About Stefani Barner Expertise I have been a practicing Witch (Reclaiming Tradition) for over 15 years and am the author of "Faith and Magick in the Armed Forces, a Handbook for Pagans in the Military" (the definitive guidebook for minority faiths in the military). I have taught, lectured and led rituals at Convocation (www.convocation.org) for many years and I can answer questions about:
- Paganism
- Wicca
- Santeria
- Unitarian-Universalism
- Interfaith Dialogue
- Military Pagan life
- God/dess (Perceptions of Deity)
- Ethics
- Parenting
- Relationships
- Coven Leadership & Group Dynamics
- Spellwork
- Ritual construction
- Sabbats
- Rites of Passage
- Apologetics
If you have a question about nearly anything within the realm of modern Paganism, Witchcraft and Liberal Religion, I have an answer for you!
Experience Practicing Witch for over fifteen years. Founding member of the Heart of Isis Womyn's Ritual Fellowship. Student of Santeria for five years (child of Obatala). Expert on Pagan Military Affairs and author of Faith and Magick in the Armed Forces: A Guidebook for Pagans in the Military (Llewellyn, 2008).
Organizations Member of the National Organization for Human Services, Unitarian Universalist Service Committee, Military Families Speak Out and Military Pagan Alliance.
Publications Air Force Times Newspapers, Detroit News & Free Press, newWitch. Speechwriter for several nonprofit advocacy groups & military organizations. Published author.
Education/Credentials Degree in Human Service; advanced training in Crisis Intervention and Conflict Resolution. Professional mediator. Currently studying for my Masters of Divinity.
Awards and Honors NOHS Outstanding Student of the Year (awarded for undergraduate performance).
Question QUESTION: Im a former agnostic, not putting much thought in religion. I'm turning 16 soon and decided its time to choose where i want to go with my life.
I ruled catholicism and other bible- based religions out right away. I've read a good portion of the bible and disagree with it strongly. To me it seemed discrimative and strict. Satanism is out. Followers of Islam are supposed to despise people of other religions.
What I'm looking for is an open-minded, live and let live religion. What makes wicca different from other religions?
I believe in the world around me, and i think its possible that worlds exist outside of our own. I believe in enery, and the ways it can be concentrated to perform certain tasks. i've recently experimented with psi. I do NOT believe in a single, all knowing being. Instead i think every natural object came from a "Spirit", a being in a world paralell to our own. I dont believe in a single "book", such as the bible. I want my relgion to be based not on a single book, like a bible, but my personal beliefs and theories.
From the description above, does paganism seem like a religion i might be interested in? I dont plan on joining any religion right away, but I"d like to "Explore" several belief systems in the next year or so. If possible, could you send me a few links/titles of further sources of information? Thanks, jenie
ANSWER: Jenie,
Honestly, It sounds to me like you need to check out your local Unitarian Universalist church. This is a non-creedal place that is truly supportive of people exploring various spiritual paths and determining for themselves what works and what resonates with their soul. Many Wiccan & Pagan groups would not take kindly to someone who is joining only to experiment, or for the experience...but within the UU church you will meet people of all backgrounds who can share their own spiritual perspective with you and support you on your journey. To learn more about Unitarian Universalism, or to find the congregation closest to you, check out www.uua.org.
Blessings on your journey.
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QUESTION: I do not plan on joining any pagan group. I just want to do some
book/Internet research. Is there anything you reccomend?the uu is a good
idea, but I couldn't join a congregation bc my mother is very close minded
and thinks all religions but christianity are "rediculous". I can't drive or get far
away from home without her. I have a friend who could pick up a book for me, but that's about the extent of my freedom. And I am not doing this to
rebel, I am looking for a new religion bc I think it's time I decide "what I want
to be when I grow up."
Answer Jenie,
My usual suggestions are "Evolutionary Witchcraft" by T. Thorn Coyle and "A Wiccan Bible" by A.J. Drew. I would add to that "A Chosen Faith" by John A. Buehrens and Forrest Church. You might also want to consider connecting with the Church of the Larger Fellowship, which is a UU church that provides resources and support to those unable to attend a traditional UU church.
