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Posted: Nov. 17, 2002
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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?
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| Reponses: There are 91 responses posted to this question. |
Reverse Sort |
| Who Cares Whos Whos? | Jan 14th. at 4:45:41 am EST |

| Dazie Childs (WI/MN) | Age: 23 - Email |

Ok i will admit that there are alot of wonderful people doing alot of great work in the pagan community and that they should be recognized and supported by the community but do we really need a whos who? I strive to tell people when they are doing good things that i acknowledge and appreciate them. If we need to start doing hollywood style whos whos, maybe we as a community need to try to appreciate people more on the spot. I dont mean to sound rough or snotty about it but i realized when i read the questions that all of the people who have had an effect in my life were people that very few would know. peace dc
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| Pagan Warriors? | Jan 14th. at 4:35:49 am EST |

| Araelus Stormwolf (England) | Age: 32 - Email |

I nominate Kerr Cuhulain, (I'm not sure if that's the correct spelling, Goddess forgive me, I read his stuff almost daily.) It's good to have someone who stands up to the Fundementalist Christian right. Remember if it wasn't for people like him making it his business to stand up and speak out, We could all be put back on the ducking stool, or hung up to dry, or even roasted like a chestnut on an open fire. I also like Raymond Buckland, for his insights into Gypsy Magic. And just to put the Witche's cat well and truly among the pidgeons Aliester Crowly, who may have been a few spells short of a Book of Shadows, but he did it his bit. To all those others who try and bring a little of the Goddess's light to the World, Blessed be
Stormwolf Out. . .
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| My Choices | Jan 14th. at 3:30:53 am EST |

| Texas whisper (Ft Worth, Texas) | Age: 41 - Email |

I'd like to nominate Gavin and Yvonne Frost as some of the most influential witches. They are not well regarded by some, but their opinions do change. Don't we all change attitudes? They were the first to have a wiccan organization given tax free status more than thirty years ago. They have been physically attacked. Yes, they have been attacked in witch wars as well. Their school is tough, but they are "true believers." Some of their books are still in print. None of this "Martha Stewart" fluffy stuff from the Frosts.
Another influental pair of witches are (were) the Ferrars. Great information for groups and solitaires. Link to More info related to this post -- HERE
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| My List | Jan 14th. at 2:50:41 am EST |

| Robin Flipstick (Sherman, Texas, USA) | Age: 44 - Email |

Starhawk, Doreen Valiente, Janet & Stewart Farrar, and Scott Cunningham for making basic teachings available. Gerald Gardner, of course.
Aleiser Crowley for his exhaustive research and insights. Ellen Cannon Reed for her contributions to the tarot.
Robert Graves for The White Goddess.
The Witches' Voice for public education and bringing us into the 21st century.
And Sylvan Woods for teaching me the Elements.
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| For The Silent Professional's | Jan 14th. at 2:01:22 am EST |

| Ryan (ROK) | Age: 21 - Email |

I have to nominate Dr. David L. Oringderff. As one of the founding members of the Sacred Well Congregation, Dr. Oringderff helped to creat a system which has worked harder and gone further then all others in ensuring that military Pagans have acess to their religious freedoms. Link to More info related to this post -- HERE
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| Family Heritage | Jan 14th. at 1:06:17 am EST |

| Denise (Bremerton,Wa) | Age: 40 - Email |

My first chose and definant one at that is Sybil Leek.Sadly,she seems to be forgotton and ignored by modern day witches and pagans.I feel that she is very important because she comes from a family of witches and although that theme is quite popular in TV and movie gandra,she is the real thing.Her books are well written and she is serious in helping people get started on the right foot.Now true for individuals who want instant gratification,her books would be found a bit frustrating.But look at it from her perspective.She truly loved the Old Religion and saw it as part of her heritage,her culture.I feel that she had a particularly good understanding of the Old Religion because of this.It would be a great benefit to the Old Religion,if more people would realise that it is part of our ancestry and history.We talking about following the same religion and as much as possible the same customs as they did.For those who are interested can find Ms. Leeks books on Amazon.com as well as lucky finds in second-hand book stores and thrift stores.Among the many titles probably the most popular are "The complete Art of Witchcraft" and "Dairy of a Witch".It is well worth getting "Telepathy,the respectable phenomenon"'which Ms.Leek details devoloping the mental focus that helps in everyday life not just casting spells.I unreservidly recomend buying everyone of her books you can get your hands on.Being a familial witch what she writes about is tried and true methods and tradions,not something just made up and might not work.Much lest something that is a flight of fancy or worst an ego trip.While I perhaps seem a bit harsh,I feel that it is inperitive that we remember that the Old Religion is part of our heritage and our birthright.
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| What A Fantastic Question! | Jan 14th. at 12:24:28 am EST |

| Callen (Elgin, Illinois, USA) | Age: 34 - Email |

There are so many women and men who have been influential in our community that I found it difficult to limit myself, but here goes: My big three: Scott Cunningham -- for his clear, uncompromising style and clarity of thought Starhawk -- as a gay male Witch, her work has been an inspiration, drawing me into deeper contemplation of the mysteries by her life and actions (and her writings alone would give her a place on any list). Margot Adler -- whatever one may think of her writing style, she has documented the 70's era of the revival with clarity and truth.
There are others who also should be acknowledged: Ellen Cannon Reed -- Qabala is for Witches, too! Janet and Stewart Farrar -- great for covens, but plenty of influence on Solitaries world-wide. Dorothy Morrison -- clear, concise writing with a no-nonsense approach. Pauline and Dan Campanelli -- for their books with soul, beauty, and heart.
Of the current leaders, aside from those above who are in a leadership position, I would add Selena Fox of Circle Sanctuary (not far from my home, in fact).
On a personal level, my parents would rank high -- while they may not *like* me being a Witch, they raised me with an unquenchable desire for knowledge and the realized promise of unconditional love. Also, my friend Marta -- the first real, live Witch I ever met -- her influence on my life is without bounds.
Blessed Be!
Callen
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| The Who Is Who On My List : | Jan 13th. at 11:05:50 pm EST |

| Gaia's Child kaT (Toronto) | Age: 33 - Email |

I have chosen Scott Cunningham as a simple but precise man who wrote the basics on wicca and let his audience choose what THEY wanted, what THEY felt as right for THEM.
Secondly I have chosen Jamie Sams for her life changing book ' Earth Medicine '. She is Native American and thus has those views so I placed her in this catagory. Wonderful book ; please read.
Biggest influence in my life were my parents for they let me explore from a child every aspect of life. To this day I bless them both for letting me have my freedom without any judgement.
kaT
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| My List | Jan 13th. at 10:56:29 pm EST |

| Stormwind (Canada) | Age: 25 - Email |

Gerald Gardner, for bringing Witchcraft into the public eye in Britain.
Raymond Buckland, for doing the same in the U.S.
Laurie Cabot, for her work in publicizing a positive view of the Craft.
Scott Cunningham, for writing about Wicca in a style that is clear and easily understood by anyone, and for opening up Wicca to solitaries.
Silver Ravenwolf, for her friendly and readable writing style. When I was new to magick I could read her books without being afraid that I was "doing it wrong" or feeling forced to give up prior beliefs.
Kerr Cuhulain, for providing the image of how to be a Warrior and a Witch and a Warrior Witch.
***
In my own life:
My Oma for teaching me about responsibility and love
Dyllan ap Llyr for teaching me that I am worthy of love, and providing it so generously
Wagner & co, my eternal inspiration and the proof of all magick.
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| Who's Who | Jan 13th. at 10:39:26 pm EST |

| Dragon Lady (AZ) | Age: 0 - Email |

I believe Silver RavenWolf has been the most influential author to me. Her books are easy to read & very informative to a newbie, & also sprinkled with a sense of humor. I would have to credit my friend Phoebe with helping me along the path; I've learned more from her in just a few short months than I believe I could learn from studying books.
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| Who's Who In The Pagan World According To GypsyButterfly | Jan 13th. at 9:44:19 pm EST |

| Angela (Canton, New York) | Age: 23 - Email |

First and foremost I feel that Scott Cunningham deserves a spot on my list. His work has had a tremendous impact on my life and continues to do so. In addition, Margo Adler for her book Drawing Down the Moon. This book has had a notable social impact simply because it has given the "neo-pagan" movement some roots in the eyes of the critics. And this section of my list wouldn't be complete without mentioning Laurie Cabot. Laurie's book The Power of the Witch was my first introduction to witchcraft and, though I don't always agree with what she says or does, she has done wonders for promoting a more positive view of witchcraft. In terms of non-pagans, I agree that Stephen Hawking is important and for the same reasons. As far as acquaintences from my own experience I want to give credit to Jennifer Vincent-Barwood; she saw the light in me and encouraged me to follow it. Thank you Jennifer; because of you, my life will never be the same!
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| Who's Who | Jan 13th. at 9:17:39 pm EST |

| Wade Berlin (Florida) | Age: 39 - Email - Web |

Wren Walker - Lots of reasons, but Dedicated support of the Pagans/Heathens community is the first.
Non-Pagan - Stephen Hawking - For achivements in expanding our views of the universe
My personal list? Rowan from the Phoenix Festivals Family. - She's opinionated, hard headed, stubborn, and Easily the most dedicated Guardian I have ever met.
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