Mainstreaming Pagans

September 22, 2011 by Gus diZerega

Continued from Page 1

Few in covens are as intensely experienced as shamans or as accomplished a medium as we find in, say, the African diasporic traditions of Voudon, Candomble, and Santeria, among others. Nor do they put in as much time. But many engage in variations of these practices. There is of course the possibility that in time as knowledge and teachings from these more intact Pagan traditions further enrich EuroAmerican practice, something like this will happen. But I doubt it. I think there will be a few such people, but most covens will remain largely as they have been. For one thing, Wiccan initiations ideally happen at minimal intervals of a year and a day, in many African traditions there are also three degrees, but they occur ideally at 6 year intervals. Three years and three days to being an elder compared to 18 years. That attracts different intensities of interest and commitment. This is not a criticism. The groups are not the same, though they overlap in their functions.

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9/22/2011 4:00:00 AM

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About Gus diZerega

Gus diZerega is a Gardnerian Elder with over 25 years practice, including six years close study with a Brazilian shaman. He has been active in interfaith work off and on for most of those 25 years as well. He has conducted workshops and given presentations on healing, shamanism, ecology and politics at Pagan gatherings in the United States and Canada. Follow Gus on Facebook. Gus blogs at Pointedly Pagan

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