Neo-Paganism - Timeline Movement

Gerald Gardner and Doreen Valient

1950

Neo-paganism is a new religious movement that seeks to revive pre-Christian nature religion, many of which originated either in Europe or indigenous communities. Although diverse, Neo-pagans seek to reconnect humans and nature. One contemporary form on Neo-paganism is contemporary witchcraft, or Wicca.

Christianity in Europe and the United States led to a decline in pagan spirituality from the 11th to 18th century. However, it began reemerging in the mid-19th century in Europe, gaining prominence by 1920. After World War II, Gerald Gardner and Doreen Valiente successfully brought Neo-pagan ideas and practices to the United States. Gardner’s Witchcraft Today (1954) remains an important text for Wiccans.

Misconceptions persist with regard to Neo-paganism. For example, witches who believe and cast spells often do so for personal improvement, not to harm others. Also, most Wiccans are not preoccuppied with Satan, contrary to many Christian critics.

Estimates of Neo-pagans range from 83,000 to 333,000 as of the 1990s.

Social Movements and Religion
Religious Minorities (Non-Christians)

Social Movements and Religion
Religious Minorities (Non-Christians)
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