Beltane 1998 Newsletter Young Pagans 1 By Anake

Are there any under 18's that are members of the Pagan Alliance? I am 16, an eclectic, solitary witch in NSW. And its not all that strange being a young Pagan in Australia. Because Paganism is growing and becoming more well known, I've discovered a few like minded people. And why are all my Witch or Pagan friends female? I know of a few witches that go to my Catholic school (from the pentagrams they wear or by word of mouth). And more directly, I am friends with one Pagan - which is great because we can discuss topics agreeable to each other. She has a groovy dress sense, does Tarot, candles and new age books accessorise her room and all that.. It was her mother that was worried with the opinions of certain people at our school, that her daughter wouldn't be welcome there, due to Satanic misconceptions. And certainly teachers of this Catholic school are aware of adolescent behaviour, and opting for alternative religions? It's not as if all the teachers were Catholic either.

I find it quite funny, the conceptions people have. There are certain males that assume my Pagan friend and I are following a cult, or we worship Satan. They actually seem to think that Satan is "cool". Personally, I don't believe in Satan. The young people of today usually like Satan more than God. Many account of "believing in God, but not his teachings". So what is my Catholic school coming to? What do young people believe in?

I don't understand a religion of damning one to hell if they choose not to follow the 10 commandments. I always found it too dictating myself. I believe in growing spiritually, and getting in touch with the more simple world, and the Earth. Taking walks with wind blowing through your hair, as you hold out your arms and close your eyes. Meditating to "Enigma" with candles in Winter, within the sanctuary of your room. Waking up in the middle of the night with the full moon looking in through your window, casting shadows on your face. Listening to the rain, and watching the fire in the fire place.

What's with 15 year old chicks today, claiming to be "white" witches and making a spell to break someone's arm. Or getting pissed off their heads and ripping out newly planted trees for throwing at people? It may be wonderful to be a witch for them, but is that just it? Just to dabble in spells to get their way. I would rather run away from it all (with year 12 creeping up) and run free and wild in a forest. That's what Pagans used to do - before technology and industry and maths tests took over.

But still, I am confined to being skyclad in my bathroom, and jamming furniture up against my bedroom door, in the hope of not being disturbed when calling up the elements with my athame. My mother thinks I'll burn the house down with my candles. But I don't think she's realised she's lost her "little Catholic girl" to what am now - a misconceived young confused individual. A student of Paganism. A Witch.

I'm also listed in the contact section of the Pagan Times because I'm seeking young Pagans.