Modern Witches and Paganism

This journalism assignment explores the growing trend of modern witchcraft and paganism in Australia. It examines the experiences of practitioners like Marque Caban, who found solace and acceptance within pagan communities after facing discrimination in churches due to his sexuality and unique abilities. The assignment also delves into sociological theories explaining the appeal of witchcraft and highlights relevant census data and expert opinions from figures like Associate Professor Marguerite Johnson. The target audience includes those interested in contemporary spirituality, social trends, and the experiences of marginalized individuals.

Running head: JOURNALISM
JOURNALISM
Name of the student:
Name of the university:
Author note:

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JOURNALISM
Witchcraft provides something to the modern witches, which the Church cannot
The feature story will focus on the plight of the modern witches, their practice of
witchcraft and why they have turned away from the churches. According to a certain census
polled in 2016,almost 15,222 Australian citizens have adopted paganism and have started
following the pagan ways and beliefs. According to the Associate Professor of the University of
NewcastleMargueriteJohnson,the popularity of paganism rises and falls throughout centuries.
The popularity of occult peaked during the New Age movement, which occurred in the 70s and
80s and also during thebeginning of the 20th century.
Marque Caban who also goes by the name Panther is a Psychic living in Sydney. He had
spent his childhood in various orphanages, foster homes it was a tough childhood for him. At a
very early age, Caban realized that he was different from other children of his age others
shunned him calling him a weirdo, and he spent most of his time alone by himself. Caban from
his very childhood could see colours and lightsaroundpeople;he could also see spirits and other
supernatural beings. At first, he used to think that everyone can see what he can but later he
realized that it was a special gift only he had. He wanted to find an explanation for his unique
ability and this drove him towards religion, he wanted to become a priest but he faced certain
abusive incidents, which made him to move way from Christianity. After he revealed that he was
homosexual, he faced a lot of controversies as well. He said that he faced discrimination in
several instances and also he was not accepted by the churches and religious society because of
his sexual preferences and unique abilities,they called him an abomination. All these abuses and
discriminations drove him away from churches and he adopted paganism, after that, things
changed for him and became better slowly.

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Caban crossed paths with Lenora Jackson who is a coven leader and lives in Sydney as
well, she met him while singing in a bar, Caban used to work in the same bar. Almost
immediately, they became good friends and they have been a part of a coven for almost 30 years.
According to Ms Jackson coven is such a place where people come together and express
themselves in ways, which are not acceptable by the general society.
The people who have gone through hardships and various traumatic events in their lives
take refuge in witchcraft. There are theories related to sociology and witchcraft explaining why
people practice witchcraft. Magic gives a kind of power and confidence to those who were
shunned and discriminated by the society.
Potential Audience
The potential audience for this story are the common people and those who practice witchcraft or
any kind of pagan religion.
Potential Publication orSites
 Magick Magazine (https://magick.org.au/)
 New Dawn Magazine (https://www.newdawnmagazine.com/articles/the-mystique-of-
the-manor-australias-occult-centre-revealed)
 Southern Crossroads(https://southerncrossroads.wordpress.com/tag/australian-occult-
magazine/)

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Primary Sources
1. Name:Marguerite Johnson
Contact: (Supplied in original pitch)
Interview date: 10th January 2018
2. Name:Marque Caban
Contact:(Supplied in original pitch)
Interview date: 11thJanuary 2018
3. Name:Leonora Jackson
Contact:(Supplied in original pitch)
Interview date: 12thJanuary 2018
Secondary Sources
ABC News. (2018). For modern witches, the occult provides something the church can't.
[online] Available at: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-09-20/why-are-australians-turning-to-
paganism-and-modern-witchcraft/8948824 [Accessed 13 Jan. 2018].
Christian Research Institute. (2018). Modern Witchcraft: It May Not Be What You Think -
Christian Research Institute. [online] Available at: http://www.equip.org/article/modern-
witchcraft/ [Accessed 13 Jan. 2018].
Radioaustralia.net.au. (2018). [online] Available at:
http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/news/topics/Witchcraft [Accessed 13 Jan. 2018].