The Ministries of the Reverend Lord Stryse

In our 21^st century world, the concept of Elder has become obscure and vague.   Before the advent of modern city life, back when we were villagers not citizens, Elders were easily recognized and the mantle of Elder clearly understood.   Everyone knew what an Elder was and who the Elders in the village were.   It was as unquestioned as the rising sun. 

Today we city councils and mayors and all hosts of government to manage the affairs of our broad, diverse, and disconnected ‘community.’    We’re no longer a tight-knit society, but fellowship of that lost time is not entirely extinct.   We are all a part of the greater community that is our metropolitan area (which I use loosely in relation to the Truckee Meadows).   Yet within this melting pot of a community exists sub-communities.   Within these sub-communities, true Elders still exist.    They aren’t necessarily the figureheads of our society.  They don’t necessarily greet strangers to our lands, or govern our tribes, but they are still there, doing the business of an Elder for those who have need.

Sadly, the community of Indigenist (ie:  pagan) religions here in Northern Nevada isn’t as connected as it might have been in times past.   This isn’t a city with distinct districts in which the sub-communities have congregated into and lead a more-or-less self contained existence.   We’ve intermixed and so don’t have the benefit of everyone knowing everyone else and thus naturally knowing who the village elders (and village idiots—another time-honored and respected office which I believe deserves equal reverence) are without much question or thought on the manner.    No, we the collective community do not easily recognize our Elders anymore.   Who are they?

As our society has moved away from its tribal roots (which really began before Europeans settled on this continent), many have lost touch with the architecture of such a community.   The trappings of the society we’ve moved too has made us wary of those we don’t know and thus we’re more skeptical of the motives of others.   Yet our common bond is the theology that is shared between our varied and diverse traditions--Indigenous religions that have survived where the rest of the culture they were born from has eroded away in the winds of time.   Though they have evolved, as is the nature of all life, they have carried with them certain aspects of the societies that gave rise to them in the first place.   Amongst these are concepts such as Elders.   Yet it would seem few who follow these paths know what an Elder is.   Especially those who have recently started their journey along these ancient spiritual roads.   Still they hear mention of the Elders.   It is implied they should respect, even defer to these individuals (who are often faceless strangers) yet they know not why they should.   In fact we’re taught to respect our Elders from early childhood but in a manner to suggest we should respect the Elderly.  Although it is sound advice, for the elderly are certainly due all the respect any other human being deserves, those dispensing this advice it would seem may also lack an understanding of what an Elder is.   Who are they?  Why are they here? 

Anyone on the EPON list may have noticed in today’s distribution a Seeker’s Bill of Rights.     It is written by Charles Mars and the very first Right is that to Verify Credentials, and it states:   Seekers shall not be obstructed from substantiating claims made by a teacher or group. In the case of Elders that were inspired to create a new tradition, the Seeker has the right to know the circumstances surrounding the inception of that tradition.  

Another reference to Elders without much discourse on what an Elder is.    Granted, in Mr. Mars’ case it was no doubt assumed that one had some idea of an Elder being more than simply someone of advanced age.    (Age is a relative thing and being elderly is, as we shall soon see, not a means in and of itself to be considered an Elder).  His Bill of Rights would suggest that anyone who starts a tradition of their own might be considered an Elder, but also implies that the Elder of one tradition may not be recognized as such in another  tradition, which makes me wonder if they should truly be considered an Elder at all, if based solely on their creation of a new tradition.  Yet it is a Seeker’s Bill of Rights and a Seeker who has need to know what their rights are most likely also needs to know a lot more, like what an Elder is, so as to better navigate the terrain of this new territory their spiritual path is winding through.

The following is how I’ve come to understand what an Elder is.   Failing any elders of the community to educate me properly about any Mysteries, let alone the great Mystery of Elderhood), I’ve gone with what I could find in print.     (Of course it was once pointed out to me by someone I consider an Elder that self-discovery is as valid an education as something more formalized and so we should have more faith in our ability to teach ourselves.)   This little article is by far the soundest explanation of what an Elder is that I have found (as measured, naturally, by how well it fits the evolving personal theology in my own head).   I did not write it, its author did not leave a name, but instead a note that it was published under the GPL and thus I may freely copy it here instead of just refer you:

There are two types of individuals who are qualified to be esteemed as Pagan elders. The first type is extremely wise in the use of his or her knowledge of Paganism, or a specific Pagan tradition. The second type is one who "gets the job done" for the betterment of the Pagan cause. Such elders are needed and welcomed in the Pagan community; they are the "bright lights" along what is often a long, dark path.

Those worthy of Pagan elderhood are those who don't really wish to be Pagan elders. The wise individual and the active individual are simple people, with a great love of their faith. They help others because it is natural to them; it is part of their true selves to share their talents or wisdom. They are not proud; they do not attract attention to themselves. Pagans are drawn to them for advice or assistance, as if drawn by a magnet.

It is possible to find a great comfort in the presence of a true Pagan elder, because their words and actions are honest. No hidden agenda provides their motivation. They live, in harmony with nature, with other people, with the Gods. To view their aura is a spectacular experience. Pagans who discover a true elder are very reluctant to let that person go, even though these unwilling elders tend to move on after awhile. The attention and adulation of others may make them uncomfortable in a way, so they seek a new, quiet place to live. It doesn't take long, however, before Pagans in the new location recognize their presence and seek them out. A distinct energy emanates from these individuals - even as they shop at the mall or grocery store. And, this is a good thing.

In sharp contrast, there are those who set a goal to become a Pagan elder, thinking they can amass money, fame or power in such a position. They promote themselves as experts, usually on a specific tradition or subject matter, and either offer themselves as public speakers or preachers, hold classes for a fee, write articles or books. In today's society, where so many people gullibly believe what they see and hear - often ignoring their intuition or better judgement - such self-proclaimed elders draw the naive to them, and proceed to mislead, confuse and sometimes totally disillusion them about the true meaning of their Pagan faith.

Some of these types seek ordination (usually through various websites) and use the title "Reverend" at every available turn. They may see no use in observing the Sabbats, or the lunar cycles (depending on their professed tradition). The rituals they do hold may seem rather lame, and may tap the energies of others in attendance for the leader's own purpose, rather than raising it and putting it to good use.

The self-styled elders are very careful to offend no one, and end up saying little of any practical use. When confronted by someone knowledgeable in Pagan matters and practices, they avoid answering questions, fearing they will be exposed for their lack of knowledge and their real motivation. They may also become defensive when challenged by an honest seeker, and deride these inquirers for not falling in line with their own skewed beliefs.

The effect of self-proclaimed elders on the Pagan community can be devastating. The media, knowing little about Paganism, will eagerly respond if notified that Reverend So-and-So is holding a public ritual where the attendees will be skyclad, or if he or she offers to give an interview about their unusual (often unorthodox, even in Pagan terms) "ministry". Journalists will take what such a person says at face value, not having any means to counter inaccuracies, through their own lack of resources. Then, when the report is broadcast or printed in the newspaper, and members of other faiths express public horror at the practices of this "elder" and his group, Paganism is dealt a blow which honest individuals will be hard pressed to mend.

True Pagan elders most often see little point in doing battle with these self-proclaimed leaders. More often than not, the life-span of false elderhood is short. Call it karma or the Three-Fold Law, their unethical actions return to haunt them and they eventually vanish into the ether.

It still remains for all Pagans to beware of those who make claims they cannot support, or which are clearly false. The ongoing struggle for acceptance and understanding of Paganism by the general public is difficult enough without misinformation being circulated, or a so-called elder's questionable reputation or actions adding to the difficulty.

Better to trust the quiet Pagan, whose magick is evident in every aspect of his or her life. From these elders, the truth can be learned, and the spirit can grow.

Thus, I hope all who were as curious as I who the Elders in the community are, and what they are about, now have a clearer understanding