You aren't the only one wondering what "Pagan", means. Pagans can be found around the world. The term is also used in reference to shamanism. It is also used to refer to witchcraft. But, it's not clear what paganism really means.
'Pagan' means 'civilian'
Although the word "pagan", has no religious roots whatsoever, it is commonly used to refer to people who don’t adhere to traditional religious practices. The word "peasant" comes from the classical Latin "pagus", which also gives rise to the word. It originally meant "nonreligious" or "rustic", but it has since become civil.
'Heathen' means'military'
"Heathen" can be used to refer to those who practice Asatru (an Old Norse religion). The term is also used to describe practices based in Germanic traditions. Asatru members are found in Germany and Canada. They are organized in the Troth, which is a 501c3 religious organization and has stewards based in Australia and New Zealand.
"Shamanism" is a way to respect the dead.
Shamanism's philosophical foundations are its own. While it was closely related to the early Abrahamic religion, the shamanic worldview incorporated more gods and evil spirits, as well as raw superstition. Its influence is reflected in the Bible.
'Witchcraft'
'Witchcraft' in pagan culture is the practice of using supernatural powers, including those of nature, to manipulate the world around you. Since hundreds of centuries, pagans have been using such techniques. They believe that by using rituals and special conspiracies, they can connect with the natural forces and gain special powers. This tradition is often associated with esotericism. It is the study and application of ancient beliefs and philosophical systems.
'Druidism'
Druidism is a spiritual path rooted in the beliefs and practices of ancient pagan cultures. Many druids believe the nature of life is spiritual. They believe in reincarnation as well as alternate lives in another dimension. James Lovelock worked for NASA in the 1960s and developed the Gaia hypothesis. This theory states that Earth is an organism. Golding gave the hypothesis its name.
'Hellenism'
"Hellenism" is a broad term that covers a wide range of pagan religious traditions that honor the pantheons of the ancient Greeks. These practices are an attempt to revive religious practices that were practiced by the ancients. While some groups claim to have the original tradition, others are revivalists.
'Wicca'
Wicca refers to a pagan form of religion that involves worshipping or working with a Goddess and God. These deities could take on many different forms, including the Triple Goddess and Horned Goddess, as well as the Goddess of Moon. Each group will place different emphasis on these deities, but Wiccans believe they are one and same, and part of the divine image.