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Sharing "the
Word" with Pagans? Our fellowship does not involve efforts
to convert others, though we are generally receptive to visitors who want to
learn about our beliefs. Occasionally, however, we encounter a
Christian who feels they must witness to us, either individually or as a
group (see "Witnessing
to Witches" by Craig S. Hawkins for one Christian's premises and
motivations for such proselytizing). Since such witnessing typically
leads to lively discussion, it is not inappropriate to our interactions with
outsiders. But it is totally inappropriate in our circles. This
is why we suggest that non-pagans visit our weekly meetings before attending
a formal circle. In fact, even in our weekly business meetings we try to stay
fixed on discussion of our own spiritual paths. Though most of us are
quite prepared to discuss Christian ideas, there is a time and place for
everything. Perhaps the best statement about Christian witness and
paganism we have seen is "How
to share the Gospel with Pagans" by Gwydion.
We strongly recommend the essay to everyone.
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 The pentagram
and cross in a circle
are commonly interpreted by pagans as indicating the 'elements' of earth,
air, fire, water, and spirit (with spirit at the intersection of the
cross). Both signs are old symbols throughout Europe,
though there are at least three different sets of ancient associations for
the wheel cross and a long development of pentagram figures (either enclosed
or unenclosed). The wheel cross appears in ancient and early-Christian
Irish usage, and so is worn by some 'Celtic path' pagans because it receives
less negative reaction than the pentagram; yet several variants of this sign
have also been adopted by neo-fascist organizations. Brighid's Cross, the four (or sometimes three) armed
figure with no enclosing circle, is associated with the Irish St. Brighid and her celebration day on February 1.
Similarly, a four-armed cross with circles marking the ends and intersection
is named for the 14th century Swedish St. Brighid.
Indeed, there are many intersecting cultural associations for most of the
symbols one might adopt from ancient religious, alchemical, or magical
systems of graphic signs. Following the links in Symbols.com may
lead you to some surprises. And be sure to check out the articles on
the heptagram and the wheel of the year
on these pages, since they figure significantly in our understanding of how
much pagan and astrological practice remains in our mundane cultural
associations.
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