“CAVEAT SAPIENTIS LECTOR”

by Morgause Fonteléve

Much has been said and written about Pagan Clergy and Pagan Papacy.

This handbook is only opinion.

It is not a set of rules, but rather standard guidelines and suggestions for an already existing clergy.

INTRODUCTION

YESTERDAY, TODAY & TOMORROW

The Pagan World is a world populated by different personalities and “original” thinkers. Despite this many have criticized the Pagan Movement with lacking direction and of being un-organizable and divisive in nature. Note that every Pagan Movement, no matter how loosely arranged it may be, follows someone’s leadership, has its authority figures, its teachers, its muses, etc. The South African Pagan scenario is no exception to the rule.

Many of these leaders have in the past attempted at creating cohesive bodies and successful movements and organizations were formed and served (and still serve) the Pagan Community well.
The PFSA
CAM
SAPRA
THE CELESTINE CIRCLE
CNCI
CNT

We have had (and have) leaders of the caliber of Rev. Norman Guido Geldenhuys (PFSA), Rev. Donna Darkwolf Vos (PFSA and CAM), Rev. Mynie Geldenhuys (PFSA), Rev. Epona Moondancer (PFSA and House of Ouroborus), Rev. Andy Fisher (CNCI), HPs Fey Fand (The Celestine Circle), Spiral (CORD and Firefly, Arenduil (Paganus Journaal), Damon Leff (Clan Ysgithyrwyn) with Penton and SAPRA, HPs Tamra (The Grove), HP Morgainne Emrys (The Grove), HPs Arias Ndlovu (House of Ouroborus and Vuya), HPs Argante (Coven of the Wheel), and the Rev. Raene Packery (CNT)… just to name a few… all of whom have dedicated their life’s work to the South African Pagan Community in one way or another.

It is no secret that there have been “Witch Wars”, heated confrontations, all which resulted in further schisms between traditions, organizing bodies, exclusive or inclusive factions of the South African Pagan Movement.

I believe that the Pagan Community, in its autonomous and independent pockets of traditions and bodies, will certainly have an idea as to what or whom they regard as priests and priestesses, teachers, and leaders, and what the obligations and qualifications these people need to have in order to render service to their communities.

There seems to be an antipathy for the word clergy, so I will steer clear of that loaded term and use only priest and priestess instead.

In Wicca and Witchcraft, every person is his or her own priest and does not require spiritual intermediaries. If that person however operates within a coven, a grove or another group, then there will be someone who plays the role of Magister, elder, HPs, and so on.

DEFINITIONS OF PRIESHOOD

How does one define the term priest? A Priest/ess is:

1. A person dedicated to the service of a God or
Goddess – he or she would be, for example a
priest/ess of Vesta or Jupiter.
2. Someone who serves the spiritual needs of a
community
3. A member of a tradition (e.g. Wicca) where no
distinction is made between laity and priesthood.

On analyzing these different ways of being a priest/ess one realizes that all three have different requirements as all three execute different functions within the collective.

In the first instance the priestess has had a calling to serve a certain Goddess and those who congregate around this specialized form of worship. She has to be an expert in the ways and traditions of this Goddess and dedicate herself completely to Her service as well as help train future generations of priestesses.

In the second case the priest has the calling to serve perhaps an eclectic group or a formal tradition, of possessing the knowledge and experience as well as being prepared to put in the time and effort into serving that community through teaching, officiating rites and speaking publicly or when called upon to represent the community or group which he belongs to. His services must display an acceptable degree of skill, a certain standard or quality as well as a certain modicum of conformity to the said tradition. Such a priest besides having social skills, should also be compassionate, have an empathetic nature, possess a good understanding of human nature, group dynamics, organizational and delegating skills, the ability to organize public rituals, courses, conferences, etc. He should be a good listener, a generous soul who displays talent in communicating with others (even the more difficult members of his group). He should be a healer, a diviner, an able and joyful teacher, a friend, a refuge and spiritual haven to all those who need him. He has to have the endurance to walk the walk and not simply talk the talk.

In the third instance the individual functions as his own priest in his home and daily life without the necessity of interlocutors. His practices are his own and do not come under the public’s direct scrutiny.

Essentially speaking being a priest/ess is a fine balance between possessing the winning combination of experience, knowledge, wisdom, ability, reliability, to mention but a few qualities most of “us” expect from those who lead us in our rites or whom we follow in groups, movements or organizations. Those who distinguish themselves in the abovementioned characteristics are automatically respected and supported by the majority. They are the unspoken and true leaders of Paganism.

THE DEPTH-CHARGE: STANDARDS and QUALITY CONTROL?

Are these at all necessary? Perhaps, but the idea is very “un-Pagan” and it would eventually reveal itself be a logistical nightmare!

A large number of cross-community Pagans ascribe to the Wiccan Rede “and it harm none, do what ye will”. This means that there is some sort of commonality across the board. The same could probably apply to requirements for the priesthood and leadership. What is considered to be ethical or unethical amongst Pagans may vary from individual to individual, but there are certain principles and codes of conduct which guide one in one’s behaviour, reactions as well as expectations. This should be determined by what is good for the collective.

Let it be known that it is not the SAPC’s aim to regulate or behaviour and neither those desirable or undesirable qualities some of us secretly wish to see implemented and others dread. The SAPC has no desire to get involved in the appointment of priests or initiating disciplinary action against Pagans who contravene the “common held” principles and code of conduct. Pagans are controversial and assertive folk. Liberty and autonomy is a right we respect and will do our utmost to protect.

NOBODY’S PERFECT!

Each one of us has our peculiar ways and shortcomings. Some of us are so persistent and assertive that we risk coming across as ambitious, controlling and forceful people. This obviously arouses apprehensions in some whilst it intimidates others. It is important, though, not to expect Pagan leadership and priesthood to be saintly or perfect people. We have to focus on the achievements of these leaders and exercise tolerance and making allowance for their innocuous individual quirks.

Pagan leadership in our country has accomplished some wonderful feats over the years and they deserve our recognition and respect. Let us focus on their general portment, their dedication and commitment to “us”, and on how they have followed through with their promises, conjointly and individually.

Through their spiritual qualities, Pagan leaders and priests should automatically refrain from committing public and social wrongs or of seriously violating the Laws of our country (such as child abuse, drug or alcohol abuse, engaging in criminal activities such as fraud involving the monies of organizations, etc).

Let us remember that our leaders are human beings and are always in the public eye, reaping criticism (whether it be deserved or not). They cannot always please everyone, but as long as they act in the interest of the majority, they remain “our leaders” and deserve our support and respect.

It must be admitted too that there are those who undeservingly put themselves in positions of authority, but whose conduct is not deemed desirable by the majority, those who fail to safeguard the name of the collective through their socially unacceptable actions, their incompetence, their lack of skills, etc. These self-elected masters of negativity put “us” all to the test (the litmus test of society) and yet, concomitantly afford us the golden opportunity to show ourselves up as being different and strong in our multi-faceted diversity.

WHAT IS LEADERSHIP?

Leadership is INFLUENCE!

It is having followers. Someone once wrote that “he who thinks he is leading but does not have any followers, is only taking a walk.”

Effective Leadership is built on being consistent and dependable.
It is doing what you say and following through with your plans and promises.

Followers expect the following from their leaders:
• Honesty
• Competence
• Vision
• Inspiration
• Decency and respect to others and their paths
• To be a role model
• Exemplary conduct
• Transparency

A leader must always lead and motivate the Movement. He must be visible and available. A good leader develops his people, relies on their goodwill and not on the power of his position. He is inspired by genuine feelings of love (Ché Guevara) and a caring spirit and not through delusions of grandeur. He never leads through being manipulative, through using intimidatory tactics, rudeness or through breaking down his folk. The megalomaniac says “I”, the leader says “we”.
The leader knows when things need to be done and he knows how to go about getting them done. He does them himself, does not shift blame, but resolves problems and conflict with natural ease. He performs his duties in an exceptional manner which earns him his people’s regard and respect. The leader analyses things and thinks forward, suggesting innovations, ways to improve the current situation and motivates the feared (but long-needed) changes for the benefit of the collective.

LET US HONOUR OUR LEADERS

Titles and positions do not make a leader. A leader has influence. He or she is BIGGER than LIFE! They get things done and are therefore deserving of our cooperation and our joint efforts to unite loosely and independently under the various umbrellas they have put at our choice and disposal.

I wish to leave you with the following thought provoking questions, which may assist you in choosing whom you deem fit to be your leader, nonetheless remembering that we remain a collective, irrespective of whose leadership we embrace.

• Who are the influencers?
• Who cultivates spiritual and political awareness?
• Who do people follow?
• Who is respected?
• Who talks with authority and commands respect?
• Who gets things done?
• Who knows what is going on and is in touch with
the people?
• Who is set in his/her ways and creates obstacles?
• Who removes the obstacles, whilst being polite and
honest?
• Who uses their resources wisely and to the benefit
of all?
• Who gives voice to the people?
• Whose words suddenly lend meaning to our lives?
• Who gives without expecting returns?
• Who is generous and righteous in their conduct?
• Who exercises patience and control in all
situations?
• Who constantly disregards other people’s feelings
and needs?
• Who is deliberately cruel to others?
• Who lives to teach the Old Ways?
• Who neglects his duties?
• Who makes living life seem easier when the going
gets tough?
• Who possesses knowledge, experience, time and the
necessary infrastructures to be committed to the
collective?
• Who is the true instrument of the Gods and
Goddesses?

These are our leaders! These are our teachers! These are our priests!

REFERENCES:

The 21 Lessons of Merlin – Douglas Monroe - 1998
http://www.worthlink.net/~ysabet/spirit/vocation.html
http://www.widdershins.org/vol1iss6/y09.htm
Paper on Leadership – M. Principe 2006
www.proteuscoven.org/proteus/nomoney.htm