This ain't your mama's paganism: understanding modern witchcraft, nature religions and ‘neopaganism’

As part of sweeping transformations in American religion and renewed interest in New Age spiritualities, modern paganism is tapping into a deep desire for self-empowerment, social engagement and reconnection with the natural world. 

Inspired by, or derived from, historical pagan and nature religions, modern paganism is an undeniably broad, collective category that covers a diverse range of groups that can differ greatly in belief and practice.

While Wicca and astrology have enjoyed a certain popularity for several decades, a wave of new publications has highlighted how personalized spiritual practices, home-brewed magic and shamanistic self-discovery are now enjoying their own renaissance. 

The latest edition of ReligionLink explores this new “neopaganism,” what some are calling a broader “re-paganization of religion.”

Of Mountains, Mary, & Sacred Fire: Revivication of Indigenous Voices

Today is Columbus Day. For some, it is Indigenous Peoples Day.

While Stephen Colbert may joke about, and some may be honestly offended by, the re-appropriation of Columbus Day by indigenous peoples, the reality is that Native Tribes and indigenous organizations feel ostracized and offended by the holiday.

The movement to re-claim "Columbus Day" (associated with cultural extirpation and colonial hegemony) is part of a wider context of the revivification of indigenous voices across the Americas.

In a recently written paper I address three examples of the tension, transculturation, and tribal aspects of indigenous religious subversion: in the mountains of California, in the shrines of Central America, and on Lake Titicaca in Peru. Read the rest of the paper HERE.  http://