A Vietnam Soldier's Letter Changed Her Anti-War Behavior. A Powerful Story

The storyteller is Margot Adler. This interview was recorded in 1989. Adler was a prominent American author, journalist, Wiccan priestess and radio host. She worked for National Public Radio (NPR) for many years, where she was a correspondent and then a host. She contributed to various NPR shows and was known for her insightful reports on a wide range of topics, from culture to politics.

Adler is perhaps best known in pagan and Wiccan circles for her groundbreaking book “Drawing Down the Moon: Witches, Druids, Goddess-Worshippers, and Other Pagans in America.” Originally published in 1979, this work provided one of the first comprehensive looks at modern pagan and Wiccan practices in the U.S., making it an essential read for those interested in these religious movements. Later in life, she also wrote “Vampires Are Us: Understanding Our Love Affair with the Immortal Dark Side,” which delves into the cultural fascination with vampires.

Margot Adler was a Wiccan priestess and was deeply involved in the Wiccan and broader pagan community. Her involvement not only as a practitioner but also as someone who documented and reported on the movement brought significant visibility to Wicca and related practices.

Wicca is a modern pagan, witchcraft religion that emerged in the early to mid-20th century in England. Since then, it has grown into one of the more prominent and recognized neo-pagan movements worldwide. Its origins are somewhat debated, but figures like Gerald Gardner and Doreen Valiente are credited with popularizing and shaping what is known as Wicca today.

The term “Wiccan” refers to an adherent of Wicca. Wiccans often venerate a dual deity concept, commonly represented as the Goddess and the God (or the Triple Goddess and the Horned God). These deities are sometimes understood in a more universal sense, with the Goddess and God seen as aspects or expressions of a greater divine power or life force.

The Wiccan Rede: An ethical guideline that states, “An it harm none, do what ye will.” This emphasizes personal responsibility and avoiding harm to others.

The Rule of Three: A belief that whatever energy or intent one puts out into the world, whether positive or negative, will return to that person threefold.

Sabbats: Eight annual festivals, often corresponding to the solstices, equinoxes, and other seasonal changes, celebrating the cycles of nature and the God and Goddess.

Ritual practices: These often include casting a circle, invoking deities, celebrating the phases of the moon, and using tools like wands, athames (a ritual knife), and chalices.

Wiccan Priestess: Within Wiccan covens or solitary practices, there are roles of leadership and facilitation. A Wiccan priestess is a female leader who often leads rituals, ceremonies, and other religious functions. Similarly, a priest would be her male counterpart. Their roles can include teaching, guiding rituals, initiating new members, and serving as spiritual leaders or counselors. The exact responsibilities and the process to become a priest or priestess can vary widely among different Wiccan traditions and groups. Some Wiccans also choose to self-dedicate themselves to the deities and take on these titles in a more personal or solitary capacity.

Adler was also a sought-after speaker, discussing topics related to paganism, Wicca, journalism, and other subjects. She was known for her ability to articulate complex ideas with clarity and passion.

Throughout her life, Adler was involved in various forms of activism. This ranged from her participation in civil rights and anti Vietnam war movements during the 1960s to later involvement in environmental causes.

Margot Adler passed away in 2014, but she left a significant mark on both journalism and the pagan community. Her work continues to influence and inspire many in both fields.

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