The Life Behind the College Student
by Olivia Baxter
Sarah Curtis is a vocal music performance major at Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa. The senior is preparing, like many, for her upcoming graduation. However, there is one major difference between Sarah and her peers: Sarah is Pagan.
Traveling three and a half hours from her hometown of Kansas City, Curtis attends Simpson to be a part of its renowned opera program. While completing her first year of school, Curtis was diagnosed with anxiety and depression.
It was here Paganism first came into her life.
“In addition to medication I was given [for depression and anxiety], it was recommended I try mediation and try to find something to believe in,” said Curtis.
Curtis had always had an interest in mythology and after doing some research, she found her way to pre-Christian religions.
“Paganism and Wicca stood out to me. I identified with them and identified with finding my own path to spirituality,” Curtis said.
During her childhood, Curtis’ father was a church choir director. As such, he was constantly moving jobs and Curtis says each time she moved churches, she would be baptized in that denomination.
After such a hectic spiritual upbringing, Curtis began to lose her connection to spirituality and Christianity around early high school.
However, after getting into college, receiving her diagnosis, and learning more about Paganism, Curtis began meditating.
Curtis meditating in front of her altar.
Setting up an altar, lighting incense, and reserving five to 15 minutes a day, Curtis meditates; sometimes focusing on others, but usually trying to find time for herself.
“My goal is to focus on myself; you know, what I’m really feeling and who I really am,” Curtis says.
Curtis follows numerous day-to-day rituals during these sessions. She uses meditation as a way to answer certain questions she might have. For example, certain crystals have certain energies and by putting energies into crystals, Curtis feels as if they can guide her.
An example of one crystal Curtis might encounter.
In addition to an altar, Curtis uses several different tools to aid her prayer: Taro cards, candles related to specific archetypal colors, and most importantly a pendulum.
This pendulum is made of amethyst, which is a crystal connected to the top chakra or the chakra that has the connection to the spiritual realm, according to gostica.com.
A Taro card out of Curtis’ collection.
Curtis mentions that during these rituals, she doesn’t always do the same things.
“Sometimes I pray for things: my family, my friends, my future. Sometimes I pray to things: what kind of person I want to be or if I have a physical pain, I can find healing by moving energy to that area,” says Curtis. (see more about Sarah’s rituals here)
Paganism is not only about daily meditation, but also stresses the importance of the moon cycle (think star signs…).
Curtis says, “The moon is always focused on putting new intentions into the universe.”
For instance, if there is a change in the moon cycle, a person can try to emulate by writing down new things they want to try, or cleansing old habits, and burning the paper to release its energy into the universe.
Equinoxes and solstices are also important. Curtis says these are the welcoming of new seasons, welcoming of new life and fresh starts.
“It’s all about putting out positive energy into the universe and hoping it comes back,” says Curtis.
One important note: Paganism is not witchcraft and it is not Satanism, although both do have roots in Paganism. According to the Pagan Federation International, Paganism is “a polytheistic or pantheistic nature-worshipping religion.”
Curtis says, “[Witchcraft and Satanism] are two very different things than what I am celebrating. For me, I use deities from other cultures that, you know, make sense to me
Curtis (pictured right) out with friends.
and kind of focus positive energy through those channels.”
Curtis uses her spirituality to focus on events happening to her, to help her define them, heal herself, and put things in context.
So next time you hear Pagan, don’t think witch. Think spiritual and natural. And remember Sarah Curtis, a 21-year-old imminent college graduate who is looking for a way to bring peace and happiness to everything in her life.
Follow me into Sarah’s world with the videos below:
My Adventure into Pagan Culture
Here I accompanied Sarah to “witch” shop, Ancient Ways in Des Moines, IA.
MORE ABOUT SARAH:
After realizing some questions went unanswered, I conducted an (extremely casual) interview with Sarah (below).
Unfortunately, there were some technical difficulties and the rest of the interview was lost. If you have any further inquiries about Sarah or her spirituality feel free to contact me and I will pass on your questions.
The Questionable Nature of BMI
Olivia Baxter 