Our Story
Why the International Pagan Society was founded, the need it was created to address, and the path we are building together with practitioners, scholars, and communities worldwide.
A Home for Traditions Too Often Left Without One
Pagan, occult, esoteric, and mystic traditions are remarkably diverse — carried by solitary practitioners, small circles, hereditary lineages, and reconstructed paths alike. Many of these traditions have historically lacked a shared public-benefit institution able to support their scholarship, protect their knowledge, and stand alongside their communities.
The International Pagan Society was founded to help close that gap: to provide a home and public-benefit foundation for these traditions, built through active collaboration with the spiritual scholars, artists, creators, purveyors, and leaders who sustain them.
"IPS serves as an institutional steward — supporting, preserving, and advancing these traditions so they may thrive for generations to come."
From the IPS Mission Statement —Read our full mission
From this founding purpose, the International Pagan Society is organized as a nonprofit organization — not a church or a single tradition, but a collaborative foundation working alongside the many traditions and communities it exists to serve.
Who We Hope to Bring Together
IPS is built on collaboration, not a fixed roster. We do not yet publish named leadership or founder profiles here — this page describes the kinds of contributors we hope to bring together as the Society grows.
Practitioners
Solitary and community practitioners keeping living traditions in daily practice.
Scholars
Researchers and folklorists documenting history, language, and practice with rigor.
Artists & Creators
Craftspeople and artists who give traditions form, image, and continuity.
Cultural Stewards
Those safeguarding sacred sites, objects, and oral histories for future generations.
Community Leaders
Organizers and elders who hold circles, groves, and communities together.
The Path We Are Building
These are the stages of our work today and the direction we are committed to — present commitments and future goals, not a list of completed milestones.
- Stage 01
Founding Purpose
The International Pagan Society was founded to provide a home and public-benefit foundation for the diverse array of Pagan, occult, esoteric, and mystic traditions worldwide.
- Stage 02
Building the Foundation
Establishing the organization's nonprofit structure, guiding principles, and the institutional groundwork needed to support this work responsibly over the long term.
- Stage 03
Welcoming Traditions and Practitioners
Inviting practitioners, scholars, artists, and community leaders across many paths to take part in a shared, pluralistic effort of mutual support.
- Stage 04
Developing Educational Resources
Working toward research support, open educational materials, and scholarship that serves practitioners and the wider public alike.
- Stage 05
Preserving Cultural Knowledge
Building the capacity to responsibly document and safeguard oral histories, practices, and knowledge shared with us by consenting communities.
- Stage 06
Strengthening Global Community
Connecting Pagan, occult, esoteric, and mystic communities worldwide so knowledge, support, and solidarity can travel between them.
- Stage 07 // Present Day
A Living Future
Our story is still being written. We are building toward a future where these traditions can thrive openly, safely, and with dignity across generations.
The Five Pillars Behind Our Work
Every stage of our story is organized around five official pillars. Together they describe the full scope of what we aim to build.
Education & Scholarship
Advancing research, teaching, and open access to reliable knowledge about Pagan, occult, esoteric, and mystic traditions.
Historical & Cultural Preservation
Working to safeguard oral histories, practices, and cultural memory with the consent and leadership of the communities involved.
Community Stewardship & Outreach
Supporting practitioners and communities through mutual aid, connection, and care for one another.
Global Unity & Spiritual Freedom
Advocating for the dignity and freedom of earth-centered and mystic practitioners to gather and practice openly.
Sustainable Livelihood Through Sacred Practice
Supporting sustainable ways for practitioners, artisans, and stewards to build a livelihood rooted in their traditions.
What We Carry Forward
Ethical Custody, No Exploitation
We are committed to ensuring that sacred traditional knowledge, family lineage practices, and community teachings are never commercialized or published without consent.
Respect for Autonomy
No single grove, lineage, or practitioner is subordinate to another. We recognize and respect the autonomy of each tradition's internal practice.
Reciprocity for the Future
As our capacity grows, we aim to direct support back toward the practitioners, traditions, and communities that make our work possible.
Institutional Records & Governance
The International Pagan Society is organized as a nonprofit organization. Verified governance documents and public records will be published here as they become available.
Be Part of the Living History
Our story is written through every tradition preserved, every practitioner supported, and every community strengthened. Join us as we build it.