Reply #4: Pagan is a "catch all term" [View All]

[Solon]

that applies to more than one religion or belief system. Mostly these are religions based in part on beliefs and rituals from Pre-Christian Europe. Wicca is a specific religion that nominally belongs to this group. Wicca was formed back in the 1950s, based, in part, on some ancient sources in Pre-Christian Europe, along with some 19th century Thelemic influences and Celtic symbology or holidays. To give an example, Wiccans, such as myself, celebrate the Winter Solstice, usually on Dec. 22-23, about 2 to 3 days off from Christmas. We base our religion on the one celebrated before Christianity was given a foot hold in Europe. More complete explaination at this site:

http://www.religioustolerance.org/witchcra.htm