There is a group of Neo-Pagans at my college — I'd call them strange folks, but that would be a bad case of "kitchen noises," because I'm probably just as strange as they are. Some are good students, some not so good, and some are barely hanging on to a passing GPA by the skin of their teeth. That probably sounds like just about any collection of Neo-Pagans anywhere, right? Well, it so happens that I'm one of the better students. I've got a 4.0, and I'm a member of Phi Theta Kappa. OK, hooray for me, no big deal, right?
So one day I'm talking with one of the other Neo-Pagans at this college. She's a cute kid, but she looks like a refugee from a rave: the fishnets, the day-glow clothes, the hair with colors Mother Nature never intended, that kind of thing. I have no problems with that: hey, to each his or her own, and like I said, she's a cute kid. She's also a student, currently with a 1.9 GPA, and she said, "Oh, I don't like to study: that's too mainstream."
Excuse me? Since when did "mainstream" become unfashionable? OK, don't answer that-she dresses Goth, so "mainstream" is pretty far down the list. But since when did studying-a necessary survival skill in college-become something that people can choose to disregard, as one might choose to disregard "mainstream" clothing fashions?
It got me thinking about some of the other members of our local group. There's the Druid Dude who has the beard and haircut of a Raphaelite Jesus Christ, who's so lost in "finding himself" that he can't find his way to class or work on a regular basis. There's the Dianic chick with all the interpersonal skills of a goat, and hygiene to match. There's the Asatru Fundamentalist who wants-literally-to walk around with a battle-axe, and is offended that school policy won't let him. Then there's the Feminazi "Wiccan Wannabe": she has a loud, obnoxious, "know-it-all" attitude, so you can always tell when she's around-you just can't tell her much.
Don't get me wrong: the Asatruar is carrying a high B average, the Dianic may graduate with honors, and the Feminazi is also a member of Phi Theta Kappa. Not all of these folks are slackers, but they all seem to be so wrapped up in the "image" of Neo-Paganism that I want to grab them all, shake them violently, and remind them that contributions to stereotypes are not tax deductible!
Wicca and the various Neo-Pagan paths are not mainstream: that much is true. We tend to be much more accepting of philosophies, clothing styles, and music that would send most parents-not to mention most mainstream college instructors-straight up the wall. But there are limits.
Neo-Paganism is not a way to "rebel" against the world. One of the first fundamentals that most Wiccans learn is that when the Circle is opened, it's time to go back and live in reality. That means holding down a job, studying at school, living peaceably with those around you...in short, that means developing basic social skills and a sense of responsibility. These folks-and thousands of "I Read A Book" mall-rat Pagans like them-seem to have missed that lesson.
Responsibility is a huge issue in Neo-Paganism. Most reputable groups won't even consider accepting a student who doesn't have their life together; in other words, they keep their word, and they keep their commitments. What's more, unless you want to be completely solitary, coven structure requires living under the authority of your High Priestess, Archdruid, Mentor, or what have you. If you're still in that "rebellious teenager" stage, and want to get away from parental authority, you've got a few surprises coming when you join a Neo-Pagan group.
If rebellion is your goal, then may I humbly advise that you go out and buy some Marylyn Manson or Jack Off Jill CDs, dress in black, and start going to raves. Party as much as you want; hopefully you'll get tired of it sooner or later, grow up, and get a real life. But if rebellion is your goal, may I please request that you leave the pentacle off, stay out of the New Age section of Barnes and Noble, and stop yammering about "circles" and "drawing down the moon?" Frankly, we have enough problems with Neo-Pagans who have their lives together-as long as you have yet to go out and get a life. WE DON'T NEED YOU.
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