other religion, the members and believers of Neo-paganism are individuals with individual thoughts, beliefs and style.

Neo-pagans are anti-Christian.

Neo-pagans may be wary about evangelists but they will accept members of other faiths even if they don't understand it. This is just how they would want people to accept them even if they don't understand the religion.