|
|||||||
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
|||||||
Raymond Buckland Expresses His Opinion
To bring some nationally known authors "home" for the readers, Quill and Frater S.P.R.V. compiled a list of questions, which were very kindly answered.
*****
G&C: Being seen as an "authority" on Paganism and Wicca because of the popularity of your many published books, what type of pressure does that place on you, both personally and publically?
Buckland: A lot! It's not easy to keep up with the rapid development and expansion of the Craft around the world. All I really want to do is sit and write!
G&C: What is your "day to day" life like?
Buckland: Hectic at times but I wouldn't change it. I have a small farm. My wife runs it but I do have to help from time to time: building things, mending fences, etc., etc. I try to write at least part of every day. Occasionally I get out to lecture or give a workshop.
G&C: Having seen much of the "evolution" of Wicca over the past decades, do you see the proliferation of "traditions", covens and solitaries as making acceptance and/or tolerance of this religion (and other Pagan variations) more difficult to the "majority religions"?
Buckland: I think the rapid expansion of the Craft is (on the whole) very good. It helps show cowans that we are in existence; that we are really "just another religion", and the many "traditions" give seekers a choice, allowing them to find something that suits their individual needs rather than them having to compromise.
G&C: What do you see as the greatest "stumbling block" to Pagans striving for equality and an end to religious discrimination against them?
Buckland: The "born agains"; those who are unable and unwilling to even listen to the voice of any other religion (not just Wicca).
G&C: What are a few of your best memories of practicing your faith over the past few decades?
Buckland: Far too many to list -- knowing Gerald Gardner and Lady Olwen must be way up there. And seeing the tremendous spread and acceptance of the Craft (seminars in major hotels; sympathetic movies and television presentations).
G&C: Every religion, after enduring a period of persecution, seems to encounter a period of dangerous fragmentation. Do you think the modern Pagan movement is going through this? Are we in need of a period of reunification, for the sake of clarity in terms of information and education, or is this a natural step for a religion that stresses personal responsibility and the value of individual achievement and experience? What should be expected in the future?
Buckland: I think it's a natural step and a necessary one. Covens are autonomous; there is no one leader, so it's to be expected that there will be differences and disagreements. But I think we can, and do, work them out over time. I would like to think that there will be less fragmentation as time goes on, but we are still very much in a growing stage so a certain amount must be expected.
G&C: And what do you make of the alarming increase in Pagans selling their services on the open market at exorbitant rates? Is it a side effect of our consumer-based society, a necessary step to help an empty, grasping culture, an obligatory phase (on the part of the practitioners) prompted by the discovery of long-dormant abilities, or some tangled amalgam of all of the above? Do you see it as getting better or getting worse?
Buckland: What services are we talking about? Is it healing or is it divination? Working magic or teaching the Craft? I do believe that suitable recompense should be received for time and energy spent. I do not believe in blatant extortion. There will always be charlatans and exploiters - there are in all fields. The fact that this can be done on "the open market" is, perhaps, a reflection on the acceptance of paganism that has come about, and that may be a worthy commentary. I think that we are all known by our actions. Those who are abusing will be able to do so for only a limited period before their actions catch up with them. Those who work in truth and sincerity, will be accepted for what they truly are.
G&C: There seems to be a trend for separation - i.e. Pagan cemeteries, Pagan libraries, etc. - to serve as a method for peaceful, positive community coexistence. Do you see religious persecution as getting better or worse? Is religious tolerance being stressed enough as a key ethical concern?
Buckland: I don't see persecution getting any worse; if anything there is a slow but constant decrease. Religious tolerance has always been stressed and should continue to be a key issue.
G&C: Do you think that the overwhelming practical focus of today's popularly-received traditions is eclipsing the mystical essence of the religion? Or is it merely a matter of a new, dynamic religion "filling out", if you will, into every aspect of daily life?
Buckland: It's a filling out, yes. I think the true "mystical essence" will always be there, always available, for those who recognize it and want it. There are Outer Mysteries and there are Inner Mysteries.
G&C: Terms like "Christian-Pagan" keep appearing more and more on the internet and elsewhere. Do you think that such a tempered spiritual approach - much like St. Patrick must have used in approaching the fifth century celtic Irish - is gaining favor? Or, as many religions are returning to their inflexible fundamentalist roots in order to "regain the flock", do you see the inverse as the millennial trend?
Buckland: I'm not up on what's happening on the Internet, I'm afraid. To me "Christian-Pagan" is on a par with saying "Islamic Judaism". There are many similarities between the two teachings of Christianity and Wicca, as there on with most religions, but I fail to see where Jesus fits into Wicca, or why one would want to try to join the two. They are not antagonistic but they are also not complementary.
*****
Besides being a prolific writer, Raymond Buckland has lectured and presented workshops nationwide, also appearing on major television and radio programs. He has acted as technical advisor for films, and appeared in films and video. He is of English Romany (Gypsy) heritage, and has been interested in the occult and metaphysical for fifty years. He is the author of over 25 books, including Gypsy Witchcraft and Magic, Practical Candleburning Rituals, Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft, and Practical Color Magick.