Pagan Revivalism

Was Paganism Exoteric or Esoteric?

Exoteric is defined as, "intended for or likely to be understood by the general public."

Esoteric is defined as, "intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest."

Using these definitions it becomes clear what historical Paganism was. There were public temples, public sacrifices & rituals. Does this mean, high priests wouldn't have had specialized knowledge, of course not. Just as an expert blacksmith would have specialized knowledge about his craft. But the idea they hid away knowledge for only a select few is patently false.

There were Esoteric cults in the Pagan past, such as the Pythagoreans with a cult leader, abstaining from blood sacrifices, having secret rules, hidden clubs and secret handshakes inspiring the likes of free-masonry. Pagan peoples were highly against these.

In 508 bc, Cylon of Croton led Pagans to burn their houses, killing many and driving the rest to exile like Pythagoras himself.

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1.1K viewsJan 18 at 15:51

Was Paganism Exoteric or Esoteric?

Exoteric is defined as, "intended for or likely to be understood by the general public."

Esoteric is defined as, "intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest."

Using these definitions it becomes clear what historical Paganism was. There were public temples, public sacrifices & rituals. Does this mean, high priests wouldn't have had specialized knowledge, of course not. Just as an expert blacksmith would have specialized knowledge about his craft. But the idea they hid away knowledge for only a select few is patently false.

There were Esoteric cults in the Pagan past, such as the Pythagoreans with a cult leader, abstaining from blood sacrifices, having secret rules, hidden clubs and secret handshakes inspiring the likes of free-masonry. Pagan peoples were highly against these.

In 508 bc, Cylon of Croton led Pagans to burn their houses, killing many and driving the rest to exile like Pythagoras himself.

BY Pagan Revivalism