Demeter's Kore

Arthur C. Clarke once said that "any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." Perhaps that's why witches love the Web. Pagan priestess Lunaea Weatherstone says that many members of the "Old Religion" have wholeheartedly embraced new technology. "You can't swing a sacred temple cat without hitting a Pagan online," Weatherstone said. Guy Vestal, CEO of Pagan Internet Industries Inc., agrees that the Web has a significant Pagan population. His study of "pagan demographics" indicates there are roughly 3 million Pagan Internet users. And he suspects the actual total is much higher. Pagans typically define themselves as followers of an earth-based religion with roots in the ancient practices of traditional tribal cultures. Weatherstone suggests that many a Pagan's interest in technology is rooted in their fascination with science fiction. "Sci-Fi is a modern type of mythology, and mythology is central to Paga

A PAGAN meeting that will discuss whether Jesus Christ was "a witch or a showman" is taking place in Croydon tomorrow (Saturday). About 2,000 pagans are expected to attend the gathering at the Fairfield, with speakers arriving from the USA, Africa and Pakistan. Last year, 30 demonstrators gathered outside the venue to protest against the Pagan Federation's annual general meeting. Brian Botham, the organisation's convention manager, said: "Wherever we go, around 98 per cent of people are happy to have us. But there will always be a small number who will protest. "I can understand how some people, who have held a belief for a while, might say 'You're wrong' when it is challenged. "But if somebody challenged my beliefs and put up a strong enough argument, then I would sit down and listen to them. The Pagan Federation says it is a group of people who acknowledge God "but not in the Christian sense". The federation says it aims to be pr