An Interview with Patrick McCleary (aka Pagan Dad)
Merry Meet - my name is Patrick McCleary and while I do not profess to be an expert on parenting or children I do have a few years experience. Ten years to be exact. Yes, that is true, I have a hard time believing it myself; I have a ten year old daughter and a six year old daughter as well. They are from separate marriages but I believe my divorce has taught me what not to do and my successful seven year marriage has taught me what works. In addition to all of this I have been a Pagan for twelve years. [Editor's Note: In addition to all of that, Patrick is also the author of a number of articles that we feature right here in the Resources section of PaganParenting.Org!]
How long have you been blogging? What inspired you to start? Were you very focused at the start or did the project evolve from other starts?
I have been running the blog PaganDad for the last three years. I have always enjoyed writing so blogging was, to me, a natural extension of that. And while PaganDad did not evolve from other projects it was a slow evolution into the form that you see today.
Are there topics that come up more frequently than others, or that you especially enjoy writing about? Are there any particular posts that you felt especially strongly about?
No, there are no topics that come up more often then others. The primary focus of my blog is on celebrating the Sabbats with your children. Although one of my favorite things to post about, and a reader favorite as well, is when I post recipes.
Do you know many other Pagan fathers that you can network with and "talk shop" with, or do you feel more that Pagan fathers in general are less-than visible in the community?
Honestly, I don't know many other Pagan Fathers. In fact, I don't know many Pagan men who are active in the community. I think that this is one of the major problems facing the Pagan community today.
Did you ever go through a period when you wondered if you were going to raise your kids with your spiritual tradition, or did you know from the beginning that this was a journey you wanted to lead them on?
Originally since my first wife was Christian, I had decided to let them choose when they got old enough. But after my divorce and subsequent marriage to a wonderful Pagan woman and the start of my blog I came to a couple of realizations. First, that spirituality is important and later that spirituality, much like an ivy vine, needs a framework to grow high and strong. This framework being religion.
What advice would you give to a Pagan man who has just discovered they are about to become a father for the first (or second, or third) time?
Be present. Just be in their lives and show them love. Everything else will work itself out.
What are some spiritual lessons you've learned from your children?
I don't know if this counts as a spiritual lesson, but they have taught me to pay attention to the small things and not stress over the big things. Children are so full of innocence and the power of play, if we could all act like that then the world would be a much better place.
Do you have ventures or projects going on within the Pagan community other than your blog? Any that you are particularly excited about?
I am involved in Family Wiccan Traditions International (FWTI). In fact I am the Family Coven Weaver. FWTI is all about family being one's first and most important coven and it is my pleasure to work with them to help Family Coven's create their own Family Traditions. I highly encourage that you join their Yahoo Group, we have a lot of changes coming in the new year. The site
Also I have a book that is available for purchase. 'Steps to a Stronger and More Spiritual Pagan Family'. This grew out of a newsletter that I ran for subscribers of my blog. It can be purchased over at Lulu.
How open are you and your family regarding the infamous broom closet? Are you "out" in your mundane community or is your faith something you largely keep separate?
We are completely out in the community around us. I have been blessed that I have never been discriminated against because of my faith.
