Today, February 12th, is the United Nations International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conducive to Terrorism. It’s a day where we are invited to reflect not only on acts of violence themselves, but on the ideas, narratives, and symbols that are sometimes used to justify them.
For Pagan communities, this reflection is particularly important because across Europe and beyond, Pagan and nature-based symbols have been repeatedly misappropriated by far-right and extremist groups. Runes, mythic imagery, and ancient cultural symbols alike have been stripped from their spiritual, cultural, and historical contexts and weaponised in the service of exclusion, hatred, and fear.
This is not who we are, in fact, my own experiences usually reflects the opposite.
Pagan traditions are diverse, they’re living paths rooted in relationship with the land, with our ancestors, with each other, and with the wider web of life. At their heart are values of reciprocity, responsibility, hospitality, and reverence for difference. These values stand in direct opposition to any ideologies that seek to divide humanity into “us” and “them.”
Extremist movements thrive when symbols are allowed to drift without challenge. Silence leaves space for distortion, and speaking clearly, and compassionately, is part of our responsibility as a faith community.
At the Pagan Federation, we affirm that Paganism is not compatible with racism, antisemitism, Islamophobia, homophobia, transphobia, or any ideology rooted in supremacy or exclusion. Our symbols do not belong to hate; they belong to living traditions, sacred relationships, and communities committed to dignity, respect, and mutual responsibility. Preventing violent extremism is therefore not only about condemnation, but about challenging harmful narratives early, educating with care, and actively fostering belonging, connection, and compassion rather than fear.
We recognise that prevention is not just about security measures or policy. Rather a large part of prevention is about community, and ensuring that people feel seen, heard, and valued before harmful ideologies take root. It is about education, critical thinking, and the courage to say: this symbol does not mean what you claim it means.
As Pagans, many of us understand cycles — how unexamined shadows return, how wounds passed down can shape the present, and how healing requires conscious attention. Reclaiming our symbols is part of that healing work.
Today, I invite you to recommit to being a part of a community that chooses connection over division, truth over distortion, and care over fear.
May our paths be rooted in justice.
May our symbols remain sacred.
May our communities be places where extremism cannot take hold because belonging already has.
Sarah Kerr
President
Contact Sarah here