Editorial: The Christmas Spirit?

This time of year seems to be particularly controversial in the Pagan Community, as we are surrounded by Christmas whilst trying to celebrate the Winter Solstice. Yet if you look closely at the two festivals, they are not that different at all, and through both runs the same theme - a time for being with your friends and family; a time for generosity; a time of 'good will to all men'; a time to celebrate rebirth. The New Year too, doesn't have to be just a piss-up, but also becomes a time to renew old acquaintances, let go of grudges, and begin anew - sup from the Cup of Friendship even with your enemies. Isn't that what the so-called Christmas Spirit is all about? Even if you don't celebrate Christmas, there is a distinct atmosphere hanging around this time of year that is particularly conducive to spending time with friends and family, to giving gifts and receiving them, and generally being merry.

And this Christmas Spirit is exactly what the Pagan community needs to learn now. At times it feels as though you can't move for all the Bitchcraft and Bicca, all the accusations of 'not being Pagan enough', being 'too fluffy', or 'too into Crowley'. Go on a Pagan chat room or discussion forum on the internet, to get a small taster of the terrible way in which we approach our fellow Pagans - we judge them as worth talking to or not based on what their practices are, what books they have read, what they believe, and what Gods they worship. What, you use Catholic Saints in your magical workings? You're not a real Pagan! And you don't believe in Gods at all? You are not worthy to be called Pagan! You are a scientist? You can't be a Pagan scientist! You're not vegetarian? But all Pagans must be vegetarian! You invoked Jesus, Odin, and Dionysus during the same ritual? Agh! Away from my sight evil one!

We continually fight amongst ourselves, as if trying to make claims to a single word, as if trying to be holier than our neighbour, as if we don't have enough drama in our lives so we must create more... And this is detrimental to Paganism. How are we to gain respect and recognition by non-Pagans and by the law if we are fighting amongst ourselves all the time? How are we supposed to show that Paganism is an open, tolerant, and diverse approach to religion when we continually judge and criticize others who don't believe the same as we do? And it is at this time that we need acceptance and recognition by non-Pagans the most - we are at a crucial point now, when our battle for recognition, tolerance, and respect can be won or lost depending on whether or not we can band together and show a united front.

Then there's the extended problem of Social Bullshit. Yes, those capital letters should be there, because this is another huge problem in the Pagan community - old grudges dragged out beyond measure, magical wars, spite, revenge, gossip, the need to spread rumours and create drama, the need for power and thus the need to discredit others... And somebody won't come to a moot because somebody else will be there; so-and-so spreads rumours about a coven so it loses respect and members; Joe Bloggs won't step into a Circle with John Smith because Smith is 'too fluffy' and Bloggs considers himself to be a 'proper Pagan'.

But just take the time to consider the advantages that can be gained when we stop this Social Bullshit and Bitchcraft and Bicca. Think of the advantages that can be gained when there is more contact between groups, and more open links between people and a willingness to freely move between groups and moots. For starters, there would be more opportunities for learning about other Pagan paths, other beliefs, and other practices. You would also find fellowship with people of like-mind, who could provide a support base for each other. After all, who doesn't want, every now and then, to sit down and discuss Pagan things with Pagan people, instead of being surrounded by people who think you're talking double Dutch when you mention Tarot, athames, Samhain, and Bel Fires.

I'm not asking everybody to love each other - that's impossible. All I am asking for is that petty grudges are pushed aside, judgement and intolerance vanished, and courtesy, respect, and tolerance are fostered in lieu of a greater good. It is time for us to team together for the good of Paganism, and there is more to Paganism than playground games.

Recently, we have seen a small example of such teamwork. When the Boscastle Witchcraft Museum was badly damaged during the August 2004 Boscastle floods, the Pagan community rallied together to do whatever they could to help. Fundraising activities happened; covens, organizations, and groups donated money; and conferences such as the Bristol Pagan Festival were organized in order to raise money. But why did it take a disaster such as that to bring us together?

Oh, and quit with the Christian-bashing. There's just no need for it. I understand that many Pagans have had bad experiences of Christianity, but to say that a bad experience is representative of an entire religion that is, let's face it, just as diverse as Paganism, is ludicrous. Of course there are 'nasty Christians', but there are nasty Pagans, Muslims, Hindus, etc, as well. There are also many 'nice Christians' who have no problem with Paganism and other religions, and will happily follow Jesus' teachings without feeling the need to impose their beliefs on others. If we are constantly throwing snide comments about Christianity around, and delighting in pointing out all the inaccuracies or contradiction in church teachings and the Bible, how are we showing Christians that Pagans are nice? That we are not evil devil-worshipers? We aren't.

On Remembrance Sunday I went to church. Every year I have gone to church to remember the dead of World War I and II, and now the dead of the most recent war, for I have family to remember and the Christian church is the only place that does a decent Remembrance Service. Imagine my surprise when the priest stood at the front of the church to give his sermon, and began to talk about Interfaith. Imagine my joy when he proclaimed that one way we will stop wars is to understand other cultures and their religion. Imagine my urge to give him a standing ovation when he exhorted his congregation to enter into dialogue with members of other religions, attend festivals of other religions, learn their language and their greetings, learn their customs and beliefs, and foster peace and tolerance towards them. If the Christians are calling for Interfaith and tolerance, why aren't we?!

And herein lie the aims of Cardiff University Pagan Society. We provide a neutral link and place for people of all Pagan paths and religions to come together, learn, and socialize. Our events are open to anybody, which means people from all around the Pagan community can attend. We also try to provide a neutral point between other Pagan groups, so that those who have recently come out of the 'broom closet' with their Pagan beliefs can dip their toes in the water of the Pagan community, and maybe later on find a group or coven to join. It has allowed me to see what it can be like when many diverse groups and individuals get together, and Social Bullshit is put to one side - even if for a short while.

And so I urge you - for the sake of Paganism as a whole, as a united front, look beyond the drama and power play. Look beyond the judgement and rumour-mongering, Christian-bashing and intolerance. Drink from the Cup of Respect and make the fostering of good will and the sharing of knowledge Paganism's highest goal.

Have a good Christmas holiday, and enjoy Issue 5 of the Pagan Society magazine.

Many Blessings,

Kim Huggens