"It's become very commercial," said Bradley, who in addition to custom wands also makes meditation sachets and can do tarot-type readings with a regular deck of playing cards.

At the Unitarian Universalist Church on Moorpark Street she was in the company of various other New Age spiritualists, technologically savvy psychics, massage therapists and purveyors of therapeutic oils at this low-key event held as a fundraiser by the Los Angeles chapter of Pagan Pride, an organization that is striving to legitimize the practice of pagan religions and defend them against detractors.

They are completely serious, well-coordinated, and yes, they have some foes...

Contemporary paganism doesn't draw its inspiration from the multiple-gods worship of ancient Greece and Rome so much as from less classical, earthier antecedents (although pagans can and do worship different gods and goddesses). Think Druids, or the shamanistic traditions of Native Americans. Satanism, being associated with the post-Christian world, is not usually considered part of the neo-pagan movement although neo-pagans, being exceedingly tolerant, would probably not object to Satanists being allowed to do their thing, as well.

"We encourage a lot of different paths in the neo-pagan life," Du'Marn said, when asked about the spiritual predilections of his staff of six. He added that DragonMarsh has been participating in Pagan Pride events for the last "seven or eight years."

 Paganism casts spell over followers - Los Angeles Times