Paganism dates back to antiquity. This religion was a mixture monotheistic-polytheistic religious practices. Pagan religions had a primary God and many secondary deities. The existence of multiple deities is not cause for concern. Christianity was not an issue in ancient religions, and there was no conflict among monotheisms and pluralism.
Effigies
Effigies represented symbolic offerings for various rituals. The earliest and most widely practiced form of pagan worship was to burn human effigies. This practice is still widespread in many cultures. On special occasions such as Guy Fawkes day, football rallies and political rallies, many people still burn effigies. These rituals can be violent, but they are not without meaning.
Ritual magic
Pagan ritual practices are rich in symbolism. Ritual practitioners not only use words but also real objects as symbols. These acts as a mnemonic device and help to connect with their intentions. Real objects are thought to have energetic or magical correspondences. This can enhance practitioner's energy. They also help create a liminal atmosphere and engage the senses.
Norse gods
Norse mythology is full of imagery and references to female gods. While the Aesir have been traditionally viewed as male gods, many of the sagas reveal evidence for a female divine presence. Frigg, the goddess of protection and marriage, is often depicted. Frigg is a very obscure figure in Norse mythology. Yet, her role as goddess is often considered important. This is because such obscure figures can be projected onto existing myths to align them with desired interpretations.
Modern Paganism
Worldwide religious movement called paganism, it encompasses a variety of traditions and practices. It promotes respect of the natural world and the rebirth or ancient animistic and multitheistic practices. Some modern forms of Pagannism are rooted in nineteenth-century European nationalism. But most current groups owe their organizational roots to 1960s. They emphasize archetypal psychology, spiritual interest in nature, and archetypal psychology. Although there is no formal doctrine, it is common belief that nature is important and that we should respect its natural order.
Margaret Murray's "witchcult” theory
Murray claimed that the history paganism has shown a "witch-cult" worshipping one horned God. Murray's theory was not able to prove the existence of the Horned God, but it did show that priests in the cult often wore headdresses with horns. Murray's theory helped explain stories about Satan appearing during witch gatherings.
Hutton's analysis
Ronald Hutton is a world-famous scholar and a leading voice in pagan studies. The Triumph of the Moon was his most famous work. He denounced the neopagan revival, calling it an "illusion." Hutton strikes a delicate balance between his condemnations of modern neopaganism as well as his belief that understanding the past requires knowledge of paganism's history. Hutton revisits one of his core questions in his new book: Does the history of paganism really matter?
Julian's paganism
Julian's paganism was deeply rooted within the Greek and Theurgy traditions. However, he converted to Christianity through Constantius II, his cousin who was a passionate Arian Christian. Julian's love of Greek culture did not diminish despite his Christian conversion. His strong religious temperament meant that Julian found solace in pantheistic mysticism.