e.g. your family invites you over for christmas dinner, you feel strongly against it, but you don't want to let your family down.
Serious answers only please, no blasphemy or bible thumpers, thanks.
2007-01-29 23:21:46 · 23 answers · asked by PaganByNature 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Stupid jokes, like last year my dad said watch out, he might cast a spell on you.
2007-01-29 23:48:00 · update #1
Christmas is a christian corruption of the Pagan festival of Yule. We Pagans were here first.
Anyway to answer your question, you need to keep your beliefs very low key when christian members of the family are around. My in-laws are devout christians, yet they do not suspect that my wife and I are Pagan witches. They came to my house this year for Yule and ate a Pagan meal of Roasted Venison that had been blessed by the Lord Herne himself.
What they don't know, won't hurt them. Just keep quiet when religion is mentioned in conversation and trust in the Goddess.
Blessed Be!
Marcus XX
2007-01-29 23:33:31 · answer #1 · answered by The Alchemist 4 · 2⤊ 2⤋
the thing about wicca and christianity are the fundamental similarities both have, did you know that christmas and the pagan yuletide are pretty much the same only one celbrates the birth or jesus, whereas the other celebrates the birth of light. wicca isn't something to be ashamed of, and there is no reason for anyone not to get along simply because the religious beliefs are different. If the family cannot accept the belief in wicca because of their christianity it might be worth explaining what exactly being a wicca involves, far from satan worship it is the worship of the earth and of nature and about being in harmony, very similar to christianity when you think about it, all tha needs to be one is to tell this family that the belief in wicca does not threaten their christinanity, and to act as you always have done with the family rather than let the beleif act as a hinderance to it.
2007-01-30 07:38:06 · answer #2 · answered by minervastudy 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
There is no reason to not go for Christmas dinner - simply consider it a gathering of your family (a very important element in almost all Pagan paths) and a celebration of Yule, a pagan celebration.
Also, communication. Point out that Wiccan spells are simply active prayers, and that your God and Goddess are as well-respected as the Christian God.
I know how you feel, though, I have the opposite problem - I am from a Wiccan family and converted to Christianity, and I get the worst jokes and horrible comments off my family, especially when they're mad at me. For example, I once had a row with my father and he told me to 'F**k off and read your Bible, perhaps your precious bas***d God will save you'.
Don't worry, it's get's better with time, and with strength of faith. Good luck with your family, and blessed be :) xXx
2007-01-30 08:06:49 · answer #3 · answered by Pebbles 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
O.K., here's what happens in my family.
We all agree to disagree when it comes to religion. The love we feel for each other is more important. After all, no path is the "right" one!
Most Christian holidays coincide with Wiccan ones and have Pagan roots anyway. So what's to be against?
(get a book on the history of holidays & you'll see what I mean)
I go to church with my family for special occasions, like weddings and baptisms. I am even my nephew's godmother!
I'm pretty sure the Goddess & the God understand that I want to participate in my family's big events. I just sit quietly and respectfully. I can honor my Gods even in a church.
As for stupid remarks, I just ignore them. After the fact, I may pull the person aside and have a chat. I'm secure enough that little digs don't bother me. You can't get everyone to understand.
If a fight breaks out, I refuse to argue and leave. I let it be known that I value my family and refuse to fight over religion.
We haven't had many problems as my family is pretty understanding.
2007-01-30 07:56:50 · answer #4 · answered by dark_firmament 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I'm an Episcopalian ( I don't think I'm a Bible thumper ;D)and have some Wiccan friends. They celebrate both Yule and Christmas. I guess the important thing would be to go ahead and go. I hope your family is past the point of harassing you about your choice. But if they're not, I guess just say something like, "I respect your religion enough to come celebrate with you. Could you give me the same courtesy and respect my religion?"
2007-01-30 07:29:42 · answer #5 · answered by Purdey EP 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
I'm Christian, but have studied several different belief systems including Wicca. I studied so I could understand why people believe the way they do. From my understanding of your beliefs, you celebrate the Winter Solstice. Go to Christmas dinner, but use that as your time to celebrate the Solstice. It was because of a Roman Emperor who practiced Peganism and the Pegan celebration of this time of year that we Christians now celebrate Christmas in December. Again, let me point out, I am no expert, it is only my understanding of Wicca that you celebrate the Winter Solstice just as Pegans do.
Also, sit down some time and talk with your family. Tell them that you accept that they are Christian and ask that they accept you for what you believe. You can come to an agreement that you won't push your beliefs on them and visa versa.
Good Luck!
2007-01-30 07:29:39 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
How about both sides forget their hocus pocus beliefs and get together to enjoy time together.
Do families REALLY fall out because one person has a different imaginary friend to the other?
Hmmmmmm would this be religion tearing families apart? And there was me thinking the idea was to bind people together.
Athiesm = the way forward
2007-01-30 11:55:19 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
The only way to deal with this is through respect, your Christian family as well as yourself have to have a measure of respect for each other. We all do weather Wiccan, Christian, Jew, or Athiest it does not matter what we practice. as long as we practice respect and honor each other as human beings. We sometimes need to look past what we agree with and learn to have love in our heaarts for all people if you are a Christain as I am. I know that Jesus taught love for everyone no matter what so if I want to say I am a Christain then I need to follow Jesus's example and have love in my heart for all.
2007-01-30 07:35:14 · answer #8 · answered by Mary B 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
* do they know you are Wiccan? The best way is to go and develop a thick skin and just smile and say,"To each his own" if they start preaching. But personally I don't associate with my family at all, and yes, they think I am evil, but they dislike me because I was not their type of Christian at the time. I have not seen any of them in 11 years, so they do not know I am now Wiccan.*
2007-01-30 07:29:56 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
that depends on your family. In most cases I don't think religion would be an issue, they would just want to see you.
Unless your religion says that you can not celebrate christian holidays then I would just go along with them to make your family happy.
The only problem will come if your family gives you a hard time about it and tries to convert you(and vice versa).
2007-01-30 07:39:18 · answer #10 · answered by Mike 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋