Free Spirited by Gede Parma Page A

you have the right to inform an authority figure about it. There is discrimination in schools, and some of it does come from teachers and staff. Sometimes I felt that ignorance was being conveyed towards my beliefs, and it was a narrow-mindedness that has no place in schools. I do not wish to persecute anyone for not ever having heard about Paganism, I am simply admitting to feeling a little out of place because of it.
    I once brought my Tarot cards to school to read for a friend. A teacher walked past and asked what I was doing. I told her and she walked off, seemingly unaffected. Eventually she returned and told me they were not appropriate for school and to put them away, which I did. However, I felt that my rights had been abused, as the same teacher had exclaimed that it was “cute” for students to bring Bibles to school and to read them during their breaks. Now what is the difference between reading Bibles during a break and reading Tarot cards? Both are channels for the divine to give advice, and both are valid spiritual tools. However, it is quite obvious the teacher in question thought there was a difference between the two and probably associated Tarot cards with something sinister.
    The ignorance portrayed above is not based on an intended hatred of Paganism but on the basic ignorance of what it is and a fear of what it can mean.
    In general, teachers will strive to be accepting. I have interacted with countless teachers who have treated me and my spirituality fairly and with no problems in doing so. Many of them are Christian; in fact, one was a retired Catholic priest! Understanding is not a one-way street—it involves both parties meeting halfway and encourages acceptance of each other.
    The way you present yourself, the way you speak, and the depth of your sincerity are all factors that contribute to your overall persona as understood by teachers. Building bridges between the generations allows for new insights and advice from a source you may never have considered before. Intelligence is one of the most respected attributes in our society, and with it you may achieve what you want to as long as you have the willpower. Many would like to tell you that university degrees are the only assured way of securing your permanent access to opportunities awaiting you. I say go as far as you want with institutionalised education, and as long as you can apply what you know and have the patience and humility to continue learning, you will get where you want to.
    Assignments
    This word strikes fear in the hearts of students everywhere. However, homework also tends to drain us of time and energy, and it reminds us of the shackles restraining our freedom while we attend school.
    The great thing about subjects such as English and history is that assignments are generally format only, in which we are given choices of what to enter into that format. Instead of writing an essay on the French Revolution, why not try the New Age Revolution? When the prospect of analysing a Shakespearean play is staring you right in the face, read up on Macbeth and compare the traditional Elizabethan views on Witches with real Witchcraft. Put a Pagan spin on your assignments, and you’ll soon find that you are able to get good grades as well as further your knowledge of Paganism.
    Below I have provided a list of assignments I did at school on the topics of Witchcraft and Paganism, to help inspire you and get your own creative juices flowing:
    â€¢ An oral performance on stereotypical Witchcraft
    â€¢ A mini-magazine on modern Witchcraft (articles included an examination of the Tarot’s Major Arcana, teen Witchcraft, and Wicca and its origins)
    â€¢ An argumentative essay debating the existence of Magick
    â€¢ A comparison between two spiritual poems— Desiderata by Max Ehrmann and The Witches’ Creed by Doreen Valiente
    â€¢ A Shakespearean-styled performance implementing Pagan lore and custom
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