1. How much interest is there in your student group?
Interest in UT's PSA is fair. There are a lot of pagans in Austin, but many are not college age, or prefer to remain affiliation-less. There are also several covens in town that people join "instead". Average meetings have 15-20 people.
2a. How supportive of each other are your members?
2b. Would an inexperienced Pagan be able to find instruction ?
We feel that we are very supportive of other members. Many of us consider PSA to be a group of friends. New members are very welcome! The "rule" is once we know your name, you'll never get away! PSA doesn't officially teach or instruct, but occasionally we have a member lecture on some aspect of paganism. Lately, we have talked about Shintoism, tarot and divination, and sex magick. What a newcomer will definatly find is resources!
3a. How accepting are other students of your beliefs?
3b. Do you feel a need to remain in the broom closet?
Austin is a very liberal place. Broom closets are rare here. Occasionaly members of certain other religous organizations will "ask us questions" but by now we have developed standard answers. Pagans at UT are, in general, quite open about it, and PSA especially.
4a. Is there much community involvement?
4b. Are there many stores in your area?
Oh yes. Due to the large pagan community here, there is A LOT of networking available. There are local covens; two pagan associations (Pagan Alliance of Central Texas, and the Counsel of Magickal Arts); and lots of random groups that offer activities like drum circles, classes, or open celebrations. In addition there are herb stores, bookstores and witchy stores: Willow Tree, in Georgetown; Natural Magick; Celebration (great jewelry!);Book People; Book Woman (goddess oriented stuff); Half-Price Books; Things Celtic; and Crystal Works, to name a few.
5a. Do you hold regular gatherings?
5b. Do you place limitations on who may attend?
We hold meetings every Tuesday; and celebrate the Wiccan Sabbats that
fall during the school year, as well as some Esbats. We also have other
celebrations on as as-desired basis, such as the handfasting we held last
year. Most
everyone can participate, although we reserve the right to ask people
to refrain from joining the circle, should it appear that the person is
there for nefarious purposes or is a disruption. This pretty much never
happens.
6a. Do you have a mission statement?
6b. Has your focus changed over time?
Our Mission Statement is: "We, the Pagan Student Alliance at the Uniersity
of Texas, exist for the two-fold purpose of promoting the interests of
Pagan students on campus and providing a safe forum for the discussion
of alternative spiritual practices...(PSA) is not a Coven, Temple or Order
and does not exist to give spiritual or magickal training.
Instead we porvide an environment where ideas may be shared and opinions
may be expressed."
The focus does change over time. The mission statement above is newly
written and reflects the purpose of PSA
as it has been lately. PSA does change with the needs and wishes of
the membership.
7a. When was your group founded?
7b. Do you have any advice for someone who would like to form a
Pagan group?
PSA was founded in March of 1990. Our best advice for new Pagan groups
is: Follow the University Rules. Our last coordinator was so observant
of the rules that she made friends with the Campus Involvement Lady and
now
we have a very easy time of things.
FAQ by Sarah, based on questions from the Old Ways project.
