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Articles/Essays From Pagans
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November 15th. 2009 ...
You Are Not A Tool
Recovering From a Bad Coven Experience
The Dangers of Virtual Reality and Magickal Life: A True Story
Diary of a High Priestess
When Religious Intolerance Destroys Friendship
Thinking With Your Heart
Beauty in Death
In that Moment: “Understanding Born From Sorrow”
Raining Down A Different Kind of Peace
November 8th. 2009 ...
Why Many of Us Will Never Be Christian (No Matter How Hard We Try)
Making Your Life Magical
Soul Connection: The Means to Finding Your Life Purpose
How I Met My Soul Mate. Twice
Perfect Love and Perfect Trust: Thoughts on Love and Loving
Love and the Use Of Magick
Spiritual Transformation
Follow the Yellowbrick Road: Sometimes Staying on the Path Takes a Miracle!
The Path: A Spiritual Chautauqua
November 1st. 2009 ...
My Magic Doesn't Work! (Because It Sometimes Doesn't)
Avoiding the Pitfalls of Paganism
The Breath and Faking It
Coming Out Of The "Broom Closet"
Profound Fruit Loops
Magick and Science
I Want To Live A While Longer
"Me Time"
October 25th. 2009 ...
Janet Farrar and Gavin Bone Touring East Coast USA for Samhain
Lemon Magic
My Black Kitty
Autumnland: Pagan Path and Paradise
The Modern Coven: Importance of Documentation
Crossroads Rite (Version 11)
Perceptions of Life
The Challenge of Acceptance
The Circle of Life
October 18th. 2009 ...
Honoring Our Elders, Leaders and Teachers
Group or Solitary: Which Is Best For You?
Space Clearing: A Fresh Look at a Classic Tradition
Which Witch is Which? The Importance of Scientific Terminology.
Soap Making 101
How I Maintain My Spiritual Practice in a War Zone
To Be or Not To Be – In Pagan Business
"Fusion" Magick
October 11th. 2009 ...
Italy, Clavicles and Witchcraft
The Fairies of Samhain
Horns of Gold, Horns of Red: The God as a Sacred Focus
The Veil as Seen Through the Eyes of a Witch
Owl Mythology, Folklore, and Magical Interpretation
A Celtic "Young Goodman Brown"
October 4th. 2009 ...
What Should I Put In My Book of Shadows?
How Do You Draw Your Pentagram?
Your Book Of Shadows
How I Became a Wiccan
Five-Point Witches’ Self-Healing Plan
The Responsiblity of Elders of Pagan Paths
My Curse
Thoughts on Death
Dinosaurs and Druidry
September 27th. 2009 ...
When I Was A Christian Wiccan
Shamanism: Seeing in the Dark
Dream Invasion: What It Is and How to Stop it
The Warrior Archetype and the Reemergence of the Goddess
Twittermancy and Open Sourcery
Past Life, Present Mission
The Burning Times: May We Never Forget
Ophiuchus, the 13th Constellation: A Call for Change
Changes: Facing Them and Making Them
September 20th. 2009 ...
How I Found My Craft Name (and Tips on Finding Yours!)
Life Without End: Death From A Pagan Perspective
Creating Your Reality
My Road To Wicca
Officiating At A Crossing Over Ceremony
The Energy of My Beliefs
Tree of Life in Wicca
My Life Entwined With Death
The Curious Case of Birds
Who Sings Now? XVIII
September 13th. 2009 ...
Yes Witches Can? Yes, Witches WILL!
Coven or Solitary: Age Old Question. A Few New Answers (I Hope!)
Organized Pagan Community: Good Idea Or Hopeless Cause?
NOTE: For a complete list of articles related to this chapter... Visit the Main Index FOR this section.
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What Teens Need from Pagan Adults
Author:
Posted: June 1st. 2002
Times Viewed: 5,420
My parents are perfect. They're kind, caring, considerate, they choke down their fears and misconceptions in order for me to be happy. They respect my rituals and keep out of my room, and even though they hear little whispers, chants and soft Enya (or Puddle of Mudd) music coming from my room at night, they politely keep quiet. My mother keeps me well in stock of incense, candles, charcoal blocks, and altar covers. Oh yeah, my mother is Episcopalian, an active part of altar guild, my father is agnostic (I think, he pretty much keeps quiet about religion unless to make fun of the crazed aggressive fundies that hand out pamphlets on the street), and doesn't care what I do as long as I don't sacrifice the cats.
My mom's been the most understanding, asking some occasional questions about devotions and prayer; she also takes yoga, so I guess she understands about the spiritual side. Compared to other Pagans' parents, I'm living a dream, what could I possibly have to complain about? I guess my complaint is a petty one, but it's a pretty darn big deal for me: I don't have a teacher or any fellow real life Pagan friends.
If my guess is right, some of you are saying "So what? You don't need a teacher to be Wiccan or a Witch!' I know, I know, I'm doing fine getting correspondences from the Internet and loading up my Book of Shadows with folklore and stuff, but I want something more -- call me selfish.
I bought all four of Silver RavenWolf's books when I was starting out, so that helped me out considerably. But I was disappointed at how she didn't present the so-called 'dark' side of the Craft; isn't the Craft supposed to be made up of polarity? Light and Dark? I think what we teen Pagans need from the adult Pagan community is a way to reach out to the teens interested in the Craft. I realize the extreme cons of the situation, but don't we need a way to expand our community? If we don't take some grasps on the media, pretty soon, we're going to have all kinds of crazy Pink Fluffy Bunnies of the Barbie Moon Covens or even worse, Lady Elviras of the Blood Suckers Grove floating around, Goddess help us.
We have to start presenting our Craft of the Wise in the correct way, a perfectly balanced, nature loving and aligned religion to the public. We'll always have enraged Christians on our tail no matter what we do; like my father says, it's when people stop talking about you that you should begin to worry. I think that Pagan communities in all cities, if they want to take the risk, should start out slowly, so as not to shock every one. Let's say, set up a meeting at your local coffee shop or bookstore (Barnes and Noble is excellent at these kind of arrangements, and the ones I know are very tolerant in terms of religion), for all area Pagans. Make sure you put on the bottom of the announcement that it is:
- A place to converse with others about our choice of religion.
- A place to learn about our religion.
- Mentoring from the adult Pagan community.
Here are some tips for adult Pagans creating a community:
- Do request permission from parents or accompanied by a parent, it'll be better in the long run for no negative feedback from the media.
- Don't try to hide anything if the media is around, they'll exploit it anyway.
- Don't judge by someone's age! I cannot tell you how important this is; we depend on the youth to carry the Craft into the future.
- Do make sure that they are honest in their intentions and aren't looking for a quick fix for the boy/girl that screwed them over (this is pretty much a no-brainer.)
- Don't be afraid to express ideas of sexuality! I'm not suggesting you go all out on the Karma Sutra, but you know, teens obviously aren't that stupid or naive about sex. So don't be afraid to discuss sexual matters/relationships and, of course, the Great Rite. If the media gives you flak (or if it's a private teaching, the parent), then just carefully explain to them, that sex is just as much a part of Paganism as it is with Christianity and other religions.
- Be sincere and imaginative in the teachings of our religion, our religion is one to celebrate, and nothing to be overly somber about!
I love the idea of Pagan coffeehouses, most Pagans love the idea of smoky corners, soft music, and lively yet subdued chatter, I'm no exception! But my ultimate dream is, to open an All Religions Haven store with my mother. I would have supplies and books for all religions, host circles for all religions, promote unity awareness, everything. But of course, it's a dream, and if the Goddess chooses to take me on that road, I'll follow it.
I suppose my point is, Pagans/Wiccans/Witches who wish to teach others, make yourself public! Or at least to the extent that you're comfortable. Feel free to use a pseudonym and email address until you can set things straight with the student and the parent. If we have any hope at all of keeping this Craft alive and uncorrupted, we need to start teaching the children and young ones. We are the Shining Children, the Children of the Wise, the Good People, and all the other medieval-themed names we can think of, we need to start acting like it.
The Craft wasn't meant to be put exclusively in books (no offense meant, those books helped me out with my most crucial part of my self-training), it was an oral and cultural tradition, we need to start adhering those traditions again. Fellow teen Pagans/Wiccans, if someone asks you to teach them your Craft, and they seem sincere enough, and you feel confident enough, take the risk! This path is the best thing that has happened to some people, and has kept them from drugs, alcohol, and other harmful activities; let's keep it that way. The only way we can 'keep it that way', though, is if we raise awareness of it, for all we know, we could save someone's life (or sanity, in my case).
Emerald Sunshower
ABOUT...
Location: , USA
Bio: Emerald Sunshower is a 13 year old Wiccan/Witch living in the panhandle of Texas. She has three cats, Fluffy, Frances, and Feisty. And a horse, Flaxie whom she loves to death even though he keeps running away. She is extremely dedicated to her path, and loves talking to anyone and everyone, no matter what age or religion. She loves working with herbs, even though she has that petty problem about figuring out how to keep those herbs ALIVE! She's also currently trying to figure out a way to keep Fluffy from sitting on her face when she's trying to sleep.
Other Listings: To view ALL of my listings: Click HERE
Email ... (No, I have NOT opted to receive Pagan Invites! Please do NOT send me anonymous invites to groups, sales and events.)
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