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Wiccan in the Military
People ask me all the time "How long have you been Wiccan?" and I can't honestly give them an answer, because I am very eclectic, and I have even been known to attend Asatru blots and hail their gods and goddesses. So when people ask me, I cannot honestly tell them because I follow more than just Wiccan traditions and practices. I answer, "Wiccan for just a few years," because according to the Air Force, Wicca is recognized, where as other Pagan paths are not. I was exposed to "Paganism", however, at a very early age.
I grew up with an Italian grandmother who exposed me to tarot cards at an early age. Although she was dedicated to her Christian beliefs, she always talked about tea leaf and tarot card readings. In the summer, it was tradition to pile in the car with my aunt, grandmother, and cousin to make the 45 minute pilgrimage to Lily Dale, New York (a psychic and spiritual colony) to talk, to get readings from the clairvoyants and shop at the crystal shop. I guess I call this experience my "pre-Pagan" years. I grew up in a small farming community with my Catholic mother who made me attend Catechism classes every Tuesday afternoon. I found that the nuns didn't have that much of a liking for me because I asked "too many questions". After I made my first communion, I quit.
At the age of 16, in 9th grade, I was working on a project on Native American Culture and background. I had made a beautiful medicine wheel from rabbit hide and turkey feathers. From there, my guides started appearing in dreams and helped me take that first step onto a path that seemed right for me. A path to a god on which I did not have to fear or worry about going to Hell. It was the medicine path.
In the winter of 1997, I reported to Lackland Air Force Base, Texas for Air Force Basic Training. During those six weeks, I learned a lot about myself and still maintained my spiritual faith. I became friends with two people of the Wiccan faith and learned that we had a lot in common.
I arrived at Langley AFB, Virginia in 1998, as a new Air Force Supply Technician. I was studying Wicca and the form of spiritualism I had become familiar with earlier in my life, and I was happy. I was a solitary and quiet about my practices. It was something about a church on every corner that made me feel uncomfortable. My duty section at the time had some very devout and outspoken Christians, which silenced me even more, with the exception of a friendly Master Sergeant who I confided in. I became lonely.
After two years at that section, I was slated to transfer to the 1st Operations Support Squadron Phase dock on January 18th, 2000. My job would consist of supporting the F-15 Aircraft in a hangar by ordering parts and helping to maintain the tools and some equipment. After feeling comfortable with my co workers, I decided that I would drop a hint to them that I was of the Wiccan faith. They were just "okay" with it at first. After getting to know me, they enjoyed having "The Supply Witch" around.
It wasn't until recently, after meeting many Pagans in the area, (including Langley) that I wondered why the Langley Pagans never established a circle. I researched the regulations and met with other Langley members who are Wiccan, and we decided that since we are in a highly military occupied region, we should establish something where our brothers and sisters from other bases can attend. The chapel's reaction was approval, but only because according to regulation... they HAVE to.
Wiccans and Pagans in the military are unique. We carry out "the mission" of maintaining air, sea, and ground superiority, and still do what we think is right in the eyes of our gods. It isn't always easy. If one is in a deployed location like Saudi Arabia, living in a tent with five other people, it can be hard to find the private and personal time to have ceremony or honor the Sabbat.
I honestly don't think we military Pagans and Wiccans are going away any time soon. We might get a bad rep from Hollywood. For example the "Witches of Biloxi" episode of JAG. The message that some of the viewers hold: "Wow all sex offenders must use Wicca as a way to rape girls". I think Hollywood puts too much energy into something they know little about, without thinking about the consequences.
When "The Craft" hit the big screen a few years ago, I heard anything from "Can witches really fly?" to "My mom was a witch and so was her mom. I suppose YOU don't have any lineage." No offense to people who do, but when you hear that everywhere you turn ... especially after it being part of the plot in a Hollywood production, you cringe. Sometimes I want to make my size 7 steel toe boots collide with some Hollywood screen writers nut sack.
Don't be afraid to be open about your faith. Remember, we are recognized by the DoD and protected by federal law. If something bothers you, voice it. Don't let anyone try to deprive you of your rights. Just as long as you take care of your responsibilities, you can obtain support from the highest of authorities in the military today.
- Carrie Pierce