What do pagans actually believe?

Answer 1

Paganism is an umbrella term for a number of belief systems and practises which are earth based. Since every Pagan is different, trying to categorise their beliefs is like attempting to herd cats.

At the heart of every Pagan however, lies a deep felt connection with the earth and the natural cycle. The majority will mark the passing seasons in their own way, and some may follow a specific pathway such as Hinduism, Asatru, Druidry, Witchcraft, Heathenism... and many more besides.

Answer 2

Paganism is not one religion; it is used to refer to all nature-based religions before Christianity. Paganism has been around since before organized religion, so it is an extremely large group of beliefs. Every pagan believes something different, just like Christians have different concepts of what their God is, but the basic outline of paganism goes like this:

Pagans believe in the powers of nature and the four elements: earth, air, fire, and water. They are largely polytheists, which means that they worship more than one god. Often, they worship a male god and a female goddess.

Some pagans also belief in magick with a k. This is the ability to use energy (that the believe everything in the universe has) and manipulate it to serve their desires. This can be done in rituals, often involving a particular god or goddess and the use of the four elements.

Answer 3

This question is very broad and general. It would be like asking what do Christians believe?

As Pagans do not have a single written foundation piece (like The Bible for Christians) we tend to be less homogeneous in our beliefs.
There are a large number of branches and variations of the spiritual paths that fall under the umbrella known as Pagan.

The basic is a reverence for the earth, the cycles of the seasons and the moon & that which is sacred within all living things.
We believe in the need for each and every one of us (pagan and non-pagan alike) to take responsibility for our actions, choices and thoughts.
We believe we create, and effect our surroundings and environment (physical, emotional and spiritual) by our actions and thoughts, and so endeavor to do as much good (and as little harm) as we can - understanding that no one is perfect, and when we fail we take responsibility for that failure without wallowing in guilt, but instead learning from our mistakes and moving on with our lives.

There are many other beliefs that can be and are espoused by pagans of various spiritual paths, this however is a basic overview that will be agreed upon by many, but certainly not all Pagans.