An Interview with
Raene Adams

The Temple of Awen - Correllian Nativist Church

Q. Would you tell our readers a little about yourself?

My name is pronounced “rain” for all those that are wondering. I am a Leo and serve the Egyptian Goddess Sekhmet and God Ra. I have been a Witch for eight years. I was initiated by a hereditary Witch and spent the first part of my life in the craft as a solitary. I then went on to work and study with one or two groups until I became a member of the Correllian Tradition and became clergy. I was initiated / ordained by the Correllian Nativist Church in June 2002. My sponsor is Rev. Don Lewis High-Correll, Head of the Correllian Tradition. My hobbies are singing, dancing, spending time with friends, cooking, painting and teaching. I adore walks out in nature and I love sitting around a fire with a group of friends, singing along to a guitar and telling stories.

Q. How did you come to embrace the Pagan Path?

I would say that I spent most of my youth following the Pagan lifestyle. I have always had a relationship with the moon. I have always been aware of the sun’s will and power and in a way could relate completely, being a Leo. I only realized that my life-style and spiritual inclinations were Pagan when my best friend and boyfriend at the time introduced me to Paganism through books that he had borrowed from friends who were and still are of course Witches. From there onwards I explored and discovered that my true calling was that of a Witch. I have never looked back since.

Q. Would you tell us about the Temple of Awen?

The Temple of Awen was legally chartered as a Proto-Temple of the Correllian Nativist Church International on July 17 2002. Since then we have dedicated a number of postulants, held many a successful ritual and have now extended to Gauteng, where we have two First Degree Study Groups. We are registered as a Section 21Company - not for gain and a Non-Profit Organization. As a Temple of the Correllian Tradition we offer Clergy training and initiations and perform ceremonies such as handfastings and wiccanings in the name of the Tradition. We have made wonderful plans for the future, and will be hosting events such as our Samhain Masquerade Ball and Book Festival in Cape Town over the next few months.

Q. What tradition does the Temple of Awen draw on?

The Temple of Awen draws on the Correllian Nativist Tradition of Wicca but in general is a Celtic Temple. We like to incorporate all Pagan paths and practices into our rituals and do not wish to limit our membership to only Witches or Wiccans.

Q. How many members does the Temple have in South Africa?

There are currently 25 official Temple members in South Africa.

Q. What do American Witches/Pagans think of the South African Pagan revival?

They think it is wonderful and they are delighted that Paganism is growing here at such a vast rate. I myself am receiving a lot of support from a number of American Witches.

Q. What do you think about the Pagan Community in South Africa today?

I think we have a long way to go. Many Pagans are still afraid to step out of the closet because of the disrespect displayed by other religions and in all honesty the politics among the Pagan groups. There is a vast community of Pagans out there with a lot of potential but there is also a lot of healing that still needs to take place. I feel that this year is a year of rebirth for Paganism in South Africa. It is time to set ourselves free from the umbilical cord of society and to enjoy the freedom of our spirituality.

Q. What is your vision for the future of Paganism in S.A.?

That is simple, I have two visions. One is for acceptance and respect among all the various Pagan groups, temples and traditions. I cannot wait for the day where all will get together in their particular areas and celebrate a major festival together, for instance Beltain – as it was traditionally done, with bonfires, and fire dancers where everyone gets along and celebrates in peace, in the name of our Lady and Lord. The other is for the constitutional court to pass a law, which will allow for legal Pagan handfastings and burials. Every day we are getting accepted more and more and I think Paganism has a wonderful future in South Africa, I just wish for peace between the entire lot of Pagan leaders and teachers. Once this is achieved, we can then truly say we are striving to keep the Old Ways alive.

Q. How many Pagans would you estimate there are in S.A. to date?

Thousands – it would be considered naïve to estimate any less. Our Temple still receives numerous applications on a weekly basis, and I doubt this will soon change.

Q. How does one become a Pagan Reverend?

I can only speak as a Wiccan Reverend. The basic process for anyone who wishes to become a Reverend would be to apply for membership to a Tradition or within a Shrine or Temple affiliated with a Tradition. The next step would then be to request to become a postulant and do the necessary degrees and courses in order to obtain this title. The period of time required varies from Tradition to Tradition, but ultimately it depends on the postulant's dedication and the sponsor's recommendation and decision.

Contact the Rev. Raene Packery

Correllian Nativist Wicca

Correllian Nativist Wicca was founded by Orpheis Caroline High-Correll in 1879. A woman of Scots-Cherokee ancestry, Orpheis Caroline is claimed by some members of the High-Correll family to have been a Scottish Traditional Witch. She was also a practicing psychic, spiritual healer, and herbalist, who spent many years with the traveling circus which she owned with her husband, John Correll. Correllianism’s claim to Wiccan status rests both upon Lady Orpheis’ claimed Scottish Traditional lineage, and also upon her Aradian lineage, which she acquired in 1904 through a student of Charles Leland. In creating Correllian Nativist Wicca, Orpheis Caroline drew upon her Native American heritage, as well as ideas of European Witchcraft, Spiritualism, and Hermetic thought. Lady Orpheis called the Tradition simply Nativist, and this would remain the Tradition’s primary designation until the appellation of the term ‘Correllian Nativist’ in 1992. Lady Orpheis’ Nativism was a highly political and deeply syncretic form of Pagan universalism, which stressed the need for the world’s Native (Pagan) religions to unite in the face of colonial Christianity.