when you first tell someone you are a pagan/witch/druid/heathen/whatever?
2007-09-24 07:00:13 · 12 answers · asked by Diane 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Keltasia, yes I've had that too, and I've also had people who have rapidly changed the subject, and never mentioned it again!
2007-09-24 07:08:24 · update #1
reaction number one: You're WHAT?!?!?
reaction number two: Why would you willingly call yourself something that vile (in a catholic country, a 'pagan' is an insult)
reaction number three: wow, cool, is that like in harry potter? wil you turn me into a frog? can you give me any good love spells?
reaction number four (usually from the die-hard fundies): scared look, forced smile, whispering behind my back and then avoiding me for the next x years.
2007-09-24 07:15:00 · answer #1 · answered by Ymmo the Heathen 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I don't get much of a reaction because most everyone I know already knows I am a pagan. I did recently come out of the broom closet and have told a few hearty souls that I am a Witch, which has produced mixed reactions, including a person who thought I was kidding, to a person who didn't believe that there are Witches. Those reactions surprised me a bit bc I live in the Bay Area, and there are lots of pagans and Witches around here. More pagans than "announced" Witches I guess.
It doesn't bather me in the least. I like to educate people about what Witches are and what we do, and since they already know me personally, they know that Witches can be very nice people.
Cool question!
Blessings,
Lady Morgana )0(
2007-09-24 16:48:56 · answer #2 · answered by Lady Morgana 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well, it depends on who I'm talking to, really. If I'm talking to another pagan, of course, the response is generally positive. However, if a coworker finds out, I may get some odd questions, but I've very rarely ever had any trouble with discrimination. At worst, people may think I'm a little weird, but fortunately there are policies in place at places I've worked preventing harassment. (People generally are pretty cool about it anyway, as long as I do my job.)
2007-09-24 15:32:00 · answer #3 · answered by Lupa 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm pretty 'out' in my jewelry, clothes, and attitude. If they can't figure it out then that's their problem. Most of the people whose suspicions I've confirmed, have said 'yea, that makes sense. Can you turn so-and-so into a frog? Where's your broomstick?' First I see what their feelings are toward alternative religions, this can take a while, then if I feel they are open I tell. It also depends on who they are and what kind of leverage they could hold over my head. I've known my son's Grandparents for almost 11 years, they still don't know for sure and I don't see myself spilling the beans anytime soon.
)o( Blessed Be!
2007-09-24 17:01:45 · answer #4 · answered by whillow95 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends on who I'm speaking with. Some people are fine with it.... Others are horrified.
My mother-in-law flat out TOLD me not to let people know that I am Pagan because "no one would hire me" in this area... I think any problems that I would have in finding work is less due to my religion than to the job market, but then again, this woman has problems with HER SON being Pagan as well.....
2007-09-24 14:14:50 · answer #5 · answered by Anne Hatzakis 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Well i normally just don't up and tell people out of the blue but, if they want to know my views then i will share them. When i was a teenager and living at home my parents were at first mad about it. Then they just kind of went into a werid denial state that i think they are still in. The dumbest reaction that i ever got was my friend who was like dude, so how about we go to the graveyard one night and raise the dead ( and i do think he was serious).
2007-09-24 22:24:47 · answer #6 · answered by Brent 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Generally, they are asking about my Pent at which point I let them know that it's a Religious symbol similar to a crucifix and that MY Religion is Wicca. They seem to accept that as a valid answer and rarely pursue it beyond that. If they want to know more I am always happy to inform them as briefly as I can.
BB,
Raji the Green Witch
2007-09-24 21:15:46 · answer #7 · answered by Raji the Green Witch 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don't tell people. I figure it's self-evident, if they know me at all. :D
It'd be a bit hard to miss, given one look at my altar, library, artwork, jewlery, and some of my clothing. (Not to mention the various volunteerwork and contributions...)
But generally, after a person makes that connection,they either leave me alone or are a bit curious. I'm usually a bit vague, since I consider my path very personal and private.
2007-09-24 14:15:28 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
the only time that it really comes up is when the JW's or Mormons are knocking on my door. and they usually try to convert me. (that never goes well for them)
other than that. most of the friends that i make are the type of people that just do not care.
2007-09-24 19:20:15 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
raised eyebrows then a lot of questions. Most people do not really understand my faith because they've been so brainwashed over the years to believe it is something it is not.
2007-09-24 14:06:48 · answer #10 · answered by Keltasia 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋