Kooky, sexy, cool – the rise of the new witches
Forget Kabbalah – paganism is the hot new religion, and thousands of young British women are embracing it
Witches, covens, dancing around bonfires by the light of the moon and making offerings to goddesses - all the stuff of folklore and fairy tale, right? Wrong.
Welcome to the world of paganism. Walk into any high-street bookshop and, alongside the usual chick-lit best-sellers, there's another set of books flying off the shelves, all about how to find your inner witch. Yes, really.
Hot on the heels of best-selling vampire saga Twilight and new US drama Eastwick, it seems all things weird are wonderful.
Pagan culture has arrived in the 21st century - and young women are behind its growing popularity. Intrigued by its mystery and underlying sexuality, 20-somethings are converting in their droves, making paganism the UK's fastest growing religion.
According to the Office of National Statistics, there were 31,000 pagans living in the UK in 2001. Just eight years later, the Pagan Federation estimates there are now around 360,000.
'THE MORE I LEARNT, THE MORE IT MADE SENSE'
Mum-of-four Amie Roberts converted to paganism three years ago.
"I'd always been interested in nature, and liked reading about tarot cards and collecting herbs for healing," says Amie, 31. "I learnt more about paganism though my partner, Simon. We met in 2002 and he'd been raised a pagan. It fascinated me."
Far from being a niche belief, there are pagans in all walks of life. There's even a Pagan Police Association in the UK - in July, it was reported that they'll be able to take leave to celebrate pagan festivals like the summer solstice and Halloween.
It's a far cry from the 17th century, when suspected witches were burned at the stake or drowned. So what's brought paganism out of the broom closet and into the mainstream?
Bristol University's Professor Ronald Hutton, a leading authority on paganism, says it's partly due to the feminist movement.
"As women become more empowered in their relationships and careers, they've begun to look for a set of beliefs that reflects this," he says. "In paganism, women are given an equal role to men - and in some branches, they're actually dominant. Women want a religion that empowers them."
Amie, who took the pagan name Amia Wolf when she became a witch in 2006, uses chants and spells to enrich her everyday life. Standing in a circle of stones in her moonlit garden, Amie begins chanting, calling on the powers of nature to protect her and her family.
"I don't belong to a coven, I'm a solo witch, so I practise rituals alone," she says. "I'll mark out a sacred circle in my garden, or in the living room if the weather's bad.
It's a protective space - dark influences can't harm you when you're inside it."
Bonkers? Perhaps. But Amie says it's changed her life for the better. "I've never been happier. When I converted to paganism, I felt like I'd come home."
Professor Hutton also believes women are attracted to the fact that paganism can be practised anywhere and at any time, making it easier to fit around busy modern lives.
He says: "Rather than going to church at a certain time every week, and following a set of rules handed to you, pagans can walk their own path in life and not be restricted by laws and traditions. You can adapt paganism to suit your life, which is appealing."
'I RECEIVED DEATH THREATS FOR MY BELIEFS'
But not everyone embraces this new age of paganism. Amie and Simon, 28, had to move from their home after receiving death threats.
"We lived in a small Welsh village and once people realised I was a pagan, the rumours started. People said I was dancing naked in the garden and having sex with animals - it was ridiculous," she says.
"Strangers would shout 'witch' at me in the street when I was out walking with my kids. One man even threatened to kill me."
When her son was picked on because of Amie's religion, the family decided to move.
"We couldn't stay there - we'd been so ostracised," she explains. "Now we live near Glastonbury, which is pagan heaven."
Amie says their shared beliefs add another dimension to her and Simon's relationship that other couples could benefit from.
"When we can get a babysitter, rather than go out for a meal or to the cinema, we go to a forest or a beach - where the elements of earth or water are present - and create a sacred circle," she explains. "We talk about spiritual matters and also personal problems. We do readings from witch's cards for one another. It's very intimate and relaxing, and wonderful to escape together for a few hours."
Professor Hutton also believes paganism's popularity is partly due to our current obsession with the environment.
"People are attracted to the respect paganism gives the earth," he says. "It provides a spiritual dimension to their environmental beliefs."
'I'M NOT AN EVIL PERSON - I'M A NORMAL MUM'
One young pagan who's made recycling a spiritual experience is Emma Reece-Peacock, 26, from Helmsley, North Yorkshire.
"I'm a Celtic pagan, so my beliefs focus on nature and the energies within the earth," says Emma, who lives with her pagan partner Steve, 26, a council worker, and their three-month-old son, Reuben.
"Simple, everyday actions like recycling, buying organic and treating the earth with respect are all spiritual."
Both Emma and Amie are in the throes of planning their weddings for next year - or hand-fastings, as they're called in pagan circles, because the couple's hands are tied together during the ceremony.
Both are planning outdoor ceremonies officiated by a high priest and priestess, using pagan vows they'll compose themselves. Emma's gown will be green "to symbolise new beginnings", while Amie has plumped for a purple medieval-style dress, followed by a hog roast on the beach. Conventional it isn't - but if paganism continues to grow, hand-fastings could be the next big thing.
Both Amie and Emma say they won't force their beliefs on to their children.
"Of course, my four children - Jake, 12, Ben, 10, Sophie, nine, and Cari, four - are exposed to paganism, but we'd never insist they become pagans too," says Amie. "Jake is showing an interest though, and recently asked for an invocation - like a prayer - to protect him during his teenage years."
Emma used her beliefs to prepare for giving birth to Reuben.
"It was very important for me to have a natural birth and rely on energies within myself rather than drugs," she recalls.
Like Amie, Emma has also experienced negative attitudes from other people.
"I have a dear friend who's a Christian," says Emma. "She thinks I'm a lovely person but has told me I'm going to hell. Knowing she believes that is sad, but I hope that if I have to go before a Christian god when I die, he'll know I lived a good life and won't punish me. And once, when I worked in a bar, a woman refused to be served by me - she saw my pentacle tattoo and said I was a devil worshipper.
"Incidents like that are upsetting, but I know I'm not an evil person. I'm a normal young mum, who likes fashion and make-up, going out with my friends and caring for my baby. I just happen to be a pagan as well."
'I'M MISUNDERSTOOD BUT LOVE BEING A PAGAN'
Kim Huggens, 25, is an author and part-time receptionist from Cardiff.
She says: "I believe in magic, but that doesn't mean I think rabbits can be pulled out of hats or evil spells cast on people! I think everything comes from the same divine energy source, which means everything is sacred and should be treated with respect.
I practise vodou (pronounced voo-doo), one of the lesser known branches of paganism. When I tell people, they think of voodoo dolls and black magic - it's very misunderstood. It means I believe in a number of gods and spirits and say prayers and carry out rituals to celebrate them - some by myself, some with other practitioners.
In vodou, we take a symbol of something we want - for example, a new car or job - and focus our thoughts and energy completely on that symbol. We believe that by channelling that energy into what we want, our goals can be achieved.
Paganism encourages a sense of personal responsibility. You're forced to decide for yourself what is right and wrong, and work out your own values, as opposed to just being told and not exploring it for yourself.
I do think that independence from a strict set of rules is very attractive and could be one of the reasons for the growth in paganism in recent years. People today like finding their own way in life, not just being told what to do."
WHAT IS PAGANISM? Modern paganism started in the 16th century, when people in Europe became aware of the pagan gods and goddesses who had been worshipped in Ancient Greece.
Paganism is a diverse collection of spiritual beliefs, all based on a deep respect for nature. Druids, wiccans, heathens and shamans all make up the pagan community, along with people practising many other beliefs.
To find out more, visit Paganfed.org.
PHOTOGRAPHY: SYRIOL JONES, ALICIA CLARKE, STUART GLOSSOP HAIR & MAKE-UP: TALLY BOOKBINDER AT NEMESIS, KELLIE MITCHELL STYLING: LUCIE CLIFFORD AMIE WEARS: DRESS, OASIS; SHOES, PRIMARK KIM WEARS (THIS PAGE): DRESS, OASIS; NECKLACE, LIMITED COLLECTION AT MARKS & SPENCER; SHOES, RIVER ISLAND (NEXT PAGE) DRESS, OASIS EMMA WEARS: TOP AND SKIRT, OASIS; SHOES, NEW LOOK
This article has 41 comments
It's so lovely to see such a well balanced article.Yes it didn't go into all the specifics of all the paths but that wasn't needed. We arre finally being free enough to admit what we are without fear- although I too have had expereinces where people have been intolerant- my best friend of 10 years and my uncle(who I was really close to) both attacked me as devil worshippers when I stopped trying to hide the fact that I believe in a goddess- my friend going so far as to say that she would light the fire beneath me herself. This freedom is hardwon- we need to make sure it is not taken away from us in a backlash from the christians.
By Kay. Posted November 6 2009 at 8:52 PM.
Superb Item.
So glad others are willing to show the world that they are pagan.
I myself became a witch a long time ago and am proud to amit the fact...
Blessing to all.
By Paganboynuneaton. Posted November 3 2009 at 6:39 PM.
So nice to see a good well balanced article about paganism. Have to disagree with everything Prof. Hutton stated though. I'm not a feminist, I didn't arrive at paganism because of environmental issues and nor do I mind rules and regulations in a faith
I reckon I've been pagan all of my life, finally admitting to what my spiritual path was about 10 years ago and the moment I admitted it, it was like a weight coming off my shoulders and walking on home. I am a natural witch but I don't practise the craft. I came out the broom closet within 18 months of accepting my path and thankfully had a much better experience than many I've heard. Relations laughed and said they knew all along, friends etc were fascinated and wanted to know more.
Like many have said before, this isn't a new faith, this is the resurgance of the old ways.
By Susan. Posted September 30 2009 at 4:47 PM.
Magnificent article on a reality far more actual than many people think, the true and wholesome way to live in recognition of everything that our Mother Earth provides for us day by day…
A simple way to exist, to respect people and Nature and to believe that our world can be a better place for us!
The Conference “A Day for Doreen”, which took place earlier this month in London, was the evidence that Paganism is very much alive and growing. We all felt the strong energy, the trouble-free atmosphere and we all shed a tear of emotion, remembering Doreen and her amazing gifts that fascinate us.
By Teresa (Portugal). Posted September 28 2009 at 10:39 AM.
Having been dragged from my cave to gawk in slack jawed horror at this I would like to correct a 'few' errors in this.
Firstly the emphasis on the idea that this is a trend. Religion in all its many guises is a serious matter and not a mere accessory or outlet for more pink vinyl handbags.
If people convert to a faith on the basis of an entertainment product or because they find it mysterious then its the belief itself that suffers.
Next a basic understanding of what paganism actually refers to is a prerequisite. Paganism in the modern sense is an umbrella term to refer to hundreds of smaller cult faiths based around similar ideas of earth worship or recreating past beliefs. As such you cannot sum it all up with goddess worship, and being one with the elements.
As a pagan I study sources on early Celtic religion and combine it with modern day spiritualism. This is the most common form of paganism, however I am also a devoted follower of Tiamat the Babylonian goddess. Why? As I feel kinship with what she represents.
And so to best please and worship the gods I connect with I take it upon myself to learn about them from multiple sources, for the most part from historical records and theories which strike a cord within me. You cannot truly believe in something if you do not understand it, that is where blind faith lies.
I notice you focus only upon female pagans, and make no attempt to explain the actual form of the religion. Paganism is not entirely feminine, as there is are many different pantheons of gods to draw upon. If we are to take your very Wicca based faith to start with then you have failed to mention the importance of the male deities.
The majority of early religion focused on survival, as such there is a heavy focus on life giving. For those of you who still believe in baby carrying stalks, that means procreation through male/female intercourse. As such male deities play just as important a role in any faith based on earlier beliefs.
In Celtic beliefs you have Cerneous (or Kurnos, or many hundreds of other variants there on) who is known as the young king, who rides with the wild hunt (another reference to early hunter gatherer society) and who's passing is marked on Sam'Hain (which has been replaced by the Secular Halloween) at which he throws himself on a funeral pyre causing the coming of winter. Even in folklore there are still references to the huntsmen and their hounds, Hern the hunter is still spoken of in Ireland. Cu'sith the green hound of the moors is another survivor from Celtic fables, a spectral beast which stalks the land and carries off men, another example of the much more realistic side to early beliefs.
But this is focussing heavily on Celtic remnants, lets look at other pantheons. The Greek Pantheon, which is ruled by a male god, Zeus. But goddesses played an important role as well, Hera and Athena for instance who feature prominently in legends. Or what of the gods of Scandinavia and the north (that's the Vikings for those without a grasp of history) again we see a co-existence of male and female deities. Something else that both these faiths have in common is their complete lack of what is known as the Fluff aspect. The terrible scourge which plagues new age faiths with the misguided idea that it is all nice and safe, that paganism is a warm and friendly environment. Nature based faith has to be realistic, things die in nature. The hunter devours his prey whether they be an aged stag, or a new born foal. If you cannot accept that nature is dangerous then earth based faith is not the best choice for you. In the Nordic legends it ends with the coming of Ragnorok, the end of the world with one last great battle. In Greek faith the god's toy with humans like pieces on a chess board.
As for your woeful explanation of paganism at the base of your article, the closest thing to an origin for modern day paganism based upon earth worship is 1954 due to Gerald Gardner's Wicca. While Wicca is by no means a recreation of past religious practices, it was created from various different sources and rewritten extensively to better fit the 50's culture, it is without a doubt the resource that the majority of modern earth based faiths draw upon.
By Hound to Hunter. Posted September 21 2009 at 10:54 PM.
I really appreciate this fab article. I do agree that there are Pagans no matter what the Tradition in all walks of life. I am a Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse in the USA and have been a Witch all my life but not knowing what to call myself until another friend who was also a nurse and a Witch saw it in me and started my journey down this path. I have been doing spells since I was a little girl it was natural to do this to make my life without a mother a better thing. We are every where and may even be the next door neighbor you love talking to. this article really showed how we live and that we are not evil as so many have told me I am. I know that I am not. I have been told also that I was going to hell...I tend to think and answer back, "But, what if you are really going to the Summerland with me?" That gets them every time.
Thank you and Blessed Be.
By Deryl. Posted September 12 2009 at 4:21 AM.
Bravo!
I am so proud of the willingness of these women to step forth and proudly be who they are! Being a witch, being a pagan, is not always an easy path, especially with how many pockets exist in society who would happily ostracize (or worse).
I have been Pagan since I was 18, and then was merely finding a name for the things I already believed. It's been difficult for me at times, but the peace I've found on my path more than makes up for any tribulations I've encountered.
I applaud your article and hope against hope that more people with as open a mind are able to make public a piece as noteworthy as yours.
By Lydia. Posted September 10 2009 at 6:26 PM.
This was an interesting article but I feel it's a little misleading as it uses the terms pagan and witch as if they are one; they are different as many pagans will tell you. Witchcraft is not a religion it is a craft that takes time and dedication to follow, There are many paths within Paganism and to class them all as one devalues all the diversity that exists within pagan groups. And why, why do we have to have 'fluffed up' images of young women as representatives, what about all those men or even, dare I say it in the media, older, real women who are pagans???? PS I don't suppose this post will be published!!
By Autumn. Posted September 10 2009 at 5:47 PM.
In response to a couple of specific comments posted so far:
Faye: the practice of "witchcraft" may sometimes not be a religion but rather praxis; however, many modern Pagans - particularly Wiccans and those following a Trad. Witchcraft path, choose to self-identify with the term. This self-definition is all-important, and thus if somebody states their religion on the census or on something similar - even in conversation - as a Witch, you should respect that. To say otherwise is simply ignorance.
Ingrid: thankyou for mentioning some more paths of Paganism! For this interview I talked a lot about Vodou (I practice 21 Divisions Vodou specifically) and Thelema (I am a member of the OTO) but sadly hardly any of that made it into the final article! Indeed, the rich variety of paths in Paganism (not that I'd class Vodou as a variety of Paganism...) gives it part of its beauty. And these days people are becoming far more aware of the different paths, rather than simply assuming we're all Wiccans.
By Kim Huggens. Posted September 10 2009 at 7:45 AM.
These comments have been wonderful and very interesting to read!
I agree with what Shan said about young Pagan men as well though - I think the many different paths of Paganism and its related traditions encourage an independence and maturity of thought in people regardless of gender. Take for instance Asatru/Odinism, with its emphasis on various principles such as Honour, Hospitality, Honesty, and Fidelity (found in the Nine Principles) - rather than giving a list of "Do nots", such principles provide guidelines whilst allowing room for a person to consider fully their actions and the consequences thereof. I also believe that the open and accepting attitude of most Pagan paths to not only alternative sexuality but to the act and feelings of sex itself is a positive and empowering thing: it allows younger Pagans to come to an awareness of themselves as sexual beings, without the unnatural feelings of guilt that until very recently (and in some cases currently) plagued anybody engaging in any form of sensuality. And when the guilt is removed, it leaves room for responsibilty and awareness - two fundamentals that go towards making a liberated, intelligent member of the human race.
By Kim Huggens. Posted September 10 2009 at 7:45 AM.
An extremely well-written and informative article; I hope a lot of people reading it become a little more well-rounded as a consequence. It's not often you hear anything positive or even neutral about alternative religions, and it's a terrible shame to hear of the prejudice around it. I hope people in time come to respect every worldwide religion, even if they don't share the beliefs.
By Jessica. Posted September 9 2009 at 4:38 PM.
Sophia:
Modern Pagans do indeed avoid harming others. However, to imply that no pagans throughout human history have ever harmed others is unwise. I hope that's not what you meant.
That said, it's great to have an article that shows the world that we Pagans are essentially "normal" people, not the curse-casting, devil-worshiping freaks that the Religious Right likes to pretend we are. You wouldn't believe the nonsense some people here in the US are spouting.
By Laura. Posted September 9 2009 at 3:18 PM.
I'm turning 60 and have been a Pagan for 40 years and really appreciate seeing such a well-written and fair article. There have been so few over the years.
I envy these young Pagans for they can dare to be open about their beliefs with less fear of being persecuted or worse as they were when I was just starting out. And now they have so many resources to use, and so many books and shops. When I was a young Pagan, I had to search high and low for any bit of real information, and for items for my work and usually had to make do with what I had on hand or make it myself. I sure wish we'd had the Internet!
Blessed be to all of you wonderful young Pagan people! You give us elders such hope.
By Linda. Posted September 9 2009 at 4:19 AM.
"whats going to happen next churches were you all get together and make spells he he"
What do you think churches are for? Christians regularly perform Communion, which is a form of theurgic invocation-- magic. Any form of religious devotion, prayer, or liturgy is a form of magic. It doesn't matter whether you use a wand or a rosary; they are essentially the same in purpose.
Also, as a direct comment to the article, paganism doesn't mean "not having a tradition" or just "making it up as you go". Religions such as African Vodou, Asatru/Odinism, Greek Hellenism, are very structured belief systems with ancient time-honored traditions.
By Ingrid White. Posted September 9 2009 at 3:21 AM.
.
"The first effect of not believing in God is to believe in anything."
-----from the 1937 study of G.K.Chesterton by Emile Cammaerts, The Laughing Prophet.
By AFPhys. Posted September 8 2009 at 11:36 PM.
People like that rather uneducated fool that says "i don't think it's a religion because it's not!" are the reason these powerful and amazing women have to live in fear. No one should have to be ostracized for their faith, and this article is a real step in the right direction. I can still remember people making comments like faye here and shoving me down the stairs because of my faith. Maybe, if more articles lie this can come out, finally we can stop the next generation from enduring that.
By Cassandra. Posted September 8 2009 at 11:09 PM.
I was reading this in your mag and i dont belive that being a witch is a religion. because its not! whats going to happen next churches were you all get together and make spells he he
By faye. Posted September 8 2009 at 8:43 PM.
Good article, and good publicity. But not all Pagans are Wiccan. It is much wider than that. I am a Celtic Pagan Druid, and realise that I have been so for most of my life. Our Tribes and Communities are coming out of the trees at last.
By Cyt ap Nydden. Posted September 8 2009 at 12:28 PM.
This is the first generation with a lots of hereditary Pagans – grown up in Pagan families. Before we were mostly a convert religion. Young hereditaries have self confidence, ease - and real sexiness! They’re used to being independent mnded; Pagan girls are confident in their bodies and Pagan boys are caring people.
This was a good article about young women, but Pagan men are if anything more interesting. There are a lot of young Pagan men brought up by priestess mothers. Obviously comfortable with strong women they know to deeply value their own masculinity, and to use their male strength in loving, creative ways.
Other young men who join Paganism are drawn to a community where women are strongly equal, often in charge, or they quickly get used to it. Being loved and appreciated by the women around you is an important experience for a young man.
Last weekend 800 of us gathered together for several days. It was remarkable how so many people (all ages from babies to elders) were peaceful and happy together. Our famous tolerance of our different opinions and faiths is something to be proud of indeed. It was a lovely time of songs, storytelling, dance, martial arts, artwork, ceremonies, several handfastings (weddings) etc
Next week I'm off to honour the memory of the Mother of the Craft, Doreen Valiente. It's 10 years since she died. She is certainly very happy to see how young Pagan people are blossoming among us today, both young women and young men.
FREEDOM!
By Shan Morgain. Posted September 8 2009 at 6:18 AM.
I was a 20-something woman when I got initiated, but that was in 1984. Now I'm 49, and still a Wiccan, and I know quite some women and men of my age and older who are Wiccans/Witches. It is certainly not a religion for or by young women only.
By Jana Hollesdochter. Posted September 7 2009 at 9:00 PM.
I come from a pagan family, my grandfather would never allow us to speak about our practices when we were younger. It is only in the last 12 years, since I have met more and more people open to this spiritual path, that I talk about my beliefs with them. What I like about the pagan community is the openness and tolerance with which all paths are embraced. My faith makes me a stronger person, and I have met many lovely people at moots and gatherings; including Kim who is a wonderful speaker at PF events. May the tolerance towards all continue and may the gods and goddesses bless us all.
Bee
By Bee. Posted September 7 2009 at 5:14 PM.
My partner and I are both pagans and see nature worship as the indigenous religion of our land.
It's good to see that more and more people, male and female, are finding their way along this path.
The acceptance for them to do so more openly is enhanced by positive articles like this.
By carol denney. Posted September 7 2009 at 4:57 PM.
Excellent article.
By AmericanPagan. Posted September 7 2009 at 3:18 PM.
Excellent, articles like this join with you in making the 'path' a little lighter.
Blessed be!
By Dragonfumar. Posted September 7 2009 at 1:33 PM.
This was wonderful to read.it was the first time I have ever seen an accurate representation of my belief system in the press.
I was the leader of a local witchcraft covern for many years and when we first started our small group in the seventies we were forced to be a secret group to prevent our belief system impacting the job prospects
Of ourselves and our families. How Oxford (and the world) has changed! I handed over the oxford covern to a new leader two years ago and she has 'gone public', listed online and is now working on a website for the group. Gone are the days that our ladies had to tell their partners they off to the WI! Thankyou for such a great article
By kendra James (oxford). Posted September 7 2009 at 1:13 PM.
Well done for this article, I have been a Witch for many years and have a teaching school in Stockport,Cheshire and a Witchcraft shop, Great to see that we are growing in number and are ready to stand up and be counted. We are having a Witch's Ball in October as we did last year. It is about time the True information about our Path was allowed to be distrubuted if you understood us more you would fear us less. This is a path of Beauty, self- development and personal choices and can totally change the way you see yourself and the world around you. Blessings to everyone . xx)O(xx
By Amethyst Selmaselene. Posted September 7 2009 at 12:35 AM.
At last a more balanced view on what Paganism truly is. Well done.
By Elaine. Posted September 6 2009 at 10:26 PM.
Our daughter is a Pagan and we are Catholics. I went with her to a ceremony to help me understand her religion and although I enjoyed it it felt Alien to me and not my 'cup of tea' however I respect our daughter's religion and when she and her partner get handfasted I will be there as will all the family to celebrate their way. We go with her to celebrations of her ways like the International Witch Fest and through her I have now qualified in Aromatherapy, Reiki, Herbalism etc, only I do it with God and not a Godess as my inspiration. I believe that their Do what you will as long as it harms none, motto is a great peaceful way to live. The nature based religion teaches respect for what the Earth gives us.
By Desiree. Posted September 6 2009 at 8:54 PM.
Finally a true example of Modern Paganism Unbiased and true, Perhaps our religion will get the justice she deserves!
To Chloe-Luna to find such a young person who is a pagan has done nothing less than brighten an area of my soul which lost hope for the generation i am a part of....
Hold The Heathen Hammer High My Brothers And Sisters, let no man or "God" kill your beliefs, if someone yells "Witch" at you Laugh and agree, beecuase all a witch is is a free thinking FREE woman :)
By TheVyking. Posted September 6 2009 at 7:16 PM.
loved that paganism is now being accepted into normal culture an that you are publishing what a lot of other magazines try and avoid, but the only flaw was that you have no men... as a male pagan it would be nice to have a article about pagan men as we are quite often over looked when these articles are written... but great article cant wait till i see the one with a fair sex veiw to paganism.. =D
By david johnson. Posted September 6 2009 at 7:22 PM.
What a great article. And Amie, Kim and Emma look fab.
By Vivianne. Posted September 6 2009 at 7:10 PM.
As a young man who leads his life as a Wiccan, I appreciate this article. I would have rather you not make it seem as if women are the only ones who can find themselves in Paganism, but you got the point across and that's all that matters. This article is good, it's smart, and it will help to show the public that we aren't the evil-doers and devil-worshipers of Christian myth.
Thank you, and blessed be.
By Rayne. Posted September 6 2009 at 6:36 PM.
Like others have said, a balanced article featuring a range of Pagans. How refreshing. :)
As a Scottish Pagan who is quite active in public moots and events, I'm aware of the many different colours paganism comes in and often that aspect is overlooked in articles outside of pagan magazines. Well done!
By Elle. Posted September 6 2009 at 6:24 PM.
im 14 years old and a wiccan . this article really made me feel normal because some people look at me strange when they find out that i was a wiccan . my family is all christian and even though they do know that im not following their beliefs they support me in my decisions. thankyou for printing this article because i know that some dimwits out their still believe that paganism/druidism/wicca is devil worship *rolls eyes*
:)
By Chloe-Luna. Posted September 6 2009 at 2:51 PM.
Things that magazine didn't mention was paganism
is one of the very first religions, thousands of years before mainstream religions came along, Paganism never died out, it was made to quieten down due to the horrific tortures between 13th to 18th centuries. Much propoganda has been said about paganism, we do not believe in the devil, before you have a go at a pagan please learn your history, pagans have never harmed anyone or anything.
By sophia. Posted September 6 2009 at 1:27 PM.
I must say I would never have believed for one second that I would find such a well balanced article out of this news paper. Keep up the good work, as a Stonehenge Druid I would like permission to print this article on our website, so as to trumpet the efforts of this writer in reaching the masses who read these types of publications.
Bravo
By Jim Saunders. Posted September 6 2009 at 12:24 PM.
I am glad to see some brave witches to come out of the broom closet and explain how paganism is of great value to the every day life. As you follow your own path as a solitary practitioner, you can combine work with paganism idealy to your own needs. I am a solitary witch as well, as Mum of three as well as leading my own local "Moot" to encourage people to enquire or lern about wicca, witchcraft etc. I also facilitate "Muggel Magic" -a children with parents workshop,held at the Yearly twice occurring WitchFest Celebrations in London, Croyden run By CoA, www.witchcraft.org the online " Witchcraft online basically!
blessed be
Heike
By heike Kolwe. Posted September 6 2009 at 12:00 PM.
I have been a Pagan for 5 years now after being 'converted' from Christianity. It's a wonderful religion and it's so good to hear that it is becoming more popular.
By Phoenix. Posted September 6 2009 at 12:04 PM.
i agree with you nichola,the world would be a much better place.
By tania. Posted September 6 2009 at 12:20 PM.
shoneBeing a pagan is a great way to live your life, it makes your life warm and caring, and I think if a lot more people lived there live this way there would be a lot less evil in the world, because it is about enbracing the world we live in not ruining it,
Blessed be
By Nicola. Posted September 6 2009 at 11:46 AM.
So nice to see a well balanced article on paganism for a change. Thank-you for showing this.
By Dawn. Posted September 6 2009 at 9:51 AM.