An Interview with
Argante Enmarie Potgieter

Village Witch

Q. Tell us a little about yourself.

I am a Capricorn on the waning side of twenty, a Marketing Manager by day and howling Witch by night. All in all a very balanced individual, if I dare say so myself. (I also hold an honours degree in Psychology that tips the scale completely of course, every so often).

Q. What kind of Pagan would you describe yourself as?

I generally shy away from labels but I suppose ‘Village Witch’ will do just fine.

Q. How and when were you introduced to Paganism in S.A.?

I formally embraced this path during the course of 1993. Having read a number of books on the subject I was keen to explore the path further but I did not know my widdershins from my deosil initially. Fortunately I was introduced to a group of practicing Witches later that same year. After attending only a few of their ‘lesson nights’ I knew that I have finally come home. I consider myself fortunate to have entered the path via the Coven of the Wheel’s degree system. My teachers were well read, highly experienced and followed a very traditional way. I dedicated most of my time and resources to study the religion and craft during those early years.

During the mid-nineties other groups started to emerge from the broom-closet and I started to interact with Pagans outside our Coven for the first time. I recall coming across one of the early editions of Penton and meeting students who were mainly trained by Bev Novikov in those days. I remember thinking: “There is life out there after all!” Towards the latter part of the nineties I continued to network with others. Due to the fact that my High Priestess was fighting an ongoing battle against cancer I had to take on an increasing amount of responsibility in the Coven workings. I started teaching, writing and leading rituals & together with our High Priest – initiating others into our tradition. It was a period of tremendous growth on the spiritual level.

During 1999 I realized that it was time to start taking care of the more mundane aspects in my life. I embarked on the path of the solitary and focused on developing other aspects of my life. Much of my time has been invested in community and academic work since then. Nevertheless, I continued along the path of the Witch in a private capacity. My first teacher used to say “Once a Witch – always a Witch”. The rest is history.

Q. What inspired you to continue walking the path you are on?

All of life’s little eccentricities and the core spirituality found in Paganism. It is a continuous source of nourishment and inspiration. Paganism allowed me to fall in love with life all over again and I plan to keep it this way.

Q. Tell us about the Pagan Portal. Where does your inspiration come from? What do you envision the Portal becoming in the future?

I have been fortunate to find a way of combining two of my passions, Witchcraft and community work.The Pagan Portal came to life during December 2003, due to the dedication, enthusiasm and hard work of a handful of individuals. This is definitely the beginning of a new cycle for me. It has allowed me to meet up with old friends and acquaintances as well as meeting plenty new faces. Even though much has changed in the Pagan community since those early days, the same spirit prevails. It is this (spirit of) diversity that teaches me so much about myself and the world we live in. I believe that all of us are but a reflection of the greater Pagan community and that we need a platform upon which all the different facets and faces of Pagan spirituality can interact. I can only hope that the Pagan Portal will continue to do so in future, and remain true to the goal of serving the interests of the local Pagan community at large.

Q. Are there many Pagans in SA? Do you know of anyone who has the exact answer to this question?

Paganism is certainly growing with the turn of each season. It would impossible to estimate the number of current Pagans and would also depend on how one chooses to define Paganism. I, for one, regard traditional African spirituality as one of the many Pagan traditions on this continent. My estimate of Pagans would therefore be much larger than that of someone who only regards the Euro-centric traditions as Pagan. Perhaps this is a question for the Oracle ? !

Q. Are you open about being a Pagan in your local community and at work?

I have learnt the art of balancing discretion and self-disclosure. I suppose I approach this issue on a ‘need-to-know’ basis.

Q. Tell us more about your involvement with the Pagan Freedom Day initiative. Why are you involved?

I am involved because I believe there is merit in the vision of this project. So much so that no amount of politics or personal baggage will prevent me from participating in this event. I have been co-ordinating the involvement of the Traditional Healers (Sangomas) in the Johannesburg event, and assist by providing a web presence for the Pagan Freedom Day activities on the Pagan Portal.

Q. Is there anything you would like to say to the Pagan community in South Africa?

Diversity is a beautiful thing. It keeps life interesting.

Contact Enmarie