Witchvox Article

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Posted: June 1st. 2002
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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.

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