A few weeks ago my household engaged in a lively discussion of Who might endow one with the role of Pagan pope, capable of excommunicating the unfaithful. This ultimately led us to reminiscences about abuses of power, gossip and character assassination, and Witch Wars we have known and loved.

I have the dubious honor of having survived direct association with or fallout from at least five separate Witch Wars. They are bound to occur in an environment where passions exist that are as strongly held as those involving religion. When sex and politics are thrown in, fires are bound to break out. Of course, no one wins these wars. The casualties often include dignity, truth and community cohesion. The central figures may get over themselves fairly quickly, but the flames of conflict are gleefully fed long afterward by misguided "friends" and followers or, worse yet, by those who delight in grief, woe and contention.