If you might be considered a Pagan elder, have opinions on who should be considered an elder — not specific people, but people holding what qualities — or think that there should or should not be councils of elders, help a researcher by taking this survey.
Letter from Hardscrabble Creek
A Pagan Studies Blog by Chas S. Clifton
One notion that I hold of Pagan “eldership” amounts to: If you say that you are or believe that it’s an important feature of your Pagan identity, then you probably aren’t and probably shouldn’t be.
At least we are not like the Mormons, who refer to 19-year-old boys as “Elder.”
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An elder is someone who has lived long enough, experienced enough, that the trials and tribulations of younger folks don’t bend their minds the way it used to. And elders can provide perspective and multiple solutions to assorted life events.
Biologically they should be passing their second saturnalia and/or be post menopausal.
And frankly a good many Pagans I know don’t have any more regard for their elders than anyone else does. They talk a good story but the action lacks. Thanks for asking. Kate
Kate, I hope that you expressed those sentiments on the survey page.
An interesting survey on a subject that I have long thought needs some fresh perspective. I would be curious to see what comes of the data gathered.
Our society needs elders now more than ever. If our young people would and could connect with wise old folks we might turn an increasingly selfish and self-absorbed society around.