It’s a sad fact that theft in the pagan community happens all the time. It used to be back in the day people would just lift something off your table, or copy your handouts and claim the work as their own. The digital era has made theft even more possible and prevalent. Consequently as a Pagan author and filmmaker I know this type of thing happens a lot. My books are stolen on a regular basis, and are available for free download all over the place. My decades of study and hard work are taken in a minute by those who could care less.
It made me sad, but I can’t said I was shocked last week, when I heard that my friend Oseanna is experiencing a serious theft of her work. Regular readers of this blog will remember we profiled her on Divination Space Station : Oseaana back in 2014. She is a powerful woman, and an accomplished reader/teacher who it is an honor to know. Unfortunately she is being targeted by a woman who has stolen her videos, and other intellectual and digital property and claims them as her own. When I talked to Oseaana earlier this week, she said she had tried to reason with this person ” through private messages and all she could do was blame everyone else.” I’m left shaking my head.
Post-Truth and Pagan Thieves
Unfortunately we live in a time where the word post-truth is a new entry to the dictionary. People see Wikipedia as a valid authority, and overwhelming opinion frequently becomes truth. Therefore the problem is a society that both doesn’t see, and also doesn’t care. Does no one remember the story of the Emperor’s New Clothes? Many of these new Pagan practitioners are fakes and thieves, or at the very least just ignorant. We must do our best to try and co-exist peacefully and respectfully.
What Can You Do?
First of all, if this happens to you speak out. Report the offenders loudly, and often, both to the websites they may be frequenting and to their followers. Fake practitioners and thieves in the Pagan community destroy the experience for everyone, and they should not be allowed to get away with it.
In addition, do your best to be responsible with your posts and shares. Make sure you have permission to share material. And always make sure that the proper sources are given credit, and links exist in every way possible. I found someone the other day just taking screenshots of my book Voodoo and Afro-Caribbean Paganism without even using my name, or anything. When I asked her about it, she acted like this was fine. This is not ok. Please don’t do this. Most people are kind, and will most likely allow you permission to share their content when you ask.
Another thing to avoid is bootleg downloads of your favorite books and media. We have been hearing music artists protest about this for years. Just because we authors, filmmakers, and other content producers may not be as vocal, it doesn’t mean we aren’t being taken advantage of.
In conclusion, do your best to follow genuine spiritual practitioners you respect. Follow Oseaana’s youtube channel , while you are there follow Lilith Dorsey’s channel too. If you can share this post so other people can know and understand what’s happening.
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