What do I do now?

Question

I have five years of training in Wicca,and have worked in the community as a in house reader,and have completed level two Reiki training. I struggle with the idea of further serving the neo-Pagan community,as it seems to one that is centered around left wing extremist,and other special interest groups that I for one can't identifies with. This combined with the amount of back stabbing and power trips make me wounder is serving the neo-pagans is worth my time and effort. I can not serv a people I do not love who's way of life no long holds appeal to me. Any insight into this matter is welcomed

Answer 1

I am tempted to simply agree with what Lili said about this question and glibly repeat, "Welcome to organized religion!". I do, however, think you deserve a better answer than my reaction to one of my pet peeves because I believe I understand how frustrated with this situation you might be. I have been there, done that with groups myself in my past, and have never quite gotten the hang of playing with the other children in the neighborhood on a regular basis. I guess one could say I prefer to be alone in my beliefs, and go from there. Religion really has nothing to do with it.

Anyway, to answer your question, the dynamics of ANY group are going to be affected by the members of that group - it is simply inevitable. The dynamics of organized religion are no different than the dynamics of any other group that has a central bonding theme, whether one is in the Wiccan society, the local Denver Broncos fan club, The Republican Party, or anything else that combines the personalities of its members. In a nutshell, there are going to be conflicts of thought, a little (or a lot) of back stabbing, and anything else possible when the thoughts of varying personalities are combined. It's simple: if you play with others, you might make some friends and feel a sense of solidarity, but at the same time you're going to get a little sand thrown in your face every now and then, as well.
If you truly believe in the Wiccan way of life, don't let the the thoughts and actions of a few spoil it for you. If you still believe in Wicca but don't like their stand on certain things, speak up; there is no one holding a gun to your head saying you can't contribute to the group's policy.
At the same time, if there seems to be no reconciling your political beliefs with theirs yet still believe in the Wiccan way of life, simply branch out on your own and practice your beliefs independently. Sure, I know there are rituals in that belief system that seem to require togetherness just like most other organizations, but what is to say that you can't substitute the satisfaction you get from group activities by devising something that helps you achieve the same goals on your own? Perhaps you can devise a new ritual that serves the same purpose; they all have to begin somewhere!
In summary, I am a firm believer in the necessity of standing up for one's personal beliefs, and perhaps you simply need to help yourself by tweaking your relationship with the other members of the Wiccan society, but not giving up your beliefs, either. You have the right to practice what you believe, but you don't have to bend over backwards and tolerate the behavior of others, either.
Good luck whatever you choose! I would be interested in learning what you decide to do, if you don't mind. I do quite a bit of writing, and this situation is interesting enough to be turned into a story some day!
Kes :-)

Answer 2

Even though lefties are quite bad do you think right wing extremists are any better?
Look at whats happening in the world!!

I wished there were no left nor right just either in between only or common sense.
Maybe you should just serve yourself and let someone else serve the neo-pagan community.

Answer 3

It sounds that in all of your training and "service" to neo-paganism, that even though you are putting so much time and effort into doing this, that your needs are not truly being met. You sound as though you are someone who is searching for more, for something that will prove rewarding for all of the time you are putting into it.

I would have to agree that you can't serve a people that you don't love, and who's way of life you don't agree with.

I hope that you would take the time to explore the religious world, take time to find a minister in your area and discuss the training you have had with the neo-pagan community, and ask them how you could find something more fulfilling in your life. You are searching whether you realize it or not, and by talking with ministers, and priests in your area, you may just find the answers you are looking for in your life. Good luck, and God Bless!

Answer 4

Wow, who are you learning under? Just as in every other religion, there are the extremists. And wicca isn't unlike all of the others. Go out and practice on your own, start your own group. You might find your center and faith again. Get out while you can, I'm pagan and I don't think what you are feeling is right.

Answer 5

I think that you have to do what is best for yourself. I do not know a lot about Wicca, but I have to assume that not all people who practice it are like that. Maybe you will be able to find some people who share more of your views? The world is a big place. Good luck.

Answer 6

do you need to be in an organized religion? can you not just worship your gods, practice your religion and help folks without being involved with a bunch of egotists? serving neo-pagans? that's silly. what do you serve them? lunch? do they leave a decent tip?
get real. if you want to serve humanity serve those who actually need it ... the homeless, the hungry, the lonely and isolated.

Answer 7

I would look at it as growth. Maybe you have just outgrown it. I'm sure you have learned so much and experienced much also, listen to what your heart is telling you. If it is time to change some things about you then do so, If you stay when you don't really feel it anymore I would think it would be you that will suffer because of it. Life is all about experiencing, don't stop now!!!!
Good Luck to you on your path!

Answer 8

Stop if you're unhappy. You should only do it out of love. If these people have a bad attitude, possibly they will not really benefit from what you have to offer.

Maybe just find another group to be with, who are friends. Maybe your own friends.

Answer 9

I am a Christian so I can't relate. I was researching what exactly Wicca is and I found this site. She sounds like someone in your situation. Hope it helps. Look at it for her advise, not for any conversion.
http://www.fillthevoid.org/Wicca/Satanshoofprintsoverwicca.html

Answer 10

Religion as a whole is about believing in something and the feeling of security and stability that gives you. If you no longer feel that then it is time to find other things that you can.