How ironic. I left the catholic church over 35 years ago, journeying seriously and found I was a Wiccan because of its values. Unfortunately, the Pagan community is overrun by bullies, christians, republicans and various kinds of idiots who do everything but revere Mother Earth and seek balance and harmony. My contention that peace and love is still a radical idea seems to ring true. In this world crime and violence and war are considered more normal than peace and love. I'd love however, to be shown wrong. Anyone else really interested in this? And I do mean real..not the plastic hypocricy of christians led like sheep who don't know how to use their own brains. But people who can think for themselves. Can you resist the mainstream culture of violence, bullying and really get into peace and love? I'd love to hear about it.
2006-07-30 06:18:32 · 14 answers · asked by Greanwitch 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
truth4U: I have asked that question of God and got my dream, a very vivid dream, of my Path in Shamanic Wicca. Though I don't participate in the greater Pagan community much I do continue with my practice in private!
2006-07-30 06:23:17 · update #1
Tirya, you are right about one thing, I am deeply hung up on this but only just this morning. I have been deeply hurt but this behavior and have left the Pagan community for the most part. I am learning better though how to create my own reality and perhaps will return after I recreate the peaceful happy Pagan world in my own mind and soul and heart.
2006-07-30 07:10:22 · update #2
Chris C: Do you realize the devil is a Christian? yes. We don't believe in him in the pagan world so he ceases to exist for us. I guess that is the real answer to my question as well...stop believing in what in don't want and it will cease to exist..as long as you create something to replace it. Blessed Be everyone..and yes even you christian devil people :)
2006-07-30 07:12:30 · update #3
Yes, many of us have resorted to a solitary practice and that is unfortunae...maybe we could find a group of solitaries that are peaceful and loving?
2006-07-30 09:04:52 · update #4
You seem to be very hung up on this topic this morning. It sounds to me like you've run into a pocket of bad experiences and it is coloring your outlook.
Have I run into the pagans you've described? Yes, and I've explained some of it in your other questions.
Do I think that paganism is 'overrun' with those types? No, not really. But unfortunately they are the ones that stand out and the ones that get noticed. The ones who do go about quietly living their lives according to their principles, who do honor nature and revere the earth, and who do look to maintain peace and harmony in their lives - they're the ones who don't get noticed.
It's actually a lot like any other religion, IMHO. Do I believe that the majority of Christians are Bible-thumping, intolerant bullies? No - but there is a vocal *minority* that makes it seem that way. Do I believe that all atheists are arrogant pseudo-intellectuals? Again, no - but there is a vocal *minority* that makes it seem that way.
Personally, my way of approaching it is to stop focusing so much on what everyone else does, and how they don't live their lives correctly or according to the principles they claim to follow, and instead focus on what *I* do to make sure that *I* live my lives according to my principles.
I can't change other people. I can only change me.
2006-07-30 06:40:26 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're right. It is ironic that many pagans don't behave in a loving and tolerant manner towards other people and even towards other pagans. It's a shame, but it's true. I'm beginning to think that it's a trait of human nature, since it can be seen in all religions, not just Wicca and paganism. It's the reason why I limit my participation in the local pagan community, and choose to practice my faith as a solitary Wiccan.
2006-07-30 15:50:33 · answer #2 · answered by moonwatermuskoka 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the world would be a better place if all religions would admit there is more than one path to enlightenment, And that if we all agree not to harm others, then we'd have such a great planet. But I don't think I see that happening. Even when a big disaster or trajedy happens people are only nice to each other for a short time. I got mad at my husband for not stopping for a couple that was stranded on the side of the road. I should have insisted. Its those types of attitudes that makes us not trust others.
2006-07-31 23:28:35 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately, the Pagan community does not have any central authority. There are many reasons for this. One of the main ones is that many of us like to keep our faith secret, to avoid persecution. If we had a central organization, we could train the young and new people properly. Because we don't, many of them rely entirely on popular books. Many of these books preach things that are in violation of Pagan ideals, such as Christian bashing, and many also focus on Magick at the exclusion of spirituality.
But don't think that all Pagan religions are about Peace and Love. There are warrior tribes among us, especially in the Heathen sects. We need to have responsible training of new people in the warrior tribes as well as in the Witchcraft sects to teach people how to channel their energy in a positive way. Unfortunately, while we are being chased out of town, whatever town we decide to set up in, the orphans are being left behind to teach themselves, and often don't teach themselves ethics along with the rest. It's a sad state of affairs really.
2006-07-31 10:56:49 · answer #4 · answered by kaplah 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that every community will have their bad seeds. Their elitists, bullies, and just all-around crappy people.
Also, Wicca isn't just about peace and harmony- many Wiccans honor pantheons that include war god/dess(es) and such. While part of Wicca is learning about yourSelf enough to find and maintain inner peace and harmony, there are many deities that are honored who aren't peaceful and harmonious. Wicca honors polarity, meaning that there are two sides to every coin. Thats why many Wiccan/Pagans who just think everything should be peaceful and wonderful are condescendingly referred to as fluffy bunnies.
I feel that you are free to believe whatever you want. Personally, I think its important that people understand that the world isn't all happiness and light, and that conflict is needed to help us grow- transformation comes our of conflict.
Regarding groups (in your added info):
I'm sorry that you haven't found a group to your liking. In my area, there are many groups to join. I'm in a coven, but I also started a social group for all kinds of Pagan women to join, no matter what positive path you tread. The coven is hierarchal, structured and has certain goals to attain. The social group meets a few times a month to just have a girls night out/in. We have little eclectic circles and have a great time.
There are groups out there for everyone. And if you can't find one, why don't you start one? You don't have to priestess a group. Just make a little mission statement, call yourself the coordinator (make sure you can take responsibility for kicking the crappy people out) and call it the [city name] Solitary Pagan Collective or some such thing. And make it what you want. :)
2006-07-30 17:16:34 · answer #5 · answered by Ivy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that it's not just the Wiccan and Pagan communities, it is everyone, Christian, Muslim, etc.... Everyone needs to accept peace and love and forget negativity and not harbor hard feelings and just forgive and move on instead and this would help a ton. There wouldn't be as much violence in the world, but unfortunately, you can't tell people anything. They will not listen to this and heed this.
2006-07-30 13:50:43 · answer #6 · answered by trinitarianwiccan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
being solitary has been my way for five years now, not by choice, I moved to England, the group I had and will be a part of always is the "VWS" this is a group who teach the old way, which I have always been a part. No matter what ones' faith, people will always attack what they do not understand, and the more folks say they are open minded the more closed minded they are. Yes, even in our faith we are going to get those that are jaded about what we believe, but what can we do? send them some enlightenment, and keep it pushing.
BB
2006-08-01 05:36:35 · answer #7 · answered by Zeni 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm Pagan. An Eclectic, though, so I have some (err, quite a few) elements of Wicca in my practices and beliefs.
The Pagan community is fine. It's those claiming to be Pagan without doing any reading who are not.
Those who follow religion blindly will eventually find their way...
... may take a few lives, but, they will!
:)
Do not worry, Sister. Things will get better.
- 16 yo Pagan
2006-07-30 13:21:51 · answer #8 · answered by Lady Myrkr 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wicca (the religion put together by Gerald Gardner) was not originally about peace, harmony and love of MotherEarth- it was, and continues to be primarily a path of enlightenment. Unfortunately at some point someone decided Wicca is "anything you want it to be" so I'm afraid one faction of this "new Wicca" can't really complain about another faction.
2006-07-31 00:30:06 · answer #9 · answered by Drewe 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, we have managed to gather a few 'Bad Seeds' just like the others. It can only be expected! People search for a place to fit in. Unfortunately, I have noticed in recent years that we have been bombarded with young ones who are in it for sexual deviance, and know next to nothing about the basics! I keep my heart open, knowing that I too was a beginner at one time. It's up to us elders to help shape our brothers & sisters. Gentle guidance....
Blessed Be....
2006-07-30 13:37:57 · answer #10 · answered by Helzabet 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋