This is probably a piece better-suited to a different season of the year. I realize that one is unlikely to see the green-faced hag riding on her broomstick along with the Easter Bunnies a-hop-hop-hopping down the bunny trail. Unfortunately, the myths persist even when the highly commercial Hallowe'en holiday is long gone, and as Pagan parents, we need to know how to best address them. For years, I've resisted the myths, and the bastardization of our Crone aspect for the purposes of selling seasonal decorations, by shrieking an ear- splitting, so-high-that-only-dogs-can-hear-it "NOOOOOO!!!" when my children asked if we could buy a "witchy" decoration for our door. And when my children looked at me, their little faces filled with awe (fear is easily mistaken for awe, when you're slightly delusional), I figured I'd done my job.

Now, it's not just the hag. We have "Sabrina, the Teenage Witch," "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "The X-Files" with which to compete. Teenagers in West Memphis, Arkansas are in prison for crimes that they've never been proven to have committed, thanks to the common misconceptions surrounding the Pagan religions. It would be nice if we could just hold a huge press conference, say "This is how it is, so quit being stupid," and everyone could go about their individual spiritual business in a peaceful manner. This is not a perfect world, unfortunately; Pagan parents still occasionally find themselves under investigation by various social service organizations, based partially on the fact that their choice of spirituality is less-than-mainstream. Where do we start? The best place to start is in our own homes.

Begin by teaching your children what Paganism is, and more importantly, what it is not. When they're old enough, explain to them the Christian concept of Satan, and from where it evolved. Explain to them why Pagans don't believe in the concept of an "ultimate" source of evil, and talk to them about polarity and balance. Tell them that "Wicca" and "Witch" are derivations of words meaning "wise one," and explain to them that "Pagan" means little more, literally, than "country dweller." Talk about the three aspects of the Goddess, and let them know that the Crone isn't as much a "hag" as She is a wise one whose face shows the wisdom of Her years. Educate them about the wheel of the year, and our seasonal celebrations, showing how other more commercially prevalent holidays tie into and borrow from our own celebrations.

Most importantly, make sure that your children know that our spiritual belief system is a valid and recognized religion, the roots of which predate Christianity by several thousand years. If your child is of an age to understand, suggest that (s)he read the U.S. Army Chaplain Handbook's excerpt on Paganism, to illustrate the legal viability of our belief system. Confirm, for your child, that this belief system is protected under Constitutional law and the right to the freedom of religion. Educate your children. Enlightened children can better protect themselves against religious discrimination; educated children make better life choices. But the best reason for dispelling the myths is that your child may eventually educate another child . . . and that child, along with your own, is one of the world's future leaders.

Then, buy a Crone for your door, and take a good, long look at Her - She's smiling.