Where are the 'Normal' Pagans??

Caught your attention, didn't I? :)

When I first began reaching out to others I was surprised to find that most of the Pagans I came across looked a certain way. They were white, very interested in Celtic and European witchcraft, and...well, they didn't necessarily look like they would fit into corporate America.

I work in such an environment, where you wear suits and ties, and can't have hair that is too crazy. My black dreadlocks are pulled neatly into a bun every day, and the most color you'll see on me is my skin. :) As I came across more and more Pagans, I began to wonder if 'normal' Pagans existed.

Now, of course I know they do. But where the hell where they? They certainly weren't at the drum circles or New Age bookshops. At these places, I saw folks with bright green hair, huge pentacle necklaces and they looked like they belonged at a Renaissance fair. I stood out in my blue jeans, sensible sweater and Prada eyeglasses. It was amazing!

I can laugh about it now, because I know there are tons of solitary pagans and witches out there in the world. There are even more who definitely follow the craft without labeling it. But at the time, I was even more disheartened. Not only could I not find a group that would fit my needs, but I couldn't even find Pagans that were 'every day' people: went to the gym, liked to play Frisbee in the park, didn't own pentacle necklaces and had a shoe fetish! It made Paganism seem like a joke.

I guess I'm writing this for those out there that are secretly thinking the same thing I used to think. It's taboo to think this, of course, and if you dare utter those words in public you'll feel the wrath of the Pagan community. Just like it's taboo to point out there there aren't many people of color visible in the Pagan community. You know, I'm currently reading Green Witchcraft: Folk Magic, Fairy Lore & Herb Craft by Ann Moura and even though she has some good thoughts, I'm put off by her streamlining Paganism to just the European traditions. I'm thirsty for African American authors writing about African and African American pagan traditions (it's party of my study actually).

But if you find yourself wondering the same thing I used to wonder, fear not. It's OK and totally normal. And know that there are Pagans and Witches out there who you'd never suspect are Pagan...just like you!