Wiccans, what do you say to this?

Question

Many people think Paganism is just a bunch of kids that like to wear mascara (regardless of sex) and have stupid hairdos and like to talk in a really morose voice and babble about the moon and write crappy poetry. Many people think Pagans and Wiccans make up fantasy stories about vampires and dragons, pretty much whatever foolish notion that pops into their head.

I am NOT one of these people. I'm just wondering what Pagans and Wiccans have to say about this?

Answer 1

I have been Wiccan for over 20 years. I don't believe in dragons nor have I seen Fairy Folk running around my backyard. Typically the stereotype you have described is from what I refer to as "dabblers." Dabblers are people who are still searching to fit into a group; any group. So, they think Wicca is about fantasy, blah, blah, blah.... Whatever. In fact, those are the folks that fundamentalist Christians point to as Wiccan when they bash on us. True Wiccans know it is about your connection with the God/dess. I just smile when I see those people and recognize the fact that they will, most likely, not be Wiccan a year or two down the line.

Answer 2

I'd say that although "many" people may believe this way, I'm glad that most people do not. It's true that there is a minority of people who call themselves Wiccan and they fit those descriptions. People who believe as you say are found both within and without the pagan community. But in time, the fad will pass and people will know what Wicca really is. Eventually, people are going to successfully boycott those publishers who print things that are grossly inaccurate. If we are going to be concerned about the inaccurate portrayal of some neo-pagan sects, we should clean up our own backyard first---meaning, we should first educate the members of our own ranks before worrying about the general population.

Answer 3

They need to do more research on the subject. The revival of Paganism here in America began in the 1960's and people like Starhawk and Oberon Zell (the founder of Church of All Worlds) are in their 50's now. It spans all ages, cultures and economic levels.

Some kids are out to shock their parents by wearing black clothes and pentacles but that has always been the way. Long hair and tight jeans were used in the past. If it is a phase it will pass if not they will grow into it and become serious practitioners.

Answer 4

Some of it is just teenagers playing with it, not knowing very much about it. Some will go on to serious study, and some will go on to something else. So it goes.

But I was initiated in the late 1970s, and I have taken it seriously ever since. I am aware of many of the older traditions, although I have developed my own private ways, much of it as a result of having lived over 20 years with the smartest man I ever met who was my Magus, my High Priest.

The basis for most modern Wicca is a belief in Mother Nature and her consort, generally referred to as Father Sky or sometimes Father Time. The idea being that the fundamental design of the universe is our duality, our sexual duality. Or that our sexual duality reflects the fundamental design of the universe.

Most modern witches would agree that it is an intensely personal religion and practice, and so there is very little I can tell you about the details. But I can tell you the Witch's Rede: What you do returns to you three-fold. Do good, no problem. Do harm, that three-fold increase can be enough to kill you.

Beware of messing around with magic, especially with vengeance or other dark thoughts. The mind is the witch's most important magical tool.

Answer 5

I was going to write some crappy poetry as a response... but then I started feeling sick to my stomach, so I stopped. No need to inflict that on you as well. ;)

Sure, there's some emo-Pagans out there... but you don't need to be Pagan to be emo, or vice versa. Overall, I'm not terribly bothered by the kids who are into that kinda thing - whatever floats their boat - but folks should realize that's no more representative of Paganism than Jimmy Swaggart is representative of Christianity.

Answer 6

Kids will be kids... misrepresented in most everything.

Of course all that you listed are silly generalisations about a select clique of people who idolise certain people who share the same attributes.

A 'pagan' is someone who works with the earth, not against it. There is nothing 'occult' about a pagan. A person who respects the Natural Law and is aware of its rhythms... There are no gods, merely symbols representing the marvel of nature. I am not demeaning in the least the mythos of nature worship... it is just contrasted with the Christian religion unfairly.

Answer 7

Lots of people...especially fundies...seem to be afraid of things they don't understand, and ridicule them as well. They don't understand Pagans and Wiccans, and even New Agers, I think because they have been taught to believe that anything non-Christian is of the devil. Closed minds are small minds, and vice versa.

Answer 8

Lol.. I think they are very uneducated, ignorant and lacking in anything better to do in their lives than to spout off opinions about thing of which they have no understanding.

What did you think Wiccans and Pagans would say?

Answer 9

I'd say whoever is saying that is hanging out with the wrong "Pagans". I'd say if they really want to learn about Paganism, they should read up on it a little and visit at least one ritual before passing such judgement. I'd also say they are not very intelligent either.

Answer 10

What a crock of shi*!!
Honestly!!

Wiccans are not about that, and anyone who cares to take the time to read up on it or just be open minded about it would realise that!!
I hate the fact that people just shoot it down because they dont understand it!
its completly the opposite of that! its only predudice and judgements that have made Wiccans and Pagens appear that way!

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