Russian Rodnoverie: Revisiting Eastern and Western Paganisms

Abstract

While Western Paganism was strongly influenced by the counter-culture of the 1960s, in Eastern Europe its emergence coincided with the post-socialist rise of nationalism and the new wave of conservatism instigated by social instability. Scholars often state that contemporary Paganism in the West is predominantly liberally oriented, while in the Eastern Europe nationalism and conservatism are its characteristic features. This chapter challenges this dichotomy by analyzing the activity of the community Krina from St. Petersburg. Though a somewhat exceptional case, it illustrates the diversity within Rodnoverie, a Russian religion, which seeks to revive pre-Christian Slavic spirituality. The chapter has a short history of contemporary Paganism and Rodnoverie and explains why and how Eastern Paganism has so often been seen as a challenge for defining the movement, especially within Western Pagans. The activity of Krina is analyzed where both “eastern” and “western” characteristics can be found. Even though it is forbidden to talk about politics and aggressive ultra-nationalism is disapproved, members often underlie their patriotism and consider it part of their religiosity. Personal dogma and the individual freedom are additional values. There are also features that could be described as subjective; many Rodnovers have not chosen the religion because of their nationalistic conviction, but because of a spirituality search that aids in their individual growth. The myriad ways in which such features as nationalism, liberalism and individualism intertwine in various contemporary Pagan groups should be more carefully addressed. It is important to notice the common themes of the varying forms of contemporary Paganism.