Within contemporary pagan, occult, and polytheist communities, discussions often arise regarding the relationship between personal spiritual experiences and historical evidence. Over time, several terms have emerged to help distinguish between different types of knowledge and belief. Among the most common are UPG, SPG, and historical practice.

While these categories are not perfect, they provide a useful framework for discussing where ideas originate and how they should be understood.

What is UPG?

UPG stands for Unverified Personal Gnosis.

The term generally refers to spiritual knowledge, insight, experiences, revelations, or beliefs that arise through personal encounters rather than historical documentation or widespread community agreement.

Examples might include:

‣ A practitioner receiving a message during prayer or ritual.
‣ A recurring dream involving a deity or spirit.
‣ Personal observations regarding offerings, symbols, or devotional practices.
‣ Individual experiences of spiritual presence or communication.

UPG is neither automatically true nor automatically false. It simply describes information that cannot presently be verified through historical evidence or broader consensus.

For many practitioners, UPG forms an important part of their spiritual lives. Religious experiences have occurred throughout human history, and personal encounters often shape an individual's relationship with the sacred.

What is SPG?

SPG stands for Shared Personal Gnosis.

This term is often used when multiple individuals independently report similar experiences, insights, or observations.

Examples might include:

‣ Multiple practitioners describing similar experiences with a particular deity.
‣ Recurring themes appearing across unrelated spiritual accounts.
‣ Consistent observations regarding devotional practices within a community.

SPG is sometimes viewed as carrying greater weight than purely individual experiences because multiple people appear to be reaching similar conclusions.

However, shared experiences do not automatically establish historical authenticity or objective truth. Communities influence one another. Expectations spread. Cultural assumptions develop. Similar experiences may emerge for many reasons.

As a result, SPG should still be approached thoughtfully and critically.

What is Historical Practice?

Historical practice refers to beliefs, customs, rituals, and traditions that can be supported through historical evidence.

Such evidence may include:

‣ Ancient texts
‣ Inscriptions
‣ Archaeological discoveries
‣ Historical accounts
‣ Material culture
‣ Contemporary records

Historical practice provides a foundation rooted in surviving evidence rather than personal experience alone.

This does not mean historians possess complete knowledge of the past. Much has been lost. Sources are often fragmentary. Interpretations continue to evolve. Nevertheless, historical evidence remains one of the strongest tools available for understanding how religions and magical traditions were practiced.

Why Distinctions Matter

Confusion often arises when these categories become blurred.

A personal spiritual experience may be meaningful and transformative for the individual who experiences it. Problems emerge when personal experiences are presented as established historical facts without supporting evidence.

Likewise, historical evidence can provide valuable context, but it does not necessarily dictate how every modern practitioner must engage with their spirituality.

Being clear about the origin of an idea allows for more honest and productive conversations.

When discussing a belief or practice, it can be helpful to ask:

‣ Is this supported by historical evidence?
‣ Is this a personal experience?
‣ Is this a community interpretation?
‣ Is the distinction being clearly communicated?

Reconstruction and Adaptation

Most modern practitioners do not practice their traditions exactly as their historical counterparts did. The world has changed. Cultures have changed. Available resources have changed.

As a result, many practices involve a combination of historical evidence and modern adaptation.

A practitioner might draw inspiration from ancient sources while also incorporating personal experiences, contemporary circumstances, and evolving theological understandings.

This process is not inherently problematic. What matters is transparency regarding which elements derive from historical evidence and which arise from personal interpretation.

A Personal Perspective

I do not believe UPG should be dismissed simply because it lacks historical verification. Personal experiences have always played a role in religious life.

At the same time, I do not believe personal experiences should automatically be treated as universal truths or historical facts.

Historical evidence, scholarship, community knowledge, and personal experience each provide different forms of insight. None are identical, and none should be confused for one another.

For this reason, I believe it is important to identify where ideas originate whenever possible. Doing so allows readers and practitioners to evaluate information for themselves and understand the context in which it is being presented.

Final Thoughts

UPG, SPG, and historical practice are not competing categories. Rather, they describe different ways of knowing.

Historical evidence helps us understand the past. Shared experiences reveal patterns within communities. Personal experiences shape individual relationships with the sacred.

Understanding the differences between these categories encourages greater clarity, intellectual honesty, and mutual respect. It allows practitioners to appreciate both the value of historical evidence and the significance of personal spiritual experience without confusing one for the other.