Taxonomia Religionum

A Comparative Taxonomy for the World's Life Frameworks

29 traditions across 11 families, analyzed through 13 functional dimensions

New Religious Movementsactive

Wicca / Neopaganism

Founded: 1954 CE (Gerald Gardner)England; now global~~1-2 million adherents

Taxonomy Axes

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Cosmogony & Origin

eternal uncreated

The universe is sacred and alive, permeated by divine energy manifesting as the God and Goddess (or multiple deities). No single creation narrative — emphasis on the eternal cycle of birth, growth, death, and rebirth reflected in nature. The Wheel of the Year ritualizes this cycle through eight sabbats.

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Values & Ethics

consequentialist

The Wiccan Rede: 'An it harm none, do what ye will.' The Threefold Law: what you send out returns threefold. Emphasis on personal responsibility and connection to nature.

Purpose & Salvation

custodian of balance

To live in harmony with nature, develop spiritual abilities, honor the divine in its many forms, and participate consciously in the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Personal spiritual growth and empowerment through ritual and magic.

Suffering & Happiness

Suffering is part of the natural cycle — winter follows summer, death follows life. The Threefold Law means harmful actions return amplified. No devil or external evil force. Imbalance and disconnection from nature contribute to suffering.

Eschatology

cyclical renewal

No end times or apocalypse. Life, death, and rebirth cycle eternally. The Summerland is a resting place between incarnations. The Wheel of the Year turns endlessly. Some traditions include reincarnation until spiritual lessons are complete.

Dimension Profile

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Locus of Suffering
null
high
Temporal Orientation
3
high
Agency Model
5
medium
Knowledge Architecture
4
medium
Individual vs Community
3
medium
Nature Relationship
6
high
Body/Material Attitude
7
high
Founder Authority
constructed
high
Theistic Density
6
medium
Subsistence Mode
1
high
Religion Centrality
3
medium
Settlement/Mobility
1
high
Transmission Mode
text and oral
high

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