The Pagan Student Union wants to clear the air of many myths about the Pagan religion: Pagans do not make animal sacrifices and Paganism is not a cult.
But at a panel discussion last night, the students did confirm one myth: Pagans do curse people.
“It takes a lot to get a Pagan to curse somebody,” PSU President Casey Mason-Foley said during the three-member panel discussion in Hoff Theater.
Most Pagans would only curse someone if they were threatening to harm them or their family, Mason-Foley said, adding that one of the most common misbeliefs Pagans encounter about their religion is the belief that they are Satanists.
“We don’t believe in the devil,” she said, adding that the PSU has dealt with Christian opposition. “[The] First Look Fair is always an interesting experience. We have Evangelists come to our table and tell us we are doing something wrong.”
They do, however, use magick — spelled with a “k” to differentiate between the “magic” performed by magicians and the “magick” Pagans use in their daily lives.
The panelists described magick as a force of energy, for instance, wishing stoplights would turn green and then they do.
Using magick, the PSU read Tarot cards at the Stamp All-Niter and the First Look Fair, to raise money for the Washington Animal Rescue League, rebuking the misconception that Pagans sacrifice animals.
Not all of the 15 students in attendance at the panel discussion believed in this magick.
“I think it’s luck,” freshman journalism major Matt Perison said. “ I don’t think you can put a curse on someone. Luck is a driving factor.”
Other audience members said they thought this magick was real but shouldn’t be widely-used.
“Paganism and spells should only be used unless they’re absolutely necessary,” senior biology major Neha Datta said.
Unique holidays that Pagans celebrate, such as Samhain, a holiday which honors deceased ancestors, were also explained.
To celebrate Samhain, which falls on the same day as Halloween but doesn’t involve costumes and candy, Mason-Foley said “I like to go to grave sites with my mom.”
Another unique holiday, according to the panelists, is Beltane, a celebration of sexuality.
“A lot of religions try to hide [sex] and forget that it exists,” Mason-Foley said. “It’s something to be honored.”
As a biology major, Mason-Foley said she does not have a problem balancing science and Pagan beliefs.
“I think science reinforces my faith rather than hinders it,” she said.
Freshman history major Adam Rhodes agreed.
“At the core, both science and religion spring from energy,” Rhodes said.
Dealing with negative reactions can deter people from believing in Paganism.
“It’s not easy work. It’s really not for everyone,” Mason-Foley said, though she encourages anyone interested in learning more about paganism to attend the PSU’s next meeting Oct. 30 in 1124 Jimenez from 3 to 5 p.m.
ga at umdbk dot com
26 comments Log in to Comment
PSU president
President of PSU
Honestly take a step back how is praying to Jesus or God any different then what some people consider Magick. "Christians pray to God for things like The street light changing" it would be as factual as some statement in this article. I am appalled by the clear superiority people hold to religions they dont understand, The clear bias is shown in the lack of effort to this article.I'm not saying you are any certain religion. but every religion desires the same amount of attention to detail and facts.
I am not the "Get Over It" person. I already wrote my article and my name is already out there, so why would I try to cover it up?
I really hope they publish your editorial so that your side comes through.
2. If the PSU does choose to write an editorial, I’ll read it. Guess that’s not nobody….
3. If you don’t believe in religion, fine. That’s no reason to disrespect those who do or misrepresent what they stand for.
4. The personal attacks are really uncalled for. Just because you disagree with people, that’s no excuse for being a bitch.
You must be logged in to comment on an article. Not already a member? Register now