This is one of a number of publications from Obscure Pagan Press, which is the information branch of a West Coast movement called Pagans for Peace. They have network contacts all over the world, and they can help anyone organize and establish a Pagan Community. Smells like hippies, don’t it? Stereotypes aside, they are obviously sincere and dedicated to their faith and spiritual lives. (Obvious due to the clearly established system of administration, that usually implies at least a level of seriousness.) This particular publication anthologizes a Witch’s Seder, with a number of other Pagan rituals, such as fertility, handfasting, and a funeral. The detailed steps that guide you through each ritual are mostly borrowed from “established” Western religions, and just slightly altered. Strangely, the entire text feels very traditional and safe. There is nothing suspiciously bubbling from any huge vats, and not one broom comes out of the closet until its time for the ritual of cleaning up the darn mess, which every successful gathering necessitates. This is not to insinuate that a religious movement needs to be artificially inseminated with drama and mystique, but religious fervor can be the chocolate that coats the bitter taste of salvation. A Witch’s Seder and Other Family Rituals lacks the tone of authority to supersede the “old ways”. Come on Pagans, Pag On!
Haggada / Obscure Pagan Press / Samuel Wagar / $5 / P.O.Box 2205, Clearbrooke, B.C. V2T 3X8