As you will see there are very many similarities between Taoism and Paganism.
Reverence for the four elements (fire, water, air, earth) and the belief that they were a manifestation of divine power played a large part in many of the ancient religions. Chinese Taoists on the other hand divided the elements into five parts (water, fire, wood, metal, earth) and believed that these conquered one another according to a definite law. Thus wood conquered earth; earth, water; water, fire; fire, metal; and metal, wood. The fusion of these Five Elements is the necessary first step in the Taoist practice of Inner Alchemy, in which one learns to control the generation and flow of emotional, mental, and physical energies within the body. It is a series of meditations designed to locate and dissolve negative energies trapped inside the body by making a connection between the five outer senses (experienced through the ears, eyes, nose, mouth, and tongue) and the five major negative emotions (anger, hate, worry, sadness, and fear). When the body is cleared of negative energy, universal chi energy flows freely and productively, nourishing both body and soul.
Practical Taoism is a rough mixture of animism, shamanism and local customs and traditions from China coupled with Mahayana Buddhism and anti-Confucianism. Taoistic magic and the like comes from Practical Taoism and mastering it requires intense study, practice, and cultural mergence. A discipline somewhat at odds with the Tao Te Ching's simplicity by the way.
If we consider Wicca (the Crafte of the Wise) for example (an ancient nature-based Pagan conglomerate belief system), then in some ways it fits nicely with the Taoist respect for nature, opposition to overt external controls... . Taoism is about trusting Nature and your own intuition. It calls for kindness and compassion to all creatures, the Earth and all natural processes. It is about finding happiness in life's simple pleasures and escaping the competitiveness of modern day life. You will find a Taoist temple where Nature is. Taoists marvel at the miracle of life and Nature; the changing of the seasons and any celestial events such as comets, falling stars and eclipses. Unlike Taoism however, most of the ancient practices that are generically termed \"Paganism\" were systematized traditions based on the existence of spirits, a Lord and Lady who shared the cycle of the Year between them, and localized lore, heroes, legends, superstitions and traditions.
The author of the TOTJO simple and solemn oath, the liturgy book, holy days, the FAQ and the Canon Law. Ordinant of GM Mark and Master Jestor.
