As a Gatekeeper, I welcome many and turn away a few. The role of a priest is to preside at passages for individuals and community. Such priestly function might also be performed by someone who is not clergy. It could be by a political leader, an employer or a parent.

And I do priest! I preside at Sabbats, hand fastings, quickenings, arrivings and departings.

Sometimes I see myself as "Father Whitehead," working a room. I greet, I affirm, I listen, I offer connection, and I acknowledge everyone who is there. Here is a form of web weaving. Some roles are the same in all religions.

As a priest, I am part of a community. And what is a priest without a community? When I push community to the people around me, I build common values that enable them to think more about something other than themselves.

When I inspire, encourage, and guide but not control, more people seem to come to do what I teach than when I manage everyone myself.

I see another role is to be on the lookout for the next generation of clergy. I have gone before them. I should know what they look like. I can recognize, seek out and encourage. I will not be around for ever.

Some ask how to be a "spiritual leader" in such a mixed environment. Spirituality is about my relationship between self and other. A good first step is to be less self-centered than those around me. Then there is the maxim, "Do not lie to people." I can treat others with respect, even though as a leader I must occasionally kick butt.

Part of being a leader is to set an example, to set a mood. Perhaps when I show a warm and positive attitude, it will rub off on those around me. Part of being a leader is to take responsibility for one's own behavior. Taking responsibility for the behavior of the people you direct will also earn you respect.

It is helpful to weave a personal web extending to all involved people, inviting each of them to give something of themselves: something they value and also something they do not value.

Some traditions associate the priesthood with service. Some expect service to the point of sacrifice. Me, I prefer balance to martyrdom.

Perhaps as priest I serve best by helping another towards the next step in their journey. It is not likely that I get to "save" somebody.

Some of the new people wonder how they can connect with the inner circle of a community such as ours. I would suggest that they show up early and leave late.

As a leader in a Pagan community, I see that my challenge is to draw in the gifts and talents of individuals, without destroying either the community or myself.

--Spelcastor