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I've been thinking a lot recently about the function of a Pagan Priest or Priestess in relation to our tribe or community. As I mentioned in a previous post, there are three parts to our belief system; we worship nature, we believe in reincarnation and incorporate other cycles such as the seasons into our lives and we have an extensive family of gods and goddesses- sometimes we believe in a single energy of Spirit rather than a Divine Family and many Pagans will honour ancestors.
A priest or priestess will practice all of the above in their own way, as a lifetime commitment, being available to the public and pagan community when needed.
- It is not necessary for a heathen or pagan to use a priest because we use nature as our church/temple, directly praying to our gods rather than asking someone else to help. We usually also have an alter at home for privacy.
- When it comes to giving advice or counselling, there are many people offering alternative healing which is of interest to us. Tarot and oracle readings, palmistry, ear candling, crystal healing- a member of the priesthood will specialise in one or two of these many methods of healing, gaining more insight as we age. The Elders usually know more about timeless concerns just as the older people do in any group.
We don't always have an exact role or expectations within society. Those of us with many contacts and a great deal of social involvement may be called to perform rites of passage such as a handfasting (marriage) or a birth blessing. Sometimes the priesthood will retire from public service for a time but still continue to provide a service, such as record keeping or research into a particular tradition as well as prayers.
Things we may turn to a Priest or Priestess for;
- Healing, either some kind of physical ailment or injury, or a mental health issue. We do advise people to keep using a medical doctor and prescription drugs if needed.
- Mediation, particularly for couples and rival groups. This may raise themes of reincarnation.
- Blessings - 'extra prayers' to include charms and symbols or a candle according to what the seeker wants.
- Spirit communication/house blessing/spirit removal/cleansing.
- Information and advice about our religion. We often direct people toward books and websites these days but can also be available for teaching.
- Provision of heathen goods. Occasionally the priest or priestess will buy items wholesale or grow herbs at home to be shared amongst their community.
- Ritual services and general support.
This is a general overview of what can be offered which will be different according to what the pagan minister specialises in. It's a continuous process that develops greater depth over the years and the average person would become like a library of information later in life. My own vocation began at age 20.
It's OK for a pagan minister to take time out for weeks or years. We do continue practicing our religion during these retreats. We are not always part of a recognised group or coven. I'd expect anyone of the priesthood to have extensive knowledge of pagan themes but not omnipresent total knowledge. Sometimes someone will join a pagan group and work their way up through different teachings, even taking exams until finally reaching a 'degree' level and leaving to form their own group. In these cases I have seen adverts for new coven members which promise to teach about the Craft (Witchcraft). I've said before that we don't convert anyone, so this should be treated with care and people need only join a group if they are doing it for themselves.
I've specialised in mental health, including behaviour, psychic problems and illness; LGBT issues and general information. If I can't provide a good source of information, tell me off!
I'd like to add that there are also people devoted to a particular god or goddess and thus become a priestess of the Morrighan or a priest of Zeus, priest of Herne etc. The old Gods sometimes become such a strong presense in our lives that we devote all of our spiritual time to them. This can change. It is possible to learn from a deity and then to move on later to a different one.
Due to my belief in reincarnation I have worshipped deities from different time periods and countries. Some of these gods are very alike - the Greek and Roman gods were often compared to each other such as Venus-Aphrodite and the Romans added 'foreign' gods to their own religion. In England, Bath there is a combination of Sulis-Minerva, the English and Roman equivalent of the divine spirit present at hot springs. Originally I was devoted to Anubis, as time passed I became attached to more local UK deities and then back to an eclectic mix. My main belief is rooted in the energies of nature, the eclectic mixture of worship is down to my belief in reincarnation, along with the occasional search for the right deity to pray to. We are lucky today to have access to so much history, internet and information about the way our ancestors recognised different energies as gods.
Over much of my life I've grown herbs, including Rue which is said to be used in exorcism/spirit removal or removal of negative energies similar to white sage.
In early 2020 I decided to paint the moon onto our living room wall. It was a fun project and can become a part of a theme for celebrating festivals.
I'm thinking about creating an online Pagan service in the next couple of years to help reveal the structure of Paganism and to promote safe practice among both solitary and group heathens in England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales.
Volk B Jan 2020
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