It’s Paganism, Man! Or is it?

Good day, Deeply Rooted Church Community! Quill here and at your service.

Today, I would like to share my thoughts on an episode of the HBO Max Original series, "It's Florida, Man!"

Season 1, Episode 3: This episode is about a Pagan couple and their challenges with a tough co-worker. Disclaimer: This is my opinion and doesn't reflect anyone else's views.

I was instantly drawn to the show's idea: funny sketches that retell mostly real events based on the often ridiculous "Florida Man" news stories and memes.

Although I was born in Long Island, New York, I spent my childhood in Sarasota, Florida. Based on my experience, I can confirm that Florida is truly its unique spectacle. A circus - and not just the old winter training grounds for the Ringling Brothers Circus…

Beyond the hurricanes, numerous other factors contribute to the chaos in Florida, the Sunshine State.

You might wonder, What is the connection to Paganism? 

"It's Florida, Man!" is in its first season. The first two episodes connect well, featuring quirky interviews with colorful people from places around Florida, including my hometown.

I laughed until I was about to burst while watching Florida's wild and relatable stories. I used to romanticize chaos in my youth, and even now, I still enjoy some unexpected antics. But everything shifted when I saw the third episode, bringing me back to a reality I thought I had left behind.

The episode features interviews with a couple who call themselves Pagans. The husband is a police officer in Broward County, and the wife has spent over 15 years as a "mermaid" performer.

She practices witchcraft and follows different traditions of the Dark Goddess. I initially connected with her, but my perspective changed when they talked about another "mermaid" who had just joined their performing troupe in a bar Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The initial scenes of the episode start with a satirical portrayal, reminiscent of a 1990s B-grade movie, showing how “witches conduct rituals.”

The actors excessively drinking, wearing BDSM gear, and disemboweling a chicken was cringe-worthy. As a sober Pagan, I don't judge those who choose to consume alcohol during sacred rites—that is their personal decision. I believe there is a place for the BDSM community in Paganism, as I've met many wonderful individuals who taught me about the lifestyle when I was uninformed. I

have no objections to cultures that practice ritual animal sacrifice, even though it is not something I do. I cannot fully grasp their cultural experiences without lived experience.

I might not be like most viewers of this show. For 25 years, I've been a Pagan and a witch. I'm an ordained member of the Pagan clergy and take care of an off-grid Pagan church. As an outsider, I choose to respect different cultures as much as I can.

It was funny and relatable to notice stereotypes—we've all had lighthearted moments during rituals, been overly dramatic (raises hand), or found ourselves in "Pagan drama." In the end, we're all human and can misrepresent ourselves and our spirituality.

The episode had me tense during the awkward scenes of witchcraft and Paganism. I had so many questions racing through my mind...

"What if someone unfamiliar with Paganism saw this episode and saw the satire as something other than satirical fiction?

Most of us aren’t naked in public under a full moon since public nudity is illegal in much of Wisconsin. Practicing Skyclad, or doing rituals without clothes to connect with the earth, needs context, education, consent, and boundaries to make sure everyone feels comfortable and safe.

Stereotypes can harm new Pagans exploring their beliefs. A satirical portrayal of Pagans could discourage someone from pursuing Paganism or witchcraft. Additionally, advanced practices beyond the Pagan Portals series may seem intimidating to those with trauma, especially without the right context.

While watching the episode, one thing caught my attention. I don't want to seem self-righteous or bring up any painful religious feelings about believing in one God, but I was very upset by how the couple justified their actions toward the wife's co-worker. In my opinion, both sides are responsible, but the couple's lack of self-awareness was concerning.

I will begin the next paragraph with the following statement. I do not represent all of Paganism. The following is merely my opinion; I do not possess all the answers for everyone.

Mia, the woman in the couple couple talked about putting a hex on a coworker due to a personality conflict. I call myself a "grey witch," meaning I believe in using both dark and light magick for protection and self-defense. When we talk about hexxing for shock instead of actual protection, it can lead to serious backlash from trying to control others with fear.

In my experience, this rarely ends well for anyone.

Using dark magick impacts me and those around me. Even if I feel justified, I know I have to address any issues that come up. I believe every action leads to consequences—some aren't bad—but I'm accountable for my words and actions. For me, being a "good Pagan" means being a balanced and healthy adult.

The husband abused his power as a police officer, reinforcing the stereotype that all police officers are bad—something I don't agree with—and the idea that Pagans ignore consent.

Everyone, no matter their identity, is human. Some people make bad choices and need to be held accountable.

We need to seriously improve how we train law enforcement on mental health issues. The husband's actions didn't reflect Paganism or our whole justice department; they seemed driven by self-interest, ego, and insecurity.

I felt uneasy when the Pagans involved in this work drama didn't take responsibility for their actions, both magickal and ordinary. The husband and wife used scare tactics to intimidate the wife's ex-co-worker, even doing illegal things like stalking and vandalism.

Throughout my experiences with Catholicism, I encountered many individuals who attributed their immoral actions to "the devil." Christianity was not a cultural experience for me that emphasized the real-life consequences of words and actions.

Indeed, there was a possibility of ending up in "hell," but that place wasn't meant as a punishment for my poor decisions. Instead, it existed due to my rejection of a savior I never requested, who supposedly died for my sins before I was even born.

I grew up with narcissistic family members who misused religion to justify their harmful actions. This episode was especially triggering for me as I heal from religious trauma. It can be upsetting for anyone who has faced someone unwilling to take responsibility for their words and actions.

Paganism is different because our stories highlight the importance of keeping promises, being responsible, and controlling our own fate.

This episode was a wake-up call for me. I’m curious how other Pagans felt about it. Instead of telling you what Paganism should be, I invite everyone who can to watch the show and share opinions on how our culture is shown.

There are no wrong answers, just different views that we should consider to move past Hollywood’s false images of witches and Pagans.

Do we want our spiritual journey shown this way in the media?

Were the couple's actions towards the co-worker right?

What would you, as a Pagan, have done differently?

How will this episode affect us as a community?

Thanks for reading! I can't wait to hear from you, my friends! - Shining Quill