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Of Oak, Ash & Thoughts
October 08, 2009
 Pagans
Are Everywhere
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- Many people have been saying it for decades. Pagans may not
be completely out of the broom closet, but we are everywhere.
That statement became a little more real for people in New York
this summer when the GOP in Queens, NY refused to replace Pagan
high priest Dan Halloran as
their candidate for District 19 city council in the November
3 election.
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- Yes you read that correctly. An attorney in Queens New York,
a pagan High Priest of the Nordic tradition is running for City
Council and is open about his religion. And amazingly, not only
the GOP, but many people in his district are looking upon his
candidacy not as a pagan politician, but in the spirit of Separation
of Church and State, that his religion doesn't matter and plays
no role in his ability to govern. Wow.
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- Many pagans have fought for recognition over the years. Little
successes here and there have allowed people to become more open
and more free about who they are and what they believe. Fights
such as the one seen by Roberta
Stewart who sued the Veterans Administration for the right
to place a Pentagram on her husbands tombstone after he fell
in the line of duty in Afghanistan, is a recent example.
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- But there have been more, such as Ellwood
Bartlett, the Mega Millions Winner who Credited Magic of
Universe for his winning ticket. He proclaimed to reporters that
he was going to use his winnings to open a school for Wiccan
education. Making his statements national news in the arena of
human interests. And the national story of Don
Larsen, The Army Chaplain Who Wanted to Switch to Wicca.
His story made news because the Army denied the transfer and
he was forced to retire. While his fight was unsuccessful, the
coverage he received through the media was supportive and raised
anger amongst many non-Pagan faiths. Bring yet another element
of awareness into the mind set of Americans.
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- Today we see a large number of TV shows and Movies depicting
Witches in a favorable light. Although many of these have received
great criticism for their inaccuracies, it just maybe that their
message is getting across and through to the average person.
Perhaps those centuries old stereotypes are finally being put
down. This season, ABC has kicked off a new series entitled "Eastwick",
a TV spinoff of the movie "Witches of Eastwick". Disney
has long provided shows for kids about witches and wizards in
a positive light. And we are seeing more and more networks follow
suit.
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- All of this media coverage, fictional and non-fictional,
continues to bring the life of a pagan into the conversation
of politics, religion and freedom. And that's a good thing. Without
dialog we cannot correct misconceptions, educate and bring about
a new tolerance.
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- But it also brings to the forefront the idea that neo-Pagans
and witches are indeed everywhere. In all walks of life, in every
profession and in every corner of the world. And Witchcraft/Wicca
has become the Fastest Growing Religion
in north America and Europe, as well as, other parts of the world.
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- Pagan scholar Helen Berger and fellow researchers James R.
Lewis and Henrik Bogdan are revisiting the Pagan Census project.
The Pagan Census was first initiated nearly twenty years ago,
and compiled data from thousands of modern Pagans to give a fascinating
snapshot of our communities during Paganism’s meteoric rise
in the 1990s. You can participate in the 2009
Census and add your voice to the research.
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- While there is still much work to be done, it's wonderful
to see how much the previous work of others has benefited us
all. We owe these fighters of religious freedom a debt of gratitude.
And for that, everyone here at Pagan's Path extends a heartfelt
and deeply appreciative Thank you!
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- Many Blessings,
- Director, The Pagan's Path
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- Of Oak, Ash & Thoughts
- Archives
- · 11/2008
- A Shift In World Consciousness
- · 10/2008
- The Black Hat Society Of Virginia
- · 09/2008
- Lady SpringWolf Receives Her Doctorate
- · 04/2008
- Announcing Spring's Haven
- · 02/2008
- Fed Up With Silly Pagan Info
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- · 01/2009
- Survey Reveals Feelings about Wicca
- · 04/2009
- The Fight For Legal Recognition
- · 09/2009
- 2009 Pagan Census
- · 10/2009
- Pagans Are Everywhere
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| |
- · 12/2006
- Who Is Santa Claus
- · 12/2006
- Looking Back At You
- · 05/2006
- The DaVinci Code Perspective
- · 04/2006
- The Pagan'sPath Mission
- · 03/2006
- A Quarterly Homily
- · 12/2005
- A Year End Homily
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- · 12/2007
- It's Ok To Degrade Pagans
- · 11/2007
- Pagan Awareness Campaign
- · 09/2007
- The Time To Honor Your Elders
- · 07/2007
- A Special Memorial - Merlin
- · 05/2007
- Living Your Passion
- · 01/2007
- Talking Tolerance Again
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- Special Notices Archives
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- Spring's Haven is focused on understanding spirituality
to bring about tolerance and peace. Our goal is to facilitate
holistic spiritual awareness, enlightenment, wellness and self
empowerment through education and celebration.
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- The Center is a non-member organization. Individuals
participate because they want
- to share in hope, community and friendship with other
spiritual beings.
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- A Charitable Organization
- For Virginia Witches &
Pagans
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- Share your knowledge, your thoughts or ask your questions
and find out what others think and do on the The
Pagan's Path Message Board
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