What do you think?

1. 69

   kittythedreamerposted 13 years ago

   Do you find it hard to tell people that you are Pagan? Is it even harder to explain that you are Wiccan or a Witch? I've found that on the internet, it's easy for me to be "out of the broom closet" so to speak; however, in personal life...it seems as though everyone around me is either Christian or atheist. The atheists are more prone to just give a "who cares" attitude to the terms Pagan and Wiccan, but the Christians tend to shudder the the words and judge immediately. I don't tell most people I know, because the majority are Christian and I don't want my closest friends & family to pull away from me. I want to be myself, but I guess I'm falling into that whole "living in the shadows" thing that many witches and Pagans have had to do for the past 1500 years or so.

   replyreport
   1. 76

      DoubleScorpionposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I, myself, typically avoid the belief conversation with friends and family. On the rare occasions it does come up. I typically say that the beliefs I have are personal and would rather keep them that way. If someone does press the issue, I explain my beliefs. I avoid using certain wording, and that normally prevents the "shudders". I explain my beliefs using the Christian point of view and this normally brings about curiousity and interest to know more.
      
      Of course, sometimes you will run into those of the "fundie" nature. With those type of people, I use my formal religious education, to get them backpedaling and scrambling for their own answers in response to my questions, that they tend to just want to drop the topic.
      
      People who truly love and care about you, really won't care what your beliefs are. And other than the occasion mention of "going to church" or something to that nature, conversations about beliefs are not a topic of discussion.
      
      When asked if I want to go to church...I always say sure...And when will you be coming to "services" with me?
      The interesting thing about Pagans (well me at least), is that we can find spiritual enlightenment anywhere.
      Others...well...closed minds don't let anything in.

      replyreport
      1. 69

         kittythedreamerposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Great points, DoubleScorpion. Thank you for your insight and encouragement. I believe that religion should be kept to oneself unless asked or someone is truly interested for their own sake. Maybe I don't have to feel like I'm "hiding" it, but feel like I don't have the necessity to share, as I don't feel the need to proselytize anyone into the wiccan faith.

         replyreport
   2. 77

      IntimatEvolutionposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      My step mom is wiccan.  I think there are some very interesting things about  the practice.  Now do you worship Pan?  She does.

      replyreport
      1. 69

         kittythedreamerposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         No, I don't worship Pan. I believe in the god and the goddess, of many different names but all one deity.

         replyreport
   3. 60

      deblippposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Kitty, I've been Pagan and Wiccan for thirty years and it is much, MUCH easier than it used to be. Nowadays, you rarely have to start from zero: Most people have heard the words or have seen something on TV. You don't have to start with a vocabulary lesson!
      
      That said, if you feel your job, your children, or your home is at risk, it is perfectly appropriate to stay closeted.

      replyreport
   4. 67

      Cresentmoon2007posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Kitty, I struggle a lot with telling people that I am. Online is a whole different story. But in real life my mom knows truly what I believe and so does my boyfriend. My mother is a christian but she's fine with my beliefs because it is a mixture. But my mom is also very acceptable to others beliefs and do not judge for she feels that it is not up to her to judge. My step uncle however feels like I am going to hell. And that reaction there is exactly why I am some what still in the closet

      replyreport
2. 71

   Alastar Packerposted 13 years ago

   The Native Americans asked the first Europeans this question, " Why do you kill all snakes?" One reason was because since childhood they had heard and been taught that these creations were evil and of the Devil. Hopefully that view is changing some now in the 21st century.  When most Amerindians brought down a magnificent elk after a grueling chase they would thank the Elk's life force or spirit for it's life giving sacrifice . The Europeans would kill all snakes and considered the elk and all other animals there to be used and had no thought of any such thing as thanking them for feeding themselves and their families.
   I have many Christian friends who are not Hypo-Christians and they respect the fact that I do not belong to any organized religion yet remain spiritual. All peaceful beliefs are given respect on my part. I can only ask that people who have a problem with your beliefs kitty try and understand what the Hubber Spirit Whisperer once said: "We may be on different roads, but all roads lead to Rome." In other words,  love is indeed the Alpha and Omega of all that is.  Human beings are not one size fits all and must find their own ways to peace, understanding, harmony and love. The atheists who believe all life is a cosmic mistake are on the path that leads to the barren desert. Those who known that all life is infused at some level with the eternal spirit are headed for the stars.

   replyreport
   1. 0

      Emile Rposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      That's a pleasant thought that ends on a dark note. Why would atheists not have the same experience after this mortal life as everyone else? I wouldn't think a barren desert awaits them. I like to think they'll be like kids in a candy store, floored by the wonder of things they hadn't been able to imagine.

      replyreport
      1. 71

         Alastar Packerposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         You are of course right on Emile. Thanks for pointing that out. No one bats a thousand and I joyfully stand corrected.

         replyreport
      2. 69

         kittythedreamerposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Emile - Good point. AP - thanks for being so humble.
         
         You both rock.

         replyreport
   2. 69

      kittythedreamerposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      AP - Thank you for sharing the native american reference. I would've never heard that, but it makes for a really good point. We don't think normal things are "evil" unless we have been taught that they are "evil". Great to hear that you remain spiritual, with or without church of any sort. And also great to see your humility when being replied to by  Emile.

      replyreport
3. 71

   summerclark7387posted 13 years ago

   Its easiest for me to tell others that I'm Pagan, an Earth worshipper, than it is to tell them I'm Wiccan.  I just explain that life's energy is my deities, and to leave out the fact that I practice magic.  It's not that I'm not proud of who I am, or my beliefs, its mainly because I've grown tired of the judgemental looks and whispers.

   replyreport
   1. 69

      kittythedreamerposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I agree, SummerClark. Yeah, the magic part definitely gives people motive for cross-eyed looks.

      replyreport
4. 69

   kittythedreamerposted 13 years ago

   Deblipp - That's awesome! Glad to meet you. Thanks for your support and advice, Blessed Be.

   replyreport
5. 60

   Tlherald85posted 13 years ago

   I do not find it hard to tell people that I am Wiccan but I do find it hard to explain my beliefs to them. Most people that are "Christian" obviously believe that it is the ONLY way to believe and they are right and you are wrong. However, The "True Christians" I have run across (once we have discussed beliefs) understand where I am coming from and even agree that A LOT of what Wiccans believe is very similar if not the same as what they believe in. So in turn the only time I run into problems is with those closed-minded folk out there. Which yes it seems there are more closed-minded people in the world BUT I am very PROUD of who I am and am NOT ashamed in any way, shape or form. I do not flaunt who I am but if I asked I do not hide or lie I just simply say "I'm Wiccan" then if asked to illaberate then I do. Most of my family believe what I believe but some close friends and some family don't so we just agree to disagree so that there is no arguements. Ex: My brother-in-law is a "Christian" yes one of the closed-minded type and he LOVES to try to push his religion on me since we met 11 years ago and its comical because the more we speak of our beliefs finally 11 years later he is realizing that Wicca is NOT "evil" or "Satan/Devil" worship. lol. It would be hard for it to be "satan/devil" worship considering Wiccans believe in NO such being.

   replyreport
   1. 69

      kittythedreamerposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Great explanation. Thanks!

      replyreport
   2. 67

      Cresentmoon2007posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I love how proud you are TIherald85. Online I am more than willing to be open about my  beliefs and am even more willing to face anybody who disagrees and want to push arguments. But in real life, I am sad to say that I find it hard to talk about my beliefs. Hopefully I will be able to be like you someday.

      replyreport
6. 60

   knolyourselfposted 13 years ago

   If it comes up I tell them I am a pagan. Deal with the real me. If they don't like it, Hasta la vista, baby.

   replyreport
7. 68

   awareposted 13 years ago

   Im not a pagan . My ideas are way out there.  When i share them i find that presentation is key . And    ears need to be wanting to hear.Meaning asked for.

   replyreport
8. 0

   Wilfionposted 13 years ago

   It's strange, that even though I do not believe in any god or religion, I have to confess to feeling slightly shocked when someone tells me they are a wiccan.  As a non-believer, I view one religion as being as good (or as bad) as any other.  But still, I suppose as a result of centuries of discrimination against people who think of themselves as witches, I do feel almost as if that particular religion is involved in the black arts.  So many horror films use witches as figures to fear, who are somehow in league with the devil.  Having said that, I have friends who are wiccans, and I know they are not into such things.  I also enjoy wiccan and ancient pagan music, and do feel somehow connected with the ancestors at Christmas, when decorating the house with greenery, which of course has pagan origins.
   
   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pwXFVCsuvU

   replyreport
9. 60

   knolyourselfposted 13 years ago

   They ask me what is Pagan. I say my church is right here. You are standing in it. It is nature.
   Check out the video. Gets better as it goes.
   
   http://blog.sfgate.com/hottopics/2011/1 … neighbors/

   replyreport