Let me explain the history of both Wicca and Paganism, and why we use the term "Neopaganism" rather than simply "Paganism."
Hopefully this will clear up your understanding a bit more.
Anyways, here goes. . . . .
Paganism itself traces back centuries. . . . . into various cultures, most notably Scandinavian/Celtic/Norse. Now, rites, druids, etc, etc, etc, have been around for countless ages. This is the true "Paganism" that the word refers to today.
However, Wicca is something different (note I'm not Wiccan - I define them separately). Wicca itself is not "centuries old tradition" as most "Wiccans" claim it to be. In fact, it's like what, a few decades old.
Why??? First of all, Wicca is the new tradition, NOT Paganism. Wicca is basically "new-age" Occultism, recreated in such a way as to try to form an "organized" and "official" religion for those that practice such "magick."
There are no "century-old" rites, rituals, spells, etc, etc, etc for Wicca. All it is is a postmodern system of trying to organize the ancient practices of magick, druidism, and etc.
Now, onto "Neopaganism." This term is used to describe "new-age" Pagans (to most, Wicca included - most see no difference). Because in this new age, Paganism has evolved from its ancient roots. Things are different. . . .although I'd rather not get into it right now, it can take a while to explain.
Basically, in this new age Paganism is ALOT different from its ancient counterpart, while retaining many of the same stuff.
I know this sounds REALLY confusing, and I just can't explain it quite well, but bare with me.
I see Neopaganism and Wicca as different things - this is how I view them. (note this is personal opinion, not fact, so feel free to disagree with me).
NP and Wicca are different becasue their focus is on different aspects. All Neopaganism really is, is a modern way of celebrating Pagan beliefs and such, and a more liberal means of excercising it.
Wicca, on the other hand, is a systematic approach to organize Occultism and to create order to it. Which is why I abhor "Wicca" not "Neopaganism".
Again, simply my own opinions.
That's because most people do it for that reason. And that is why we get such a bad reputation, because most of the so-called "practitioners" are complete morons who has no idea what they are doing.
I assure you, I take this very seriously. It is part of my life, and I will live by it. It's not some sort of joke I make, nor do I see it as a religion at all.
It is simply a means of living life as full as I can - that's the best way I can put it.
PS - Last Night, on Samhain (THE most powerful Sabbat of the year), I have just performed a self-initiation ritual into the powers of Darkness, Shadows, and Night. Although lacking in material and preparation, I believe the time helped me quite a bit, and I strongly think it was successful (although not as successful as it could've been).
So, now I start my journey.