Pagan religions misunderstood
It is that time of year – Halloween – when businesses advertise with pictures of witches and other “spooky” items. A time of year when it is easy to offend members of some legally recognized religions; religions protected by the First and Fourteenth Amendments of the Constitution of the United States; religions which have been judged to be legal in U.S. courts. What religions could I mean? I mean Witchcraft, Wicca, Druidry and other Pagan religions. Halloween marks the ending and beginning of the Celtic New Year. This is the time of the last harvest of the year. In ancient times, this was when humans prepared for the coming winter. At this time, Pagans reflect back upon the past year and make plans for the new. They give honor to those who have passed on in death and reflect on how to live more honorably in the new year. While these are not mainstream religions, people who follow these paths are very passionate in their beliefs. These religions hold a life-affirming, positive orientation which would never allow one to perform the various practices claimed by ill-informed individuals. Pagans do not seek to make anyone conform to their beliefs; most Pagans come from other religions which did not suit their personal beliefs. Pagans believe in the sanctity of life and the right to practice their spirituality. Pagans wish to be allowed to follow their religion openly and without ridicule, to be able to hold rituals in public without being harassed by misinformed individuals. What one thing would most Pagans probably want the world to know about them? The answer comes from Margot Adler’s excellent book, “Drawing Down the Moon: Witches, Druids, Goddess-Worshippers and Other Pagans in America Today.” “We are not evil. We don’t harm or seduce people. We are not dangerous. We are ordinary people like you. We have families, jobs, hopes and dreams. We are not a cult. This religion is not a joke. We are not what you think we are from looking at T.V. We are real. We laugh, we cry. We are serious. We have a sense of humor. You don’t have to be afraid of us. We don’t want to convert you. And please don’t try to convert us. Just give us the same right we give you – to live in peace. We are much more similar to you than you think.” Michael Dorn, President Pagan Community Council of Ohio
