Pride in being pagan?

Question

I'm not pagan but I've wondered about this. Pagans, do you think it's acceptable to show a modesty with your religion? or to proudly wear the pentagram such as christians wear crosses and people of judaism wear the star of david? Do you think wearing the pentagram causes contraversey espiecally if you live in the bible belt? Do you think only a strong believer in paganism should wear the pentragram opposed to what wiccans call "fluffbunnies" which are the teens you see who don't really know all that much about wicca but .. well you already know what i mean.

Pagans, do you keep your views to yourself or let the world know?

*this isn't against pagans or anyone i just wanted to know what pagans think about wearing of the pentagram*

Thank you all for great responces except that one guy who thinks paganism is some kind of evil "device"

Answer 1

I live in Georgia, heart of the Bible Belt. I wear my pentagram comfortably, but avoid wearing it on Sunday because I know that it's more likely to offend people. It's not that I am ashamed of my religion, it's that I try to respect how others feel about it. It doesn't normally cause problems for me, and most of the people I know are used to it now. People shouldn't be afraid to wear a symbol of their beliefs no matter where they live. As for the "fluffbunnies"(an interesting term for it), if they are interested in paganism, let them wear the symbol. That's all it is, after all (unless you GIVE it power). I think it's great that more teenagers are exploring a variety of paths rather than letting themselves be told what to believe. Pagans shouldn't take offense to this, they should offer their knowledge. It's alright if the teen decides paganism isn't for them...everyone has a different idea of how their religion should suit them.

I hope this helps. Blessed be. ﴿O﴾

Answer 2

I am very proud to be pagan. I wear my pentagram everywhere. I don't go around telling everyone I walk by "hi I'm pagan. Hello there I'm pagan. Guess what I'm pagan." haha but when asked about it, I'm more than happy to explain things to people who have questions. I do get a little annoyed being called Wiccan all the time, I'm far from being Wiccan. It also gets a little annoying when I see little teens wearing one and not knowing anything about it or saying its the sign of the devil. I could rant about that for hours so I'll stop now haha.

Answer 3

I don't take pride in being a pagan any more than I would take pride in the fact that I was born with green eyes. That is simply the way that I am. I was raised polytheist and I can't imagine any other way.

I find the pentagram to be an interesting symbol but it doesn't have any meaning in my path. Not all pagans use the pentagram. There are many, many symbols that pagans use. I don't usually wear symbolic jewelry--or any jewelry besides my wedding ring because I am allergic to most metals. But if I wanted to, I would. And it would be small and tasteful.

My family, close friends and close co-workers know that I am polytheist. It isn't a big deal. That's just the way that I am. I doubt if anyone thinks twice about it. I seldom talk about religion in mixed company, but I also don't talk about politics or sex either. If someone asks a question, I am more than happy to answer, but my answer will be short and vague. If they want to know more, they can ask more. Usually a short, vague answer is all that they wanted anyway.

My definition of fluff bunny is a little bit different. I see nothing wrong with not knowing, but to me a FB is someone who chooses to be ignorant. This can happen with folks of all ages, not just teenagers. A FB is someone who chooses not to look into something in depth with an open mind but rather prefers to live in their own fantasy world. It is more of a conscious choice rather than simply a lack of information. But that's just my take on it. YMMV

Answer 4

Hello,

Personally I do think it is acceptable to wear the pentegram, however you must consider that other people believe that Paganism and that it encompassess is evil or wrong. I wear my jewellery everywhere except my work place. I work is a very prestige place and I don't want to be classed as the pagan which we all know people like to put people in catagories. Just because I don't wear my jewellery to work doens't mean that I don't still follow the principles whilst I am at work. I have only told those with open minds enough to accept who I am and what I believe and that will not affect my work.

I do think that it does cause contraversey amongst most religous goers just because they believe that 'their' religion is the only one, forgetting about people having their own opinion.

As far as I am concerned I am comfortable with my choice in my path and I don't need to flaunt it, wearing a pentegram doesn't make you pagan. Living as a pagan makes you pagan.

No I think that anyone should be aloud to wear whatever jewelley/emblem they want. However they need to be carefull becuase full fledged pagans might question those people who are in it just because it is trend. Trust me there is a lot of fluffy bunny adults too...

As I said before I don't hide it but I don't go Hi my name is Zora and I am pagan. If someone happens to come into my home and see my books and questions me then I can explain. My family knows. But as far as work there is a time and a place for everthing.

Cheers
Zora

Answer 5

I wear a pentagram that a dear friend gave to me a few years ago. It has a spider on it, which is very symbolic for me.

I see no reason for a pagan to hide his/her beliefs anymore than a christian/jew/muslim/buddhist/hindu or anyone else should.

If it causes controversy, that's in the eyes of the perceiver. I don't wear it for that purpose, anymore than the christian wears a cross to cause controversy.

The "fluff-bunnies" can wear what they like. They are extremely verbal and easy to spot, so it really doesn't matter if they're wearing a pentagram or not. Besides, the world needs some fluffy bunnies to offset the hatefulness ;)

I don't go around with bumper stickers on my car or waving my hands and screaming "Look at ME! I'm a pagan!" but I also don't skulk around corners hiding in the shadows out of fear of persecution either.

I believe what I believe, and it is my right to do so in my country. If someone asks, I happily will answer.
I don't feel the need to proselytize anyone, as I believe all positive spiritual paths are valid.

Answer 6

I am a proud pagan. I am not Wiccan but I practice a pagan religion. When someone asks I am happy to provide answers to their questions but if you saw me walking down the street you would probably label me as a "redneck" or a "cowboy" more than anything else because of the clothes that I wear. I don't walk around with a four inch pentagram around my neck or dressed in black like the "goths". I have been called a "good christian" when helping folks and other names when I offer responsible alternatives to someone's begging for money.
I am the high priest of a group and the co-owner and operator of our temple. I have been a practicing pagan for 35 years and active in the greater pagan community. Pagans have no real need to stand out in society because there is too much ignorance, fear and even hatred of us. We do not recrute members as the Christians do and our holy days are typically celebrated at night and in small groups so as not to bring attention to ourselves. Most of us live honest and hardworking lives just like everyone else. I might be your next door neighbor and it is unlikely that you would know that I was pagan. Most pagan paths are what we call mystery traditions which means that you have to earn the right to know each level of our beliefs and practices. We take an oath not to share certain information from anyone who is at our level or higher in our own tradition.
The Tradition that I follow is the different one from that point of view. We have a completely open canon and dogma. There are no "secret mysteries" that you have to study for years to get the answers to. Even at that we do keep secret what it takes to become a member - we don't give the questions and answers that you will get when you want to join or initiate into our group. If you don't know enough about yourself to get the answers right then you don't have what you need to be a member yet. We have open classes and semi-open rituals. We still don't try to convert people to our tradition or steal children to get them involved. If someone asks, we answer. If the curiosity continues then we invite them to classes and perhaps to get to know us and take part in a ritual. There are never any strings attached and anyone can leave with our blessing. We believe that there are no wrong paths to the creator and that each person must follow their own paths.
Paul

Answer 7

In darkness you paint us, but we will not hide,
We're the light of the country in which yoiu abide,
we're fearless and strong, the protectors of life
hidden in shadows we conquer all strife.

We come from the Old Ones, our lineage secure.
We rise from the ashes, we always endure.
It's time you remembered that we were here firdt.
We healed your sick yet suffered your worst.

From time immemorial we've woven our lore
cunning folks, healers, benandanti- there's more.
We're balck and we're white, we're brown and we're yellow
We're women and children, and mighty fine fellows.

We're Her hidden children, the angels of light,
our task is to teach and to help set things right.
We conjure and cast, and whisper and pray
so you can enjoy your freedom each day.

We've long been your army, protecting your back
when you are in trouble, in secret we act.
The Mother is wtching- she hasn't missed much.
She's gathered Her magick and given the touch
to Witches and Pagans and Druids and such!

The times are a'changing and one thing is clear
the Lord and the Lady have now reappeared.
Two pillars, three points, four quarters extend
five is the number of magickal blend.
By moon and by sun, by earth and by stars
realize this day that the power is ours


Let me just clear one small thing up before I answer your question... You do not have to be Wicca to be pagan. Alot of people misunderstand the two. Paganism has been around alot longer than Wicca. Now to your question...

Pagans are speaking out now more than ever. Throughout history we have had to hide our beliefs and even now there are those that judge us. However I personally never lie or hide from my spirituality. But are you asking do we walk around with a sign on our forehead, the answer is no. Wearing a pentagram or triquetra or other pagan symbol does not make you pagan. But I can't speak for all pagans but as far as my views go, I have no problem sharing them with the world.

The great thing about paganism is that we don't judge or think that we are the only right way. I wear a pentagram. The funny thing is most people don't even recognize it for what it is.

Answer 8

My particular branch of Paganism does not make use of the pentagram but I would, and do, openly wear symbols relating to my religion. Out of respect for others, however, I pitch it in relation to the situation. If someone feel uncomfortable with an overt image of Paganism then I tend to tone it down or keep the symbols hidden. The symbols I wear are for me not anyone else so as long as they are with me that is all that matters.

Answer 9

I'm very proud of my faith, Asatru. I don't were pentagrams though because that's no a symbol of my religion, I wear a Thor's Hammer. I find it most amusing that (American) Christians will come up and ask me why I am wearing an inverted cross. I never thought a hammer looked like a cross.

When I when to Iceland the other week, I wore a t-shirt that sported a valknut and that said "Asatru, keeping the Old ways"...one of the very few times anyone has ever known what meant. It worked out good too, because I ended up befriending some Icelandic Asatruars in Reykjavik who ended up inviting me to dinner.

Answer 10

Pride is really only a sin to Christians.
If people are proud to be pagan.. so be it. It's no different than having pride in being Christian, or Muslim, or anything else.
As for modesty... that depends. If it's false modesty, then you're sinning against yourself, and those with whom you deal.
I wear my Thor's Hammer openly, and have for 16 years. I don't shove it down people's throats, nor do I get in their faces about it.
I simply live the way the Gods recommend. And go on with my life.