And from a world religions perspective, I would classify animism as an understanding/perception and not a structured religion. Animism simply put (if that is possible) is the understanding that all of life is animated. As the Lakota say in American: "Everything has a spirit." This includes rocks, trees, and even some or most bladed weapons. In fact, bladed weapons can even be imbued with a spirit if it didn't have one.
I agree with the pagan definition. However not all pagan religions have an animistic understanding, and others have a limited view. It is a continuum if you will.
|