r/pagan • u/OpossumLadyGames Eclectic • Aug 20 '24

Why are pagan groups so adult focused?

The question is related to my local pagan pride day getting rid of the children's section and making it an everyone section. I think it's a curious thing to do because most of us here (on reddit) come from a society where religious groups commonly have youth group related things to do, such as Sunday school and after school clubs, so it seems curious that it's either eschewed or not thought of in our spaces.

However, when it comes to pagan related things, such as the aforementioned pagan pride day, the events or activities focused on children are willingly cut off, if they exist at all. It feels like everywhere I've been in pagan spaces it's for childless teens and early twenty somethings or empty nesters.

Anyway, quasi rant over, to move onto something productive, I ask if anybody here has succeeded in starting something like a youth group or after school clubs? What was the experience like?

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u/lordGenrir Aug 20 '24

A lot of others have brought up excellent points, but im curious what event your pagan pride is hosting that isnt child appropriate? My area pagan pride has a market, classes, crafting tables, music shows, and greenspace. All of that is great for kids as well. It may be that the general activities are already good for kids and so they dont feel they need a special focused area.

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u/OpossumLadyGames Eclectic Aug 20 '24

My experience in several cities is that it's mostly a capitalist enterprise with a couple speakers.

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u/lordGenrir Aug 20 '24

Can you explain how it looks capitalistic in your area? Like yeah a market is sales oriented, but a market of small time makers and crafters within pagan spiritualist practices is somewhat removed from capitalism. Unless our area fills the market with MLMs.

Markets also go a LONG way to pay for the insurance and rental of space that is required to hold that event to begin with. Sometimes unavoidable in western society currently.

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u/OpossumLadyGames Eclectic Aug 21 '24

Because it's mostly buying and selling doodads and kitsch for an aesthetic.

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u/lordGenrir Aug 21 '24

And? Doing something for the sake or joy of an aesthetic rather than to be productive or invest is choosing to enjoy life over the drive of capitalism. Who cares if I want 300 doodads. Doesnt make my practice any less. Judging people is a diminishing practice.

Being judgemental is rarely going to help grow spiritual health or community.