Out of the Broom Closet
Withes on Campus
Mindy Shuman
Issue date: 11/12/04 Section: Campus Life
Elichtiah, a former student at Yuba College, mother and Internet business owner, was raised as a pagan. "My grandma was Pagan and my mom was Pagan until she got married."
Elichtiah's family tradition is rare. Most practitioners discover Pagan paths through books, the Internet, or sometimes they are introduced by friends.
Seren was 15 when the sister of a boyfriend gave her some books. Tana Faye-Ree, another student, was introduced by a friend of the family when she was a child, but it wasn't until she turned 19 that she actually began studying Strega, an Italian tradition of witchcraft.
"I remember just pushing my nose into Italian Witchcraft going "oh, this is exactly what I think and feel!"" Tana Faye-Ree recalls. "I started collecting books on the various types of Paganism, and I just read them like time was running out."
While for many years people tried to push the idea that la Vecchia Religione, or the Old Religion, was secretly passed on witch to witch through the centuries, most now concede that this is untrue. It is generally agreed upon that Wicca was created by Gerald Gardner shortly after the Witchcraft Acts of Britain were repealed in 1951. While he may have been initiated into a family tradition by a woman he called "Old Dorothy," it is clear that his books "Witchcraft Today" in 1954 and "The Meaning of Witchcraft" in 1959 had many influences. Among them were Charles Leland's "Aradia: Gospel of the Witches" and Robert Graves' "The White Goddess." Margaret Murray, Egyptologist and anthropologist who wrote "The Witch-Cults in Western Europe" also provided background information. His own interests probably inspired the rest of what Gardner wrote.
While many argue the validity of these sources, the fact remains that of the many spiritual paths made popular during the 1960's; Wicca, its offshoots and Paganism in general have steadily climbed in popularity. Now there are endless traditions, covens, groups and solitary practitioners. As the movement grows witches are coming "out of the broom closet" so to speak, beginning to take a stand for their rights and form local groups.
Elichtiah's family tradition is rare. Most practitioners discover Pagan paths through books, the Internet, or sometimes they are introduced by friends.
Seren was 15 when the sister of a boyfriend gave her some books. Tana Faye-Ree, another student, was introduced by a friend of the family when she was a child, but it wasn't until she turned 19 that she actually began studying Strega, an Italian tradition of witchcraft.
"I remember just pushing my nose into Italian Witchcraft going "oh, this is exactly what I think and feel!"" Tana Faye-Ree recalls. "I started collecting books on the various types of Paganism, and I just read them like time was running out."
While for many years people tried to push the idea that la Vecchia Religione, or the Old Religion, was secretly passed on witch to witch through the centuries, most now concede that this is untrue. It is generally agreed upon that Wicca was created by Gerald Gardner shortly after the Witchcraft Acts of Britain were repealed in 1951. While he may have been initiated into a family tradition by a woman he called "Old Dorothy," it is clear that his books "Witchcraft Today" in 1954 and "The Meaning of Witchcraft" in 1959 had many influences. Among them were Charles Leland's "Aradia: Gospel of the Witches" and Robert Graves' "The White Goddess." Margaret Murray, Egyptologist and anthropologist who wrote "The Witch-Cults in Western Europe" also provided background information. His own interests probably inspired the rest of what Gardner wrote.
While many argue the validity of these sources, the fact remains that of the many spiritual paths made popular during the 1960's; Wicca, its offshoots and Paganism in general have steadily climbed in popularity. Now there are endless traditions, covens, groups and solitary practitioners. As the movement grows witches are coming "out of the broom closet" so to speak, beginning to take a stand for their rights and form local groups.
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 4
elichtiah
elichtiah
posted 11/26/04 @ 12:54 PM EST
what a wonderful story.....i am so happy someone is trying to set people straight that we are not devil worshipping crazy people. it was very nice to have you to one of our gatherings mindy. (Continued…)
the_joo_83
the_joo_83
posted 12/01/04 @ 1:45 PM EST
It is a wonderful article, and I think it's about time someone got the courage to announce that yes, there are pagans all around our little town. I would be glad to assist anyone in gathering more information on Paganism and Wicca. (Continued…)
sollasollewmn
sollasollewmn
posted 9/13/05 @ 4:33 PM EST
It's a good article but "Wicca and Paganism are the fastest growing religions of the day..."? Please cite your source. Anyone who belongs to the religion thinks it's very popular. (Continued…)
water.melan
water.melan
posted 9/19/05 @ 2:48 PM EST
About freaking time.
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