21.09.06
New Pagan Emblem to End Confusion
How often have you been forced to explain that your pentacle does not make you a Satanist, or your Mjolnir a carpenter? Well our troubles will soon be over.
A think tank was set up in May comprising members of the Pagan Federation, Heathens for Progress and the Harry Potter Fan Club, and charged with the sole purpose of designing a new universal and inclusive emblem for the many paths of Paganism. After months of speculation and general bewilderment, the new Pagan emblem can be revealed exclusively by The Burning Times.
A spokesman for the think tank, Mandy Dolphinsdottir, described the design as encompassing the true spirit of collected Paganisms, particularly in relation to herding cats. The Burning Times contacted D.o.W.a.P. who confirmed that they would back the new emblem and would be including it on their departmental stationery. However an insider at R.I.P.O.F. said that if D.o.W.a.P. were to promote this emblem it was their affair, but R.I.P.O.F. would continue using the pentacle for the foreseeable future.
The new Pagan emblem will be officially launched at Samhain and will be supported by a range of themed merchandise including pin badges, cloth patches, bumper stickers, mugs and embossed three layer toilet paper.
Seeker Blu said,
April 19, 2007 at 6:41 pm
Just typical, it appears to me it’s yet another exercise of anything to try and be accepted, to fit in, tow the line or be taken seriously by folk who never will grasp Paganism, even if you explained it one syllable at a time to them. And much less could give a damn what sign is used, most can’t even tell the difference between a five and six points on necklet
. It seems again we have yet another committee wanting to change things just for the sake of acceptance and yet manage make a complete pigs ear of it at the same time.
On a more direct note, the cats (I assume they are meant to be cats) look at a quick glance to be monkeys and the circle a drum, it reminds me more of a circus than anything else.
It maybe for new pagans, but as quite an old one now, I’ll stick with what works and ignore this, yet another, “lets try and be trendy†fad,
Well you did ask for opinions, I only hope you didn’t just expect fawning approvals.
Lurcher said,
April 19, 2007 at 7:14 pm
Black Cats? Crooks? I can see nothing that connects this to any kind of Paganism I know of. Yes, Blu, a circus is what it is and it really should have been posted a few weeks ago on All Fools. Late again just like the majority of weekend playgans.
Ice said,
April 19, 2007 at 7:27 pm
Well, I`d`ve voted for a symbolic bloodeagle myself, but no doubt nobody could find a suitable image. Hey, if xtians can have their crucified fella on a cross, sure we could have our bloodeagled captured prisoner …..
SinakuWolf said,
April 20, 2007 at 2:12 am
The Pentagram means more to alot of Pagans than 4 cats, I personally will NOT change the way I represent it, maybe try explaining what the picture actually resembles? what it’s supposed to symbolise? I could care less if people seem to think my religion is something it isn’t, I know what my religion is and thats all that matters, other people who want to actually KNOW what it is, will have the decency to ask me and let me explain, other people can think what they want, for it is just there oppinion, they can think whatever they want in the end of the day, and it will not have ANY affect on me what-so-ever. So why should I change what I choose to represent things?
Scarlett said,
April 20, 2007 at 3:38 am
Herding cats? Hmm, I don’t really understand this metaphor as a Pagan at first glance, so I don’t see how non-Pagans should understand the connection! Plus, the crooks will be primarily associated with Christianity, as will the ‘herding’ idea, no matter what the intent is behind the symbol! A truly bizarre attempt in my opinion!
Scarlett said,
April 20, 2007 at 3:40 am
In addition to this, what on earth has the Harry Potter fan club got to do with Paganism?! The association will make us a laughing stock!
Elizebeth said,
April 20, 2007 at 4:13 am
Does no one here have a sense of humor, or recognize a joke when it punches them in the nose?
Earthshod said,
April 20, 2007 at 4:30 am
I love it! I demand a T-shirt! I also love that most of the comments are from people who don’t realize this is a parody site.
The Editor said,
April 20, 2007 at 5:37 am
parody? I can assure you we are most serious.
T-shirts are coming soon.
—–
The Burning Times Editor,
Harry Potter Fan Club member number 5235987
Ice said,
April 20, 2007 at 7:19 am
Of course we realise it`s a joke, what amused us was no-one realising the sense of humour in the comments when it punches them in the nose….or do folks really think the bloodeagling symbol was a genuine suggestion….on second thoughts….why not though eh? If they do go with the bloodeagle I`ll have the loo roll…..
Seeker Blu said,
April 20, 2007 at 8:09 am
The trouble with humour is it’s not always recognised, funny enough though a parody of a parody is always assumed, by some to be taken seriously, is it a case of a double negative i wonder!
Plus joke or not, with the sort of calibre of folks caliming to be pagans now’a'days it’s hard to be certain what’s a joke and what’s not. After all there are those who promote such ideas as this for real.
Scarlett said,
April 20, 2007 at 2:16 pm
No way! PMSL! *runs away and hides*
Ixaxar said,
April 20, 2007 at 2:28 pm
I think it’s hiliarious how associating the emblem with the PF and HfP made the story almost believable ^^
saramacha said,
April 20, 2007 at 2:40 pm
” more direct note, the cats (I assume they are meant to be cats) look at a quick glance to be monkeys and the circle a drum, it reminds me more of a circus than anything else.”
ROFLMAO
SinakuWolf said,
April 20, 2007 at 4:06 pm
still, even if it is a joke its not really funny, could you imagine if you done the same thing with muslims or christians? i’m sure it wouldnt go down to well
Ice said,
April 20, 2007 at 4:41 pm
Ah well, you see, most pagans DO have a sense of humour.
JB said,
April 20, 2007 at 4:47 pm
SinakuWolf (what sort of name is that anyway?) that’s a damn good comment.
I have to admit that I can’t envision the xtians & muslims being all that enthused about a bunch of circus cats. Wouldn’t go down well at all, I’m sure.
Ice said,
April 20, 2007 at 4:52 pm
Yup, that`s pagans for ye…worrying over what a bunch of muslims or xtians would think……..
SinakuWolf said,
April 20, 2007 at 8:11 pm
I wasn’t worrying over Christians or Muslims, I was clearly stating that if the same principle was used to swap the Christian cross with soemthing else, there would be all sorts of shit happening.
I applogise if this is a parody site, I got the link to this page through someone else and clearly, didn’t know.
SinakuWolf said,
April 20, 2007 at 8:12 pm
also, it should have been obvious enough with the harry potter refference C:
Mickster said,
April 20, 2007 at 8:34 pm
I’ll have you know that Harry Potter is an extremely competant occultist. As for the Pagan Fed’s involvement, its well known that they will ally themselves with anything that will bring harmony to religious beliefs and practises. For myself, I confess to being puzzled by such an emblem. Crossed shepherds crooks and cats? Where’s the goats? where’s the desecrated chuch and page from a Denis Wheatly novel? I’m sorry, but Paganism has got far too ‘touchy-feely’ and girly of late. I blame all that oestrogen in our water supply.
Mick.
Bedwyr said,
April 21, 2007 at 6:37 am
” wasn’t worrying over Christians or Muslims, I was clearly stating that if the same principle was used to swap the Christian cross with soemthing else, there would be all sorts of shit happening”
I remember all the complaints towards Kevin Smith when he created the “Buddy Christ” figure for the film “DOGMA”
Bloody good film BTW, if you havnt seen it
H
Ice said,
April 21, 2007 at 8:59 am
Oh I dunno Mick, the Harry P lot look fairly dodgy to me y`know…and what`s with the goats, what have poor old goats ever done to us pagans eh? What`s wrong with a burning church surrounded by whooping, cheering Vikings? Can be drawn in a circle, and is much more authentic after all…:D
(since the bloodeagle suggestion appears to have gotten the thumbs down..wimps…:P )
Akasa said,
April 24, 2007 at 10:58 pm
This is great! very funny!
Come on people, surely we can take a joke every so often? There’s enough crappy bad feelings going around, enjoy the laugh!
Terabanitoss said,
May 5, 2007 at 5:58 am
Hi
You are The Best!!!
Bye
Diskriminierung/oder falsch verstanden??? - Seite 2 - PanPagan - Das Portal für Heiden said,
May 21, 2007 at 5:00 pm
[...] wurden aus dem Weg zu gehen. Dachte es könnte von Interesse sein. Den Artikel findet ihr hier: The Burning Times » New Pagan Emblem to End Confusion Was haltet ihr davon? Kann man sich damit so wirklich identifzieren? Das sagt doch so gar nichts [...]
Basil Fawlty said,
May 23, 2007 at 9:09 am
Don’t mention the war…..oops!!
Luis Abbadie said,
July 13, 2007 at 11:44 pm
Ohh, I want my T-shirt and mug!
Hey, would it be OK with you if I translate this article for Spanish speakers? I love it and I’d like to show it around to the Mexican cat herds -er, Pagan community!
silverflame said,
July 14, 2007 at 8:32 am
Hi Luis,
shirts and mugs are available from the store link at the top right.
Go ahead and translate, would appreciate a link back of course.
Luis Abbadie said,
July 15, 2007 at 5:39 pm
And it is done!
I posted it on my blog since my freewebs page is short in space and I don’t manage my personal web myself, but rest assured, the word shall be spread!
Here it is in case any other Spanish speakers wish to further the cause:
http://abbadie.livejournal.com/7496.html
(Well, I didn’t check whether it was ok to post a link, but it seemed appropriate; if I inadvertently broke a rule or something, please do delete this)
Ah, and YES! I must HAVE that shirt and mug!!! I’ll order as soon as my moving expenses are over!
Lex said,
October 17, 2007 at 5:05 am
So, I am going to assume the “Think Tank” thought a pointy hat, broom, and a pumpkin was too much, but 4 cats and 2 canes were ok?
Symbolism is a major part of our religion, if they don’t get it. so be it. and if you can not be bothered to explain the differences between the satanic version of the pentagram or harry potter, you might as well roll your twenty sided die, and hope the dungeon master doesn’t kick you out of your coven.
I can’t believe people wasted their time in “reimaging” our religion to satisfy the “confusion” of the pentagram.
magick said,
October 30, 2007 at 10:57 pm
wow i just found this site,…why are we trying to fit in again,..this is bs.,,,, i refuse to let fear and prejudice keep me from wearing the pentagram, it is a symbol of protection, it is a symbol of our choice in faiths, it represent the 5 elements, it represent fertility, it represents the Mother Goddess. why are we giving in. the US just allowed the pentagram to place on veterns grave markers. lets not give in now
D said,
November 19, 2007 at 9:30 am
is this… a real site? this news is all bullcrap. and if its real than i am ashamed to be associated by my own paganism with people who swalloe this…
jools said,
November 23, 2007 at 11:34 pm
OMGs there are seriously people taking this seriously? DoWaP? RIPOF? I never thought there will still people, let alone pagans, who took themselves so seriously and completely missed the point so bad.
For the hard of thinking, the symbol represents herding cats, which is what spending any time with pagans feels like after a while because they refuse to agree on anything. Get it? No? Then please do not breed.
Birch said,
December 7, 2007 at 9:53 pm
To all the people that have taken this thing seriously…have you actually read the article properly, or just the title… honestly… Harry Potter is definatly a HUGE part of our religion, and I would be ashamed to be called pagan if we didn’t consult his fan club about any changes we make… ^^
Severina said,
October 9, 2009 at 1:24 pm
Uh Hello – Paganism is a religion not a Harry Potter book club. If you can’t handle the symbolisms of the Pentacle or the Mjolnir then maybe you need to rethink your choice. Please do not “modify” our symbols because you are afraid of offending others or not fitting in with society. Put down the fluffy Llewellyn books and read about your religion and understand the history and the symbolism. What do two shephard crooks (uh Xtian reference there) in green and red stand for? The Oak and Holly King? The Cross Quarters? I understand the circle but the Cats? This is playing up to the old wivestale of the Witches in the Middle Ages being burned at the stake and their pet cats (aka their familiars) thrown into the fire as well. NOT all pagan work with Cats or have them as their familiars. And if you say they are for the 4 quarters or Elements well where is the fifth – Spirit? As a Pagan (Welsh Trad – Not Wiccan) practicing for over 25+ years I would no even remotely think this is a Pagan symbol…maybe a crazy Xtian cat lady but not Pagan.
Bad idea and bad symobolism.