Columbians turn out for Pagan Pride Day
Published Sept. 29, 2008
On Sunday, Peace Park transformed into a celebration reminiscent of medieval times. Drums beat pulsing rhythms into the air while people gathered at stands adorned with brightly patterned cloths, stones and stacks of books to talk about their experiences as modern-day Pagans in America.
Mid-Missouri Pagan Pride hosted the sixth annual Pagan Pride Day - a day that local coordinator Taz Chance said is needed because of the confusion about what the term "Pagan" now refers to.
"Pagan Pride is needed because there is a lot of confusion and discrimination toward Pagans in our community," Chance said. "This event provides a chance to educate non-Pagans as well as to allow Pagans a chance to meet and network with other Pagans."
Stands at the event reflected the sponsors' desire not only to support local pagans, but also to facilitate open dialogue and understanding concerning pagan traditions, all-natural practice, as well as tolerance.
Sustain Mizzou, The Peace Nook and the Center Project were among some of the groups present. Although they are not Pagan-centered, each believe in tolerance and natural practices.
Pamela Thomas, a friend of Chance and a fellow Pagan, said she believes it is important for people to know that Pagan belief is not solely about devil worship and magic, but is a way for people like her to find a religion that can mold to their lifestyle.
"Most of us feel something is lacking in the larger religions," Thomas said. "(Paganism) answers questions for us."
Thomas and Chance said the term pagan has often been misrepresented, as it is such an open term that applies to many different sects of paganism, in the same way Christianity is a blanket term for many different types of belief as well.
The Rev. Rose Wise, high priestess for Ozark Avalon Church of Nature, said that the main reason this event is held is to show tolerance on all levels.
"We have a lot of different sects represented here. We even have some Christians handing out information," Wise said.
Even though some of the people that attended Pagan Pride called her and other members bad names, Wise said it's important for everyone to have the right to express themselves, and it does not change their stand on tolerance. Thomas agreed.
"Why people enjoy being pagan is tolerance," Thomas said. "I have a real problem with people that say love one another and don't practice it."
The Rev. Aislinn Firehawk, a minister for the Aries Rising Fire Clan, showcased tarot cards and boxes full of different stones, used in healing ceremonies. At her booth, Firehawk offered a child a free stone: He chose howlite.
"Howlite usually helps you see both sides of the equation," Firehawk said.
Firehawk described herself as having seen both sides of the equation, saying that she at one point had "climbed the corporate ladder like a banshee." She said she couldn't stand the "headaches of that lifestyle," and said she chose a job that could pay the bills and keep her happy.
"There are religions and there are spiritual paths," Firehawk said. "This is not a religion, but a path."
