The more observant among you will have noticed the site has a brand new look. This is still in the testing phase and will be getting updated and polished over the next few days.

If you notice any problems with the layout or if something doesn’t work the way it should, please let us know, either by commenting or drop us an email.

BB,
Steven

If any of you take an interest in that most horrendous and mind-numbing programme called Big Brother, you may be aware that there is a new contestant who has entered the house, professing to be a practicing pagan and white witch.

It has to be said that this guy (David Parnaby), has never been to any of the Ayr Pagans pub moot and is not related to it in any way whatsoever. Why someone who apparently is spiritual, would even want to be a part of this horrid programme is beyond me.

The Daily Record have done a write up on this guy and according to them the ‘High Priest of Loch Ness’ (Kevin Carlyon), was contacted by David prior to entering the house. A few quotes: “He(David) kept asking about spells to control people and get power over them” and “he started talking about devil worship”.

Oh, puleeeeese!!!!! The same old tosh. No genuine and true pagan, wiccan or witch would ever try to control people or have power over them. Nor do we believe in the devil or devil-worship, honestly having to repeat this time and time again gets so tedious.

I’m sure this chap is a decent enough person, however, when I hear comments like these, its embarrassing. Paganism and wicca are peaceful and deeply spiritual paths, that teach respect for all living things in nature, not a means to achieving fame.

Please feel free to leave any comments.

Hiya all,

The Scottish PF conference 2007, took place on 9th June at Edinburgh. It was a great day out, with many folks from the pub moot attending. The speakers were good, particularly Charis and Jim’s talk on “Witchcraft - a real alternative?” and Marion Green’s discussion on Magical mind states. The weather was fabulous (for a change!) At night, Mad Mick’s pagan poetry was great entertainment! Its a great way to catch up with people you don’t see often, so roll on next year!!!! BB Jo x

The following is a basic rundown of the Wheel of the Year.

There are 8 Sabbats to the Pagan Wheel of the Year:

4 Major Sabbats - Samhain, Imbolc, Beltane and Lammas

4 Minor Sabbats - Yule, Ostara, Solstice and Mabon

(more…)

Here is my Top 5 on-screen references to Paganism:

1 - The Wickerman (1973)

An absolute gem when it comes to pagan references. This classic film is full of pagan innuendo. The main theme of the movie centers on the disapperance of a child on a remote island off the Scottish mainland. A policeman from the mainland, is sent to investigate. What transpires is a misunderstanding of religious beliefs. We see the Christian beliefs of the policeman at odds with the Pagan culture of the island. The movie has many references to Beltane, fertility rites and belief in a God and Goddess. The only thing I don’t like about the movie is, its classed as part of the “horror genre”, due to the fact that there is a human sacrifice at the end of the movie. However, if we forget that tosh, there is not a Pagan movie that surpasses it.

2 - Robin of Sherwood (1984 - 1986)

I was a bit wary at first, when watching the first couple of episodes of this series, mainly due to the fact that it looks a bit dated now. I am pleased to say that it turned out to be fantastic. The series is centered around Robin and his band of Merry men and one Lady Marion, who fight against the dastardly deeds of the Sheriff of Nottingham (superbly played by Nickolas Grace, I may add!) Paganism is portrayed in this series, by Robin actually being the Son of Herne the Hunter, God of the Woods. Handfastings and Pagan festivals are portrayed in an accurate way. The background music comprises of Clannad, an Irish band, which complements this series very well.

3 - Farscape (1999 -2004)

This is primarily a Science Fiction series, nevertheless, there are Pagan references within it. The character of Pa’u Zotoh Zhaan (played by Virginia Hey), enlightens us with her references to a universal Goddess. Her character is portrayed as one having the attributes of serenity, love and compassion, many of which Pagans strive for. An unusual portrayal of the Pagan theme, but nonetheless a poingant one.

4 - The Craft (1996)

This movie reminds me of an Buffy-type, teenager wanna-be! However, for those of the Wiccan mindset, there are quite alot of interesting references. If you can get by the rubbish visuals and characters, and listen to the words, then Pagan references are there.

5 - Bell, Book and Candle (1958)

And finally, a movie from the good olde days! Many references to Paganism and in particular wicca are here. Its a fun movie, powers of persuasion being a central theme. You have to bear in mind when watching this movie, that it comes from an era where paganism and wicca were misunderstood. But Kim Novak’s portrayal as a self assured and strong minded female of that time is totally priceless!

This is written as part of ProBloggers Top 5 Writing Competition