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G&C: What first attracted you to Paganism? How did you learn about Paganism?
Skyfire: I'm not sure what the exact defining event was that made me start looking. At the time I had decided to become more involved in religion, so I put more effort into my studies for my Bat Mitzvah (which was coming up in an about a year). I thought that if I become more active, Judaism would be more fulfilling, and I would have one of those relationships with God, where there would be no doubts about life.
My Bat Mitzvah came and went, and I still felt the same as I did before. I'm one of those people that stays online for hours at a time, and just looks around, and I came across a Wicca page. I started "researching" by typing in all the Wiccan/Pagan terms I could think of and putting .com after them. I ended up becoming a daily visitor at the message boards at a site where I learned a lot of information, got recommended books, websites, etc. And it took off from there.
G&C: Do you follow a particular tradition or path? If so, what is it and why does it appeal to you?
Skyfire: I consider myself a Solitary Eclectic Wiccan. Solitary was a great thing for me, because it meant that I was in charge, I didn't have to wait for someone else to do something. Plus, I knew I would get more out it. I don't rend to open up in large groups of people, so this allowed me to be myself, and turned out to be the thing I was looking before. I say I'm Eclectic simply because I'm 15. I don't know what I want, so I try everything. I don't want to miss out on something just because it's not what I practice on a normal basis. Also because I still go to a Jewish Sunday school. It's my way of being connected to a religious community. (But, I am not a Jewitch, Jewitchery is a path that I have looked into, but I don't feel completely comfortable in it) I consider myself Wiccan, because that's the path I'm familiar with at the moment. I know people that say they are Eclectic Pagans, but I'd feel like I was lying if I said that, because I'm only familiar with a few Pagan paths. Hopefully in time that will change.
G&C: What do you think are the key difficulties faced by teen Pagans in public/private schools?
Skyfire: Stereotypes seems to be affecting Pagan teens the most from their peers. You tell someone you're Pagan and suddenly, you worship the devil, you're a Goth, you only listen to Marilyn Manson, and people should stay away from you, because you might be a member of the Trench Coat Mafia.
In schools in general, censorship is the major issue. We can't express our path without getting weird looks or being questioned by teachers and peers. Fear is also a part of that, I'm afraid to wear a Pentagram in school because I don't want to get questioned, get those weird looks, have to go to the principal's office, and then possibly be suspended when I refuse to take it off. It's not that I'm ashamed, it's just that I don't want to have to explain my religious beliefs to everyone I pass in the hallway. I should just be able to wear it and have it be normal. In my case, I've gone through the whole religious symbol thing with the Star of David. Luckily though, I've always had teachers who knew what Judaism was, and didn't have to worry about anything. But now, I can almost guarantee you that at least 5 out of my 6 teachers don't have a clue what Paganism really is.
G&C: What problems have you faced as a teen Pagan with your parent(s) and other adult authority figures? What about adult Pagans you've encountered?
Skyfire: When I told my father, I got the impression from him that he thought it was all just a phase. He told me to be cautious, which is understandable, because I was going into unknown territory. And he didn't say anything about it after that. I think he's trying one of those "I should let her make her own mistakes" things. Which for me is a wonderful thing. It allows me the freedom I need to explore.
Most if not all of my friends know of my religious choice, but when telling them, I didn't realize that they'd tell their parents. Imagine my surprise when staying the night at a friend's and her mom making a comment about me putting a spell on her so her hair would look better. I just smiled and laughed. But I've been amazingly lucky, no one has said, "You're a Witch, I'm not gonna be your friend." I've gotten people online saying that I was a Satanist, and going to hell, etc., etc. But that's about it.
I recently, though, wrote an article to the South Bend Tribune about the Niles incident. The thought never occurred to me that the Rabbi at the Temple I was attending would read it. But once again, I lucked out and he simply said that it was a bold article, that he didn't know many people that would get that involved, and that he was proud of me.
G&C: Do you think Pagan adults fail to accept that teens are just as serious about Paganism as they are? Do you feel that things are getting better or worse? Between teen Pagans and adult Pagans, are there any notable differences in attitudes toward or opinions on Paganism?
Skyfire: There are many adult Pagans out there that are less then thrilled to get involved with minors, from a legal and moral stand point. I get e-mails everyday from teens saying that they had e-mailed others but all they got in return was, sorry you're a minor. Being cautious is good, but you shouldn't shut them out completely. I know people that answer the legal problem by having their parents talk to them, before they teach them anything, just so they know it's okay with them.
Determining if a teen is serious about learning or just saw The Craft one too many times, is usually easily solved also. If they simply are interested in spells, then they probably are interested in the religious point of view. But there are those out there that are truly wanting to learn. Turning them away is not the answer.
For those teens that are already established in Paganism, to say that they are less of a Pagan than yourself, is to say that they are less human than you are. One of the most painful experiences I've had was my sister telling me I was stupid, and that I wasn't Pagan, when I told her I was. Those few sentences that meant nothing to her took away my life. If you refuse to recognize that there are teen Pagans, it's the same as telling your children that they aren't human. If people continue to have the stereotype that all teens get into Paganism as a fad, then they will grow up, avoiding Pagan groups and gatherings; they will miss out on all that it has to offer. We can't restrict people from potential knowledge, it's as simple as that.
I don't think there are many differences between adult and Pagan teens. Teens seem to be more in a faster pace of life, and have a harder time with meditation and forms of divination. But they also seem to be more interested in it. When you tell them that they have the ability to read Tarot cards or Runes, they get really excited. Adults see it more as a once in a while hobby. ... but that's about it ...
G&C: Are you a member of any Pagan organization? Do you think it's unfair that teens are not allowed to join most Pagan organizations without parental consent?
Skyfire: The only Pagan organization that I can be considered a member of, it The Celtic Connection Council of Elders. (A website: www.wicca.com) Yes, Elders. They actually picked me because I was a teen. But, they did ask me if I had told my parents about my path, and said if I hadn't they were sorry, but they couldn't let me be on the Council.
This seems like a good policy to me. Of course, I could have just lied to them if I hadn't told my father. That's why it's understandable that so many organizations restrict minors. I think there should be some exceptions to the rule. If I, for example, wanted to participate in a program, and I had my dad call the programmers and tell them that he was okay with what I was doing, then I would hope any restrictions placed on me, wouldn't be because of my age.
But as in other religions, there are the adult groups and the youth groups. I hope that, in the future, Pagan youth groups will be just as possible as Christian or Jewish groups. Meanwhile, I believe there should be some sort of networking going around, regardless of age. We are the minority, and therefore face unique problems. Sometimes we need someone who's been there. If there are no connections going on, who are these teens going to turn to?
G&C: Is it possible for you to be open about your Pagan beliefs with your friends? Do you have friends who are also Pagans? If so, what attracted them?
Skyfire: It took a little while, but now I think everyone who knows me in the school, knows that I'm Pagan. Of course, most people found out from someone else, who thought it was good gossip to say I was a Witch. Only one of my friends has ever said anything bad about it, which is understandable because she's a New Born Christian. But we're still friends, and now she could really care less what religion I am. Otherwise, I've had people come up to me and ask me where to get "magic" candles and other things. They are very disappointed when I said the grocery store or something of the like.
I know of only one other Pagan at my school. There have been rumors around that there's a Senior that's a Satanist, but that's probably just a rumor. I'm not really good friends with the guy, but I know if something ever happened at school, like they'd banned Pentagrams, that I could go to him and we could work something out.
I'm not exactly sure how he got involved, but I know he's really into Sci-fi, Fantasy, RPGs, etc. So he probably found some information on it through that.
G&C Is it possible for you to celebrate the Sabbats or perform rituals - either on your own or with Pagan friends?
Skyfire: I can't perform outdoor rituals, because of curious neighbors, but indoors is a freedom I've been granted. I've never had to tell my dad not to bother me or anything, I just shut my bedroom door and he'll leave me alone. He doesn't really like me burning candles because he thinks the dog will knock them over, but he tolerates it. He doesn't really like me burning incense either, because I have a few that smell like marijuana, and he gets paranoid. But, as long as I'm careful, he doesn't care, so I'm free to do what I want.
G&C: What would you see as ideal conditions for teen Pagans in today's society? Do you see any major problems with the way today's teen Pagans are developing, any stumbling blocks or impediments?
Skyfire: Being able to wear a Pentagram and not get funny looks would be wonderful. Not having to explain that we can't turn people into frogs. Not being afraid. Not having teachers assume that everyone in their class is a good little American that believes in Jesus. Being able to form groups and hold events without fear or persecution.
The only thing about today's teens is that most are amazingly cautious. They feel like they need to have instructions for every little thing. It's hard for them to let go. We all say we want to do what we want, not what someone else wants, but when we get the chance, we don't know what to with it.
G&C: How do you think Pagan adults and organizations could better support and teach Pagan teens?
Skyfire: Being a friend is the best thing to do. Don't scare them, we are a generation that is very aware of stalkers and is very afraid of them. But offer them information, give them recommendations. If you have a Pagan shop or group, list it somewhere, on the Internet (www.witchvox.com), phone book, etc. so they can know that you are there if they need you. If you know of local events that admit minors, let them know. Give them the freedom they need to grow, but also help set guidelines for them. Don't tell them everything, let them figure it out on their own. And most of all, keep an open mind. We are young, we think differently than you sometimes, so be calm and take some time to explain things.