Can a Neopagan Follow the Twelve Steps? Absolutely—Here’s How

Why the 12 Steps Are Not Exclusively Christian

One of the common critiques of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and the Twelve Steps is that they are deeply influenced by Christian thought, particularly Protestant traditions. While the language of the Big Book reflects the time in which it was written—when Christianity was, by far, the dominant religious framework in the West—AA explicitly states that the program is open to people of all beliefs. The phrase “God as we understood Him” was included to ensure that individuals could define their own conception of a Higher Power, making the program adaptable to diverse spiritual traditions.

For Neopagans, this flexibility is crucial. Whether you honor deities from ancient pantheons, practice nature-based spirituality, or embrace an eclectic path, the Twelve Steps can be integrated into your belief system. Recovery is about seeking alignment with spiritual forces, cultivating wisdom, and engaging in a reciprocal relationship with the divine—principles that resonate with many Pagan traditions, though often in a framework of mutual exchange rather than absolute surrender."

Adapting Surrender and Step 3 to Neopagan Spirituality

Step 3 states: “Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.” For many, the idea of surrender is tied to monotheistic traditions, where God is seen as an omnipotent, external force. In contrast, Neopaganism often embraces a more fluid understanding of divinity, allowing for multiple deities, animistic spirits, or even an impersonal cosmic force.

In a Neopagan context, surrender does not mean subjugation but rather alignment with the natural flow of the universe. Just as the seasons change and the cycles of life unfold, recovery involves harmonizing with forces greater than oneself. This could mean:

  • Surrendering to the wisdom of a chosen deity—offering prayers or devotions to a god or goddess known for transformation, healing, or guidance.
  • Aligning with the cycles of nature—recognizing that recovery follows an organic process, much like the waxing and waning of the moon or the turning of the Wheel of the Year.
  • Honoring the ancestors or spirits—seeking wisdom from ancestral traditions or spirit guides who offer insight and strength.

By framing Step 3 in terms of care and reciprocal exchange rather than obedience or full surrender, Neopagans can incorporate their spiritual worldview into the recovery process in a way that aligns with their beliefs.

Finding a Patron Deity or Pantheon for Guidance

For many Neopagans, working with deities is a central part of their practice. In recovery, finding a patron deity or pantheon can provide a sense of connection and purpose. Different deities align with various aspects of the Twelve Steps, offering guidance for those on the path of sobriety.

Some possible choices include:

  • Brigid (Celtic) – Goddess of healing, poetry, and transformation; a powerful guide for emotional and spiritual renewal.
  • Dionysus (Greek) – Though often associated with revelry, Dionysus is also a god of transcendence and liberation, helping to transform destructive behaviors into sacred ecstasy.
  • Freyja (Norse) – A goddess of love, strength, and self-empowerment; she can be called upon to reclaim personal sovereignty.
  • Ganesha (Hindu, often honored in eclectic Paganism) – The remover of obstacles and a wise guide through challenges.
  • The Morrigan (Celtic) – A goddess of battle and sovereignty; she represents the inner warrior who fights for personal growth and transformation.

If you follow a pantheonic approach, you may find guidance from an entire tradition, such as the Greek, Norse, or Kemetic (Egyptian) pantheon. Those who practice soft polytheism (seeing all gods as aspects of a greater divine force) might choose to work with deities interchangeably, while hard polytheists (who see deities as distinct beings) may cultivate a deep relationship with a single patron.

Rituals and Practices That Align with Recovery Principles

Ritual is a powerful tool in Paganism, and incorporating it into recovery can reinforce the principles of the Twelve Steps. Here are some ways Neopagans can blend their practice with their sobriety:

1. Daily Offerings and Devotions

Making small daily offerings to a chosen deity, spirit, or the elements can serve as a reminder of commitment to recovery. This could include lighting a candle, offering incense, or reciting a short prayer or affirmation.

2. Moon Phase Reflections

Many Pagans observe the lunar cycle. The new moon is a time for setting intentions, while the full moon is for reflection and release. Each month, you can align your recovery work with the moon’s phases, using rituals to let go of resentments, reaffirm commitments, and celebrate progress.

3. Elemental Balancing

Working with the elements (Earth, Air, Fire, Water) can help restore balance in recovery:

  • Earth – Grounding practices, such as walking barefoot or tending a garden, to stay centered.
  • Air – Breathwork, meditation, or chanting to clear the mind.
  • Fire – Lighting candles or engaging in creative expression to harness passion and transformation.
  • Water – Ritual baths, offering water to deities, or spending time near rivers and lakes for emotional healing.

4. Wheel of the Year Integration

The Eight Sabbats mark seasonal changes and can be powerful milestones in recovery:

  • Samhain – Letting go of the past, honoring the lessons of addiction.
  • Yule – Embracing the return of hope and light.
  • Imbolc – New beginnings, purification, and dedication to the path.
  • Ostara – Growth, renewal, and celebrating progress.
  • Beltaine – Passion and joy in sobriety.
  • Litha – Strength and vitality in recovery.
  • Lughnasadh – Gratitude for the fruits of sobriety.
  • Mabon – Reflection, balance, and making amends.

These seasonal celebrations can serve as checkpoints for spiritual and personal growth in sobriety.

Reconstructionism vs. Revivalism in Neopagan Recovery

Neopaganism consists of diverse approaches to ancient traditions. Two primary frameworks influence how practitioners engage with spirituality in recovery:

  • Reconstructionism – Focuses on reviving ancient religions as accurately as possible, using historical sources and scholarly research. For a recovering addict, this might mean following traditional rites, prayers, and customs from a specific pantheon.
  • Revivalism – A more eclectic approach, drawing inspiration from multiple sources and adapting them to modern spirituality. This allows for more personal interpretation, such as blending Wiccan practices with Norse deities or incorporating modern ritual structures.

Both paths can support recovery, depending on the individual's spiritual temperament. The key is to find what resonates and reinforces the principles of the Twelve Steps.

Conclusion

Neopagans can absolutely follow the Twelve Steps while staying true to their spiritual beliefs. The program’s emphasis on personal understanding of a Higher Power allows for immense flexibility, making it possible to adapt the principles of surrender, guidance, and transformation to any Pagan path.

Whether through working with deities, engaging in seasonal rituals, or embracing a naturalistic spirituality, recovery and Paganism can complement one another beautifully. Sobriety itself is a sacred journey—one that leads to greater wisdom, strength, and alignment with the divine forces that shape our lives.

The Twelve Steps are not about forcing conformity to a particular religious structure. They are about finding healing, purpose, and connection in a way that works for you. And for Neopagans, that journey can be as rich and magical as the path they walk every day.

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