The British Pagan Scene
How to Get Involved and Meet Other Pagans
May 21, 2008 Marion Grace Woolley
Paganism is a nature-based faith with its roots in pre-Christian Europe and global shamanic traditions. As an umbrella term, “Paganism” represents a number of different branches, or “paths”, including Druidry, Wicca, Shamanism, Asatruism and Heathenry.
How to Find Other Pagans
In Britain, pretty much every major town has a Pagan moot going on. A moot is a regular social event usually held in a pub. Some moots are general social events whilst others are “talking stick” debates, where a relevant topic is presented for discussion. Most moots are free or donation-based and anyone can go along.
One of the best ways to find your local moot is to buy a copy of Pagan Dawn, which has an extensive yellow pages listing in the middle with national contact details. If it is your first time going to a moot, try to contact them beforehand to confirm that the event is taking place and that the directions are correct. It might be worth going with a friend who is also interested.
What Kind of People Will Be There?
Pagans are not one kind of people, you will meet men and women from all different backgrounds: students to magistrates, IT consultants to artists. Some people you will form friendships with easily, others you might find a bit “strange,” but the Pagan community is tight-knit and the social scene is lively.
What about Online?
There are hundreds of Pagans online. One of the best places to look for British Pagans is on UKP, which stands for UK Pagans. It is perhaps the best-known of all online British communities with a friendly atmosphere, events listings and very active forum.
Most British Pagan organisations also have a website. You might like to have a search for groups such as the Pagan Federation, Pagan Association, British Druid Order, British Druid Network, OBOD (Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids) and so forth.
Other Places to Meet Pagans
You will often meet other Pagans at sacred sites such as the Rollright Stone Circle (border of Oxfordshire and Warwickshire), Avebury and Glastonbury. If your local town has an alternative shop you might like to look on their notice board or ask the person behind the counter, they are usually community hot-spots.
Any Tips for a First Meeting?
Go with an open mind. Pagans are a hugely mixed bunch of characters and you won’t see eye-to-eye with everybody but, as a whole, it’s a welcoming cultural group who like a good laugh, good food and good ale. There are social events and camps up and down the country every year so if you’re not sure that you like one moot, try another. You will find somewhere to call home eventually.
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