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 my name is Julie but i go by jewels and all my friends know about me practicing witchcraft and mom and other siblings do to well one question is how can i break it to my other family because the only time there together is 'christmas' time and i am going to tell them that i am bisexual in a few days because i am tired of hiding my and my girlfriend and my other question is if i am what type of pagan or wiccan i am because i have three friends that also practice and one said im wicca one said i am neo pagan and the other said i am just pagan i mean i belive in the rede and the whole harm none and me and my three friends are in a 'coven' and have a older wiccan that will help us like a type of teacher and he said that i sould do what feel right and i do but i would like to know the corect term for what i am than just saying i practice witchcraft and than they ask wiccan or pagan and i am clueless?
merry meet,merry part,marry meet again
jewels )O(
Answer Jewels,
Paganism and Wicca are not mutually exclusive. To be Wiccan is to practice one form of Paganism; so, both of your friends are correct when they say you are Wiccan AND Neo-Pagan. You sound young in your writing to me and I'd like you to understand that no reliable Pagan/Wiccan teacher will take on an underage student...particularly one of the opposite sex. The fact that you have an older, male Wiccan teacher leaves me feeling a bit concerned. Please discuss my concern with your mother and if she has not already, arrange for her to meet your older Wiccan mentor.
As far as when is the best time to tell your family you're Wiccan; there is no need to hit them with TONS of information all at once. I would strongly encourage you to give it some time before you announce your religious preference- especially in light of your coming out. I think it would be beneficial for you to really clarify in your own mind what it is you believe before you announce it to others. Until you know what you identify as and WHY, it is probably best to avoid putting yourself in situations where you might be forced to explain/justify your beliefs.
