Sooner or later, the student is going to have to choose which tradition s/he is going to follow. The big problem is: which one? There is a great deal of sectarianism within the neo-pagan movement. (Actually, that's an understatement.) Really, though, it's not such a hard choice to make. I feel it is comparable to choosing a Christian church or a political party, which is a good analogy, because politics and religion that eternally wedded pair that can never decide whether to hate each other or to kiss and make up are the main two features you'll consider when you start casting about.
I'm not political
Don't you wish? Unfortunately, politics is expressed constantly in our day-to-day lives. Whether you vote or not is a political expression in and of itself. If you choose not to have children due to overpopulation, that's political. If you bicycle or ride the bus because of pollution, that's political. If you don't eat meat because of the way the poor little meat critters are treated, you're practicing politics. If you don't wear fur or leather, or refuse to buy gas at Exxon, or buy American not foreign products, or get paid under the table it's all politics.
Many pagans are interested in the same politics that you might be, to varying degrees, such as equal rights, environmentalism, religious tolerance, etc. Some traditions have a more singular focus; for example, Dianic Wicca has developed a notorious reputation for lesbian separatism, while the Norse Asatru tradition tends toward patriarchalism.
In my experience, the coven's political interest in you may extend to your lifestyle. The coveners may want to know your opinion about drug use because they don't want users in their association, or perhaps at times they use drugs in ritual and wouldn't want to offend you or run the risk of being turned into the authorities. What it boils down to is this: They want to be comfortable with you, and you with them.
I really enjoy the coven I associate with now, because we accept, not merely tolerate, diverse lifestyles. Oh, by no means do we agree on everything! We're humans with individual opinions, but overall, I think the only thing we barely put up with is flakiness, and that isn't political.
Unfortunately, I need to warn you that, at least in the Seattle area, there is a lot of what I call interpagan politics. A lot seems to amount to "who's the biggest, baddest witch." Some situations can be summed up as "you actually talk to who?!?" and petty stuff like that. Stay out of it! It's all a pile of fly-infested dung, crawling with maggots of all sizes. Be proactive in squashing gossip by refusing to listen to it or to carry it yourself. Remember the rede: "An it harm none, do as thou wilt." If it isn't hurting anyone, don't make it your business. By following these seemingly simplistic, yet highly valuable suggestions, you will remain free of interpagan politics and find yourself open to greater experiences and a larger circle of friends.
I'm not religious
Is that bologna you're eating? I thought so, because everybody is religious. Granted, you may not be a Sunday churchgoer, but many things you do are steeped in ancient religious practices; you just might not recognize the religious aspects. Do you believe that hard work is a virtuous thing? That's an old Puritanical belief that you've picked up somewhere. It teaches us that hard work honors Jehovah and helps to purify us, which I happen to agree with in part. Do you wear a wedding ring? That's an ancient religious symbol so old that its roots have been lost to us. We do know that it may be a charm that binds two people together for eternity and may possibly represent a circle such as is cast for protection in ritual.
My point is that we cannot separate religion from our lives without dehumanizing ourselves. There is an innate need within humans to join with something greater beyond ourselves. Even the few true hermits that exist haven't solely isolated themselves from the rest of humanity; they've also joined themselves to nature, which is inarguably greater than any of us.
To return to the discussion at hand, the neo-pagan movement is a religious movement as much, if not more so, than a magickal one. The majority of us are just now escaping the clutches of patriarchal Christendom, which is a highly valid explanation for the Goddess focus in many groups. Many neo-pagans have had more than their fair share of God the Militaristic Father and are looking for a more nurturing mother figure in the Goddess.
Choosing a religious path is something I take very seriously and feel that it would benefit you greatly to give careful consideration . We aren't playing D&D here; this is real life occultism that can be the proverbial blessing or a curse to your bones. Your decision will likely be influenced much by your ancestral background, your present store of knowledge, what appeals to you in ceremony and more. Most covens will allow you to attend "open circles" or classes to see if you feel that you are compatible with their tradition, so don't make the mistake of equating exploration, which I encourage, with dedication.
But before we put on the funerary music, let me emphasize that this is the fun part! Unless you want to attend a solemn, sad-faced, sanctimonious ceremony and, sure enough, they have their place neo-paganism is a movement that celebrates life, not bemoans it.
Now, a guilt trip
As I wrap up this essay, it has occurred to me to admonish all to become more aware of the political-religious developments in the United States. If you hold the opinion that Jerry Falwell, Bob Dole and Newt Gingrich are just going to leave you alone, you're wrong. Modern Christians are riding the political beast just like the harlot of Revelation did, twining politics and religion ever closer together day by day. The Burning Times were here once; I have no doubt that they could easily return. None of us will be able to stand against our enemies on that day if we don't see anything beyond our own backyards.
So, when you wonder if you have chosen the right path or not, remember how you got to where you are. We build our spiritual edifices through making complex choices every day, the main two factors being political and religious. In the end, you are where you're supposed to be, learning whatever you need to learn at that time.
Next issue: Geometry class
Author's note: I am currently looking to interview gay, lesbian and bisexual individuals who are active in the Craft for an article that is just in its conceptual stage. If you feel interested in speaking frankly and honestly about your lifestyle as a religious and sexual minority, write to Widdershins, attention Lethe.
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