Spelling Lessons: Wiccan Studies Is on the Rise

I was excited to hear about this article, but rather disappointed at the shallow and research-free treatment by a prominent progressive publication. But it is consistent with the general lack of rigor in what passes for journalism in virtually all mainstream media in the current era.

That said, I am partly of Native American ancestry and have been a guest instructor for WFT on Native American subjects and ceremonial drumming and singing. WFT's Academy has made a serious effort to be aware of and appreciative of all the many cultures of Earth Religion from across the globe, both their histories and modern expression. I have been aware of and have interacted with the NYC area Pagan Communities for many years. For the most part I have found them to be serious people with a true desire to learn and grow spiritually.

Wiccans and other Neopagans also absolutely add to the richness and diversity of our city and the philosophies and worldviews they explore and embrace have much to teach the mainstream about community, diversity and taking a bit better care of this planet.

Mitaquye oyasin.

I found this article to be more a lost opportunity and display of journalistic laziness than a potentially insightful cultural piece. The article not only demonstrates a complete lack of research into both the Wiccan religion and the NYC Pagan community, but also trivializes the effort and innovation such programs exhibit. Even the title is misleading: from the content, it would be more fitting to entitle this “Wiccan ‘School’ Experiment Gone Awry.” From referring to the newly ordained High Priestess’ athame (a tool used for directing energy) as a “weapon” to labeling Wicca an “open religion” with no implication of Celtic or British origins (esp. in the case of the WFT, which while certainly an Eclectic circle/school, bases its structure on British Traditional Wicca and the works of Gerald Gardner and observes Celtic holidays), this makes Wicca seem more of a New Age hodgepodge than an organized practice.

Schools like the WFTAPS are a fairly new phenomenon: Wicca is traditionally practiced in covens, which often remain secretive and out of the public eye. Studies were not exchanged for traditional currency, and often confined to the specific traditions of a specific group. To my knowledge, some of the founders of the Wiccan Family Temple’s school began as individual practitioners (known as solitaries) valuing the more DIY approach to witchcraft popularized and publicized by Scott Cunningham in the 1980s. Through the integration of these backgrounds, a new approach to Wiccan education emerged.

What the article’s example does demonstrate is a trend towards more public and mainstream approaches to the Craft and NeoPaganism’s evolving image and group structure. In cities like NYC, where rents are high and privacy is limited, the WFT’s approach is consistent with their surroundings, and has provided a bridge between Wicca/NeoPaganism and more mainstream religions. The eclectic, welcoming and child-friendly approach to Wiccan ritual and education practiced by the WFT is not representative of all who identify as Wiccan, but it’s certainly becoming more widespread. Nationwide, ordained priests and priestesses are now taking part in interfaith movements, conferences, and even gaining rights and recognitions previously denied.

Pagan Seminaries while yet to be granted accreditation, are becoming viable opportunities for graduate level study and vocational training for pagan pastoral counselors and community organizers. (Last year, Cherry Hill Seminary granted several Masters of Divinity Degrees to Pagan graduates, which is nothing short of monumental.) Web-based schools which charge fees for participation in message boards and online lecture and Skype sessions are plentiful. Pagan community centers, such as the center in the Bronx mentioned in the article and a major one soon opening in DC, are becoming viable housing options for Pagan training programs and community groups.

The Wiccan Family Temple of Pagan Studies may lack the funds and property of similar programs, but it is more affordable, culturally diverse, and family-oriented than anything remotely like it. At my ordination, we had in attendance representatives from many faiths, including an ordained Christian minister. Our classes included guest lectures from practitioners of non-Wiccan faiths, including Santeria and Native American traditions. The skills I acquired and strengthened in those three years, from pastoral counseling and spiritual guidance to teaching, have prepared me as a Priestess and scholar. It provided a supportive community that helped me through challenges beyond simply financial hardship. The Wiccan Family Temple and its Academy of Pagan Studies was (and I’d imagine still is) run as it was founded: as a labor of love. To see an article endorsed by a progressive publication belittle its cultural and greater historical significance by treating an ordination like an insignificant experiment of a failing storefront school is disappointing.

-Kitzie Winship, Baltimore, MD Wiccan Family Temple Academy of Pagan Studies, Class of 2011

I am grateful for those who are willing, and capable, to put up the fight for spiritual freedoms! Women such as these should be praised for their dedication, for helping others to comfortably and confidently walk their path!Thank you!

Laughable???? All religions had some type of sacrifice. Many sacrifices were volunteers for the love of the god and/or goddess. But as you stated that was very long ago, we have evolved. However, pagans never went to war to kill those that did not believe in their religion. Never in my research have I found that evidence. Today we still have the same killers and recruiters those that kill in their gods name and sacrifice themselves

Wicca... the fluffy droppings of real paganism.

I only have one problem with this article: The "dagger" is actually an athame, and it is a tool, not a weapon. It is never used against any living being.