Most of us attend school at some time in our lives. School seems a trivial inconvenience at most times, especially when we are forced to study things like algebra and advertising. But as it is, our futures depend on our education.
As Pagans, our lives at school can often make it harder to define our individuality. Our spiritual path will often conflict with teachers and students. The conscious decision to publicly affirm your spirituality can lead to friction. To make the best of your own school experience, read on.
Peering Pupils:
Communication
School is not so much about what we learn but about who we learn with. Our peers are those who sit beside us during class. They are not necessarily our friends but may simply represent the majority of the student body we are unfamiliar with. These are the people whose opinions “really matter” when it comes to fashion, popularity, and the social ladder. These are the vicious bureaucrats who pass judgement on individual worth. These are the individuals who spread gossip like wildfire through campus and can make or break our appeal and identity. Amongst our peers are also our friends, those whom we have come to love and bicker with.
School is a blur of faces and personalities … a mural of diversity, laughter, depression, and tears. English and history soon disappear into the vague realms of irrelevance when we come to the crossroads in our relationships with others.
Communication is a vital bridge between two or more entities. However, the concept of communication does not suggest positive feedback and can often result in huge, meaningless debates over trivial details. This seems to be the norm, especially in the schoolgrounds, where we are forced to endure lame comments from idiotic students for who we are. Personalities often come under fire because of a social fear of the way someone is acting or how they identify themselves—for instance, guys who tend to make friends with girls and who are more academically inclined than sporty are often accused of being “fags.”
As Pagans, we are open to all sorts of insults and jokes from our peers, as Paganism is not wholly understood by the majority of society. It is not unheard of that when a Pagan or Witch comes out to their friends at school, there is a window of approximately forty-eight hours until the rest of the grade knows. I was fairly open about my interest in the occult when I first began high school and would often read Witchcraft books during classes or even bring charms to school. Soon my entire class knew, and then it spread on to the rest of my grade. There was no immediate backlash, and I merely received jokes and curiosity until my best friend at the time learnt that I was a Witch. This did not go down well, as he was a pious Christian, but he at least listened to me explain myself and my newfound spirituality.
It is not always a good idea, no matter how proud you feel, to publicly announce you are Pagan to others. Our relationships suffer and friction happily abounds. People soon realise they can use you as a scapegoat or even as the school joke. Unless you are seeking to experience how this can all feel at such a vulnerable time of adolescence, then I suggest you keep your beliefs private. I’m not saying deny your faith and simply lie about being Pagan but to be mature with the situation and to learn to know when there is a risk factor about being open. Remember to be yourself and to not fall to society’s own stereotypes about what a Witch or Pagan is. I’m not saying don’t come out of your shell but that you should do it gradually and get used to the idea of being assertive with your peers.
Often it’s not just ill-mannered humour we are subjected to but also religious evangelism. Most Australian schools, public and private, have prayer services catering to Christian students. Unfortunately, a majority of these groups are founded on the pretences that non-Christian members of the student body need salvation, and active conversion comes into play.
Some time ago, several Christian students discovered that I was a Witch and so began their long-winded attempts at converting me. Whenever I had class with them, they would constantly prattle on about the glory of God. This elevated into verbal attacks against me. It just so happened that these Christians sat with some of my friends who I occasionally visited during lunch. I remember the fear I had whenever I gained enough courage to venture up to where they sat. Often my visits ended in religious battles, in which both my beliefs and theirs (ashamedly so) were put under scrutiny, though I seemed to be on the receiving end most of the time. The situation grew to the point where their entire church was praying for my soul, which they readily admitted to me. Eventually, the friction wore away and ironically we became friends, and religion is no longer a topic of discussion between us. This is simply one of thousands of similar situations around the world today in which individuals are discriminated against because of spiritual persuasion. Yet, as my experience proves, reconciliation is a possible and valid pathway to solve the problems that arise between people.
At other times, it is not necessarily the fear for the purity of your soul that causes people to feel they have the right to abuse you but also the mocking disbelief in Paganism and Witchcraft in terms of Magick and spells.
Have you ever had an obnoxious moron approach you with a lop-sided grin? You stand there, innocently wondering what all the fuss is about, only to discover you’ve been on the receiving end of a horrible joke. In many cases, once you have outed yourself, you will be met by harsh laughter, which can break down your internal self-esteem.
“Can you really cast spells?” “If you’re a Witch, then where’s your broom?” and “Go on, then, curse me. I dare you!” are all examples of the types of questions that are fired constantly from self-absorbed brats who have nothing better to do. It takes a strong-willed person to remain unaffected by comments such as these, and it is your right to feel angry and irritated. However, never allow them to see that you are annoyed or frustrated with them. Fight fire with fire; sarcasm is only ever quelled with sarcasm. Instead of wasting your time educating people who do not matter to you, use some of the following retorts:
“Oh gods, I’ve dropped my wand! Have you seen it?”
“My broom? Oh, we don’t use brooms anymore. I took the Hoover
to school.”
“Curse you? Looks like someone else beat me to it.”
Sarcasm can be taken to the extreme and beyond, and you’ll need to know when to drop the act and to don your educator’s cap, ready to regurgitate condensed versions of what you have learnt. Never give anyone an excuse to think they are right when they are obviously wrong, unless of course it’s at their own expense.
Fighting for the right of fair treatment and equality is an ongoing battle for Pagans, but it is one that has proven successful in many respects. Though there are still those who view our spirituality as superstitious, we are also regarded as genuine spiritual people by many others.
Honour yourself, others, your environment, and the universe with sincerity and humility, and swift comprehension will follow. Remember, it is not how we dress or what jewellery we wear that defines who we are but our thoughts and our words and how we compose them—and even then that leans dangerously close to the realm of egomania.
Be mindful that anger and frustration are all negative emotions that will not only enrage your “opponents” but will also amplify their own feelings and increase stubbornness concerning changing their preconceived notions about you. Be firm with your words while ever remaining gentle and wise. Do not hate others simply because they believe differently than you, but understand and accept that these feelings are also human and entirely valid. Acting on your hatred with violence is weak and ultimately stupid. Know that it is better in the long run for you to choose to back down from religious wars with others and to acknowledge their feelings and background. Many people who preach their word as the absolute truth are brought up in fundamentalist families and are inundated by these ideas from an early age. Opportunities to reassess one’s belief system are often futile in relation to these individuals, and hope should not be spent on their willingness to change but on the effect these views will have on you.
Every day in our lives, we are surrounded by people whose personal convictions are so varied that we often lose ourselves in the ocean of opinion. It is wise to always question your decision to open up to others on the subject of your spiritual path. If you do feel like opening up to a friend at school, then you will need to ask yourself a few questions regarding their attitudes towards issues not just of a spiritual or religious nature, such as homosexuality and abortion. Generally, if you have known them to react to the above issues negatively, chances are they will not take to the idea of you following an alternative spirituality. Even so, we cannot always be so readily strategic with our dealings with others, and often the truth finds ways to out itself. In cases such as these, it is best to simply take a straightforward approach and hope that the person in question will accept you. Many Pagans find that they have incorrectly assumed how others will react and rejoice inwardly when friends and peers simply smile and nod.
As Paganism is essentially a decentralised, autonomous, and sometimes anarchistic group of spiritualities, there are no universal organisations or networks that apply to all Pagans. Therefore, it is important to note that everything we say about our spirituality will affect the way outsiders view Paganism. When discussing your spirituality with peers and attempting to reconstruct their misconceptions, it is preferable to start small and use solid examples. For instance, start with the pentagram; bring the person’s attention to the construct and design of the symbol. Indicate the five points and how each individual arm interlocks and passes onto the next. Also mention the circle that encompasses the five points, and explain what the symbol means, highlighting common misconceptions and deconstructing them, replacing them with truths.
After you have introduced your peers to something apparent and visible, the next step is to attempt to give words to your thoughts and to allow yourself to make sense. Explain the basic beliefs of Paganism, remembering to use examples wherever possible and to attempt to answer all of their questions kindly and not in contempt.
The following is a list of key points you might like to include in your spiel about Paganism:
• Paganism is a Nature-based set of spiritualities that has its roots in the pre-Abrahamic (or pre-Christian) ancient civilisations of the world.
• The word Pagan derives from the Latin word “paganus,” which literally means “rustic” or “country-dweller” and was applied to people who retained their native and cultural practices and customs, e.g., agricultural and pastoral communities who continued to worship Nature deities and local spirits. Later on, the word evolved into an insult implying a savage, unintelligent, backward, and hedonistic person.
• Pagans do not worship Satan or demons, as these entities stem from Judeo-Christian and earlier Zoroastrian concepts that developed into complex schools of thought. Nor do Pagans see opposing forces as inherently good or evil, as we have no absolute power recognising either.
• NeoPaganism, a term referring to the current Pagan traditions, abides by the general law of “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” in its varying forms. Though this is not a central tenet of all Pagan traditions, it is a reasonable assessment of generic NeoPaganism.
• Witchcraft, Wicca, Santería, Voudoun, Asatru, and other reconstructionist traditions are all essentially Pagan.
• Equality, respect, creativity, and individualism are all qualities admired and adhered to by most Pagans.
• Both female and male deities are honoured, though not all adhere to this principle—some prefer to form personalised relationships with individual deities, called patrons.
• Pagans generally fall under a polytheistic, pantheistic, animistic, ditheistic, or archetypal belief in divinity (or a variation of several of these). Several Pagans subscribe to henotheistic monotheism—the worship of one deity whilst simultaneously acknowledging the existence of other deities.
• Most Pagans see science as compatible with their belief systems.
• In general, Pagans believe in and work with Magick, the universal, underlying flow of energy.
• Most Pagans are pro-choice and liberal in attitude towards issues of government, sexuality, birth control, etc.
• Discrimination on the grounds of race, gender, sexuality, appearance, religion, etc., is frowned upon by Pagans.
• Pagans generally seek to attune themselves with the natural cycles of the environment by celebrating festivals based around pastoral and harvest rites and/or the solstices and equinoxes.
• Sin is an alien concept in Pagan belief systems in terms of original sin, the definition of sin, and the guilt based upon sin. Salvation is not a widely recognised concept either.
• Pagans do not seek to convert others or proselytise their faith.
Note that the above statements are generalised and do not necessarily apply to all Pagans. Always remember to link your statements to universal concepts or symbols; for example, when discussing divinity, you might like to make mention of the moon and the sun as embodiments of the feminine and masculine spirits of the universe.
The Wizard’s Apprentice:
Teacher and Student Relations
Teachers are the universal archetype of wisdom, or in this case, government sanctioned slave labour (i.e., homework). Whatever your attitude towards teachers, they are an ever-present component of school, and we will all deal with them at one stage or another.
Unlike the somewhat informal relationships and language you share with your peers, the relationship forged between teacher and student is more robotic. Personalities are strained and words controlled so as to keep the teachers placated. There are times when it is not just lack of attention or incompetence in class that is our downfall but our spirituality and how it is perceived by the teacher.
During my five years of high school, I encountered only fantastic and open-minded teachers who were all genuinely curious about my beliefs and treated me as an equal despite deep-set animosities or preconceptions concerning what I did. I feel I am very lucky in this regard, as I know several other young Pagans who have had trouble at school concerning their spiritual persuasions.
Most teachers found out that I am Pagan not by word of mouth but by my own personal decision to open up. Generally, if I felt the risk was not too high, I indirectly let them know; however, it rarely came to that point. While at school, I did many of my assignments on Paganism, and through this many teachers began to ask me about my beliefs. In response to these inquiring minds, I usually offered a variety of concise textual sources such as the Pagan Pride pamphlet on Pagan students at school. Ultimately, it allowed my teachers to develop an understanding of who I am. However, it is not a good idea to loudly proclaim to every teacher within earshot that you are Pagan and you have free information to hand out, because that is proselytising and is not attractive behaviour.
Generic prerequisites for becoming a teacher are having an open mind, a willingness to educate, and an ability to listen to and cater to students’ needs. If you ever feel you are being discriminated against by a teacher, you have the right to inform an authority figure about it. There is discrimination in schools, and some of it does come from teachers and staff. Sometimes I felt that ignorance was being conveyed towards my beliefs, and it was a narrow-mindedness that has no place in schools. I do not wish to persecute anyone for not ever having heard about Paganism, I am simply admitting to feeling a little out of place because of it.
I once brought my Tarot cards to school to read for a friend. A teacher walked past and asked what I was doing. I told her and she walked off, seemingly unaffected. Eventually she returned and told me they were not appropriate for school and to put them away, which I did. However, I felt that my rights had been abused, as the same teacher had exclaimed that it was “cute” for students to bring Bibles to school and to read them during their breaks. Now what is the difference between reading Bibles during a break and reading Tarot cards? Both are channels for the divine to give advice, and both are valid spiritual tools. However, it is quite obvious the teacher in question thought there was a difference between the two and probably associated Tarot cards with something sinister.
The ignorance portrayed above is not based on an intended hatred of Paganism but on the basic ignorance of what it is and a fear of what it can mean.
In general, teachers will strive to be accepting. I have interacted with countless teachers who have treated me and my spirituality fairly and with no problems in doing so. Many of them are Christian; in fact, one was a retired Catholic priest! Understanding is not a one-way street—it involves both parties meeting halfway and encourages acceptance of each other.
The way you present yourself, the way you speak, and the depth of your sincerity are all factors that contribute to your overall persona as understood by teachers. Building bridges between the generations allows for new insights and advice from a source you may never have considered before. Intelligence is one of the most respected attributes in our society, and with it you may achieve what you want to as long as you have the willpower. Many would like to tell you that university degrees are the only assured way of securing your permanent access to opportunities awaiting you. I say go as far as you want with institutionalised education, and as long as you can apply what you know and have the patience and humility to continue learning, you will get where you want to.
Assignments
This word strikes fear in the hearts of students everywhere. However, homework also tends to drain us of time and energy, and it reminds us of the shackles restraining our freedom while we attend school.
The great thing about subjects such as English and history is that assignments are generally format only, in which we are given choices of what to enter into that format. Instead of writing an essay on the French Revolution, why not try the New Age Revolution? When the prospect of analysing a Shakespearean play is staring you right in the face, read up on Macbeth and compare the traditional Elizabethan views on Witches with real Witchcraft. Put a Pagan spin on your assignments, and you’ll soon find that you are able to get good grades as well as further your knowledge of Paganism.
Below I have provided a list of assignments I did at school on the topics of Witchcraft and Paganism, to help inspire you and get your own creative juices flowing:
• An oral performance on stereotypical Witchcraft
• A mini-magazine on modern Witchcraft (articles included an examination of the Tarot’s Major Arcana, teen Witchcraft, and Wicca and its origins)
• An argumentative essay debating the existence of Magick
• A comparison between two spiritual poems—Desiderata by Max Ehrmann and The Witches’ Creed by Doreen Valiente
• A Shakespearean-styled performance implementing Pagan lore and custom
• A persuasive speech on the validity of Paganism as a modern spirituality
• A portrait of a Mother Goddess
• An essay on the New Age revolution
• A website about Wicca
• An artistic appraisal of Francisco José de Goya’s “The Sabbat”
• Creating, marketing, and selling “spell boxes”
• Film treatment and storyboard with Pagan theme
• Oral commentary on Witches in the media
• “Chapter One” writing task—Pagan fiction
• Community feature article on local Paganism
• A series of paintings based on the myth of Persephone
Regulation Jewellery
Most schools have regulations restricting the wearing of excessive jewellery on the body. At the school I attended, the regulation was female-specific and listed what could be worn. A signed parental note was necessary for the wearing of religious jewellery for both males and females. Though not all teachers actively enforced these rules, there were occasions when students were asked to remove non-regulation jewellery or have it confiscated. On several occasions, I was asked to remove my spiritual jewellery. To ensure you are never bothered about the wearing of Pagan-related imagery, simply follow the standard procedures set down by your school, i.e., retrieve a permission note from your parents, and keep it on you.
There is no discrimination here, simply an unawareness of the implications and meanings of Pagan-related spiritual symbols. While I was hanging out at the front of the school with my friends, my maths teacher noticed my bind-rune pendant and politely asked me to remove it. I simply replied that it was of religious significance. I knew what would come next and told her that it was a Pagan symbol. A sceptical look came over her face, and she quipped, “That’s a bit old, isn’t it?” Luckily enough, an older student who was fairly respected during her time at school stepped in and explained to my teacher that Paganism was alive and well in the modern world, and after a few short moments she seemed to accept the fact.
I am well aware, however, that there are many cases in which a student may be asked to remove jewellery because it is seen as dangerous, inappropriate, or satanic. This is where it is essential that you step in and inform your teacher that your jewellery is of spiritual relevance to you and that its stereotypical associations are outdated myths. It is important that you also apply the educational techniques you learnt earlier in this chapter when confronting teachers about your right to wear Pagan jewellery. Be kind, patient, and assertive, and respect for your rights should follow.
There are many Pagans who share differing opinions on the matter of jewellery and enforcing the right to be able to wear it. Some say it isn’t worth fighting for, and if asked to remove jewellery at school, then you should comply. It is really up to you. You may even feel that wearing Pagan jewellery is more of a fashion statement or attention-seeking method than anything else, and you are entitled to believe so. In cases such as these, it is important to remember Paganism is not rigid and does not require you to believe certain things—or wear them, for that matter.
Wearing spiritual jewellery is an act of devotion and connection to one’s traditions. Currently I am wearing the triskele, as it is a symbol of my Celtic ancestors and my gods. It also allows me to feel a part of the Pagan community. The adrenaline rush you get when another Pagan recognises your symbol and approaches you is truly magickal.
Responsibility comes with wearing Pagan jewellery. Whether we ignore it or not, there are certain individuals who wear the pentagram to induce shock and to frighten others. People like that are best left to their own insecure psychological worlds. Wearing overbearingly large pentagrams is not recommended either, as chances are you will be seen to be trivialising Paganism. This doesn’t mean you have to hide your jewellery under your shirt, it just means that you need to take into account the fact that society is inclined to categorise and brand people into specific groups or classes, and Pagans are no exception.
Spiritual symbolism is a beautiful thing, and when treated with respect and understood as potent expression, Magick is afoot and the gods are at work.