Witchvox Article

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Posted: November 11th. 2000
Times Viewed: 4,184

A very touchy topic for many adults is the idea of their children converting to a different religion. Especially if the adult has no idea what the religion is or is based on! Hearing something like "Oh by the way mom, dad, I converted to Witchcraft yesterday, " isn't something that most people hear on a regular basis.

Many Pagan adults understand this panic and are unwilling to help most teens unless the teen's parents know what is happening. Many groups require teens to bring their parents to meetings or at least to meet the leader before allowing the teen to join. A very safe practice considering the panic some parents go into and how misunderstood the Pagan religions can be. Pagan adults seem to have no problem talking with teens, but are unwilling to actually teach or invite them into groups as the parents may flip out.

But adults aren't the only ones concerned over the sudden explosion of the Craft in teens. With shows such as Charmed (great shows as long as you remember it's fantasy!) giving off slightly right, but more wronged versions of the Craft, teen Pagans are constantly on the look out for other kids taking our religion wrongly. It is our religion as well, and who better to keep a look on the teens than the teens?

Other teens in my school approach me quite often with wondering curiosity. Many aren't sure what to do with me while others are quite accepting. Of course I've dealt with some of the extreme Christians who insist I'm going to burn in hell. I simply shrug it off and ask why that would scare me if I don't believe in hell. But there are a few who find me (what do I have some secret homing device they're attracted to?) who want information, and to honestly learn the Craft I seek to learn myself.

Having a few years behind me I can at least direct them to GOOD sources (such as our very own WitchVox) of information. Knowing they have me when they have questions makes me feel a lot better but what about all the other teens who don't have someone in their neighborhood (adult or peer) to turn to? These people worry me. Without guidance they are quite susceptible to fall into the circle of Hollywood hype that so many others have. And what of teens who already use fantasies to escape their problems?

Having seen some of these problems of late, I'm extremely worried about similar situations happening elsewhere. I realize I can't help everyone, but at the same time it is partly my responsibility to help other people understand my religion and its truths, not its fantasies.

I'm very worried about a current girl in my school. She was taught by two very unethical people claiming to be Wiccan. From what I can tell, they have no clue what they are talking about, are unethical, and have given her a very overblown vision of a fantasy magic. I've given her several of my own books to read and she's improved somewhat. She still refuses to tell her parents and that worries me quite a bit at times. All I need is for her parents to find out and then blame me for her choice. But she is still using magick as a fantasy escape from her problems. There's really nothing I can do for her, other than try to help her cope and face up to her problems.

On the other hand, I have another friend who is quite emotionally stable. Very interested in the Craft she asked me for information so she could study (as opposed to just asking me for the answers to everything). I gave her a notebook FULL of stuff for her to look over including a list of books and sites. She and I have great conversations on things she's discovering and she's a very good friend. I currently invited her to the church I belong to up here and she's accepted. I think she'll be a very nice addition to the Craft. Her mother already knows and so I don't have to worry about getting starting a fight between her and her mother.

Honestly I do think that we all have something to worry about for teens looking into the Craft. We can't guarantee that they will find the right information. But I do hope that adults realize we teens are also looking out for our peers. We already face the same discrimination and are trying to do things on our level (unfortunately there's only so much a teenager can do). Its times when things become over my head or I need answers to questions I can't seem to find that I wish more Pagan adults in my area were able to help me. But I do understand why they feel so cautious about the situation.

For any Pagan teens seeking help, I invite you to e-mail me. I do at least know several adult Wiccans through the internet who are willing to talk and help me so I can certainly ask them. I realize how hard it is to find someone willing to help, especially if you haven't come out of the "broom-closet." On the other hand, like I always will suggest, I think its better to work solitary for a few years so that you really learn what you believe and are sure of where you stand.

There's really no solution to this problem. After all Pagan adults can stand to get into serious legal trouble for teaching an under aged person if their parents are against it. So how to we make sure that teens find the right information, and realize this is a serious religion and not just an escape to a problem? I don't know the answer, but I hope the situation gets better and not worse.

Many Bright Blessings to any and all that follow the Light, no matter what name they give the Light.

NightTiger

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