wear symbols of your faith such as a pentacle in everyday life? If so, when people ask what it is/stands for, what do you tell them? Are you open about your beliefs when people ask or do you prefer to keep it to yourself?
2006-12-12 03:29:54 · 21 answers · asked by rhainnedroppe 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
To Raven....
to say that you consider me Unitarian and not literate enough in my beliefs, jumps to a major conclusion. Nowhere in this question did I voice my particular religious beliefs. I simply addressed this question to those who consider themselves pagan in any form or fashion. I do appreciate you taking the time to answer, though. It gave me insight to the type of person you are.
2006-12-12 06:54:59 · update #1
Good question!!
No, I don't wear mine everyday. I have really long hair and it gets tangled up sometimes. When I do wear it I keep it under my shirt. I don't like to advertise my beliefs. I hate when people push their religion on others, so I don't want to do the same.
2006-12-12 03:40:26 · answer #1 · answered by drewsilla01 4 · 7⤊ 0⤋
I wear a Pentacle with two little crecsent moons which I bought on my first trip to Whitby, a Triquetra like Gladfly, and an Ankh. They make an odd little trio, and most people don't notice them. The ones that do often mistake the Pentacle for a Star of David, which I always find ironic as I have Jewish family!
I keep them next to my skin, and don't 'display' them for all to see, but some clothes I wear, such as loose fitting tops will allow them to slip out, as the chain isn't very long.
I have always worn a Pentacle ever since I was 15. I bought a copper one in Prague in a little fabric shop and wore it under my school uniform until I started work and could buy my first silver one. It was a simply five-point star with a circle around it, and I still have it and the copper one in my jewellery box.
I suppose when I started out, it was more of a symbol for other's benefits, but now it is for my own. I always feel 'naked' without it, even though I know it sounds stupid!
Like Vikki, I do find it hard to explain my beliefs to others, as simply stating that I am a Wiccan Witch simply confuses them. I also feel a little daft trying to describe what I do, and my belief in the God and Goddess, as I know some will think me a nutter! I don't really care what they think, but it feels like a waste of breathe if they are simply going to laugh at what I have to say. Maybe it's just me...
BB
)O(
2006-12-14 16:00:36 · answer #2 · answered by Seph7 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do wear a pendant, the Triquetra. It's a three pointed Celtic knot with a circle weaved through. To me it is a reminder in the power of three, the triple goddess and God. It also reminds me that everything comes full circle. I wear it under my shirt so I am always in contact with it. That and I feel no desire to flash my faith around. I know many who wear over-sized pentacles only for show. When I am asked about my faith, I do not lie, however depending on the person I may be vague, like saying I follow an Earth based religion. Not out of shame, but because of the rede "As it harm non, do as ye will" If I think telling this person flat out I am a Witch will confuse, scare, or anger them I will keep it simple. I do know that some conceal theirs out of fear of loosing their job. Some even fear the reaction from their peers or the public. I am saddened that fellow pagans feel they need to live in fear. However History supports their reasoning. Perhaps someday all faiths can respect one another. BB Sdw
2006-12-12 11:57:00 · answer #3 · answered by Gladfly & Sdw 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I do not currently wear a symbol of my beliefs, but I intend to. I have been looking for something I find suitable, as I think the pentagram is too closely associated with Wicca, and I'm not wiccan. I am thinking maybe something with runes, or a Valknot. If someone asked, I would tell them what it stood for, i.e. that it was a norse symbol and what it meant. Whether or not I told them why I was wearing it would depend on who it was, how well I knew them, how accepting of my beliefs I thought they'd be, and whether or not they asked. If someone directly asks about my belief I am open with it. If not, I tend to try not to make an issue of it, because I am not in a terribly pagan-friendly area.
2006-12-14 00:27:17 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I usually wear a pentacle and a pentagram belt buckle. I get a lot of "Are you Jewish" or "Are you from Texas" questions. Most of the time I just say no - usually just say I like stars as it is too hard to explain if they really can't recognize a pentagram - if they push i go further - but I also get a lot more positive comments about "nice pentagram" and then someone will pull their pentacle out from under their shirt. It would surprise a lot of the local majority if they knew just how big the minorities faction is around here.
2006-12-12 12:58:26 · answer #5 · answered by Sage Bluestorm 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, I myself do not wear a pentacle but I know many that do. I do tend to wear a lot of silver (moon/female). If asked about my personal beliefs I always answer in a very matter of fact way and make sure to be patient and always have a sense of humour. This opens a lot of doors to understanding. The only times I have ever encountered any problems was with those whose who were so "hide-bound" in their own religion/dogma that they couldn't possibly perceive that we are capable of being kind, moral people with our own ideas. Just try a little harder and be patient - you and I are ambassadors to our faith - let's be open and positive to all.
2006-12-12 11:39:02 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 0⤋
I have a lot of Wiccan friends, and while most don't wear necklaces or symbols (like a pentacle) of their belief, a lot of them have gotten tattoos with common symbols. They are proud of who they are, and tell anyone and everyone that ask. They don't push their beliefs on other people though, so it doesn't come up unless asked in most cases.
I think it's pathetic that these so-called "christians" on this forum make comments like above. (The frog comment and the "not a religion" comment...)
And you wonder why people dislike you all so much and "persecute" you! You are ignorant of everyone's beliefs other than your own. Grow up and open your mind.
2006-12-12 11:37:15 · answer #7 · answered by Heck if I know! 4 · 7⤊ 0⤋
I'm a Humanist, but I love seeing people wear symbols of their faith. It makes me proud to live in a free country that cherishes freedom of religion.
It's rare in my neck of the woods to see Neopagans wearing pentacles, pentagrams, and other symbols of their faiths in the business world. Mostly it's university students. Then again, not all that many Christian business people wear crosses, either. The tendency seems to be toward "walking the walk" instead of (literally) wearing religion on one's shoulder.
2006-12-12 11:36:26 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
I wear a pentacle. I wear it under my blouse or shirt.
I sometimes wear "Paganish" t-shirts, and sometimes I don't. And I have a "Thank Goddess!" bumper sticker on my car.
I will answer questions, honestly and openly.
But I don't go around telling everyone what my religion is.
I'm not arrogant enough to think that everyone wants to know, or would care.
2006-12-12 13:01:28 · answer #9 · answered by Praise Singer 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I wear my pentacle everyday openly. My faith is a big part of my life. If someone asks, I tell them.
2006-12-12 13:54:10 · answer #10 · answered by Magick Kitty 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋