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Although the Pagan movement is extremely disparate in its beliefs and practices, a number of sociologists and religious studies scholars involved in Pagan studies have highlighted commonalities shared within many, if not all, pagan groups.

Most modern Pagan groups hold to a theology that embraces such beliefs as polytheism, animism, and pantheism, although there are groups who have instead advocated forms of Goddess-centred monotheism, agnosticism or atheism.

Similarly, beliefs about an afterlife vary widely, as do conceptions on ethics and morality.

Ritual plays a prominent part in pagan religious movements, where it is typically employed to induce an altered state of consciousness in the participants.

The choice of festivals and days of special commemoration again differs widely among Pagans, although a majority adhere to a set of eight seasonal-based festivals, which are collectively referred to as the Wheel of the Year.