A newstory out of ACC (Thanks Lynx!)

[GypsyCaine]

Original Yahoo! HPFG Header:
No: HPFGUIDX C5768
From: GypsyCaine
Subject: A newstory out of ACC (Thanks Lynx!)
Date: 8/4/00 10:01 pm  (ET)

Greetings all,

Here's an interesting article from BBC News...

~Lynx
---------------------
Popular TV programmes like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Sabrina the
Teenage Witch encourage an interest in witchcraft among children, it
is claimed.

The Pagan Federation, which represents druids and witches, says it
has been "swamped" with calls following teenage programmes featuring
good witches.

Speaking to BBC News Online the Pagan Federation's Steve Paine, the high
priest of a coven, said the hit US drama Buffy and the highly successful
Harry Potter books were popular amongst practising witches.

Harry Potter: Harmless fun?

"They are taken as fantasy entertainment. But they do encourage people
to think about different forms of spirituality", he said.

The Pagan Federation, which deals with about 100 enquiries a month from
youngsters who want to become witches, does not allow anyone under the
age of 18 to become a member.

Most of the enquiries are from 14 to 18 year-olds, and are dealt with
"reactively" by a specially-appointed youth officer, an Essex based
schoolteacher.

The officer seeks parental consent before issuing basic information
leaflets and does not proselytise, according to the Federation.

"He explains things like the principle ethic of witchcraft - that you
should not cause harm to anyone - and that it's not just an easy way to
get a new boyfriend", says Pagan Federation media officer Andy Norfolk.

'Dangerous dabbling'

But the trend is described as "worrying" by John Buckeridge, editor of
monthly Christian magazine Youthwork.

Mr Buckeridge said: "The growing number of books and TV shows like Harry
Potter and Sabrina the Teenage Witch encourage an interest in magic as
harmless fun.

"However for some young people it could fuel a fascination that leads
to dangerous dabbling with occult powers. So what starts out as spooks
and spells can lead to psychological and spiritual damage."

But pagans say teenagers have always been fascinated with paganism and
the Christian Church has failed to satisfy the demand for spirituality
in young people.

In Norfolk's view paganism involves "direct communication with the divine"
and is not to be confused with cults or devil worship.

Arguing that their beliefs should be recognised as a religion, pagans
have worked closely with organisations such as the LSE's Inform, set up
to provide families with information on cults.

http://www.bbc.co.uk is the main web page for BBC News