Pagan religions and Teens?

I was reading the news links on witchvox a bit ago and there was an article about a girl who had left Wicca and converted to Catholicism I believe. It was already a dead link by the time I got to it, but from the comments, I was able to infer that it wasn't one of those stories full of claims of child sacrifice and orgies. It was one of a teenage girl who started a coven with other teens, had a bad experience (likely because they didn't know what they were doing) and later converted to Catholicism. So I don't know the full details. But it made me think (and I've thought this many times) that I have mixed feelings about how Wicca specifically deals with teens. I've made it clear multiple times that I don't take minors on as students (I don't know any teachers or covens that do), and I stand by that for multiple reasons. But I worry sometimes that such a stance may bar teens from access to helpful information about Wicca.





Does this stance cause more harm than good? Your thoughts?

Pagan religions and Teens?
I'm torn on this.


If a teen walked into the local Baptist Church they would take them in in a heart beat. Not only would they buy them their first shiny new Bible, they would pick them up from their house and attempt to talk parents into allowing it. What makes it ok for them to do it and not anyone else? Because we aren't like them? Well of course we aren't. We don't "seek" people out. But *if* they come to us, should we deny them? It's a quandary.


I think it's our responsibility to give information. If someone asks me a question, regardless of their age, I answer it. There in nothing wrong with knowledge. I am NOT well versed enough to teach and wouldn't DREAM of doing so, but should I deny someone if they ask? Ethical or not?


Like I said, I'm torn on it. I am a *huge* fan of paganism in general becoming more organized. If you choose not to take part then don't, but the fact is that there is a lot of really *bad* information out there and I blame lack of organization for it. We are cutting off our nose to spite our face. We want so badly not to be like the Christians that we are diluting our faith with SRW. That makes me sad.
Reply:Well I wasn't a teen when I started looking at Wicca and 20 years on I'm still happy with my informed choice.





IF/when I have teens asking I usually (depending n the local age of concent) ask to also talk to their parents.


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Reply:To be honest, I've never understood what is wrong about taking on minors as students, unless what people really mean when they say that is they won't do it unless the minor has gotten permission from parents. That would make sense. In the case that the minor does not have parent permission, then the hands of the experienced Wiccans are tied, unfortunately.
Reply:If a kindred/grove/hearth/coven/group etc has permission from a teen's parents, I have no problem with having a teen in the group IF they fit in and are willing to learn.





We were approached by a teen when he was sixteen. We talked with his parents and discovered they knew my Mom (who is in the Kindred) and agreed. His mother was part of his Coming-of-Age blot when he turned 18.
Reply:I agree not to take on any teens as students, but unfortunately, this leaves them to find information elsewhere, like in bad places. While it is good not to undermine the parents, when a teen wants to learn something, they will regardless of if the info is good or not. Though, of they have the permission of their parents, then perhaps it would be all right to teach them
Reply:I think with parent permission that it would be okay to take a minor as a student. I was really young when I first began studying Wicca. I had a friend whose family was Wiccan, and they agreed to teach me so long as they could speak with my parents and make sure it was okay with them. They supported me 100% in my studies. It makes me forever grateful to my parents for being as understanding and supportive as they were. Without parental permission, however, I can certainly see where problems could arise. Parents are really touchy about their kids, and if they aren't comfortable with their child studying Wicca, it could lead to tension between the teen, the parents, and the teacher. Nasty business to be dealing with.
Reply:i think it's ok to teach teens with the parents' consent, and it's always ok to answer questions without going too far. i think it's rude to turn a cold shoulder, which many pagans do. pagan communities are hard to break to even for an adult. i think we need to be more trusting of strangers.
Reply:my thoughts....... well there is no right and wrong cause there is some good and bad in it





can't you just give them the helpful information?
Reply:I don't know any covens that would take teenagers either and it is for good reasons. There is plenty of helpful information available if they ask at their local metaphysic shops. Generally, the owners have a good idea of what books to steer them toward or possibly another source including classes and mentors.
Reply:In all honesty it would be better if they could learn from someone who knows what they are doing. The problem is we can't step across the line and interfer with the parents rights. I can tell you I wouldn't want anyone trying to convert my children to any religion. I'd rather my children choose for themselves. I think learning about different religions is a great thing.
Reply:My thoughts would be clearer if your question was clearer to someone with ADHD and mild dyslexia... o.o











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