Not strictly a pagan topic, but it wades into our waters when you have skyclad practising covens training underage children….and those who think that children getting naked in the presence of adults who are not their parents, is inappropriate.
Here are a few links for your reading re Bill Henson
What is your opinion on this in the context of the skyclad coven and the Witchy training of underage children? And even if you agree that it’s ok for underage practitioners to participate in skyclad practise with an adult coven, do you think they should be photograhed whilst doing so and displayed as art?
I think that covens should categorically steer clear of training anyone under the age of 18. Full stop. There are however plenty of projects a teen, say a 16 or 17yr old, can work through as a solitary or in a one-to-one tutoring arrangement with parental permission until they turn 18 and can pursue whatever training they desire as an adult.
What do you think?
***edit April 2009***
I’ve considered removing this post as it draws alot of hits from Google for those searching for underage nude photos.
I’ve decided to change the title of this post from Underage Nude Art: The Bill Henson Debate to just The Bill Henson Debate.
I’m leaving this post here as I like the commentary below.
Worth a thousand words…
Link to interesting video about Bill Henson’s photographic work:
By: Jade on June 1, 2008
at 1:25 pm
I’m very biased, as I started training in an Alexandrian Coven at the age of 17, with permission from my parents (the HP and HPS had a long interview with my Mum to determine my maturity and her acceptance of some of the practices within the coven, and I was interviewed too). So I was an ‘exception to the rule.’
The idea that everyone is an adult at the age of 18 – while appropriate to the law, is actually completely arbitrary in terms of spiritual growth. In most shamanistic / animistic cultures, adulthood was achieved upon puberty, and in others, it may be determined after the first successful hunt, or after the first time a man or woman loses their virginity. In contemporary life, I’ve met plenty of 30 year olds who were emotionally immature children, and met 15 year olds who were capable of making intelligent, informed decisions – as much as any ‘adult’ in their mid-20s.
If we apply very stern laws to absolutely everyone in a spiritual path which actually has nothing to do with generalisation, then we’re in trouble, imho.
By: Ravenari on June 1, 2008
at 1:37 pm
I agree, with the exceptions to the rule, however when we’re dealing with legal requirements of underage minors, then I think there are some strict codes of behaviour we need to stick with en masse. One-to-one tutoring aside with full permission of parents may be one of those exceptions.
I also encourage patience and waiting….waiting 12mths is not a huge stretch for magickal training, and if it is, then I’d be questioning the neophyte’s dedication, regardless of age.
By: minxi on June 2, 2008
at 9:51 pm
Thanks Jade…I wonder would people have the same outrageous opinions if these were paintings?
By: minxi on June 3, 2008
at 12:29 am