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Pagan Consent Culture

Pagan Consent Culture

Building Communities of Empathy and Autonomy


cover by Shauna Aura Knight
An Anthology from Asphodel Press
Christine Hoff Kraemer & Yvonne Aburrow, editors

For many Pagans, sexuality and the body are sacred. Unfortunately, this conviction is not enough to prevent sexual harassment, assault, and abuse. Like the mainstream communities they are immersed in, Pagan communities struggle with consent issues, especially around sexual touch.

Increasingly, Pagans realize that good consent practices must be embraced by communities, not just by individuals—and that consent is about more than sexuality. Consent culture begins with the idea of autonomy, with recognizing our right to control our bodies and selves in all areas of life; and it is sustained by empathy, the ability to understand and share the emotional states of others.

This collection grounds consent culture in contemporary Pagan values, stories, and practices:
  • a Druid explores the concept of sovereignty
  • Wiccans analyze “The Charge of the Goddess”
  • a Heathen explicates medieval Icelandic lore
  • a modern Polytheist draws on philosophies of difference
  • ...and much more
Additionally, contributors provide nuts-and-bolts guides to building consent culture:
  • responding to the needs of survivors of sexual abuse and assault
  • setting consent-based policies for rituals and events
  • training children and adults in consent practices
  • sacralizing pleasurable touch on an everyday basis
  • ethically teaching sacred sexuality and sex magick
For Pagan leaders, teachers, and organizers, Pagan Consent Culture is an essential resource.

Published February 2016.

Buy now:

Online Pagan Consent Culture Training

Looking for consent culture training for...

  • ...individuals or a group that is geographically scattered?
  • ...an organization in need of updated consent and anti-harassment policies?
  • ...a sex-positive festival that needs stronger consent education?

Christine Hoff Kraemer teaches an online Pagan Consent Culture training at Cherry Hill Seminary a few times a year. The course is 4 weeks long and includes readings, lectures, and classroom discussion with other students, as well as support for developing curricula, policies, rituals, or other material for your home group.

For maximum flexibility, no live meetings are required. Limited scholarships may be available for students who need financial aid. The training is recommended for individuals who are comfortable with computers and learn well through the written word.

To learn more about this training, see the  April 2018 Pagan Consent Culture course listing.

If you have a group that would like to take the Pagan Consent Culture course together, CHS may be willing to schedule a section of the course to your convenience. Group enrollment rates may be available. Contact chs@cherryhillseminary.org for details or to inquire when the next public section of the course will be offered.


Or, even better, bring one of us to visit you!

Christine Hoff Kraemer or Yvonne Aburrow may be available for in-person presentations to groups or for consultation with event organizers. Fees vary based on travel expenses and the services required. Please contact us for details.