[stylist] Bridgit and others

Wed Jun 5 02:18:35 UTC 2013

Yes, if you believe that. Many within the pagan community don't believe
we can truly recreate the past traditions, and that *hereditary* witches
are a bit of a controversy  themselves. Not because they believe they
come from a family of witches, but because some claim to have their
practices handed down through the ages. Even with the Wiccan and pagan
community, few believe their were active covens of witches before the
last 100 years or so, and even fewer believe we have the ability to
recreate ancient practices. Most believe we are developing new versions
of old religions, and this is one reason why so many pagan groups borrow
customs and practices from other religions.

And Adler may be controversial, but I find it interesting that so many
well-known and respected leaders in the pagan community were willing to
give interviews and praise Adler's efforts if she is so controversial.
And Adler's book isn't a personal journey. She conducts her book from a
journalistic perspective relying heavily on outside sources, much that
can be backed up by simple searches on the web. If you research specific
groups websites, as I did after reading Drawing Down the Moon, most
these groups validate what's in the book. Again, she is providing info
about the rise in paganism and gives info about specific groups and what
and why they practice; not based on her opinion alone, but by many, many
outside sources and people. So I'm not sure how she is controversial
when others, many respected leaders, seem to have similar mindsets. She
writes what others say and not what she says alone.

And not all Wiccans may identify as a witch, but it seems clear that the
two terms are synonymous. The two terms are interchangeable on most
sources I've found.

Bridgit

-----Original Message-----
From: stylist [mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Eve
Sanchez
Sent: Tuesday, June 04, 2013 6:41 PM
To: Writer's Division Mailing List
Subject: Re: [stylist] Bridgit and others

Bridget, The greatest truth you stated was "...according to Adler..."
She is of one opinion that does not line perfectly with all other Pagans
including Neo-Pagans which fall under the umbrella of Paganism. Again,
Wicca is NOT Witchcraft and Not all Witches are Wiccan. Sorry, that is
not a point for opinion or debate. It is fact. Adler is very
controversial within the community. She provides some wonderful sources
and information, but she is NOT the Pagan authority. She also, is not
the only practicing Witch out there to gain the information about. Also,
there are some ancestral traditions that are not actually trying to
recreate. They are living the beliefs that were passed down from
generation to generation and can be traced back as far as genealogy
permits. Many of these traditions are very closed as they believe a
Witch is born, not made, and it is not something to share. I have had
exposure to one of these groups. I would not call them a coven as they
are more of a lineage. It is very beautiful andis possibly one of the
oldest traditions in the world. Eve

On Tue, Jun 4, 2013 at 4:20 PM, Bridgit Pollpeter
<bpollpeter at hotmail.com> wrote:
> Witch Hunt: Mysteries of the Salem Witch Trials  by Marc Aronson is 
> available on BARD.
>
> I enjoy reading Young Adult novels, and just because it's YA doesn't 
> mean it's in *plain English.* smile. I just re-read Beast by Donna Jo 
> Napoli, and she writes so beautifully. A lot of her diction and 
> description is lyrical. She's one of my favorite authors.
>
> And I've read plenty of YA books that are longer. I think any novel, 
> despite the target audience, if it's good, it's good, and any audience

> will enjoy it.
>
> The other book is Drawing Down the Moon by Margot Adler, which I do 
> believe I mentioned in my original post. It's available on BARD as 
> well.
>
> Bridgit
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: stylist [mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Ashley 
> Bramlett
> Sent: Tuesday, June 04, 2013 5:51 PM
> To: Writer's Division Mailing List
> Subject: Re: [stylist] Bridgit and others
>
>
> Bridget,
> Interesting. Is witch hunt on bard?
> So you read books meant for teens sometimes; me too. It is written in 
> more plain english and usually not as long. good way to get an 
> overview of the
> subject.
>
> Which other book are you refering to?
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Bridgit Pollpeter
> Sent: Tuesday, June 04, 2013 2:49 PM
> To: 'Writer's Division Mailing List'
> Subject: Re: [stylist] Bridgit and others
>
> It is a long book, and some of it is pretty far-out, though some of it

> does resonate with me. I really like the environmental conservation 
> element many pagan traditions get behind today along with the creative

> expression.
>
> Since most pagan ideals revolve around the natural world, many 
> contemporary groups emphasize the importance of conservation and not 
> destroying the natural world around us. I'm a little bit into this and

> the whole organic thing, so I like a religion that believes this a key

> part of worship and life in general.
>
> The end drags a bit as she gets a little redundant and includes a lot 
> of info about specific groups, festivals and other resources. If 
> anyone is interested in learning more about Wicca and neo-Paganism, 
> this is definitely the book to read.
>
> I finished Witch Hunt: Mysteries of the Salem Witch Trials during the 
> weekend. It uses actual documentation from the trials to attempt to 
> figure out why people accused others of such heinous acts. It's 
> written for teens, so it's not very long, and it doesn't delve into 
> the subject as much as I would like, but it was informative and 
> interesting nonetheless.
>
> That people may have or may not have been witches doesn't disturb me, 
> but that people could have behaved in such a way as the accusers did 
> is incredibly disturbing to me, especially considering the Puritan 
> culture and mindset.
>
> It may take some time, but I still want to try to post something for 
> the prompt. This is a fascinating subject, and I want to explore it in

> my writing.
>
> For now I better go. The baby is suppose to be sleeping, but he's 
> playing in his crib, smile. Better make sure the diaper is okay. I 
> wouldn't mind some magical powers to instantly switch his diaper from 
> a dirty one to a clean one, grin! I actually don't mind changing 
> diapers, but Little Man hates to be confined, and he squirms, twists 
> and does high-pitch shrieking  whenever his diaper is changed. I hope 
> this is a phase, frown.
>
> Bridgit
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: stylist [mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of justin
> Sent: Monday, June 03, 2013 6:42 AM
> To: 'Writer's Division Mailing List'
> Subject: Re: [stylist] Bridgit and others
>
>
> I've read that book; it's pretty good.  Long though.  You are right 
> about how across the board, creative expression id a big part of 
> neopaganism.
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: stylist [mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Bridgit

> Pollpeter
> Sent: Monday, June 03, 2013 1:27 PM
> To: 'Writer's Division Mailing List'
> Subject: [stylist] Bridgit and others
>
> I've actually been reading various texts and books on the subject as a

> whole. I'm finishing Drawing Down the Moon: Witches, Druids, 
> Goddess-worshippers and other Pagans in America Today, by Margot 
> Adler, a journalist and Wiccan, or witch, as she states the two are 
> synonymous. Next I plan to read a book detailing the actual trials 
> during the Salem witch trials that has actual documentation from the 
> hearings. All very interesting.
>
> Like Eve, I want to do justice to anything I attempt. Even though just

> a simple exercise, I try to put my best into whatever I create. And I 
> go back and forth on nonfiction and fiction ideas. Though much of what

> is documented in Addler's book I find difficult to get behind, one 
> interesting fact that is almost across the board with neo-Pagans, as 
> they are called, is the importance placed on artistic expressions, 
> music, dance and poetry being emphasized. Many find spiritualism 
> through their art, and many believe these artforms are transformative 
> and transcendent. Personally, whether it be music, dance, acting or 
> writing, whenever I create, I feel alive, a sense of being something 
> bigger than myself. It's like I'm on the verge of discovering 
> something truly grand and big and beautiful. I've observed this 
> predominatly when dancing, singing and certain types of writing, 
> particularly when adopting a poetic voice. Hmmm... This could make an 
> interesting article for S & S.
>
> And BTW, Beltane is actually May first (what is referred to as May Day

> in modern culture) and celebrates fertility by the joining of the god 
> and goddess to usher in life with the coming of spring.
>
> Bridgit
> -----Original Message-----
> From: stylist [mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Eve 
> Sanchez
> Sent: Friday, May 24, 2013 10:45 PM
> To: Writer's Division Mailing List
> Subject: [stylist] Bridget and others
>
>
> I have been thinking of Bridget's prompt and must opt out of 
> responding to it. I think it is a wonderful prompt and is actually 
> something I have been thinking of writing on for quite some time now. 
> It is for this reason that I can not write at the moment, but I am not

> saying never. I just feel for me, that it is too important a subject 
> for me to do a half ass effort on. I do not have the time at the 
> moment to devote to such a project, but will someday. I hope that 
> others will write on this prompt though and I look forward to reading 
> the pieces. On this beautiful Witchy night though, I send blessings. 
> Go out just after midnight and enjoy the magick of the lunar eclipse 
> and the Beltane full moon. The veil is thin at this time, so who knows
> who you might see.  ;)      (I am trying to figure out how to write
> "Oooooo-ooo-oooooo." for you to get the spooky effect I intend. Eve
>
>
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