God is seen in many ways, and expressed  as  the male principle; Goddess is seen in many ways, and expresses the female principle. Some Pagans perceive a deity which is both male and female. All of these expressions of deity are acceptable within the broad parameters of Paganism.

Paganism is an umbrella concept which encompasses many religions from some sects of Buddhism, to Neo-Druidism, to Wicca, and even to some forms of Christianity. Witchcraft is one of the many religions which fits under the umbrella of Paganism.

Pagans do not believe in a dualistic viewpoint of absolute opposites; of "good versus evil". Pagans believe that all things exist in their own place, and that we should strive for dynamic balance and harmony. Extremism of any form does not have a place within the Pagan philosophy.

Paganism is one of the so-called "Mystery Paths", where each individual has direct experience of divinity. Although it is becoming more common for Pagan Priests and Priestesses to administer rites to a group of people, individual experience of divinity remains the primary objective for most practicing Pagans. This differs significantly from most State religions, where a figure of authority performs rites, and mediates the divine force, on behalf of a congregation. In most Pagan religions, each individual is a Priest or Priestess in his or her own right.

Most Pagan's believe in reincarnation, but each Pagan religion has its own philosophy about the afterlife, and about reincarnation. Individual Pagans may also have their own philosophy about these subjects, for the Pagan religions do not have a strict set of teachings, which all Pagans must follow. There is a strong affinity with the idea of cyclical life patterns, which do not cease with the death of the physical body. Most Pagans have no concept which could be described as heaven or hell in the commonly-used Christian sense. However, Northern Pagan traditions encompass both a heaven and a hell, with a sophisticated philosophy which describes the operation of these realms. Unlike Christianity though, in the Northern Traditions, Hell is not a place of damnation or torture.

Pagans do not worship a savoir, or other spiritual leader. The emphasis is upon each individual's spiritual enlightenment, and responsibility for this is not abdicated to another person. The practice of Paganism is a voyage of self-discovery, and the discovery of one's own place within the divine realm. Paganism is not, therefore, a cult, for a cult has a leader, and Paganism has none. Individual groups will often be led by one or two people who are experienced in the practice of the religion, but such people have no influence outside of their own group or tradition.

Paganism is not about "Devil/Satan worship" (as perceived by the Christian faith) as there is no such being. Pagans do not "worship" trees or rocks; however, they do revere the divine force which is contained within trees and rocks; indeed, is contained within every part of the universe.

In essence, Pagans strive for balance and harmony both within ourselves and the environment in which we live.

Neo-Paganism

Neo-Pagan Witchcraft is an autonomous religion. There is no central authority or liturgy; various traditions have their own rituals, philosophy and beliefs. Most are derivative of the dominant tradition, Gardnerian. Traditions have undergone continual evolution, multiplying, changing, even dying, in accordance with prevailing religious needs. Some have added elements from Eastern, Native American Indian, aboriginal and shamanic systems; others have injected politics into their traditions. New rituals, songs, chants and poetry are continually created. Critics say that as a result, Witchcraft is an unstable religion. Witches view the change and flexibility as positive, a guarantee that their religion will never grow stale with obsolete ideas.

All modern Witchcraft traditions share a deep respect for nature and all living things. Most Witches are pantheists, believing the Divine Force to be immanent in nature, and are polytheists, believing the Divine Force manifests in multiple forms, recognized as Pagan deities. The Goddess generally is given supremacy over the God. Rituals are colorful, creative and energizing. Witches believe in enjoying sensual and sexual pleasures without guilt. Magick, whether performed individually or in a coven, should be directed toward a good purpose, not to harm.

Within traditions, covens are autonomous, some fiercely so. Each customarily has a secret Book of Shadows, which includes the tradition’s laws, ethics, rituals, administrative rules and other material, including personal material and material relating just to the coven. Most traditions have formal initiation procedures. It has become increasingly acceptable to initiate oneself into the Craft and to practice alone rather than as part of a coven.