RADICAL PAGANISM 
				     PART 1

	Radical is a term that comes from the Latin word "radix" meaning
"root," and Webster's Collegiate Dictionary defines it as "of, relating
to, or proceeding from a root."  This is the meaning it has in Radical
Paganism: a Pagan who gets to the roots.  The roots of Deep Assumptions
that are taken for granted as true for everyone, of laws that enforce the
morals of one religion, of descrimination and oppression of Pagandom.  
We are also a non-partisan "grassroots" movement.  This movement is
usually quite and unseen, but our roots are pushing deep into the strong
Earth from where our nourishment will come when it is needed. 
	During the 1960's, a radical was someone who used violence or
disruption to make their political or social statement.  Nothing could be
further from the truth about radical Pagans.  We generally adhere to the
Wiccan Rede:  "And it harm none, do as you Will." We do, however, look to
the roots of the American culture and society for the source of the legal
and illegal descrimination and harrassment which many Pagans, especially
open Pagans, face in their lives. 
	Pagans have had their children taken from them, been fired from
jobs, investigated by police, and generally had their religious rights
trampled on for decades.  There are three reactions to this:  1) utter
passivity, 2) hiding, and 3) responsible action. The last is what Radical
Pagans do:  peacefully but firmly respond by refusing to accept such
treatment.  Jews and African-Americans are well-acquainted with the need
to stand up against descrimination, and though few groups have
historically suffered as long or as terribly as Pagans have, our strategy
of laying low is not going to work for all of us as our religion grows in
numbers and influence.  Sooner or later the shit is going to hit the fan;
our job is to turn it into fertilizer and make the garden grow. 
	The essays and links in this Site exist for Pagans and other
interested persons to explore and understand those human beliefs,
behaviors, and activities which are taboo or illegal in the mainstream
American society and legal system, but which are actually perfectly
normal, acceptable, and even desirable in the Radical Pagan context, as
well as in many other cultures of the world.  The notion that only one
set of morals should exist in North America is typical of the arrogant
attitude which characterizes the present Christian-dominated mainstream
culture, and Pagans, particularly Radical Pagans, are living examples of
the rich diversity of belief and practice which in fact is the reality.