Wiccans thrive in N.M.

Wiccans thrive in N.M.

Wiccans, followers of a federally recognized religion that practices
a form of shamanism, is alive and well in New Mexico with a
nationally known seminary in Jemez Springs. And followers don't
shrink from being labeled a witch "For me, it's the same thing," said
Jim Blanchard, one follower of the religion. "I am a Wiccan. I am a
witch."

While the word "witch" inspires negative images of hags toiling over
bubbling cauldrons of evil potions, practitioners say their faith is
more about celebrating the natural world. "The roots of witchcraft,
or Wicca, are from shamanism, and that's earth based, celebrating the
natural spirit of the land and of deity," said practitioner Sharon
Lamont.

Wiccans believe that nature is sacred and they celebrate the seasons
and lunar cycles. They honor many different gods and goddesses –
Greek, Celtic, Hindu and others. "I've always had a personal
connection to the natural world," said Brian Rasmussen, a convert to
Wicca from Mormonism," and I saw the beauty of divinity through the
natural world."

A point of concern for some, especially Christians, is the use of the
pentagram in Wicca, the same symbol used by Satanists. Wiccans say
that's one of the misconceptions they continue to fight. They say the
five points of the pentagram, in Wicca, symbolize the five elements
of earth, fire, air water and spirit.

Followers point out that last year the U.S. government agreed to
allow the pentagram to be used on headstones at national
cemeteries. "There are many countries where there's so much
intolerance right now that to have a different religion or viewpoint
is your death warrant," said Amber K., another practitioner of
Wiccanism. "And I cherish the fact that New Mexico is so open to
diversity and that having harmony among the different cultures is so
important to us."

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