“Transformations of Paganism - Identity and Practice”
- Thursday 9th December - 17.30-19.30 (London time)
Book now at: https://inform.ac/upcoming-events/
Pagan traditions are incredibly adaptive and have inspired human cultures in both novel and traditional ways over the millennium. This seminar will focus on the transformations of Paganism in Europe and on the internet over the past twenty years.
Pagan traditions are incredibly adaptive and have inspired human cultures in both novel and traditional ways over the millennium. This seminar will focus on the transformations of Paganism in Europe and on the internet over the past twenty years.
Much of contemporary paganism is politically inclusive and supportive of liberal democracy, embracing a spectrum of sexual, disability, neurodiverse, and ethnic diversity amongst their membership and ideology. Many individuals have embraced presentations of pagan identity on social media, bringing paganism to the digital native generation – with the popularity of #WitchesofInstagram as just one example. Pagan practices and rituals have proven resilient to virtual transmission and communities of practice have flourished online.
But at the same time, there has been an appropriation of Pagan, particularly Heathen, symbols and ideas amongst sections of the far-right, as well as an increase in activity amongst far-right Heathen groups, such as the Asatru Folk Assembly’s proposal to open a ‘whites-only’ church in the US.
In both cases, what might be called a Pagan aesthetic is at the fore with new media adding new transformations to older themes and tensions. In addition, Pagan identities overlap with both global environmental and ethnic nationalist identities and calls for direct action.
Speakers, including members and academics representing a variety of Pagan movements and perspectives (names to be announced soon), will address the following questions:
- How do developments in Paganism over the last two decades relate to questions of identity and practice?
- To what extent are identities and practices developed primarily in relation to local ancestors and lineages?
- To what extent are Pagan identities and practices cultivated as opposition to other groups?
- What are the relationships between new Pagan movements, political or not, and the older, more established Pagan organisations?
We would be pleased if you were able to publicise this event through any newsletter, Facebook page or other publicity channel that your organisation may have.