Rose Ariadne's Chitchcraft Blog

Dear Friends,

In this message, I’d like to talk more about Pagan PR, and tips for anyone who feels the need to educate others about our faith. I think that some people in the Pagan community have actually done more harm than good when it comes to representing themselves as Pagan (a few episodes of the show “Wifeswap” come to mind). It’s my goal with this short series to get people to think before they act, and understand that their approach to non-Pagans has an effect on us all.

Next on my list is the use of magickal names in public forums (whether it be newspapers, lectures or interviews). I love my magickal name, but it’s my magickal name. It doesn’t represent who I am entirely as a person.
The rest of the world won’t be so accepting of your message already, and you are definitely going to set yourself apart when you introduce yourself as Zeus Dragonslayer. Of course, no Wiccan in their right mind would ever go by that particular name, but that’s what our magickal names sound like to non-Pagans. If you are in anyway a public spokesperson for Paganism, then use a normal sounding name. If you need to, use your mundane first name and omit your last name for safety reasons. You’ll get a lot more respect than you would if you introduced yourself as Moonbeam.

Another important point to remember is to start off your conversation with something other than “This isn’t Satanism.” How many other religions do that? That statement tells the listener or reader nothing about your real spiritual path. Make it your goal to fill their minds with the things that Paganism actually is, rather than the things it isn’t. By stating the facts about it, you are negating the stereotypes without having to address them. Use positive statements and this will reinforce to the audience (whomever it might be) why this is a beautiful spiritual path.

If you don’t have a title, don’t make one up. Don’t claim to be a High Priestess to give yourself more credibility if you aren’t one at all. If you are a High Priestess or member of some type of Pagan clergy, give proof of it. It legitimizes Paganism for the audience and gives you the credibility that you want. Lying about things like this only perpetuates stereotypes about witchcraft.

It follows that if you don’t know something, don’t lie. Don’t be afraid to say “I don’t know.” Remember, we are all learning on this path. Other religions focus on knowing everything to a “T” but Pagans remember that life is a process and learning is forever. Instead of trying to make up an answer, be willing to tell the truth even if that means having to experience a little humility. You can point the inquirer toward a source that can answer their question, or better yet, you can discover the answer together.

It’s helpful to network with other Pagans who are representatives of the faith. You can trade tips and share experiences. After all, in some cases it is an “us” against “them” situation. Pagans can band together to present a united view of the faith, while still maintaining the individuality that each person’s path has.

Above all, do good things on a daily basis. This is not important for PR as much as it is for your soul and spirituality. As an added benefit, you are becoming a living example of the beauty and goodness that comes from this spiritual path. Society judges people on their words and actions. If your actions are not in line with the words that you speak, your words have no value. The best thing you can do to show others exemplify Paganism is to live a well-rounded and positive life.

Love And Light,

Rose Ariadne, Your Warm And Caring “Resident Witch In Charge”

Dear Friends,

Do Pagans need Public Relations? I go back and forth on this question. While I’ll certainly explain my faith to those that are interested, it’s not in my nature to go out of my way to educate the public at large, at least in my personal life. Online is a totally different matter. I understand the need for some of my brethren to confront others on the subject of spirituality. However, I feel that sometimes these people do more harm than good. There are certain rules that should be followed when promoting Paganism on the public front.

First of all, you need to know who you are and what you believe. I can’t provide an accurate image about Dianic Wicca, because I don’t follow that tradition. I wouldn’t begin to speak for the people in that tradition. It follows that I can’t speak for all Pagans as a whole. Additionally, you must know your stuff. You have to back up your claims about your religion.
I’ve often seen people on television or quoted in newspapers that just don’t know what they are talking about. It’s always best to have reputable sources to draw from. This is especially true if you are stating historical “facts” or using demographics to illustrate your points about Wicca.

Next, it’s important to know your audience and remove any unnecessary Pagan jargon. These Pagan-specific terms, while common to you, are confusing to people not in this community. Think about ways in which you can get your message across without having to use unfamiliar terms. it’s better to have it make sense to the audience rather than be perfectly correct in the Pagan world. Many terms that would be appropriate in Paganism have different connotations in the non-Pagan world. You have to explain things to them in their terms.

When you represent Paganism, make sure to emphasize the normalness of the religion.
Yes, we are all unique and that is something that I love and embrace about Paganism. But to the outside world, there are many things about us that are not normal. When I speak with non-Pagans who are interested in my spiritual path, I always emphasize that I am a normal person, which I am. I have a husband, and two kids and a dog. I brush my teeth twice a day and like to indulge in Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream. If you are in a formal situation when you are talking to the public or being interviewed by the media, make sure not to perpetuate the pointy hat, long black robe stereotype.

Above all, make sure to be polite even in the face of adversity. Let’s face it, our opinions are not popular all of the time. Not everyone will be receptive to your message and your beliefs. It is important that you keep your cool and understand that you are only in control of what you believe and what you say. I’ve been in friendly spiritual discussions that have turned into Pagan-bashing because of someone’s narrow views. I’ve always remained calm and stuck to my points.

If you encounter a situation like this, you have the power to walk away at any time. Take the high ground in each and every situation. Of course, the situation differs depending on whom you are having this conversation with. If you are talking with friends, then perhaps it’s best to drop the conversation entirely when things get too heated and then pick it up again at a later time.
I’ve found that a good way to drop the conversation while still remaining polite is to state that you feel that the differences of opinion are too spirited at the moment. Of course, if a religious fanatic is attacking you verbally, you have every right to simply walk away from the conversation and not try to engage in any further discussion.

In the next message, we’ll discuss more ways to give good PR to the Pagan community.

Brightest Blessing,

Rose Ariadne, Your Warm And Caring “Resident Witch In Charge”

Dear Friends,

If you start researching Wicca and looking into Paganism, you might notice that there are several different branches of Paganism. While there are common themes within each one, it’s helpful to learn about different traditions. You may find one that speaks to you more than another, and your Spirit Guides are giving you a nudge in the right direction. The following few messages will be exploring different Pagan traditions. I feel this is an important part of learning about this spiritual path, and hopefully it will enrich your experience as a Wiccan.

The Gardnerian tradition takes its name from Gerald B. Gardner. He reinvented the ancient, ancestral religion that existed in Pre-Christian Europe. He started the first neo-Pagan coven in secrecy in Britain during the middle of last century. After the 1951 changes in the laws that once made witchcraft illegal, Neo-Paganism exploded onto the world scene especially in Great Britain and other English speaking countries. Raymond Buckland brought Gardnerian Wicca to North America.

The core beliefs of Gardnerian Wicca focus on balance, and duality of the God and Goddess in equal partnership. They acknowledge the reality of Life and Death as part of the necessary cycles of life. In order for Life to exist, there must be Death. For example, if nothing ever died we would be up to our ears in houseflies in no time flat. Humans are meant to cooperate and compete and to love and hate. Balance is the overall goal, and because of that, everything in Gardnerian magick is arranged in balance of male and female.

Gardnerian believers preserve the work of Gerald Gardner, but also incorporate creativity and expansion. Ritual is important in this tradition but fellowship is most important. The Gardnerian covens are autonomous, with each coven having its own unique personality. If you are looking for a Gardnerian coven, keep this in mind. If you don’t have anything in common with one group, then you can easily try another Gardnerian coven. The coven is run like a family, and the process of joining a coven is more like a courtship than an interview. Gardnerians practice a formal initiation which signifies that the initiate and the coven want to make their relationship formal. Initiation is not offered lightly, and a coven looks for honest seekers to join.

Each and every Gardnerian Wiccan that is initiated is a Priest or Priestess in their own right. This is a commonality between many Pagan religions. There are no intermediaries; each individual has a direct relationship with the Gods.
There are no ministers, no pastors and no former clergy. The High Priestess and High Priest of each coven are in an advising role, more than a dictating role. They act as confidants and counselors, and are the first among equals. They are normally experienced in the Craft and can help guide conveners in their own spiritual path.

Gardnerian is a path that states only a Witch can make a Witch; there is no self-initiation in this tradition. Only a Gardnerian can initiate a Gardnerian, and the tradition has record of the lineages dating back to Gardner himself.

Like other traditions, Gardnerian Wicca is a mystery tradition with oaths of secrecy. This means that the Book of Shadows, customs and rituals are not open to the public. This is to honor Paganism heritage as a secretive religion.

If you are interested in Gardnerian Wicca, you can look for a local group or read the works of Gerald Gardner, Doreen Valiente and Raymond Buckland. These people have provided the foundational texts for the development of the Gardnerian tradition, and their practices and beliefs.

Love And Light,

Rose Ariadne, Your Warm And Caring “Resident Witch In Charge”