Marshall Pagans invoke spirits to bring about a new year

The Marshall University Pagan Association, a Neo-Pagan organization, performed the ritual of Ostara, the virgin goddess of spring, on Buskirk Field Thursday evening.

"It's a time of renewal and rebirth, a lot has happened to me this past year its good to cleanse yourself," said Casey Shreve, senior photography major from New Creek, W.Va. "It is a time to get together with open minded people. People you can relate to."

The point of the ritual was to call upon the gods, Ostara, Inanna and Dumuzid, to bless the coming of spring and a new year. An alter was placed in the center of the ritual area, while some members of the Pagan Association played drums. As a part of the ritual, a fire was lit in a cauldron. Those participating formed a circle around the cauldron.

The ritual began with a call to the gods and spirits. Then the participators began the official rebirth ceremony. Participants cast objects into the fire to symbolically cleanse them. A banishing ritual is then called to ask the spirits and gods to stay if they will or leave if they must. The service concluded when those in the circle were offered to partake in a communal meal.

"I liked the group activity, people were there from all different religions and there were no protestors either which is always a good thing," said Nicholas Lowather, freshman. "It was great to finally take part in a ritual and not feel alienated or that I'm lying to anyone about being there. It was really nice, I must say."

Not everyone was pleased with the ritual, however.

"Ultimately, I believe that freedom of religious practices is part of being in college, but in my sincere opinion the way in which this is being conducted is a mockery of what true Paganism is," said William Dickerson, sophomore history major from Wayne.

"It seems to me that the people who associate in this sort of group are made up of different types. Many seem sincere in their beliefs, while there are many who may not necessarily be Pagan. They enjoy the fellowship and community of the group but many are here because they are anti-Christian and they don't have a clue in what it is they are believing in."

In the day leading up to the ritual there was concern over protests from Christian organization on campus. During the course of the evening, however, no protests occurred although many Christians observed from a distance.

"In this country you have the right to worship however you want," said Matt Sparks, junior, music education major from Hurricane, W. Va. "Personally, I don't agree with it. I believe that you go to heaven through Jesus Christ, but they have a right to stand on campus and worship just as we do."

Shreve said the lack of protest was noted and appreciated by the Pagans.

"I was amazed by the amount of who showed up and no protests," Shreve said. "It was great that people who came to observe and not judge."

Samir Abdel-Aziz can be contacted at abdelaziz1@marshall.edu.