Part Five - Craft on High (or, Sex, Drugs and Rock and Roll in Paganism)

Teacher plants. Mind expansion. Orgies. Party on Wayne!

This is not so much about legalities of drugs or morality of sex, this is more about a literal interpretation of free will and the excuse that there is no conviction in Pagan beliefs. I warn you, I will be blunt and more than likely upset a few people at the same time, but I feel this needs to be said….

I have noticed an increase in drug and alcohol use among teens, and especially Pagan teens. I recently read some essays by teens, for teens in regards to the use of drugs for recreational and spiritual use – most of the writers not only advocated recreational drug use, they practiced what they preached with the excuse that they are “experimenting with alternate realities”. (see http://www.witchvox.com/teen/teen_addict1.html)

Additionally, one teen in particular flatly stated that “Drug use can be used responsibly…not everyone can become addicted”. She also went on to comparing smoking and alcohol as being the same as using illegal drugs. The topper came when she compared the use of “illegal” athames and illegal drugs as being the same.

I young woman I know, who has a claim to Paganism, bragged to another acquaintance of mine about her excessive drug use which included Ecstasy, Cocaine, Marijuana, “K” and a few others of which I have never heard. Now this girl also babysits for this person. And he added his own experiences to hers! With children in the home and the responsibility falling on her shoulders on a regular basis, she would certainly be the LAST person I would have watching my children!

Silver Ravenwolf is one author among many others who absolutely denounces the use of drugs, either recreationally or for ritual work. In Michael Harner’s book, the Way of the Shaman, he too specifically condemns drug use and also indicates through practice and training, hallucinogens are not needed, although some practitioners do – indeed, they can be deadly if not used properly.

Regarding the issue of sex. Most Pagans I know regard sex as private and to be shared with someone you care for or in mutual consent with another adult. Fine. Yet there are others who figure they can do as they please and have an all out orgy complete with mechanical moving parts. And these same people wonder why the mainstream accuses Pagans of such?

Amber K in her book, Covencraft, talks about sexual practices among covenmates. “Group sex, open relationships, polyamory, mate-swapping and such alternatives are very, very tricky emotionally….any coven that encourages these practices, especially as part of the coven “program”, is taking a huge risk on two levels. First, the emotional fallout may damage or destroy the coven. Second, if the news leaks out to the cowan community, it provides fuel for attacks on the Craft. No matter how loving or serious the experiment may be, it can be touted as Pagan “licentiousness”.

It stands to reason…if a group or individual does something that is inherently abhorrent to the general public, then expect to get a lot of flack for it!

Sorry folks, but that’s the reality of it. At least at this time. Until we reach a point where Pagans are accepted into the mainstream and we no longer have to worry about persecution from the bible thumpers, media and Bob Barrs of the world, we should keep our noses a bit cleaner! (pun intended)

Personally I believe, drugs such as marijuana, peyote, etc., for controlled shamanic uses and medicinal purposes are fine - for limited use only. As with anything else, everything in moderation. However, as a society, we inherently do most things in excess – drugs are no exception. This too applies to any drug, medicinal or not. Morphine can be just as addictive as heroin.

I know…there are some of you who are taking the stance, “Hey, it’s my body and my free will, I can do what I want!”. Ok….great! Then don’t complain and whine that the media and Religious Right makes statements that Pagans use drugs and have wild sex in rituals. Because they are merely relating what those who believe in ultimate “free will” are practicing.

How can we as a Pagan culture venerate the human body and Mother Earth and yet desecrate them at the same time? Mother Earth is frequently bombarded with beer and soda bottles being left in Pagan campsites from Pagan partiers. Additionally, the overuse of alcohol stimulates the “balloon in the head” feeling not to mention the all-day sickness that is oh so fun!

Many Pagans follow the Wiccan Rede, “An it harm none…”, means harm no one including yourself. There are those in the Pagan community that do not follow the Rede. In some cases, any form of dogma is pushed away to free themselves from responsibility, tact, good judgment or common sense. Statements have been made such as, “I accept whatever consequences there are. No one has control over me or can tell me what to do.” Yet these consequences are treated as being something more like a scapegoat when actually faced.

If you want to use drugs that are not only inherently dangerous but also illegal, then you are setting yourself and the Pagan community up for scrutiny and also legal ramifications. If you want to “have your cake and eat it too” and live in a swinger or polyamorous relationship, then be prepared to have social service step in and remove your children for their welfare. Let’s face it, folks - bigamy is still illegal.

This country was founded on the ideal of freedom for all. Not free-to-do-as-you-please, who cares if it hurts others or infringes on someone else’s rights. The fact is there are laws and common sense that help keep things in check. True people will still do as they please, but don’t act so surprised when there are consequences to face.

If you wish to experience “alternative forms of reality”, then meditate. If you want to have an open sexual relationship with many people, then keep the kids out of it. If you wish to practice things that are viewed by society as strange, gross, unthinkable or downright criminal, then keep the Pagan religion out of it. Since you are not concerned how you personally live your life, at least be concerned how you are effecting others in the Pagan community around you. Its not only your life you effect.