Reconstructionist Paganism

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By PJ_Deneen

Credit: Triquetra on runestone by Wiglaf, Wikimedia Commons.
Credit: Triquetra on runestone by Wiglaf, Wikimedia Commons.

Polytheistic Resurgence

As we move forward into the technological age of the 21st century, it may seem ironic that an emerging branch of Paganism is that of the reconstructionist movement, which looks to historic polytheistic practices and mythological sources for inspiration.

Turning to pre-Christian cultures for help in constructing a meaningful religion is nothing new to Neo-Paganism. What reconstructionists attempt to do, however, is steer away from eclecticism in favor of a culturally specific approach to connecting with the divine.

Reconstructionist Beliefs

A great deal of Neo-Paganism has combined components of occultism and magic such as Hermetic philosophy with mythology of many cultures to create new traditions. An example of this is the use of the four elements and the magic circle as well as honoring gods from different pantheons used in Wiccan traditions.

Some reconstructionists believe that these ideas support a one-size-fits-all path. In order to provide authenticity to their path, they research how the ancestors of their chosen culture worshipped the gods and lived their beliefs in daily life.

Not everyone agrees however on the practice of mixing of pantheons. Since many recons are hard polytheists, they wouldn't honor gods from vastly different and sometimes warring cultures at the same altar. Others take a softer approach and honor those they are called to while respecting differences.

Different Reconstructionist Paths

People active in this rebirth of polytheistic worship are from paths such as Celtic Reconstruction, Hellenism (Greek), Asatru (Germanic), and Kemetism (Egyptian). The goal is not to reenact history but to piece together fragments from the past into a belief system that might have emerged into modern times without interrupting influences such as Christianity.

A Celtic Reconstructionist Explains Ancestor Worship

Sources and Application

Sources used for reconstructionism are taken from mythology such as the Tain from Irish lore and the Eddas from Germanic mythology. Archaeological evidence of religious worship and daily living is also studied.

An example of putting these ideas to use is that of a home water shrine. There is evidence that many cultures worshipped and made offerings at wells, lakes, and springs. A modern person may honor this tradition by making offerings in or near a fountain or bird bath they have in their own back yard.

Pagan Reconstructionism - A Growing Movement

The task of reconstructing fragments which have been scattered over centuries and interrupted by outside influence is often times arduous. That is why research is so important. They don’t want to misrepresent something as coming from the ancient Celts when in fact it may be a mixture of several different cultures and time periods.

Personal experience of working with the pantheon and traditions of their chosen culture are also very important to reconstructionists as well as treating the modern descendants of past cultures with respect. While this movement is still a minority in Neo-Paganism, it will be fascinating to see how it grows and enhances the rest of the Pagan community.

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