New Age vs. Paganism

[VenatorAnima]

I have heard Paganism called a "new age religion"...
but on here, they are split into different categories.
so what are the differences between the two?

 

[sunsplash]

Since I know very little about them here are there board descriptions:

New Age Overview

&

Paganism Overview

I think the jist of it is (and I'm very ignorant of them for the most part) that New Age is more of a blend of philosophy and mysticism while Paganism incorporates deism or theism as well. It's probably more respectful to not blanket a simple definition over either since each practitioner will identify themselves in a unique way, just like not all Christians believe Christ was G-d. Stereotypes don't help anyone, lol.

I'd go over to their DIR's and ask more questions

 

[Storm]

I'm a bit biased, but I tend to equate "New Age" with a blend of pseudo-scientific mumbo jumbo and a theological "whatever works for you" attitude. There's nothing wrong with the latter, but the former is off-putting to me.

ETA: Paganism, otoh is a collection of actual religions with coherent, however diverse, theologies.

 

[Erebus]

Both New Age and Paganism are quite diverse and tend towards individualism. As a general rule, New Age is quite "Hippy" in nature with a tendency towards a feel-good attitude to life. Paganism on the other hand is usually a modernised version of ancient religion and practice.
There is a crossover of course (21st century Wicca being one of the main crossovers in many ways) but a lot of Pagans tend to see New Age as being too airy fairy and overly optimistic.

 

[Libra]

Do Pagans use the Zodiac at all.

 

[Donn Cuailnge]

Do Pagans use the Zodiac at all.

Some do. I don't.

 

[Gloone]

I think New age is a spiritual path for the undecided. Those that don't follow any certain religion an choose to study all of them and understand them for what they are.