Colin McEnroe Show: Being Pagan
We talk to wiccans, shamans, druids and others about their beliefs.
In 1979, Margot Adler's book "Drawing Down the Moon" drew back the curtain on a highly developed and surprisingly well-populated world of of wiccans, covens, neopagans, goddess-worshipers, druids and even a group of people calling themselves "Radical faeries."
Adler brought with her the credibility of a well-known NPR reporter. The book both documented and touched off a time of exploration, mostly among Baby Boomers looking for a religious experience more connected to nature and less connected to male hierarchy.
My own initiation came mainly through a woman named India Blue, a Hartford writer-photographer, who, I think it could be said, was a wiccan before being a wiccan was cool.
In a series of radio interviews and private conversations, India helped me understand her version of wicca and even showed me a little bit of magic.
She died in a car accident in 2003. Today's show is dedicated to her.
Leave your comments below, e-mail colin@wnpr.org or Tweet us @wnprcolin.
***This show originally aired on May 16th, 2010***
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Comments
RE: An idea for another great Colin show
Hi Colin! I'm a friend of Janet Booth - Astrologer, who has been on your show, and would like to propose a show to discuss the life patterns that I see as a professional intuitive/psychic doing business in Rocky Hill. I deal with inheritance struggles, marriage/affair love triangles, and more. Many people will not go to see a counselor, but they will spill their deepest secrets to a psychic. Would make for a fascinating show. Love Margot Adler on your most recent pagan show. I was brought up Catholic and still practice that faith even though I read Tarot (not something the Church thinks highly of LOL. Love your show! Check out my website. Take Care, Karen Hollis
E-mail from Fran
I had the pleasure of listening to your show on Pagan Coming-out yesterday and just wanted to give a quick note. I say THANK YOU for giving us the time and attention on your program. You did it with great involved interest and respect. That does mean alot to us Pagans and Wiccans. In this day of intolerance, misinformation and confusion, you have helped to open the door a little bit more.
Once again Thank You and Blessed Be.
Just another subset of humans
Just another subset of humans who feel the need to attach mystical and supernatural explanations to the natural world we live in.
No different from any other religious group. Matthew (commenter), I DO treat all religious people equally - with equal disinterest and incredulity.
E-mail from Diane
The time just flew past. Another show is necessary.
The line about "Beltane Watchtower" was so funny and the promo for tomorrow's show was perfect. The goddesses have a great sense of humor.
Very interesting guests as well.
Thank you for this show and the many other interesting topics you address.
E-mail from Matthew
I think that a lot of the perception that endures with Wiccans and Druids and such as an illegitimate, bordering on delusional self-indulgence, is that people have the idea that a lot of its practitioners make up their belief system, rites and rituals as they go. I am a Christian but have respect enough for other people’s beliefs to let them find their own way, their own walk with the divine. I wish more of my fellow believers had the same kind of tolerance not just for Wiccans and similar faiths, but also followers of Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and other faiths. It is, after all, the very first item of our Bill of Rights that gives us the freedom to find our own faith, shouldn’t it be considered our greatest individual freedom as Americans?
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