|
|||||||
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
|||||||
The sex abuse scandal in the Catholic Church has brought to light numerous instances of how religious leaders do not practice what they preach. Sad to say this problem extends - though not always in such a dramatic context - through every known religious system, including the Pagan traditions.
One of the primary reasons there are so few organized bodies in Paganism is because of the lack of legitimate leadership. "Legitimate" does not mean a person holds certain credentials or college degrees. In this instance, it involves the personal qualities which define a true leader. Just because an individual can claim to be an elder, or a reverend, or use any other title, does not automatically make him or her a worthy leader. Having books published on various Pagan topics doesn't not always merit that designation, either.
Knowing and doing, after all, are two entirely different things.
Pagan leaders continually strive for balance of body, mind and spirit. They have control over their own lives, and observe the precept of "Harm None" - however their particular tradition defines it - at all times. They see all human beings as equal, individual variations of faith as a right, and all paths as valid.
Knowing this, it is relatively easy to spot the self-proclaimed leaders. Those who are all too ready to contribute to "witch wars", or may start them in an attempt to discredit others who are trying to do good in the Pagan community, can be found on numerous e-groups. Some may start a group with good intention, but activities soon disintegrate into power-plays. Most often, and all too sadly, such groups crumble into nothingness, when the potential to affect real change was present.
False leaders are recognizable by their failure to abide by "Harm None." They may adopt self-righteous attitudes, smoke pack after pack of cigarettes, or drugs or alcohol. This latter statement has been protested, using the example of shamans. Be that as it may, no Pagan leader would use illegal drugs to the point where they impede their daily functioning.
The time for the nonsense put forth by false Pagan leaders must end, and soon, or the entire Pagan community will suffer irreparable damage. Once again, it is not about instituting a Pagan seminary, leading to formal ordination. It is about ensuring the integrity of the leaders, so Paganism can move forward, instead of stagnating in a morass of foolishness.
The true leaders in the Pagan community are not those who stand on a soap box and preach to the others about what they should be doing, or how they should live. They are the ones who live what they believe, often quietly. When asked a question, they answer in simple terms, avoiding complex explanations only meant to impress the querent. If they have an idea, they don't expect others to follow through on it for them. They accomplish their goals by the sweat of their own brows.
These genuine individuals have a calm demeanor, and are unthreatened by the activities of others. The phony leaders, however, see themselves as constantly in competition with others for the attention of those "beneath" them.
That's how they see others, as a matter of fact. These megalomaniacs view everyone else as wrong, while they are the only ones who are right. An attempt to discuss any philosophical, religious or even mundane subject with them will reveal they hold their own opinions as superior to all others. If a person will not fully agree with their opinions, a full-blown argument may ensue, and any friendship or acquaintance is soon ended.
It's pitiful, really, but the Pagan community doesn't need these types of leaders, just as there is no need for those who claim to be Pagans but do little in the way of living their chosen beliefs. Talk is cheap, as they say.
It's more important to walk the walk, to practice what is preached - and to preach with action rather than words. In this light, when a false leader proclaims himself, or someone sets herself up as an elder without due cause, those who know the truth about the individual should make a point to tell others, so those seeking the truth, new on the Pagan path, or who may be somewhat gullible will not fall victim to these ludicrous clowns.
If a person thinks silence is the best way to handle the situation, for fear of damaging a friendship or other considerations, it is advisable to think again. The phony leaders don't know the first thing about real friendship. They are users, plain and simple. They can even be abusers on a verbal and emotional level. Trying to be friends with such people only drains valuable energies which could be better used on magickal pursuits or in celebrating the beauty of life.
Home Page Current Issue Past Issues The Frater's Domain Quill's Corner