Back in 1989, Kerr Cuhulain published the first incarnation of The Law Enforcement Guide to Wicca, a practical handbook that explained to non-Pagans just what it is that modern followers of earth-based religions actually do and believe. The guide, a well-written and easy-to-follow text, was an attempt – and a successful one, at that – to clear up some of the misconceptions that people have about contemporary Pagan religious practices. In particular, it was aimed at educating law enforcement personnel about the varied belief systems that they might encounter during the course of their daily duties.
Cuhulain, who was probably the first publicly Pagan law enforcement officer, learned very quickly after coming out about his beliefs that there was in fact a need for such a book. At that time, Pagans were regularly being wrongly accused of horrific things, living in fear, and being harassed for their beliefs. Now, some two decades after the successful release of the first book, Cuhulain (now a retired cop who works as a police dispatcher), has created a revised edition of the book. Pagan Religions – A Handbook for Diversity Training takes a new and fresh look at modern Pagans, focusing primarily on Wiccans, Druids, and Asatruar, and evaluates how law enforcement – and ostensibly, others – may need to change their perceptions about what we are and what it is that we do and believe.
The first section of Pagan Religions – A Handbook for Diversity Training looks at the Celtic traditions of NeoPaganism, and delves into the various Sabbats, Wiccan and Druid deities and celebrations, and magical symbolism. Of note is a chapter on what Wicca is not – including a discussion of the myths of “The Black Mass of Witchcraft,” ritual sacrifice, and some of the commonly misunderstood occult groups outside of mainstream Paganism.
The second portion of the book delves into the different Norse and Germanic traditions such as Heathenry and Asatru, as well as looking at the symbols, calendar and ethical guidelines of these paths.
Pagan Religions – A Handbook for Diversity Training takes the original The Law Enforcement Guide to Wicca a step further, and adds to it without taking away from the message of the earlier version. It’s definitely a book that – like its predecessor - every law enforcement agency should have on hand, because as more and more people embrace Paganism and other polytheistic paths, the sheer numbers mean that LEOs are going to be coming into contact with people who follow these faiths.
My one complaint about this book is that while it does address some of the major Pagan religions, no mention at all is made of some of the lesser-known but still misunderstood religious groups in America, such as Santeria, Vodou, and Palo Mayombe. In particular, these paths would benefit from inclusion, simply because so often when there is a case of animal cruelty, law enforcement immediately hones in on the folks from these communities.
However, that’s a small issue, and overall, I would highly recommend Pagan Religions – A Handbook for Diversity Training for anyone involved with the law enforcement or emergency services community.
Wondering about your legal rights as a Pagan in today's society? Be sure to read:
