Paleopaganism or Paleo-Paganism is used to refer to the original, polythesistic tribal faiths of the World, when they were (or, in non-Western areas, are still) practiced as intact belief systems. Of well known world religions, Hinduism, Taoism, and Shinto may be considered Paleopagan beliefs, making Paleopagans a fairly large group of people.

It is rather unlikely that many of the practitioners of Western pagan paths (Wicca, Druidism, Asatru) are practicing an actual, handed down ancient faith, but that doesn't stop them from claiming it is so, especially if they claim famtrad teachings.

Isaac Bonewits likes to point out that some Paleopagan belief systems may be homophobic, racist, sexist, etc. This is because, in his eyes, Neopaganism lacks these things. Naturally, this doesn't stop Paleopagans from being tolerant or Neopagans from being intolerant.

Compare and contrast Mesopaganism, Neopaganism.

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