If we stopped hiding away and shared our knowledge, then maybe people would have a better understanding of what we are about and be able to stand as one as a religion that is reckonised. I am a Wiccan and find it hard to find people who live near enough to me to learn more about my religion and beliefs.
2007-10-31 00:06:43 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I think we are trying. There is allot more about it out there then there was just 20 years ago. It is such a personal relationship, it is hard to truly share. There are circle meetings and all sorts of gatherings ,now more "accepted" by the non pagan community. It is still hard for people to separate the black magic, Wicca or elemental pagan, as well all the others. When people find out that I am a Pagan, they automatically assume I think myself a witch. More and more people are accepting it as part of a religion, but it still frightens them. The unknown is always scary. The hardest part is getting them to not assume, that because I am Pagan I worship the "devil", it is hard to get past that, and most times, not worth the effort. There are people who wish to share their joy in their beliefs, and welcome others into their circle. It will take time for most of us to come out of the so aptly called broom closet. The burning times are still strong, and no matter what you believe in, there are really bad people out there that wish others harm.
Christians,.Muslims, Buddhist, Judaism, all of them take are personal , close to the heart beliefs. It doesn't make them wrong, it is just different from our chosen path. How can we get past the hate when it is thrown at us constantly? No matter your God, or belief.
One person at a time, if we just had one person see what our meaning is, then we are doing well. You cannot push onto people what they cannot accept, what they have learned all through history is wrong. Just be who you are, rejoice in your belief and allow others thiers.
2007-10-31 00:42:57 · answer #1 · answered by Robin B 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Have you been to a local B&N or Border book store? The basic information on neopaganism is right there on the shelves, though if you'rein a remote area you may not be that close to one.
People are open about it, especially in more urban areas that have pagan shops, and pagan pride day events. Howeve,r it's not a matter of standing as "one religion"--paganism isn't a single religion. It's a group of a lot of religions, with a diversity of people who don't necessarily agree with each other. But that's the beauty of it :)
And as for being recognized, we're making progress there--or have you not heard about the Wiccan soldier who died in Iraq who has a pentacle on his memorial plaque?
2007-10-31 14:21:15 · answer #2 · answered by Lupa 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Pagansim is different because certain knowledge can not be talked about. There is much knowledge that I know I will take to my grave, but on the other hand there is also a lot that I do talk about only because it is God Almighty whom has opened my eyes to this knowledge. It doesn't matter to me what christians or any other non pagan thinks about paganism. Nor am I ever looking for acceptance from anyone who doesn't understand what paganism is or is not a pagan themself. I know exactly what paganism is, and I know how it works. That is all I carry on with myself when it comes to my being a pagan. No, I will not share this knowledge I have of paganism because that is a no no. It is the knowledge I have about the Image of God, and God Almighty that I will always open my mouth about. If I am sharing anything it is only because it is/was God Almighty to bring me to this knowledge.
2007-10-31 07:20:54 · answer #3 · answered by white_painted_lady 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
These are actually wonderful times to be pagan. Society is slowly throwing off the lies regarding our belief but, we still face prejudice in a christian world. You should've tried being pagan 20 years ago.
I think you'll find the internet to be the avenue to meet like minded people & much knowledge from diverse sources.
If you have a Unitarian Universalist church near you they have a pagan group.
2007-10-31 09:00:27 · answer #4 · answered by Orestes 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Many solitary practitioners hide themselves away for one of two reasons. They are afraid of backlash from fundies, or they have had bad experiences with other pagans. I have had bad experiences with other pagans that made me consider going back "into the closet" about my religion, but chose to remain out there anyhow. And as a result we had 68 people @ our first big festival for Mabon this year! So, I am sorry there are not more like my wife & I near you but, keep the faith and put your own self out there, and maybe, just maybe, they'll come to you. HAIL Thor!
2007-10-31 07:28:41 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have the same problem in finding Heathens in my area, but I don't think it's because they are hiding. Heathens normally don't hide. I think it's just that there really are that few people around... well, I should say, there are few Knowledgeable people around. I've found some people in my area that claim to be Heathen, but they are mainly Norse Wiccan and I'm not looking to mix religions so they really can't help me out as far as rituals/ceremonies/etc...
2007-10-31 07:50:09 · answer #6 · answered by River 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When the student is ready, the teacher will come.
People remain in the broom closet for many reasons. Even though its illegal to be fired or otherwise discriminated against because of religion in the U.S., it still happens. I'm out of the closet for the most part because I'm self-employed so I don't plan on firing myself. The jobs that I work at occassionally know my religion and don't care as long as I do the work I'm supposed to do when I'm there.
2007-10-31 08:48:38 · answer #7 · answered by Keltasia 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm not a pagan myself but I am taking a module at a university studying pagan, voodoo and witchcraft beliefs just to be a better and more well-round educated person :)
2007-10-31 07:20:56 · answer #8 · answered by . 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Remember the burning times?...history tends to repeat itself.
I don't know if you've noticed...but christians, muslims and the Jewish folk are all kinda militant. They like to execute the pagans. Our current laws protect us...but for how long?
Keep it safe...keep it quiet...buy a gun.
2007-10-31 07:15:35 · answer #9 · answered by Seán 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋
My family disowned me for being Pagan and when you tell someone you see, at least I do, a look of shock and fear and then I feel really uncomfortable. I am happy staying in the broom closet to most.
2007-10-31 07:10:48 · answer #10 · answered by Lynnemarie 6 · 1⤊ 3⤋