Beltane 1998 Newsletter Young Pagans 2 By Darren

Humanity has always tried to find a scapegoat for its problems, while man still fights with the natural ebb and flow of universal energy. Some people still take the ego centric view and think that they are the centre of the universe, dominating over each other, every species of plant and animal, intimidating and suppressing things which are useful and sacred to the balance of us all. Humanity has not taken responsibility for their own actions, but has rather directed the blame to something or someone else. I guess that's why Satan is such a fundamental part of the Christian pantheon. Man's fear has kept God in business all these years.

The 'Old Religion' of celebration, myth, ritual and magic (in its unformed, undogmatised natural state) was suppressed and condemned as anathema to make way for the rise of monotheistic and patriarchal religions. Society was happy with letting other people make their decisions for them and being told what they should or shouldn't believe in, or do. It was easier to let someone else do the thinking and easier to follow. For centuries, the Christian Church has had its way, taking things out of context and basically turning the old ways into myth and legend and destroying a primitive, nature based way of living. People began to detach themselves from the land as the Creator was now out there somewhere in the heavens, separated from the earth and had given man - through dogma - dominion over the land, sea and the creatures which crawl on the surface. The Pagan Gods and Goddesses became Christian saints, others just disappeared altogether. Healing remedies and other sacred rituals became associated with witchcraft, in a diabolical sense. Celebrations of the seasons, sun, and moon cycles were camouflaged by Christian holidays. This same way of thinking created splits and opposites, dark/light, matter/energy, man/woman, and has caused a great imbalance on all levels. One's own body became a sin, another sacred rite which should be explored, expressed and celebrated, not suppressed.

And so, still lies today from the 16th and 17th centuries, the stigma, intolerance and ignorance which continues to divide us and threaten our planets existence. It is not a 'word' such as 'Paganism' or any other 'ism' which is responsible, it's the actions of human beings which are responsible. Instead of creating war, violence and things which disconnect us from the Earth and ourselves, we should be searching for some kind of balance, within ourselves, our community and the earth with which we live. We need to reconnect with our opposites and rediscover our love and kinship with Mother Earth, to 'know thyself'.

We can no longer live selfishly, and if we do we will destroy ourselves and every other species and ultimately the planet. We might not be able to sever the stigma attached to the word 'Paganism', but by hope, tolerance (it has to work someday) and education we can bite the devil back, more or less. However, it is basically up to the individual if they want to listen so that they can learn what is the truth and if they don't, that's their choice. WE are all free to do that. Words hurt, only if you listen.

A main problem is the power we give authoritative figures, over young minds to teach them from the start that there is a good and bad, right and wrong. Christianity has stressed these elements of thinking and children are taught in schools that Christianity is good and right and Paganism (or any other 'ism') is bad, wrong and inferior. Not only is this method narrow minded, but ignores the principle of being a human being and the right to be an individual. No one can teach you how to find yourself, it comes from inside. You have to make mistakes in order to learn and no one can save you as there is nothing to be saved from. Once people learn that the earth is our home, our guide, our mother, our life and breath, I don't think many people will be in a quick hurry to get to their heavens. Our minds should be expanded and open by those we share this world with, not to be closed in and forces into a low self esteem, guilt ridden and inferior state of mind by people who are older, have power, and claim they know the truth. People have no right to enforce their opinions on people who don't know any better. You can't liberate and transcend your spirit if you rely on others or hurt others to reach your goals.

I feel that all religions, not one religion should be taught in schools. Not just Christianity - but the whole multi layered spectrum of cultures and theologies which lay under the broad term of 'religion'. Religious knowledge must be taught at all levels of such a tender age to discontinue misconception, fear and intolerance some people have towards others spiritual paths. A lack of understanding and simple arrogance has transformed things which were once sacred into an inferior blasphemy. People should be taught to explore others believes and to respect them, a chance to expand the minds of our future, not narrow it. People should be able to make up their own minds about What path they take to discover themselves, not to be told. For true religion is at the heart and inspiration, not the parroting of religious doctrines. Religion should be a deep personal journey to find our place in the universe, to find our sanctuary with in ourselves on a continuous journey to "know thyself" and draw us closer to the life source which sustains us all.

Over my 20 years on this earth, I have come to the realisation that we are not human beings having a spiritual experience but a spiritual being having a human experience. The body is then sacred, the temple of the soul. I have and still seek strength, liberation and knowledge and will continue to travel and journey and travel seeking to 'know thyself' as I reconnect with the Earth and her cycles. I feel I have always been a Pagan (not the dictionary meaning), by my own interpretation, as I feel I have returned home. My friends are very open minded and understanding and we sometimes talk about the 'deep and meaningfuls' as it gives me a chance to voice my opinions and to listen to others. I like to surround myself with funny, intellectual and creative people. I am lucky to have them. However, I do not know of anyone who is a Pagan, let alone ones of the same age, or a member of the Alliance (as I have just recently joined). It would be great to talk to people around the same age who share the same or similar view on life. Could there be some organised meeting to give the young ones a chance to meet. Would any other younger members like to meet and have interesting, open minded conversation? The opportunity s there, we just need people to find the time. We are the future!!! Any suggestions or help would be greatly appreciated.