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| Author: Posted: Nov. 17, 2002 | This Page Viewed: 3,844,996 |
Question of the Week: 94 - 1/13/2003 Who Would Make Your Pagan/Heathen Who’s Who List? If you were compiling the Pagan/Heathen equivalent of the famous ‘Who’s Who’ list of influential people, which Pagan or Heathen names would make it on your list? Why did you choose these people? Which non-Pagans, but still people who are/were influential in some way to issues important to Pagans, should be on the list? What qualities or accomplishments did you consider to be the most important in making your choices? Finally, which people of your own acquaintance would make your private ‘most influential people in my life’ list? |
| Reponses: There are 91 responses posted to this question. | Reverse Sort |
| My Who's Who | Jan 14th. at 11:23:14 pm EST |
| Calitha (Redford, Michigan) | Age: 40 - Email |
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~PEOPLE YOU'VE HEARD OF~ Scott Cunningham-His writing led me to the Craft The staff at The Witches Voice-They keep us abreast of the issues that affect us Kerr Cuhulain-His writing showed me it was ok to be a Pagan and a warrior ~PEOPLE YOU HAVEN'T~ The Board Members of the Federation of Circles and Solitaires of Michigan Andrea-A determined little Kitchen Witch Bonnie- For standing up for what she believes in, in the face o persecution and ridicule Tempest Smith |
| My List Of Influential Pagans | Jan 14th. at 5:57:26 pm EST |
| Storm Evanmoon (Indianapolis, Indiana) | Age: 29 - Email |
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Though I am fairly new to the Craft(2 yrs. and running), I have had the pleasure of meeting a handful of influential people who have shaped my spiritual being, as well I have read several books from authors who seem to genuinely care about our religion and the education and well-being of our community. My list is short but forever subject to change as my journey through this life continues into the next. It would include these fine examples: Silver Ravenwolf--who's books have taught me to lead and enjoy a fruitful, magickal life. Ed Finch, Ray Buckland, Amber K., Dorothy Morrison, Edain McCoy, Scott Cunningham, and Gerald Gardner, of course. D.J. Conway-- whose wonderful ways taught me to be able to live and play in harmony with the Dragons. and then a few who you may not know-- Talon Beowulf-- My 1st High Priest who showed me how to spellcast and live the life I had only been able to dream about. He truly is a shining example of how a Pagan should treat his fellows. Belladonna Ravenhawk--My 1st High Priestess who is the Goddess incarnate on this plane. You showed me power can come in so many 'powerless' forms. |
| Who's Who | Jan 14th. at 3:24:46 pm EST |
| Jennifer (Livonia, MI) | Age: 24 - Email - Web |
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in no particular order.... Freya Aswynn Kveldulf Gundarsson Steven McNallen Edred Thorsson Jan Fries Jenny Blain Diana Paxon Drew Campbell Sannion ....and probably tons more i can't think of right now. --Jennifer |
| Without A Doubt... | Jan 14th. at 2:37:51 pm EST |
| John (usa) | Age: 46 - Email |
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The Dahli Lama... He is a inspiration, and one of the few truely spiritual individuals. |
| My List | Jan 14th. at 2:28:00 pm EST |
| Pluto 6 (Denver, CO) | Age: 40 - Email |
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They wouldn't all call themselves pagan, but... Henry David Thoreau Carl Gustav Jung Mohandas Gandhi Joseph Campbell Campbell goes on and off my list. In my more cynical moods, his "follow your bliss" stuff sounds like something a spoiled academic who has no idea how the real world works would say. Pluto 6 |
| Youv'e Got Gardner, But Do You Have Einstein? | Jan 14th. at 1:42:25 pm EST |
| Forest Heather (Bethsda, MD) | Age: 18 - Email |
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I would say a lot of the early philosophers had a lot of influence on me: Socrates, Plato, and a lot of authors that dabbled in metaphysics: Dante, Homer. In the modern day, I think Einstein and his theory that everything is related in some way to other things, and of course the names that everyone 'knows' like Gardner and Buckland, etc. Lastly, I am very new and everything, and practice what I do by myself. I haven't had much chance to come across influential people, but i hope to encounter some still. |
| DAVEN! | Jan 14th. at 1:35:25 pm EST |
| Sireana (South Carolina) | Age: 30 - Email |
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Daven of davensjournal.com would definitely be a good choice for a Pagan who's who list. This man juggles a regular full time job, family, free online magick classes, a very groovy website, and goodness knows what else. His dedication to teaching, his fairness, and his honesty are remarkable. He is doing a tremendous service to the Pagan community through his teachings... |
| Famous Unknowns | Jan 14th. at 12:52:58 pm EST |
| Liorah Starcrow (Greene RI) | Age: 54 - Email |
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First and foremost on this list would have to be my Iniator, who influenced my Life more than any person alive, or dead..Stockbridge Chandler. Then would come the person who initiated him, but much more well known, The Lady Gwen Thompson. Then, would come the person who deserves to be first as she was bravely "out" when most of us were hiding in the shadows(or not born yet), The Lady Sybil Leek. She, more than anyone,inspired me to become a Witch in the first place. Next, would be Betsy Ashby, of Out of the Dark whose unfailing patience has seen me through some tough times and whose unselfish devotion to the enlightenment of many through her work is to be applauded(standing)with great admiration. Lest I forget,Fritz and Wren Walker, without whose devotion, our opinions would go unposted and most of us would be in the dark about what is what . Diane Des Rochers,aka"Grotonwitch" is certainly a person whose devotion and contributions should not go un-mentioned.Her "Grotonwitch's Grimoire" is the source of many informative articles and essays that would slip by un-noticed if not for her.Robert Mirabal, although not a witch (and maybe not even a Pagan or Heathen)should be on this list because of his awesome talent as a musician and bringer of wonderful sights and sounds of Native American dance fused with modern dance(see "Tales from a Painted Cave" and "Spirit" on PBS).Also to Shea Thomas whose research and diligence have brought to light "The Wiccan Rede Project", an important work to be sure. And last , but no means least,Lord Theitic of the NECTW.His unselfish devotion to keeping the works and dreams of Lady Gwen Thompson alive through tireless and unpaid research are the most monumental amount of work done by anyone so far as I know to bring an almost lost traditon back to life. P.S. To all of you known and unknown who "Keep The Faith" in good times and bad, in darkness and alone sometimes .Loved and unloved.I say "Keep on keeping on".Blessed Be. |
| My List....in No Paticular Order (Correction) | Jan 14th. at 12:51:39 pm EST |
| WynterWake (Ohio) | Age: 32 - Email |
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I meant Ray Buckland.... Where ever did I get Andrew. Appologies.. WW |
| My List....in No Paticular Order. | Jan 14th. at 12:31:12 pm EST |
| Wynterwake (Ohio) | Age: 32 - Email |
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My list reflects the postitive of my experience with the craft. It reflects people who the average person coming to the tradition might stumble across..and my thoughts on each. 1: Scott Cunningham: Some people are dismissive that his work is simplistic, but I say he is a fine writer when you are getting to know just where you are and helps to examine what you wish to get out of your coming to the goddess. 2: Andrew Buckland: agree or not this feelow was the fist..and I do mean the first writer I found in bookstores. as such I place him on my list for helping to bring his studies to the mainstream. 3: WitchVox: makes the list as a whole for being there to lend a voice and a friendly arm to read and interact in the community. 5: Kerr Cuhulain: I enjoy his work as to me he reflects in a way to allow us to see how we are seen by society and that reflection in itself leads to wisdom. My list in itself is definately not complete as there are many, many more people who I feel are very important to the Pagan Community. That being said the common theme I find looking at these names just now is that their work is "reader friendly". You may in time not follow something that say "Buckland" would do as his path diverges, but how many of us came to this path Via a "Big blue Book". As to my personal list, for me there is but one to be simple. Lady Rhia who opened my eyes to the wonders of nature, the Lady and the Lord.. and Importantly ro what was already in my being to begin with. Though we have lost touch in this all to hectic world you model of openess and friendship with unwavering kindness deeply left its touch in my life and I hope to someday reach to such heights as you soared. Blessings and bounty to all this brilliant new year! WW |
| Pagan Influences | Jan 14th. at 11:15:45 am EST |
| Jeff Kincaid (Lynchburg, VA) | Age: 40 - Email |
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People new to Paganism/ Wicca have it so much easier than us old farts did when we started our quest. The wealth of information that is available to the seeker now is staggering. There are many influences that I have heard listed over the years. Parents, Grandparents, favorite Aunts, Uncles, and a whole host of other family members. There are the writers of course that are synonymous with Paganism/Wicca ( Cunningham, Buckland, Ravenwolf, Gardener, to name a few). Of the writers,I personally have been the most influenced by Scott Cunningham. His gentle easy style and way of looking at things was a comfort in a tumultuous time of my life. I can not say that I have much in the line of family influence, my family is historically Pagan. The biggest Pagan influence in my life has been, ironically not a Pagan at all. It is Star Trek creator, Gene Roddenberry. Growing up in a self inflicted Star Trek world taught me values that were almost at odds with some of the "acceptable level of prejudice" present within my family structure. I learned to be reponsible for my own actions, spiritually and mundanely from the not-so-hidden, hidden messages in the Star Trek shows. I learned tolerence and acceptance on a much broader range from Trek, than I did while being forced to attend the famlily Baptist church. Once I grew older and started gathering info about the Craft, I started noticing similarities in the way that Roddenberry's characters interacted with one another (ie- The Vulcan concept of IDIC, or Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations) and the way non-judgemental, accepting way of the Craft. I haven't had the time yet to read other responses, so I may come off as a major geek here, LOL, but that's ok. Peace and Light, Jeff Kincaid oh and Live Long, and Prosper |
| Special People | Jan 14th. at 10:33:24 am EST |
| Rowan (Deep South) | Age: 37 - Email |
|
I think everyone we come into contact with has an influence on us and it is only the extremely strong-willed personality who can resist influence from the people around us. We are who we hang with. I have tried in my life to surround myself with open-minded people of all beliefs in the hope that by sharing our beliefs and opinions, we can reach a better understanding of the world around us and of each other. I think it's called tolerance. I have read some books and even just passages by people that stuck with me forever. I liked what they had to say and how they said it. I couldn't begin to make a list but I have always loved science fiction/ fantasy type books and not just for the escapism. I feel that being able to imagine these things that the author is describing can really help keep the reader open-minded and willing to accept new ideas, willing to accept the possibility of the impossible. I guess the most influential people to me would be the best friends I have had along the way. Some have gone on and others have decided to stagnate for awhile, (I still pray for them), some are with me nearly every day and I am very thankful. I try to tell them how wonderful they are at every chance I get. If we read something we like, it is very simple to go to a web site and thank that person for their encouraging words, great insight and unfailing diligence. The founders of this web site are excellent examples of people doing it for the love of doing it. We need more of these people in our midst. I have been on my particular path all my life but I didn't know I what the path was until I was a teenager. I was raised a christian and I still use a lot of things from the Bible because it so often runs parallel with basic tenets from other religions. I am eclectic because I see good things everywhere and I can't bring myself to limit my beliefs to one tradition. I have the people I have met on my path to thank for that. What a wonderful blessing a good friend is! Pioneers, inovators, risk takers, are all around us. There are endless amounts of knowledge to be had out there. If we don't keep learning, we stagnate, and all the work others have done for our freedom of expression, speech, press, all that suffers if we stagnate. People who impress me are people who do for themselves as they are able and most of us are able more than we think we are. People who have fought against great odds, overcome obstacles so great that I can't even imagine the things that have run through their mind, the pressures they have had to deal with -- they come out on top and are wiser and tougher for the experience. My best friend is the perfect example, he's been on his own since he was a teen and now he is successful, content with his profession, able to support himself and help others. He is loving, caring, honest and doesn't play stupid games, that in itself is very rare. He probably doesn't know that I strive to be more like him everyday and everyday I realize something new that is wonderful about him. I tell him all the time how special he is to me and how I admire him for all he's accomplished completely on his own. We need to encourage and nuture these special people, these good friends while they are among us. We shouldn't let the opportunity pass us by. |
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