“The wizard host of ancient Rus” as a paradoxical example of the neopagan pseudo-simulacrum (part II)

The article examines the phenomenon of the “The Wizard Host of Ancient Rus” non-governmental organization. The second part of the study examines the specificity of the ritual practices of Prince Igor's followers. The seminal source base of the movement allows us to identify a number of systemic components that form the worldview basis of the “Host”. The fundamental ritual links of the organization include the “martial dance”, the circle dance, name giving ceremonies, purification and oaths (as part of the adoption of “Russkaia Pravda”), neophytes' revelations, etc. The syncretism of the ritual practice of the “The Wizard Host of Ancient Rus” includes both “traditional” components of modern Russian paganism and a complex of religious “discoveries” of one of the related pseudo-pagan associations. The religious product of A. Khinevich brought to the movement in question a festive-ceremonial calendar, a system of symbols, and the image of the charismatic leader.