An Interview with
Rodney

Pagan - owner of Ancient Ways (Knysna)

Q. How did you discover Paganism?

I didn't discover Paganism; I have always been a Pagan. My daughter gave me a book to read saying that it described the way I lived my life and what I believed exactly. The book was about Wiccan and Pagan practitioner’s beliefs and practices.

Q. Do you prefer to be called a Wiccan, or just Witch?

I don't like to be pigeon-hold, so I am simply a Pagan.

Q. By whom where you initiated?

My training in Wicca was done with Carol and Alan Nolan of the Clan of the Shadow Horse. Training was given for both solitaries and with coven members.

Q. Tell us more about the Clan of the Shadow Horse?

The Clan of the Shadow Horse is a group that responds to the call of the Celtic and Celtic Shamanic traditions, and we are carriers of Celtic cultural, spiritual, and magical tradition. We also seek to know the land and its history, and to honor rivers, trees, mountains, herbs, rocks, animals and every living thing, and we are ready to learn more. We also apply our knowledge in the support of others and interact within the growing Pagan community.

Q. You are also an apprentice Bard, would you tell us why you have chosen to follow this path?

I chose to become an apprentice Bard because it falls in with my leaning towards the Celtic side of Paganism, as well as giving me a broader insight to the more advanced beliefs & practices of the British rural communities from which I stem. I was born in England.

Q. How do these two paths, Witchcraft and Druidry, differ as far as you are concerned?

The two paths differ in their approach to Paganism, especially in the way rituals are practiced. From my point of view the two paths offer an understanding of Paganism from very different perspectives, giving me a broader and deeper understanding of the Old Ways.

Q. Tell us more about your shop Ancient Ways?

Ancient Ways was opened in Knysna by my wife Margaret and I partially to fill a need for access to Paganism that wasn't formerly available anywhere along the Garden Route. Since the opening of Ancient Ways we have met with a lot of Pagans, both Wiccan and Shaman, most of whom are solitary practitioners. The shop stocks most of the requirements for various Pagan beliefs, including books, ritual tools, crystals, tarot cards, rune sets and pentagrams. In addition we stock aromatherapy oils, incense (including Dragons Blood) along with fairies, wizards, dragons, posters and medicine wheels, not forgetting of course our own Almanac and Penton magazine. The shop also serves as an information center for practicing Pagans and novices, a place were they can obtain information, training, or advice regarding contacting other Pagans.

Q. Do you find many young people are seeking to learn more about Paganism?

Having the shop brings us in contact with a lot of young people who wish to become involved with Paganism or Wicca in particular. The reason for this seems to be that the contacts they have had with previous religions or belief systems have been, according to many, too inflexible and dictatorial, not giving them freedom of choice or any chance to question. What they appear to be looking for is the right to make their own minds up as to their beliefs and the way they lead their lives. I think they are looking to get back to Mother Earth, to Her Love and Peace.

Q. Do you currently belong to a coven?

Apart from the Coven that I trained under I belong to the Clan of Ysgithyrwyn. We are a group of (independent) solitary practitioners who each have our own views and beliefs regarding the Pagan path. We get together for all Sabbats, each of us taking turns to write an appropriate ritual. After the ritual we feast on foods associated with the Sabbat, food that has been prepared by all of us. After the feasting we usually end in enjoyable small talk and healthy debates on all sorts of topics, listening to each others points of view and learning from each other, giving us each perhaps a different perspective to that which we might have started out with. This 'get together' is a very valuable part of all our lives and would not be missed for the world. We consider ourselves a family and as such cherish both each other and the different views that we might have. A lesson that could be learnt by many more Pagans judging by what I read and hear.

Q. What aspects of your Craft give you the most joy and inspiration?

My association with the environment, Mother Earth, teaching and helping others to follow the Pagan path. Not forgetting of course my love and passion for those creatures on the other plane, DRAGONS, whom I contact frequently for help and inspiration. They give their love, help and powers without reservation.

Q. What, in your view, is needed in the Pagan Community in South Africa?

In my view all practicing Pagans, Covens, Solitaries, Shamans etc. should look to common denominators to bring Paganism out in the open as a united front. Rather than being blinkered to other peoples views, we all have things in common and should therefore work for the betterment of Paganism, rather than spending so much time and energy squabbling amongst ourselves. PUT THE ENERGY WHERE IT IS NEEDED.

Q. Do you train novices?

Yes I do train novices when requested and also act as mentor for people in training with other Pagans or who practice Solitary. I get many requests for help from those who wish to understand Paganism. Ancient Ways is fast becoming the place for information in that respect and hopefully will continue to be of help to others.

Contact Rodney

Ancient Ways