Here are some Frequently Asked Questions of the Pagan Federation
by Joanne Agate
1) What is the Pagan Federation?
The Pagan Federation is an umbrella organization representing Pagans of different alternative spiritual paths. With 7000 members, the Pagan Federation is the largest Pagan organization in the world. Most of our members are located in the United Kingdom, but since 1997, the Pagan Federation has branched out into the world. We are proud that through our efforts, the Pagan Federation International now has members from at least 20 different countries.
2) What does the Pagan Federation do?
The Pagan Federation provides accurate information on Paganism to members of the public, the media, government offices and the clergy in order to counter misconceptions on alternative spirituality. Our aims are to provide contact between genuine seekers of the Old Ways and to promote dialogue between the various branches of Paganism and the mainstream religions such as Christianity, etc.
3) How can I learn more about Paganism?
This website contains a great deal of information on the different types of Paganism. The Dutch and English sections are the largest. They both include the Pagan Federation Information Pack, Wicca information Pack, Druidry Information Pack, the Asatru Information Pack, all with recommended reading lists and groups in Belgium and Holland.
Our Links page will guide you to many more websites on the different types of Paganism.
4) I would like to be invited to Pagan gatherings. How do I get information on what Pagan events are happening in Belgium?
The best way to be kept informed of what Pagan events are happening in Belgium is to join the Pagan Federation! We organize members get-togethers, as well as members-only excursions and provide our members with a calendar of activities of Pagan interest.
However, we often have Open Meetings where it is not necessary to be a Pagan Federation member. If you would like to attend one of the Open pagan meetings, please check our Activity Calendar by clicking "home" at the top of this page.
5) Can I have the names and addresses of the Pagan Federation members in my area?
No, sorry. If you'd like the names and addresses of our members, you'll just have to become one!
6) What is the political viewpoint of the PFI Belgium?
The Pagan Federation International Belgium is a religious organization and not a political one. As such, we are not involved in any politics whatsoever.
7) Can you find me a coven?
Due to the popularity of television shows and movies such as "Charmed", "Sabrina the Teenage Witch" and "The Craft", the most frequently asked question of the Pagan Federation is "Can you find a coven for me?" We always suggest that those looking for covens attend our P.F. Belgium get-togethers. There you can meet PFI members that are from many different Wiccan organizations in Belgium. Also check our Wicca pages for groups in Belgium and Holland who offer Wicca courses (some by correspondence).
8) Is everyone in the Pagan Federation a Wiccan?
In 1971, the Pagan Federation was founded by Wiccans, so yes, there are many Wiccans in the Pagan Federation. We also have members that are Odinists, Druids, Agnostic Pagans, those who follow the Roman, Greek or Egyptian Pagan traditions and those who consider themselves Christian Pagans.
About the Pagan Federation International in Belgium:
The Belgian branch of the Pagan Federation was born on March 25, 1998 when Joanne Agate was appointed National Coordinator by Tony Kemp (the PF's first International Coordinator and the person responsible for bringing the Pagan Federation to Europe). Our membership has grown quite a bit during the last 8 years! Maya is now the National Coordinator of PFI Belgium.
The Pagan Federation Belgium is part of the "International" district of the Pagan Federation, whose Head Office is in London. The PF International has members throughout Europe, Canada, the USA, Brazil and Australia.
As the largest Pagan umbrella organization of Belgium, we regularly organize members' get-togethers, members-only excursions and provide our Belgian members with a newsletter (in a mix of Dutch, English and French) containing local activities of Pagan interest. We also organize open "Pub Moots". A Pub Moot is a gathering, usually in a tavern, where Pagans of different paths get together and chat. The atmosphere is informal, which makes the Pub Moots a great way for those who are new to Paganism (or just curious) to get to learn about us and about what Paganism is all about.
We hope that you enjoy our website and to welcome you as a member of the Pagan Federation Belgium!
The best of luck on your spiritual journey!
Joanne Agate
editor Pagan World magazine
The Magazine of the Pagan Federation International