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Inclusivity and Paganism
A personal view on inclusivity and Paganism from Barbara Lee of Pagan Life Rites Ireland.
As I started to write this piece on inclusivity and Paganism, my thoughts were occupied about the issues that are being reported in the media in the world recently.
A world where a Greek God is mistaken for Jesus, and a female boxer is mistaken for a man, where refugees are denied their human rights by people stirred up with bigotry, and where the murder of three innocent children led to horrific race riots across the UK and Northern Ireland; similar to those witnessed in Ireland in 2023, when a child was also killed.
These are the wedges that are shoved into society that, if given a chance, allow hate to grow.
Then we look further afield to Russia/Ukraine, Palestine/Israel, Venezuela, the USA, the list is endless. There seems to be a never-ending stream of hatred and violence being spewed out into our ears and across our screens, as we sit feeling helpless and unable to make real and lasting change.
Inclusivity and Paganism, Personally
By nature, I’m a Witch, an earth loving, tree hugging, nature worshipping, Goddess adoring Pagan.
As a Pagan, on a global level I am horrified by the hatred and warring between nations and the power-hungry leaders that rule them.
On a local level, I am equally horrified by intolerance regarding people’s appearance, gender, sexuality, ability, colour, race and ethnicity.
There appears to be a small proportion of the population who have very loud voices, and they shout lies, and the lies are believed, and repeated, and spread. They stir people up into a stew of hatred, creating the torch-bearing angry mob.
Inclusivity and Pagan Community
When this discrimination enters our Pagan community, I am not only horrified, I am outraged. Since when have any of us had the right to criticise another based on their appearance, gender, sexuality, ability, colour, race or ethnicity?
Supposedly, as Pagans, we [many of us from a Wiccan background] state our belief that we should harm no one, and yet that “harm no one” seems to come with exclusions and provisos.
We are fighting a battle against an extremist right wing that uses a persuasive, twisted logic, saying, it’s ok to hate and attack someone, because of x or y. It’s ok to attack that person, because they’re transgender, or gay, or a person of colour, or an asylum seeker. It’s ok to burn buildings to stop refugees from being rehomed in our area. It’s ok to bomb this hospital or city, because there are bad people there, and the innocent cannot be that innocent, because they appear to be sheltering them.
We know in our hearts and minds that it’s never ok to do these things. We need to ask ourselves, who is behind this agenda of hatred? Who can afford to fund it, and what is the reward received by perpetrating these acts?
I don’t normally shout my opinions from the rooftops, and I actively hate getting involved with online arguments. The reason I hate it is because I know it rarely develops into a fruitful or educational discussion.
Let me give an example. Someone I knew posted a meme stating that there is no such thing as global warming, as the Antarctic is getting colder every year. Anyway, it made me quite cross, and I said, unequivocally, this is untrue. We had the inevitable back and forth of whose research was better (my apologies to Sir David Attenborough, as even he is not a powerful enough force to send the message) and then it was suggested by them that we agree to disagree, I couldn’t. This was followed by a nasty right wing promoting meme.
I learnt my lesson, no point in responding, and thus it was a goodbye from me.
What is Best for Inclusivity in Paganism?
The problem with the ‘goodbye’ approach, is that when we cancel the people we don’t agree with, we no longer see what they are saying, and we leave others vulnerable to the hatred and lies that they are perpetrating.
When I see someone sharing hateful content, there comes a point where I have to draw a line for myself as some social media content can cause me real anxiety. This is a problem for those of us who are empathic people, we care, we want the best for everyone, we want everyone to be treated fairly, respected for who they truly are and for them to be included in our society on an equal footing.
Pagan Life Rites, as an organisation, serves the Pagan community, and has a remit of being inclusive, protecting the vulnerable, and trying to offer support in a real and active way.
When you tell us, this is the way I am, who I am, we will accept you. If, for some reason, that changes, we will still accept you. We are not your judges, we understand that as one explores oneself in an authentic way, things may change as self-understanding grows.
We are a small group, we’re hoping to grow to be a bigger group, embracing that ethos of inclusivity of all. I wish I could say there are no exceptions to this, however, I can’t.
As an organisation we cannot tolerate intolerance, we would love to get rid of those wedges that allow intolerance to grow, but they are ingrained and endemic in society today.
Therefore, the only thing we can do is not to allow those wedges push into our organisation to cause that disruption and discrimination, and we will call it when we see it.
Blessed Autumn Equinox / Beannachtaí Cónocht an Fhómhair daoibh
Today (23rd September 2022) is the Autumn Equinox in Ireland! We at Pagan Life Rites Ireland wish you a blessed (almost) end of the summer as we start to prepare for the time of the Great Sleep!
The word equinox is a Latin word meaning ‘equal night’. On the day of an equinox, the Earth is tilting neither toward nor away from the sun, and therefore receives almost an equal amount of daylight and darkness.
Traditionally, the Autumn Equinox marks the end of the harvest season, where we take stock of what we have grown, gathered and ‘harvested’. We can give thanks for what we have received and we can also start to get ready to ‘slow down’, go within and start the process of hibernation, either figuratively or literally (some of us are channelling our inner bears!).
This can be a VERY difficult thing to do in these modern times of artificial heating, artificial lighting, non-stop work, social media and go go go. But even if we can start to try to spend a bit more time outdoors marking the way the Earth is honouring the turning of the wheel as the year matures and the seasons slowly but irrivocably develop and mature.
We can watch the trees paint the forests, woods and hedges with a beautiful canvas of yellows, reds, oranges and browns and then gently start to release that which no longer serves, allowing it to wither, die and rot, sinking back into the earth to eventually feed and sustain the new life that will emerge in the Spring!
And of course take note of the preparations our animal and winged friends are making to gather, store and make ready for the cold winter days ahead.
This can be a great time to consider and invite balance into your life. However, the idea of balance may need to be redefined as we move from the light to the darker half of the year; indeed, what kept you balanced in the heat of summer may not at all in the cold bite of winter! Balance is a constantly shifting ‘equilibrium’, and our daily routines and rituals often need to also shift as we move and transition into a new season of the year or of our lives.
It is a time to conserve our physical energy outdoors but not to walk in the shadows, sleep and dream deeply, sit with our friends and neighbours around the fire, talk with our beloved Elders and sow the seeds of emotion, intellect and community.
It is too cold to hunt outdoors or tend to the farm (other than absolute necessity) but it is warm by the fire where there is space and light for all to do the essential repairs of body, mind, heart and soul; mend clothes and tools, carve wood and work metal, weave baskets and fabrics and spin wonders with magic and words!
We wish you balance in all you do and enough warmth, community and sustenance to see you through the dark and cold!
Balance is for wimps (Paul Brady)
Balance is death, Balance is decay,
Balance the dull thump of a weary grey day
Balance is watching – the films you’ve seen before
Balance is the droopey eyed somnolescent snore
Tedium with low clouds and misty drizzling rain
Too dull for sunlight too numb for pain
Balance is the bored stare at the same line on the page
Balance is the refuge of creeping old age
Balance is for dotards too dead to give a toss
Well stuff your balance darling – give me chaos
Give me mayhem give me passion tie me to the sheet
Come and ride me sideways while tickling at my feet
Blow me away my love, bounce my head up off the rocks
Turn me upside down and shag me wearing socks
Scare me dare me – come on make me fly
Thrill me – kill me – tease me till I cry
The only balance I want and only if you’re able
Is one leg on the kitchen sink and the other on the table
Bite me scratch me satisfy your lust
Show my soul the sunlight before it turns to dust.
Stretch me out, tie me up and leave me hanging limp
I’ll still raise a smile my love, and balance is for wimps.
‘The Sleeping’ (Anna Ní Cút)
The summer nearly over, the winter almost begun
God and Goddess in balance and harmony as One
Light and the darkness, equal together make whole
The Wheel ever turning, life on a seasonal roll
We give great thanks for the light and the bounty She blessed
The Earth nurtures and sustains but now goes to Her rest
Ahead is a time to prepare, go deep and be still
The long dark, the shadows, the cold will have their fill
But for now we still dance and rejoice from the heart
Knowing that each time, and each turn plays it’s part
The summer sun will await, and the Earth will remain strong
So let us go peacefully to Sleeping with gratitude, prayers and song
*And of course, if you are in the Southern Hemisphere then we wish you a blessed Spring Equinox as you celebrate the return of the light!!*
Rural Pagan Clergy in Ireland – A Perspective
We have a post to share today from one of our Pagan Life Rites Clergy, Fran Devenney, who is based in County Leitrim, Ireland.
Writing about being Pagan clergy in a rural setting is not the easiest thing I’ve ever done. The two main reasons for this are that: firstly, I’ve never served as clergy in an urban setting, so I can’t do a compare and contrast piece, and secondly, writing about myself is not a thing I’ve had a lot of practice at.
So with that in mind here are my thoughts on the matter.
I think most peoples dealings with clergy of any path tends to be around the ceremonial aspects of that path, Worship gatherings, Namings, Rites of Passage, Weddings, and Funerals, etc. In this role we interact with people on some of the happiest and some of the saddest days of their lives. We see first hand the inherent goodness in people as someone’s community gathers around them to celebrate their joy or comfort them in their grief, we as Pagan clergy also get to help people who might feel marginalised or othered to assert their beliefs and their identities.
We show, by the very act of being there that Pagan paths are worthy of the same respect and acceptance as any other religion.
There is a strange juxtaposition that occurs when performing ceremony in that, at the pivotal moment of someone else’s day all eyes are on you whether you’re declaring a baby’s name or saying the last words over a grave or proclaiming a couple married, you in that moment are the focal point of all attention. The sense of responsibility in that instant can be quite profound.
Like most Pagan celebrants I will sit with people a couple of times and write the ceremony with them, trying to get a feel for them as individuals as well as taking their input to create the ceremony they have in their head, the thing they feel is needed to complete their day. Even with that done, when I’m sure they are happy with what’s on paper, when it is time to perform the rite the realization that I have been entrusted with creating and expressing the sacredness of a life changing event for them is always a sobering and humbling thought.
In the case of funerals, I normally don’t get a lot of time to consult with a family, it may only be one phone call and the funeral is the next morning. At times like that the responsibility is even more stark.
In terms of being rural based if I’m away from my home county I don’t think there’s much difference between my experience and that of an urban based celebrant. In my own local area however, where I will know a lot if not all of the attendees, most of whom won’t be Pagan, there is the added layer of representing Paganism to my own local community.
And while I don’t think I’ll make any mass conversions; I have mainly found acceptance and respect for the rites and the path in general.
In fact nothing gives me greater pleasure than attendees coming up to me after a ceremony and saying “That was lovely, not at all what I was expecting, so much more personal than what we’re used to.”
The other main function of clergy is pastoral work. This is a very wide ranging and nebulous area. It can range from talking someone contemplating suicide into getting help to having a coffee or a pint with someone who is lonely and all points in between.
In many ways pastoral work is the most rewarding and most heart-breaking aspect of serving as clergy. When I have truly helped someone, made a life even just a bit better there is a sense of accomplishment, of having been useful in the world. This in itself can lead to an issue that needs to be guarded against.
The question always needs to be asked “Am I doing this for them or to make myself feel good?” It can be argued that the intent doesn’t matter it’s the act that counts, but I believe the intent is the difference between genuine pastoral work and being an interfering busybody. Giving help where it’s needed and wanted, not where I think it should be is sometimes more difficult than you’d think.
When I fail to help someone, when the bad thing we have been trying to prevent happens, it can be truly heart breaking. The sense of letting someone who asked for my help down, the wondering is it my fault? Could I have done more? Could someone else have done better? Can be almost overwhelming. The main answer I have for myself in these cases is “I tried”.
That might sound a bit trite but to me pastoral work is in essence: being a decent human being at a championship level, and all we can do is try.
There are some Pagan clergy who chose to serve only within the Pagan community and there is nothing wrong with that, I personally extend my service to the community in which I live without distinction. This is partly because of the “decent human being” part of my definition and partly because it helps to demystify Paganism.
There is a quote attributed to Bruce Lee, when asked how to counter anti-Chinese racism he said “Show them the beauty of our ways”. This is something I take very much to heart. So, I am involved in my local community in anyway I think can be helpful. I help out with the St Johns night bonfire, I am on the local defibrillator group, I’ve organised fundraisers for local causes, I spend two afternoons a week in the local pub where anyone who needs me can find me.
And there I think is the main difference between a rural and urban clergy member in terms of pastoral work. Because I’m so embedded in my community I often get asked “I saw you talking with X are they ok” mostly this is asked with genuine concern rather than just nosiness, but is still something I won’t answer.
The other side is people are more likely to be told “have a chat with Fran, he might be able to help”.
As I said at the beginning it’s not easy for me to write about myself, but hopefully this has given you some insight into what we do as clergy, why we do it and how I do it in the back of beyond.
Contact a Clergy Member in Your Area
2022 Census – For All Irish Pagans
We are coming up to Census time again in the Republic of Ireland, which will be held on the 3rd of April, 2022.
Therefore, as in the 2016 Census, we at Pagan Life Rites would like to encourage you to enter Pagan in the “Other” field under Question 12, asking, “What is your religion”.
This is why we are asking you to do this.
By entering Pagan, you are giving yourself, and others like you, a voice in this country. We have often been hidden away and ignored, as if our spiritual beliefs did not matter. So, when it comes to our health, or our education, or our chosen careers, we often find ourselves side-lined, discriminated against, ridiculed or bullied – or simply non existent – when we ask that our spiritual needs be met.
Things are changing, but that change is slow, and the stronger we are, the more they will change.
We know that the paths and traditions in earth based spirituality, magic and other similar practices are manifold, and there are many branches to the Pagan tree. If we were to simply enter the tradition we practice, for example, Witchcraft, Wicca, Asatru, Druidry, Shamanism, etc., just to mention some of the more well-known traditions, these may well be categorised individually and not included under Paganism, thus, potentially registering smaller numbers of “Pagans” on the 2022 census.
Others might be inclined to follow the practice that has been carried out in other countries, the “Pagan Dash”, in other words writing down Pagan, then hyphenating their own practice onto it, for example Pagan-Druid. This too, can result in our numbers being shown to diminish, as they may well be entered into a different category.
Some folk may not have a title for their practice, or they may be still seeking the right path for themselves and not found it yet.
Some folk may know what they believe and/or practice is something to do with a nature-based, earth based, or native Irish spirituality, or indeed a connection with different Gods and Goddesses, but have no clear definition for their practice, and may be tempted to tick the “No Religion” option, rather than choosing to enter “Pagan” in the “Other” field.
Some may have a well-defined Pagan practice, but feel it is not the Government’s business to know what their spiritual belief is, and again be inclined to tick the “No Religion” box.
We believe that ultimately, it is up to each individual how they approach this.
But we ask you, for your sake and for the sake of your fellow travellers on the path, to enter Pagan on the 2022 census, so that we can continue our quest for widespread recognition and rights here in Ireland.
In 2016, we asked you to do this for the census that year. As a result of this, our recorded numbers rose from 1,883 in the 2011 census to 2,752 in the 2016 census. This was an actual increase of 40.5% of people defining their religion as Pagan. However, we feel that this does not yet truly reflect the number of actual Pagans in this country.
Therefore we are asking you to please enter Pagan in the ‘Other’ field on the 2022 census.
Be seen! Be counted!
Click Here to Join the Pagan Life Rites Mailing List for Updates.
Wishing you a Blessed Samhain…
In the strange times that we are in right now, with Covid forcing lockdowns, and people being isolated, we would like to take a moment to wish you all a blessed Samhain, and to say that you are never far from our thoughts.
We are now in the season of the third harvest. The time to feast and come together in celebration, and it is very hard when we can’t do that with our chosen families.
At the time of Samhaim, we usually come together to dress up, feast and party, to carve scary pumpkins and turnips, as well as celebrating the more serious side of remembrance.
This is the time when we might collectively light our candles in memory of those who have gone before and take our scrying dishes and bowls for looking through the mists to see what visions may come through; the time when we honour our ancestors and our beloved dead, and those from the Otherworld, who guard the land, and we make offering to them; the time when we would spend time in contemplation, often in quiet places, connecting with the land and our ancestral lines.
Remember, all of these can still be done, the Dumb Supper can be laid out, the candles, can be lit, the scrying can be done, the remembrance, thanks and offering to our ancestors and our beloved dead can be made. If you’re in a family group, you can still play games together and dress up.
When you light your candles Samhain night and make your offerings, take a moment to think of all of the other people who will be doing the same in the quiet of their own homes, carrying on the traditions of this time of year in their own way.
When you go for a walk in the autumn chill of Samhain, you are walking with all of us.
And by keeping yourself safe, for this short while, you are making sure that in the long term, we will gather again, light our fires and candles, share our rituals and rites and celebrate together, the continued turning of the Wheel.
Samhain Blessings from all of us at Pagan Life Rites.
Traditional Wicca in Ireland
Two of the Pagan Life Rites Co-Founders, Lora O’Brien and Barbara Lee, had an in-depth chat about Traditional Wicca in Ireland, and we thought you might be interested in sharing it.
So settle in with a nice cup of something, and enjoy the interview!
Ennis Pagan Moot
The Pagan Moot (monthly social and networking meeting) in Ennis, County Clare has been slowly undergoing a revival in recent times.
There had been a decline, due to members moving away and life’s busy schedules… but it’s getting back on track!
During the year, the 3 remaining local members continued to meet up regularly and touch base. Upon recent discussion and a little guidance, there was an agreement to reboot and overhaul the local moot.
Following on from that the Ennis Pagan Moot page was created on Facebook. This new page will highlight the location, and facilitate networking and advertising, to create awareness in the immediate local area.
The members want to bring back shared learning topics and relevant discussion focus within the moot – which made its come back for September with the topic of Magickal Herbs.
Some of the planned topics for the future include:
- Samhain discussion (Tuesday 1st October)
- The Triple Goddess in November
- Winter celebrations in December
… and many more to follow!
The new overhaul in the Ennis moot is already a success, with 5 new members from across the county joining for their first topic night.
It is the overall aim of the organisers to create a safe space within their local community – for old and new members alike – to meet up and discuss life and chosen topics in a warm and friendly environment.
Ennis Pagan Moot is welcoming and open to all who come with respect (including non Pagans, as we are all aware that there are many spiritual paths and ways).
Irish Pagan Resources Online
These are some resources that will be useful to you in your journey towards or with Irish Paganism.
JSTOR – This site provides access to more than 12 million academic journal articles, books, and primary sources in 75 disciplines. There’s a free registration process now which gives you access to read up to six free articles a month, and organize sources and notes in your online workspace. https://www.jstor.org
Academia.edu – A platform for academics to share research papers, whose mission is “to accelerate the world’s research”. Over 65 million academics are on there, and around 21 million papers. There’s paid options, but most of it is free. Check it out https://www.academia.edu
Pagan Life Rites (Irish Priesthood Organisation) – This is a non-profit organisation, operated cooperatively by a nationwide network of Priests and Priestesses, offering a range of services to the greater Pagan community of Ireland. http://paganliferites.org
Witchvox Global Announcements Index Page. The Witches’ Voice is no longer available, unfortunately, a loss for those seeking Irish Pagan Resources and networking!
Pagan Federation (Networking and Activism) – They don’t promote a single aspect or path within Paganism, nor do they presume to represent all Pagans, but are an umbrella organisation with a membership drawn from all strands. http://www.paganfederation.org
The Irish Pagan School (Pagan Education) – An online School providing education with native Irish teachers. https://IrishPaganSchool.com & their Blog is here – https://IrishPagan.School
Serpent Coven (Traditional Wiccan Priesthood) – An Alexandrian training coven, run by a direct initiate of Janet and Stewart Farrar, who place great emphasis on training and personal development. http://barbaraleewitch.net/serpentcoven
Well of Wisdom – An Irish Pagan Temple based in Co. Cork. http://wellofwisdom.org
Witch (Minoan Brotherhood, and Traditional Wicca) – Irish, based in Asia. Run by a 3º High Priest of the Alexandrian Tradition of Wicca, with experience in the Minoan Brotherhood, the New York WICA Tradition and the Isian Tradition of Witchcraft. https://witch.ie
O.T.O. (Initiatory Fraternal Organisation) – Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.) (‘Order of the Temple of the East’ or ‘Order of Oriental Templars’) is an international fraternal and religious organization, with it’s roots in European Freemasonry. Historically, the leadership of this group have not been community service focused. https://www.oto.org
Janet Farrar and Gavin Bone – Find them at Teampall na Callaighe. http://www.callaighe.com
Kilkenny Druidry (Druid Priesthood) – Druid Grove run by Eimear Burke, the Chosen Chief of The Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids (OBOD); this is a resource for those wishing to connect to native source traditions. https://www.kilkennydruidry.com
Brigid’s Forge – Irish Facebook Community dedicated to Brighid on https://www.facebook.com/groups/318562765289760/
The Dagda’s Hearth – Irish Facebook Community dedicated to the Dagda on https://www.facebook.com/groups/Dagdashearth/
The Mórrígan’s Cave – Irish Facebook Community dedicated to the Mórrígan on https://www.facebook.com/groups/MorrigansCave/
Midlands Irish Shamanism – Native energy healing with Spirit – Irish Facebook Community run by an Irish Priestess and Healer on https://www.facebook.com/groups/MidlandsCelticShamanism/
Barbara Lee Witch – Irish Facebook Page run by a Dublin based Alexandrian Wiccan High Priestess on https://www.facebook.com/BarbaraLeeWitch/
Hidden Witch Child Multifaceted Healing – Irish Facebook Page run by an Alexandrian Wiccan Priestess and Healer on https://www.facebook.com/pg/HiddenWitchChild/
Rev. Vincent Woods – Irish Facebook Page run by an Alexandrian Wiccan Priest and Life Rites Service Provider on https://www.facebook.com/RevVincentWoods/
Lora O’Brien – Primarily focused on Irish Heritage, Culture and Paganism, the website provides a base for extensive resources and community networking. https://LoraOBrien.ie, and the FB Author page is at https://www.facebook.com/LoraOBrienInk
The Ogham Academy – online courses, a blog, and academic information made accessible – for a better, deeper understanding of Ogham, the ancient Irish script. – https://www.ogham.academy/
Story Archaeology Podcast – Uncovering the layers of Irish Mythology. On this site, you will find a regular podcast and articles about Irish Pagan Mythology by the Story Archaeologists, Chris Thompson and Isolde Carmody. https://storyarchaeology.com/
The Irish Pagan School Podcast – Authentic Connection to Ireland – regular episodes from native presenters on Irish History, Heritage, Mythology, Folklore, the Tuatha Dé Danann, Fairy Faith, Irish or Celtic Paganism… direct from the Irish Pagan School HQ in County Waterford, Ireland. Available on all podcast apps, including Spotify and Audible, or directly – https://irishpaganschoolpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
You can view more Podcast Resources Here.
I Am All
A Poem by Barbara Ney Ni Saomhair
I am the windswept hill,
and root of tree,
and the roaring wave upon the sea,
I am the lamb of Spring, and a daisy chain,
and the drumbeat of the pouring rain!
I’m in the singing and sighing of the
Human Heart,
There is nowhere I am not a part!
PLR Announcement
We are very sorry to announce the resignation of Luke Eastwood from our Clergy Membership.
He is one of the founder members of Pagan Life Rites and has been a prime mover in helping us forge our path in the Pagan Community. He has made valuable contribution in all that we have set out to achieve, therefore, it is sad to see our paths diverge at this time.
We wish him all the best in the future, and know that he will still be supporting us in other ways.