| ACTION - Imbolc 2007 - Article 5 |
Action is the official newsletter of the Alternative Religions Educational Network
Morgan Ravenwood, Pagan Author |
When I put out my plea to hear what Pagans were doing, Morgan Ravenwood was one that replied. As mentioned in another article, part of the action Pagans are taking is creating our own Pagan culture. Authors like Morgan are a big part of that culture. Christopher: How long have you been writing and what training, if any, do you have? Morgan: Well, Christopher, I’ve been writing practically ever since I could hold a pen! I gratefully credit my mother, who was a writer herself, for beginning my education long before I entered school and giving me the passion for writing that she herself had. She was also responsible for my earliest Pagan teachings, which first began with observance of---and respect for---all things in nature. She was a vast storehouse of knowledge and did her best to pass it to me By the time I was nine years old, I had a good grasp of the basic ideas of Paganism and at around age thirteen I began performing my first basic rituals, divination and a little spellcasting. I continued my practice when time permitted all through school but temporarily stopped when I got married since I wasn’t too sure what my husband would think about it. Eventually I resumed practicing again and when my husband began to show some sincere interest in what I was doing, I introduced him to it and began teaching him the ways of Paganism. Before long, we were working together, honing our intuitive and psychic skills and studying everything we could get our hands on. Back then there wasn’t nearly as much information about it available as there is now, and we did a lot of traveling to out-of-the way bookstores and occult shops in our quest, amassing a formidable and voluminous library, especially of rare, out-of-print books on many occult subjects. Over the years I have continued to hone my writing skills. For four years I wrote a weekly opinion column in a local but widely circulated newsletter and was once a guest columnist for my local newspaper. When I went online in 1996 I was thrilled to discover “e-zines” among many other internet-based publications and was delighted when they showed interest in my work. While we haven’t had any “formal” training to speak of, we have spent over thirty years learning, practicing, and teaching many seekers who have come to us in pursuit of knowledge, refuge, and self-empowerment. Christopher: Let’s start with the big question. Why do you, as a writer, write? Morgan: I LOVE writing, both fiction and non-fiction. Fiction is just pure fun both to read and write---escapism at its best! But I guess my main motive in writing non-fiction is to educate. I love teaching and I firmly believe that education is the antidote to ignorance, which is the mother of fear. Christopher: What subjects, for you, cry to be written about? Morgan: Without a doubt, the main subject of importance is that of religious equality. Despite the fact that Paganism is receiving more tolerance and understanding than it ever has, this has been offset in part by the intolerance being practiced by those in leadership positions. One need look no further than the VA’s staunch resistance to allowing the pentacle symbol to be placed on the headstones of our fallen veterans. While it may continue that way until after the ’08 election, I do believe that we have turned an important corner in this regard. I will personally continue to strive to promote tolerance for ALL faiths. Christopher: Where have your articles been published? Morgan: The Wiccan-Pagan Times and The Witches’ Voice have both run some. Unfortunately, I haven’t had as much luck with print magazines, but I hope to revisit that venue soon. I really enjoy receiving feedback from readers, and overall, it has been extremely favorable . Christopher: Any big projects underway? Morgan: One project is a science-fiction book centered on UFOs. However, I consigned it to the “back burner” for a while as I have been attempting to finish a book on hate crimes and discrimination against Pagans, which started with an article that has attracted more interest than any other I have written. However, just when I think it’s complete, some new incident comes along that I want to include! I have spoken with many Pagans who have had some truly awful experiences and I think that in a country that has gone to great lengths to avoid endorsing ANY type of “national religion,” this is simply inexcusable. However, I am really hoping to get the book wrapped up some time this year as I think it would serve as both an education and inspiration to those who find themselves targeted for persecution. Christopher: What do you hope that your readers gain from your writing? Morgan: For me, it’s all about the betterment of others through inspiration and education. If just one person comes away with just a little more knowledge than he or she had before reading, and especially if it motivates them to better their lives, then I’ve done my job. Christopher: Any advice to would-be Pagan authors? Morgan: Hang in there, write as much as you can, and don’t fear rejection. If you are a good writer and you market your work to the right audience, you’ll eventually get the recognition you deserve. Christopher: Well, I hope our readers will check you out . Morgan: Thank you Christopher, I would be honored if they do so! Articles: Morgan's website:
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