Daily Pagan News

Paganism 101 Again….and Again… (Pantheon)

It fascinates me that there is no continuing education in Paganism (such as “Sunday School” or “Bible study”) but we have an endless series of 101 classes. I had to take them when I was considering the Alexandrian tradition of Witchcraft. I sometimes took classes twice when I was active in the Ravenwood tradition I was initiated in. Now I have rejoined Hellenion after an almost ten year absence and find yet another set of 101 classes facing me.

Don’t get me wrong. I get the need for 101 classes. They are useful. They are good. They are fine. But at some point it feels as if you’re taking kindergarten over and over again. It’s no wonder we have the phenomenon of “tradition collectors” who rack up initiations like they’re merit badges. Seekers are subjected to this intense course of study and then left cold.

I’m not saying any of the classes I’ve taken weren’t useful, but the idea of trudging through another one, no matter how wonderful, leaves me tired before I even start.

Every religious community needs social interaction, heartfelt practice and serious study to be balanced. Keeping these things in balance makes a healthy community. While most Pagans are good at keeping the first two going strong, continuing education often falls by the way pretty quickly.

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