We ALL know what a Gay Icon is. Bette, Judy and Liza are easy to name. These figures, drawn from popular culture, have functioned within lesbian and gay culture in a number of ways: first, they have been fantasy figures in which lesbians and gay men have seen bits of their own lives; second, they have provided the basis for a common sub-cultural knowledge.
However, what is a Pagan Icon? I have always felt that the same information is true. They are not necessarily Pagan or Witch themselves but we embrace their freedom from constraints. We have adopted them into our own culture and into our hearts.
After extensive polling and research, I have narrowed my list to 50. Some are fun and some are our leaders, but all are our Pagan Icons!
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50) Jamie Lee Curtis – Actor
Not only is she THE first scream queen, but she has also bucked convention in Hollywood. She has chosen to grow old gracefully. The person who picked her said, "Samhain is truly celebrated when Laurie Strode hits the tv." Not only an award winning actress, she is an author of a fantastic series of books including, "Tell Me Again About the Night I was Born" and "My Mommy Hung the Moon: A Love Story".
Not only is she THE first scream queen, but she has also bucked convention in Hollywood. She has chosen to grow old gracefully. The person who picked her said, "Samhain is truly celebrated when Laurie Strode hits the tv." Not only an award winning actress, she is an author of a fantastic series of books including, "Tell Me Again About the Night I was Born" and "My Mommy Hung the Moon: A Love Story".
49) Albannach - MusiciansAlthough their lineup has changed, they will always be the Mighty Nach. A drum and pipe band that represent Scotland with every beat and breathe. The see them live is a spiritual experience that will rock your core.
48) Bill Maher - TV Satirist
This will be your first WTF moment! He is a notorious athiest. He was the one who released the footage of Christine O'Donnell explaining about her 'Witchcraft' past. This did wonders for the dialog in this country about religions not included in the 'Big Three.' He is independent, he is a strong voice for reason in this crazy country and he backs his opinions with facts.
47) Rev. Jamyi Witch - Prison Chaplain
Rev. Jamyi Witch was at the center of the Wisconsin Witch Hunt. A political scandal and religious persecution in which two Wisconsin politicians used their public offices to attempt to terminate the employment of a Wisconsin state employee because of her beliefs as a Wiccan. Witch and the prison's only Muslim chaplain were subsequently excluded from the longstanding Waupun Clergy Association, which declared that it was open only to Christians.
46) Anne Rice - Author
So she waffles about her beliefs every couple of years, many can say that she is the Queen of modern Vampire lore and Stephanie Meyer needs to kiss her feet.
45) Hayao Miyazaki - Director
When asked who her favourite Witch is, my step-daughter will say Kiki. Miyazaki co-founded Studio Ghibli which has created the seminole works 'Princess Mononoke', 'Kiki's Delivery Service' and 'Spirited Away.' Miyazaki's films often incorporate reoccuring themes, such as humanity's relationship to nature and technology, and the difficulty of maintaining a pacifist ethic. Reflecting Miyazaki's feminism, the protagonists of his films are often strong, independent girls or young women.
44) Enya - Musician
Often called the 'Queen of New Age Music', she does not classify her music as belonging to the New Age genre. When asked what genre she would classify her music as belonging to, she would reply, "Enya".
43) Deborah Harry - Musician/Actor
Yes, I am a HUGE Blondie fan! Guilty as charged!!!
That being said, it is also a well known fact that Ms. Harry is a Pagan. Listen to the song 'Rules for Living': "In another life/When the gods were crazy/And the measurement of time/Were the ending seasons/And maybe we believed/There was anger in the storm." Awesome song!!! Yes, I'm biased;-P
That being said, it is also a well known fact that Ms. Harry is a Pagan. Listen to the song 'Rules for Living': "In another life/When the gods were crazy/And the measurement of time/Were the ending seasons/And maybe we believed/There was anger in the storm." Awesome song!!! Yes, I'm biased;-P
Fiona Horne is an Australian singer, rock musician, model, actress, author and Wiccan. She is most famous for her public promotion of witchcraft on the reality television show 'Mad Mad House' for the Sci Fi Channel.
41) Jon Stewart - TV Political Satirist
Jon Stewart and 'The Daily Show' are my daughter's main source for news. He is the co-author of 'America (The Book): A Citizen's Guide to Democracy Inaction' and 'Earth (The Book): A Visitor's Guide to the Human Race'. For years, Stewart has regularly accused Fox News of distorting the news to fit a conservative agenda, at one point ridiculing the network as “the meanest sorority in the world.” As a result of such high-profile political stands, Stewart is being recognized as a political force rather than merely as a comedian. The New York Times suggested that he is "the modern-day equivalent of Edward R. Murrow" and the UK national newspaper The Independent called him the "satirist-in-chief."
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
Loreena McKennitt is one of my favorite artists. "The Book of Secrets" is a wonderful variety of sounds from the haunting strains of "Prologue" to the irresistibly rhythmic "Marco Polo." All of the tracks are well-constructed musically, and the Middle Eastern influence gives her Celtic-inspired music a special flair. I particularly enjoyed "The Mummers' Dance" and the heartbreaking story of the wandering monk set to the soul-deep music of "Skellig." "Dante's Prayer" is such a beautiful piece; the first time I heard it, it moved me to tears.
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