Los Angeles Times Dear Abby Thu, Oct. 10, 2002

Dear Abby:

I agree with your response to "Be-witched in Sacramento" - up to a point.

As a witch and Pagan priestess for more than 30 years, I can tell you that ceremonies such as handfastings (our term for a wedding) are not required to be held at midnight and the parents of the bride and groom are usually honored. It isn't customary to involve cowan (nonmembers) in ritual planning. The bride's family should not feel hurt by her failure to include them. I don't blame any couples who prefer to just do it themselves rather than explain. But most couples, if they choose to have guests at all, have their handfasting at a time when those guests can attend.

The couple's decision to be handfasted under the full moon is particularly blessed. However, if I were the priestess counseling them, I'd advise them to move up the ceremony a few hours and make sure the family members feel warmly welcomed. It takes a lot of love for a Christian to attend a Pagan ceremony. It should be honored and appreciated.

I must tell you I take deep issue with your denigrating comment, "I have no idea how serious her interest in witchcraft is or how long it will last ..." You don't question the commitment of people married by Jewish, Christian or Buddhist (etc.) rites. It's inappropriate to question that of a Pagan.

Thank you and blessed be ...

-Dana Corby, HPS, Tacoma, Wash. --------------------------------

Dear Dana:

Chalk it up to my ignorance, which is something that can be corrected. When I closed my eyes and tried to imagine a witch, what came to mind was a teenaged girl with black clothes, lipstick and nail polish going through a phase.

The literally hundreds of letters and e-mails I have received from Wiccans have proved me wrong. Read on:

Dear Abby:

Paganism is a registered religion. We're as serious about it as a Catholic, Lutheran or Buddhist. Would you ask any of them how serious their interest in their religion is? You also stated that the woman "appears to be in a world of her own." Not so. There are thousands of Pagans.

Paganism has long been thought of as an insignificant religion. Your comments validated the ignorance that most people have about this amazing religion. -

Willow, a Minnesota Witch --------------------------

Dear Willow:

I can only say that in the past few weeks, I have learned more than I ever expected to about Paganism. Those who would like to learn more about this ancient religion should visit the Web site of Covenant of the Goddess, an international organization of Wiccan congregations at: http://www.cog.org.

I'm sure it will be a revelation.

Go Back