Spring Break
Pagan Organization Offers A Welcoming Setting
Brittany Dorn
Issue date: 9/26/07 Section: News
She instead defines Paganism as a nature-based, sometimes polytheistic religion usually based on pre-Christian ideals. Often, she said, Pagans worship many gods, energy or nature instead of one supreme spiritual being.
As in Christianity, there are different sects within Paganism: Wicca, Druidry and Asatru, to name a few.
According to Richter, most club members are "eclectic Pagans," or "a little bit of everything."
PODS has changed a lot over time, she said. Years ago, members in the group - which was at that time more stereotypically Pagan - would run naked around Horsebarn Hill.
"Now we don't do that," she said, smiling.
Today the group observes moon rituals with guided mediation and crafts, celebrates equinoxes with ceremonies and feasts and attends special events such as Pagan Pride Day. Members also spend time together off campus, usually in a natural setting - apple-picking, a corn maze and pumpkin picking are yearly traditions.
Although people are generally accepting of Pagans, Richter said group members have experienced prejudice, including people trying to convert them. Usually, this happens off-campus - for example, at this year's Pagan Pride Day.
The public's perception of Paganism is a "cross between not knowing and kind of being almost scared," Richter said. "They might think black magic or the bad connotation of Voodoo. I think someone once even asked if we sacrificed small children."
She encourages fellow Pagans to respond to these questions kindly.
"Listen. Don't be mean," she advised. "Even tune them out a little. Don't be confrontational."
Members of PODS heed her advice, both within and out of the club setting. Get-togethers are free-flowing and open. Everyone takes turns planning events and incorporating different religious aspects. Participation in ceremonies and prayer is voluntary, with members encouraged to take part as much or little as they want.
As in Christianity, there are different sects within Paganism: Wicca, Druidry and Asatru, to name a few.
According to Richter, most club members are "eclectic Pagans," or "a little bit of everything."
PODS has changed a lot over time, she said. Years ago, members in the group - which was at that time more stereotypically Pagan - would run naked around Horsebarn Hill.
"Now we don't do that," she said, smiling.
Today the group observes moon rituals with guided mediation and crafts, celebrates equinoxes with ceremonies and feasts and attends special events such as Pagan Pride Day. Members also spend time together off campus, usually in a natural setting - apple-picking, a corn maze and pumpkin picking are yearly traditions.
Although people are generally accepting of Pagans, Richter said group members have experienced prejudice, including people trying to convert them. Usually, this happens off-campus - for example, at this year's Pagan Pride Day.
The public's perception of Paganism is a "cross between not knowing and kind of being almost scared," Richter said. "They might think black magic or the bad connotation of Voodoo. I think someone once even asked if we sacrificed small children."
She encourages fellow Pagans to respond to these questions kindly.
"Listen. Don't be mean," she advised. "Even tune them out a little. Don't be confrontational."
Members of PODS heed her advice, both within and out of the club setting. Get-togethers are free-flowing and open. Everyone takes turns planning events and incorporating different religious aspects. Participation in ceremonies and prayer is voluntary, with members encouraged to take part as much or little as they want.
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posted 3/20/09 @ 5:10 PM EST
The Pagan Organization for Diverse Spirituality - affectionately nicknamed "PODS" by its members - is not your average religious group. Members vary greatly in their beliefs - although some do consider themselves Pagan, others tend toward different religions, such as Christianity, Judaism and Buddhism. (Continued…)
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