Pagan Clergy

Seminary trained Pagan clergy is a new idea in modern paganism. Many do not believe we need such people and prefer initiation into traditional coven structure for people to become high priestesses or priests. Certainly, this is the way modern paganism organized itself in the early days and many still believe in this approach. As Pagans, we want to embrace all aspects of paganism and if those seeking such experiences can find them, more power to them.

However, covens are difficult to find as there is no national or international clearing house of covens and their traditions. Starting ones own coven can also be challenging, particularly if pagans are hard to find in your area. Helen Berger* and Holli Emore* have discussed the rise of solitary pagans due to these challenges and/or problems people encountered in coven groups.

While those in coven structures may also benefit from pagan ministry, solitaries in particular can be well served by trained pagan clergy. They may need someone to bounce ideas around or check with their understanding of pagan practices. They may benefit from a clergy relationship when they experience a crisis or are in the hospital or other life events where spiritual help is desired.

For myself, I see modern paganism as a religion that is experiencing growing pains. The traditional forms of degrees or levels of initiation may not meet the needs of our religion writ large. I believe there is a place for all to be part of pagan religion and we just need to discuss it. Perhaps the more traditional forms, such as Gardnerian and off shoots of that tradition would be seen as our mystical paths. Modern Wicca, such as Dianic or eclectic forms could be more public and mainstream. "Traditional witchcraft and folk traditions" may continue as solitary paths. Heathens, Druids, Kemetic, and other Reconstructionist forms might fall in either category. Maybe there are other categories! The point is that as a religion, we need to contemplate the needs of our community. Clearly the needs of solitaries are not the same as those in a coven. As a religion, how do we take into account all the magnificent diversity of paganisms and meet the needs of our community members? To me, having a trained clergy is one approach to this. As a Pagan minister, I can minister to anyone in the pagan community, no matter what their tradition. By listening closely, I can work with anyone's belief system. Working with spiritual clergy is, to me, just like finding a doctor you can work with or a therapist that you can work with. Each doctor or each therapist may not be right for every person. It is nice to be able to choose from a variety of people in those situations to find someone you can work with and relate to. To me, Pagan ministry is similar. Not all Pagans want to minister, not all Pagans will resonate with each Pagan minister or high priestess/priest. To be able to choose seems clearly to reflect pagan values. We do not tell each other what to do or what to believe. But we do want people to find the path that works for them and to work with other pagans and with pagan clergy as they see the need.

Years ago, at Pantheacon, I went to a workshop held by Macha Nightmare, where she discussed whether we need more pagan infrastructure, such as banks, funeral homes/services, food banks, schools, etc. I was struck by these ideas and thought why hasn't paganism thought about those things already? Will we stay a mystery religion and not have our values and ideas out in the world through practices and infrastructure? Paganism has much to offer the world in the grip of climate change. While practical measures are sorely needed, we do need a value system to uphold those measures. Pagan and animism can provide spiritual context for climate change solutions and could affect personal and social behaviors. So my answer, would be no, we should not stay a mystery religion in total, but be more public and keep our mystery traditions going as well.

What are your thoughts on Pagan Clergy? Pagan ministers?

*Solitary Pagans: Contemporary Witches, Wiccans, and Others Who Practice Alone by Helen Berger, 2019. Constellated Ministry: A guide for those serving todays' pagans by Holli Emore 2021