What is Mesopaganism & How did it Develop

The term MesoPagan was first put forth by Isaac-Bonewits in an attempt to categorize modern Paganism.

According to Bonewits, MesoPagan religions developed from PaleoPagan or native Pagan religions that were influenced by Monotheistic, dualistic or Nontheistic philosophies.

These include all syncretic religions including Christo-Paganism, many Afro-Diasporic faiths, such as Voodoo, Santeria and Candomble.

Also Sikhism and many occult traditions including Thelema, Freemasonry, Rosicrucianism, Theosophy and Spiritualism and many modern Witchcraft traditions, including many Wiccan denominations.

Also, some Satanic traditions could fall into this category.

The definition of MesoPaganism is nearly identical with that of syncretism, a word that enjoys common use in academic circles, when it is applied to any Pagan religion.

What does mesopaganism mean?

The term MesoPagan was first put forth by Isaac-Bonewits in an attempt to categorize modern Paganism.

What does Bonewits say about it?

According to Bonewits, MesoPagan religions developed from PaleoPagan or native Pagan religions that were influenced by Monotheistic, dualistic or Nontheistic philosophies.

Which religions does it include?

These include all syncretic religions including Christo-Paganism, many Afro-Diasporic faiths, such as Voodoo, Santeria and Candomble.

Also Sikhism and many occult traditions including Thelema, Freemasonry, Rosicrucianism, Theosophy, and Spiritualism, and many modern Witchcraft traditions, including many Wiccan denominations.

Also, some Satanic traditions could fall into this category.

Mesopaganism and syncretism

The definition of MesoPaganism is nearly identical with that of syncretism, a word that enjoys common use in academic circles, when it is applied to any Pagan religion.

Main mesopagan practices

Mesopaganism are all about practices and there are so many different of them as mesopaganism has so many nuances:

Cult of nature and respecting natural spirits

Mesopaganism has a strong respect over nature and animism is pretty present.

Everything has a soul and it is considered as an entity deserving acknowledgement and respect.

Seasonal cycles and honoring them

Every season matters and brings with it a specific energy.

They also reflects in daily life and practices, especially when it comes to country and field life.

This is stricly linked to the cult of nature as well.

Herbalism

Herbs has so many properties and herbalism is one of the main practices in mesopaganism. Herbs are great for small rituals but, most of all, for healing.

Honoring the ancestors

The ancestors represent our roots, our heritage, our past and what we know so far.

They are also the foundation of our knowledge and we honor them in our daily life with simple gestures as lighting a candle nerby a picture of a loved one who is gone or using a personal item to establish and maintain a connection with an ancestor.

It’s also amazing to let them know we still think about them and we love them but also to call for help and support in times of need.

Daily domestic magic

Domestic magic is an easy but powerful one! It is all about doing simple things such as cooking, sewing with intention, but also mindful gardening. Everything can make a difference.

Divination

Divination is an always-present practice.

Over the centuries and in every cultures, basically since forever, divination helps people understanding signs and things happening such as omens and messages from the universe and spirits.

It is strictly connected to folk magic but also to ancient popular beliefs.

Religious syncretism

In mesopaganism many practitioners charge religious symbols of pagan meaning and viceversa in a perfect syncretism and fusion.

The connection with witchcraft

Mesopaganism has a strong connection with witchcraft as they come from the fusion of popular beliefs and ancient pagan practices. They are based on cycles of nature and animism.

They are spread orally via legends, stories but also practiced through prayers, blessings and other ritualistic procedures.

Back in the days, many Mesopagan practices were labeled as “witchcraft” by religious authorities while they were simple practices such as blessings, superstitions and folk beliefs.

How to approach mesopaganism?

The most important thing is always approaching different beliefs with an open mind while showing respect over the belief itself and the people practicing it. If you want to dive deep into mesopaganism, go for it!

As it gathers so many nuances of folk magic and religion it can be super interesting to explore it and understand the lore and how different aspects and features of different beliefs perflectly match and get together in a powerful unique fusion.

See also PaleoPaganism, Neo-Paganism

Reference

Defining Paganism: Paleo-, Meso-, and Neo- by Isaac Bonewits