1. Do you wear any religious symbol jewelry/clothing? If so do you wear it openly in public?
Not normally - I had a necklace at one point, but it broke. I don't tend to do well with jewelry, as my skin is very acidic and tends to eat metal. But I do occasionally wear long pendants if it matches what I'm wearing, normally of semi-precious stone. I don't actually own any religious symbol jewelry, but I do have a t-shirt that I go grocery shopping in - it's black with gold printed people dancing in a circle, with the title "Wild Witches Don't Get The Blues".
2. How do you feel about the issue of wearing religious symbols in schools and how some young teens are forced to remove their religious fashions?
If it's ok for a "mainstream" religon to wear their symbols, then it should be ok for a non-mainstream one to do so. As long as the symbols or images aren't violent, then there shouldn't be an issue with it.
3. Have you ever experienced a confrontation about wearing your jewelry in public? How did you handle the situation if so?
Yes, I did... It was rather amusing, actually. I was wearing the one piece I designed and wore for a while - a pentacle in brass, on a choker necklace of tiger's eye and black jet.
I wore it to work when I first started working in a call center. I had 3 cubemates, and one of them was a Jehovah's Witness. Unfortunately, she was quite distressed at the symbol, and said that I needed to remove my "devil's symbol". I asked her what she was talking about, and she pointed, horrified, at my necklace.
I had to sit her down and explain about the actual background behind the symbol, and how the christian faith had deliberately manipulated it to be a negative symbol in order to convert people out of fear. It was all very traumatic for her, as she was such a devout believer in the anglo-saxon version of the bible. It was almost frightening to me that she was SO closed-minded.
I wore it a few times after that, and it wasn't an issue, but then the necklace broke, and I never re-created one.
~M
Showing posts with label Witches Weekly. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Witches Weekly. Show all posts
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Witches Weekly
Does science play a role in your spiritual beliefs? Does it compliment or contradict, and in what ways?
Well, hmmm... That's a tough one. The practical side of me says that, since I attempt to be spiritual in everything I do no matter what, then I have to say it does - or at least, it touches my spiritual beliefs.
There's something to be said about attempting to separate church and state - but church and science is a different thing altogether. I don't think that anyone can *truly* remove science from their lives, not anymore... I think you'd have to move two generations to simply get away from the fact that we all get immunized from the get-go anymore - and most of the population ends up in a hospital just being born.
But, does it play a role in my spiritual beliefs? I suppose - I don't believe that the world was created in a ridiculously small amount of time. I don't believe that the sun is swallowed each night and given birth to the next morning... As humans, we have proven what happens, why there is a day and night, and that the earth is, indeed, round.
It's a difficult thing to answer, honestly - I don't think that it either compliments or contradicts it - it's just there. My personal beliefs simply don't reflect it, because I accept it not as a spiritual thing, but a physical aspect of my reality. It's there, I have it, I have the ability and (luckily) the luxury of utilizing what science has learned, and I accept that as we go further along, there will be new advances in both science and technology.
I believe...
that my actions have consequences, and that those consequences are created directly from my own choices.
that it's not how much you have in life, but what you do with it.
that it's up to each individual person to create the life which is good for them that doesn't hurt others.
that each person has the ability to help one another when they see someone in need.
that it is each person's responsibility to better themselves, and in so doing, they better the world.
that it is better to give than receive.
that there is a force inside of each person, and it is the reflection of whatever higher power you happen to recognize.
that I have the ultimate control over myself and my action.
that I do not have to harm others in order to make myself feel better about me.
that I need to honor those who came before me, accept that I too will pass, and try to leave the world better than it was before.
that I need to honor all things which give their life for both my physical and mental comfort.
that my spiritual comfort is directly proportional to the actions that I take in my life.
that the rituals that I do are for me to focus on what I need to do, in order to take action for myself.
that praying is good, but doing is better.
that no one else has to believe anything that I do.
that no one has the right to tell me how to believe.
I don't know that this is really an answerable question. I may not be understanding the question - then again, it could be that I'm making this much more difficult than it really is...
~M
Well, hmmm... That's a tough one. The practical side of me says that, since I attempt to be spiritual in everything I do no matter what, then I have to say it does - or at least, it touches my spiritual beliefs.
There's something to be said about attempting to separate church and state - but church and science is a different thing altogether. I don't think that anyone can *truly* remove science from their lives, not anymore... I think you'd have to move two generations to simply get away from the fact that we all get immunized from the get-go anymore - and most of the population ends up in a hospital just being born.
But, does it play a role in my spiritual beliefs? I suppose - I don't believe that the world was created in a ridiculously small amount of time. I don't believe that the sun is swallowed each night and given birth to the next morning... As humans, we have proven what happens, why there is a day and night, and that the earth is, indeed, round.
It's a difficult thing to answer, honestly - I don't think that it either compliments or contradicts it - it's just there. My personal beliefs simply don't reflect it, because I accept it not as a spiritual thing, but a physical aspect of my reality. It's there, I have it, I have the ability and (luckily) the luxury of utilizing what science has learned, and I accept that as we go further along, there will be new advances in both science and technology.
I believe...
that my actions have consequences, and that those consequences are created directly from my own choices.
that it's not how much you have in life, but what you do with it.
that it's up to each individual person to create the life which is good for them that doesn't hurt others.
that each person has the ability to help one another when they see someone in need.
that it is each person's responsibility to better themselves, and in so doing, they better the world.
that it is better to give than receive.
that there is a force inside of each person, and it is the reflection of whatever higher power you happen to recognize.
that I have the ultimate control over myself and my action.
that I do not have to harm others in order to make myself feel better about me.
that I need to honor those who came before me, accept that I too will pass, and try to leave the world better than it was before.
that I need to honor all things which give their life for both my physical and mental comfort.
that my spiritual comfort is directly proportional to the actions that I take in my life.
that the rituals that I do are for me to focus on what I need to do, in order to take action for myself.
that praying is good, but doing is better.
that no one else has to believe anything that I do.
that no one has the right to tell me how to believe.
I don't know that this is really an answerable question. I may not be understanding the question - then again, it could be that I'm making this much more difficult than it really is...
~M
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Another Witches Weekly...
I know - it's 2 in a week - but I had to catch up. ;-)
What method do you use to plan through rituals or spellwork? (such as a ritual outline, etc) Give a brief rundown of how a particular ritual for you goes.
I have a ritual outline? uhhh ok... No, seriously, I don't do "pre-planned" rituals - not even for High Holy days or anything. I don't believe that it's there for anything but show, and since I'm a solitary practitioner, I don't have anyone to play to but my inner God/dess.
My rundown is normally to decide to do a ritual outside my normal meditation, and then meditate in front of my alter, concentrating on what I want to achieve, and seeing the goal being completed positively. I will light a few candles, and possibly burn some incense if I feel the need... Most times I look on such things as extras that I don't *need* - candles and incense provide a focal point to get me meditating on what I want to accomplish with the ritual - just as a pre-planned version does. I look on it this way: If you don't already know exactly what it is that you are wanting to accomplish with the ritual, you'd best not be doing it in the first place - it'll almost always go wrong, and you'll find yourself asking the wrong questions - or worse, asking the right question for the wrong reason. Nothing like asking to live til you're 200 and waking up the next morning as a Galapagos Tortoise.
The other thing about rituals is that it's too easy to become the local "authority" in how to do [insert ritual name here]. There is, honestly speaking, no *wrong* way to do a ritual, as long as the tenats and precepts are followed that the ritual was created for. For instance - as long as it is understood that Midsummer (a.k.a. Litha) is the marking of the Summer Solstice, it is understood that it is the celebration of fertility and merrymaking prior to the harvest, and when the goddess, and the land, shows the first major signs of growth.
It's when those who feel that they are an "authority" on the subject of rituals end up making a hodge-podge of the different festivals that I end up getting really touchy. I'm not normally a picky person when it comes to how you want to do your ritual - but it still boils down to the whole "Be careful what you wish for - and HOW you wish for it". If you're simply mashing up different ideas and festival precepts because it's easier than opening a book and reading about it, then it follows that your ritual results will be equally as mashed up and indecisive. Not at all good for a quality result...
~M
What method do you use to plan through rituals or spellwork? (such as a ritual outline, etc) Give a brief rundown of how a particular ritual for you goes.
I have a ritual outline? uhhh ok... No, seriously, I don't do "pre-planned" rituals - not even for High Holy days or anything. I don't believe that it's there for anything but show, and since I'm a solitary practitioner, I don't have anyone to play to but my inner God/dess.
My rundown is normally to decide to do a ritual outside my normal meditation, and then meditate in front of my alter, concentrating on what I want to achieve, and seeing the goal being completed positively. I will light a few candles, and possibly burn some incense if I feel the need... Most times I look on such things as extras that I don't *need* - candles and incense provide a focal point to get me meditating on what I want to accomplish with the ritual - just as a pre-planned version does. I look on it this way: If you don't already know exactly what it is that you are wanting to accomplish with the ritual, you'd best not be doing it in the first place - it'll almost always go wrong, and you'll find yourself asking the wrong questions - or worse, asking the right question for the wrong reason. Nothing like asking to live til you're 200 and waking up the next morning as a Galapagos Tortoise.
The other thing about rituals is that it's too easy to become the local "authority" in how to do [insert ritual name here]. There is, honestly speaking, no *wrong* way to do a ritual, as long as the tenats and precepts are followed that the ritual was created for. For instance - as long as it is understood that Midsummer (a.k.a. Litha) is the marking of the Summer Solstice, it is understood that it is the celebration of fertility and merrymaking prior to the harvest, and when the goddess, and the land, shows the first major signs of growth.
It's when those who feel that they are an "authority" on the subject of rituals end up making a hodge-podge of the different festivals that I end up getting really touchy. I'm not normally a picky person when it comes to how you want to do your ritual - but it still boils down to the whole "Be careful what you wish for - and HOW you wish for it". If you're simply mashing up different ideas and festival precepts because it's easier than opening a book and reading about it, then it follows that your ritual results will be equally as mashed up and indecisive. Not at all good for a quality result...
~M
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Witches Weekly!
Hey, look! A new one! After an apparent hiatus from it, the authors of Witches Weekly got some new questions up - so I'm gonna answer them!
What musical album would you define as the one that gets you most spiritually motivated?
Oddly enough, Peter Gabrial's "The Last Temptation of Christ" soundtrack. I find it soul-searching and uplifting all at the same time... I can feel the energy that went into creating such an amazing work, and it literally boils with emotions.
There are other pieces of music that make me feel happy and bubbly, but that's not the same as spiritually motivated or uplifted. LToC has NO lyrics that are discernable, though it does have the nifty addition of a wonderful boy's choir in the midst of it. I don't know how else to define it, honestly... It's Middle East meets Middle Ages Europe meets contemporary rock - and the combination is simply phenomenal. Only Peter Gabrial could have pulled it off, too.
So - if you haven't heard it, I highly recommend it. If you happen across an extra copy of it, I've gone through (literally) 3 of them - people keep taking off with my copies and never giving them back... My birthday is in February, so keep it in mind.
~M
What musical album would you define as the one that gets you most spiritually motivated?
Oddly enough, Peter Gabrial's "The Last Temptation of Christ" soundtrack. I find it soul-searching and uplifting all at the same time... I can feel the energy that went into creating such an amazing work, and it literally boils with emotions.
There are other pieces of music that make me feel happy and bubbly, but that's not the same as spiritually motivated or uplifted. LToC has NO lyrics that are discernable, though it does have the nifty addition of a wonderful boy's choir in the midst of it. I don't know how else to define it, honestly... It's Middle East meets Middle Ages Europe meets contemporary rock - and the combination is simply phenomenal. Only Peter Gabrial could have pulled it off, too.
So - if you haven't heard it, I highly recommend it. If you happen across an extra copy of it, I've gone through (literally) 3 of them - people keep taking off with my copies and never giving them back... My birthday is in February, so keep it in mind.
~M
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Witches Weekly
So, I am needing to come up with new questions for my Witches Weekly updates... I don't always come up with the best questions, so if there's something that you want to have discussed, religious-wise, please let me know. I will post the question here on a week-by-week basis, and put in my answer as well. If you want to chime in on the discussion, by all means, feel free. You can either link your response page into my comments section, or respond there.
Your faith doesn't *have* to be wiccan/pagan to participate, either. Many religions have similar questions that should be explored, and I highly encourage everyone, regardless of faith, join in on discussions based on an open-minded opinion and the idea that it's not just ONE religion that is right... :-)
In that spirit, actually - here's a question for this week:
Does questioning your religion make you less faithful, or less true to your religion? Does utilizing ideas from other religions mean you are less true to the path you've chosen?
Personally, I don't think that it does. This goes straight back to the premise of "Only one religion is right and true and good"... NOT.
I actually welcome honest and open questions about my faith, and I will openly discuss what I feel with the person asking - as long as they understand that this is *my* personal feelings, not anyone else under the heading of "pagan".
There are always rules or premises, no matter what situation or religion, that cause followers issues - at least, those with two or more brain cells to rub together. Following blindly and brainlessly along is not something that is normally human nature - we question things, and in so doing, learn the answer. Whether we like it or not is another matter entirely.
Questioning one's faith has been happening since we pretty much figured out what faith was... Who hasn't thought about why we have death, what happens afterwards, whether it was fair or not, and what's going to happen to US...
There are several ways that religious leaders have justified certain mysteries throughout the years...
There's the "mysterious" way - "God/higher power/Gozer works in mysterious ways - we must simply accept it and move forward."
This attitude always bothered me, because it made me feel like I should put blinders on and not think about the fact that my best friend Zenoth has just died, and darn it, it wasn't fair - after all, he'd owed me money...
There's the "Smite" way - "God/higher power/Gozer saw that Zenoth was doing a bad thing, and therefore took his life - be careful that YOU don't do the same."
This attitude ALSO bothered me... Zenoth may have owed me money, but he wasn't a bad person - just bad with finances. He was good to his children, his wives, and had a good working relationship with his friends and neighbors... Does that mean that if I'm better, I get to live forever? Makes no sense.
There's the "righteous" way - "God/higher power/Gozer saw that Zenoth was righteous and decided to bring him up early, to help God/higher power/Gozer in the afterlife."
Mighty white of God/higher power/Gozer to do - what about his family? Who would take care of them? I mean, if God/higher power/Gozer is so busy that he has to take my friend up to help him out with processing, that means he certainly can't take time out to help Zenoth's family... And where does that leave me? And my family and friends?
There used to be no real way for us to answer the question "why death"... Even now, with all of our medical advances, all we can answer is what CAUSED death, not necessarily why we die. We certainly can't answer what happens after death, since (even if we DO believe in reincarnation) we can't remember what happened prior to birth.
We can't answer that question, but we can discuss differing opinions - and not just on "why death". We can openly and honestly discuss what we feel to be right based upon our own personal beliefs - this is neither a right or wrong answer, it's just a discussion of what *could* be.
If there's something that someone brings up that makes a good point, I can file it away for later mulling over in my own time. If there's something that someone brings up that I don't necessarily agree with, I can question why they believe it - not so they can justify it, but so that it can be explained. Perhaps I didn't understand it in the way they first said it - perhaps I did - either way, it allows everyone the ability to have a forum wherein they can look at their own beliefs, as well as others, and see what can work for them and what can't.
Many people, I know, have a distinct distaste for this more "buffet-style" religion, but it's worked for me so far... I don't go out of my way to specifically hurt people, if I do hurt people, I try and make ammends, and I attempt each day to make the world a little better than it was the day before, if only by smiling at someone I normally wouldn't have.
I don't feel that there should be an issue with a Catholic deciding to add some Buddhist beliefs to his tray, or a Muslim adding a pinch of Tao-ism... Why not? If it works within your personal ideals and beliefs, and doesn't hurt anyone in the process, then what's the big deal?
Bottom line on religion for me: If it fits, use it. If it doesn't, kick it to the curb and try again.
Your faith doesn't *have* to be wiccan/pagan to participate, either. Many religions have similar questions that should be explored, and I highly encourage everyone, regardless of faith, join in on discussions based on an open-minded opinion and the idea that it's not just ONE religion that is right... :-)
In that spirit, actually - here's a question for this week:
Does questioning your religion make you less faithful, or less true to your religion? Does utilizing ideas from other religions mean you are less true to the path you've chosen?
Personally, I don't think that it does. This goes straight back to the premise of "Only one religion is right and true and good"... NOT.
I actually welcome honest and open questions about my faith, and I will openly discuss what I feel with the person asking - as long as they understand that this is *my* personal feelings, not anyone else under the heading of "pagan".
There are always rules or premises, no matter what situation or religion, that cause followers issues - at least, those with two or more brain cells to rub together. Following blindly and brainlessly along is not something that is normally human nature - we question things, and in so doing, learn the answer. Whether we like it or not is another matter entirely.
Questioning one's faith has been happening since we pretty much figured out what faith was... Who hasn't thought about why we have death, what happens afterwards, whether it was fair or not, and what's going to happen to US...
There are several ways that religious leaders have justified certain mysteries throughout the years...
There's the "mysterious" way - "God/higher power/Gozer works in mysterious ways - we must simply accept it and move forward."
This attitude always bothered me, because it made me feel like I should put blinders on and not think about the fact that my best friend Zenoth has just died, and darn it, it wasn't fair - after all, he'd owed me money...
There's the "Smite" way - "God/higher power/Gozer saw that Zenoth was doing a bad thing, and therefore took his life - be careful that YOU don't do the same."
This attitude ALSO bothered me... Zenoth may have owed me money, but he wasn't a bad person - just bad with finances. He was good to his children, his wives, and had a good working relationship with his friends and neighbors... Does that mean that if I'm better, I get to live forever? Makes no sense.
There's the "righteous" way - "God/higher power/Gozer saw that Zenoth was righteous and decided to bring him up early, to help God/higher power/Gozer in the afterlife."
Mighty white of God/higher power/Gozer to do - what about his family? Who would take care of them? I mean, if God/higher power/Gozer is so busy that he has to take my friend up to help him out with processing, that means he certainly can't take time out to help Zenoth's family... And where does that leave me? And my family and friends?
There used to be no real way for us to answer the question "why death"... Even now, with all of our medical advances, all we can answer is what CAUSED death, not necessarily why we die. We certainly can't answer what happens after death, since (even if we DO believe in reincarnation) we can't remember what happened prior to birth.
We can't answer that question, but we can discuss differing opinions - and not just on "why death". We can openly and honestly discuss what we feel to be right based upon our own personal beliefs - this is neither a right or wrong answer, it's just a discussion of what *could* be.
If there's something that someone brings up that makes a good point, I can file it away for later mulling over in my own time. If there's something that someone brings up that I don't necessarily agree with, I can question why they believe it - not so they can justify it, but so that it can be explained. Perhaps I didn't understand it in the way they first said it - perhaps I did - either way, it allows everyone the ability to have a forum wherein they can look at their own beliefs, as well as others, and see what can work for them and what can't.
Many people, I know, have a distinct distaste for this more "buffet-style" religion, but it's worked for me so far... I don't go out of my way to specifically hurt people, if I do hurt people, I try and make ammends, and I attempt each day to make the world a little better than it was the day before, if only by smiling at someone I normally wouldn't have.
I don't feel that there should be an issue with a Catholic deciding to add some Buddhist beliefs to his tray, or a Muslim adding a pinch of Tao-ism... Why not? If it works within your personal ideals and beliefs, and doesn't hurt anyone in the process, then what's the big deal?
Bottom line on religion for me: If it fits, use it. If it doesn't, kick it to the curb and try again.
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Witches Weekly
I haven't yet seen an update on Witches Weekly, so I figured I'd write my own this week and put it in the spirit of the season...
What is one thing you are most thankful for this year, and why?
I have to pick one thing? Yikes... Well, if I had to pick ONLY one thing, I'd have to say that I am thankful for having such a kick-ass family unit that I've created here in in the Pac NW...
I've always been of the belief that you're stuck with the family you were born with, but you can *create* a family that you're happier with later on, when you're older, wiser, and understand more about yourself and others.
Don't get me wrong - I love my birth family - they raised me, took care of me, generally pointed me toward the "right" path, gave me pointers and have bailed me out several times when I needed it... But I don't get to see them very often. Add to that a rather high sibling animosity which seems to reign supreme in the family, and you have the makings for a rather interesting, highly stressful, often-times bordering on homecidal, holiday season.
To compare it with the family grouping that I've created here... Well, it's just a different creature all together. There are stresses with this family as well, but it's not normally of the murdering sort. We help one another out when we can, even if it's only with the giving of a soft shoulder to cry upon. We kick one another in the ass when it's needed, and laugh about it later when the crisis is done with. And the holidays are fairly stress-free. It's not about how many presents we get from one another, or whether we all got a present from other people. It's about spending time with one another, accepting each other for who we are, and giggling about it with one another over sparkling apple cider - and occasionally some wine coolers or margaritas.
It becomes about the food, the visit, the people, and the overall warm fuzzy feeling that we get when we see one another. I love the fact that I can get my friends a beautiful necklace one year, a basket of home-made baked goodies the next year, and then the year after that, throw a huge party wherein that IS the gift, and it's equally received with happy hugs and thanks.
My mother is on the list for BOTH of these families, in case you were wondering... She and I didn't always get along - what parent and child do - but once she recognized that I was my own person, and I lived out on my own for a while, and once I knew who I was, and knew that I didn't have to worry about HER decisions, only mine... We get along really well now.
If you were wondering whether you were on this list of my made-in-the-PacNW family, I would like now to say that if you have to wonder, you probably aren't - or you're oblivious, which is a sign that you probably ARE part of the family. LOL. Here's a partial list of those who are in my life that I'm most thankful for this year (It's just those who live around me - my web friends are on another list):
Mom
Fred
Josh
Lilith
Geoffrey
Angst
Anxiety
Mishu
Fae
Alyee
Raistlin
Vlad
Bishy
Mana
Neffie
Faunna
Amy
Ace
Courtney
Lyse
GD
Kylanath
Happy Holidays, guys!
~M
What is one thing you are most thankful for this year, and why?
I have to pick one thing? Yikes... Well, if I had to pick ONLY one thing, I'd have to say that I am thankful for having such a kick-ass family unit that I've created here in in the Pac NW...
I've always been of the belief that you're stuck with the family you were born with, but you can *create* a family that you're happier with later on, when you're older, wiser, and understand more about yourself and others.
Don't get me wrong - I love my birth family - they raised me, took care of me, generally pointed me toward the "right" path, gave me pointers and have bailed me out several times when I needed it... But I don't get to see them very often. Add to that a rather high sibling animosity which seems to reign supreme in the family, and you have the makings for a rather interesting, highly stressful, often-times bordering on homecidal, holiday season.
To compare it with the family grouping that I've created here... Well, it's just a different creature all together. There are stresses with this family as well, but it's not normally of the murdering sort. We help one another out when we can, even if it's only with the giving of a soft shoulder to cry upon. We kick one another in the ass when it's needed, and laugh about it later when the crisis is done with. And the holidays are fairly stress-free. It's not about how many presents we get from one another, or whether we all got a present from other people. It's about spending time with one another, accepting each other for who we are, and giggling about it with one another over sparkling apple cider - and occasionally some wine coolers or margaritas.
It becomes about the food, the visit, the people, and the overall warm fuzzy feeling that we get when we see one another. I love the fact that I can get my friends a beautiful necklace one year, a basket of home-made baked goodies the next year, and then the year after that, throw a huge party wherein that IS the gift, and it's equally received with happy hugs and thanks.
My mother is on the list for BOTH of these families, in case you were wondering... She and I didn't always get along - what parent and child do - but once she recognized that I was my own person, and I lived out on my own for a while, and once I knew who I was, and knew that I didn't have to worry about HER decisions, only mine... We get along really well now.
If you were wondering whether you were on this list of my made-in-the-PacNW family, I would like now to say that if you have to wonder, you probably aren't - or you're oblivious, which is a sign that you probably ARE part of the family. LOL. Here's a partial list of those who are in my life that I'm most thankful for this year (It's just those who live around me - my web friends are on another list):
Mom
Fred
Josh
Lilith
Geoffrey
Angst
Anxiety
Mishu
Fae
Alyee
Raistlin
Vlad
Bishy
Mana
Neffie
Faunna
Amy
Ace
Courtney
Lyse
GD
Kylanath
Happy Holidays, guys!
~M
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Witches Weekly
No Witches Weekly this week, so I grabbed one from the archives, from Jan of 05.
Do you fear repercussions of the re-election of George W. Bush on your rights to practice your religion freely?
Repercussions should always be feared, regardless of who is in office. The fact that there is a right-winged, WASP in the white house simply makes me feel like a more open target. This is a man who wants to impliment christian prayer within schools during school hours, but doesn't want to recognize Wicca as a religion within the US Army because it's a "cult" following, not really a religion. Never mind that the US Army actually recognizes Satanism as a religion, and that one of the largest cults in existance has been proven to be Christianity (see History Channel's "History of Cults" series).
Honestly, the reason one should fear repercussions is not just because G-Dubbya happens to be in the white house. It should be because one understands human nature as a whole (we're talking a group of people, not one individual person). Human nature is flighty, cautious, and willing to beat down anything that it doesn't understand. Since Wicca (and most other pagan religions), is a minority religion within the world, and since most christians still act as though you're worshipping some evil deity when you mention Islam (tied for 2nd as a world religion), you can bet that they're going to be going after those who choose to believe differently with several pitchforks and burning stakes.
Good rule of thumb for pretty much everyone, regardless of their religion is to simply not talk about it at work, or around people that you don't know - unless you're asked about it specifically. And don't talk about it at work pretty much at all. There's a reason that your job is not allowed to discriminate due to creed - don't go pushing it around and seeing how far you can go. Same thing goes for politics. Religion and politics are two discussion topics that, unless you know the person very well, you shouldn't discuss in public areas. It's just not good show.
This, of course, leads nicely into the 2nd part of the question: What steps do you think are important to take in securing religious freedoms for Pagans, Witches and related?
First of all, I'm not all about Pagans, Witches and related... I'm about religion as a whole. It's a private thing for me - something that's deep within me, that I look at in my own time, in my own space. I don't believe that I'm the only one that's right, and I don't believe that anyone else is, either. I believe that each person from each religion can (and should) learn from other religions in order to understand their own beliefs better. Asking whether I want to take steps to secure religious freedoms for a specific group not something that's easy for me to take - nor is it easy for me to explain why...
I went on a rant earlier this month on the whole "femanist rights" issue, and whether I am a humanist or a femanist. I have the same personal feelings on religions. Each and every religion should have equal rights and equal say. Yes, it is important in securing religious freedoms, but those who are securing them should not lose sight of other religions who need rights, too. Each one should be equally represented, or NONE of them should receive rights at all.
Do I believe that it could happen? Hmmmm - well, if everyone would actually drop all of their human nature for about 15 seconds, we'd have an amazing lack of war, hatred, and general unhappiness toward our fellow persons. Let me know how that works out for y'all. I'm not pessemistic - I'm realistic. Human nature wins out over logic pretty much every time. The fight or flight instinct within each and every one of us is there for a reason and it's not going to go away anytime soon.
So - that then begs the next question... Do you feel Pagan and Witch groups should better organize into “churches” to provide a more “legitimate” face to general public? Why or Why Not?
I don't do public worship. Unitarian churches accept Pagans and Witches, with very little issues. I think that's great. Honestly, the Pagan and Wiccan community has created quite a number of groups for those who would worship in a wider community. Organizing into churches will do one of two things, depending on where they end up locating them:
1. Riots, burning crosses, bombings and general threats will occur throughout the entire time that the building is up, and anyone found going into it and coming out of it will find it easier to cross the picket line at Planned Parenthood than heading to and from worship.
2. No one will go to said churches because of the fear that #1 is going to happen should they be seen there.
Either way, the idea of an actual place of worship is not something that is going to go down well in most communities - not even the liberal one that I live in here in the Pac NW... Can you imagine what would happen should a church open up publicly in the SE? I don't think so...
So... The upshot of the entire discussion is this: Worship as you will, just don't think you're exempt from hatred.
Do you fear repercussions of the re-election of George W. Bush on your rights to practice your religion freely?
Repercussions should always be feared, regardless of who is in office. The fact that there is a right-winged, WASP in the white house simply makes me feel like a more open target. This is a man who wants to impliment christian prayer within schools during school hours, but doesn't want to recognize Wicca as a religion within the US Army because it's a "cult" following, not really a religion. Never mind that the US Army actually recognizes Satanism as a religion, and that one of the largest cults in existance has been proven to be Christianity (see History Channel's "History of Cults" series).
Honestly, the reason one should fear repercussions is not just because G-Dubbya happens to be in the white house. It should be because one understands human nature as a whole (we're talking a group of people, not one individual person). Human nature is flighty, cautious, and willing to beat down anything that it doesn't understand. Since Wicca (and most other pagan religions), is a minority religion within the world, and since most christians still act as though you're worshipping some evil deity when you mention Islam (tied for 2nd as a world religion), you can bet that they're going to be going after those who choose to believe differently with several pitchforks and burning stakes.
Good rule of thumb for pretty much everyone, regardless of their religion is to simply not talk about it at work, or around people that you don't know - unless you're asked about it specifically. And don't talk about it at work pretty much at all. There's a reason that your job is not allowed to discriminate due to creed - don't go pushing it around and seeing how far you can go. Same thing goes for politics. Religion and politics are two discussion topics that, unless you know the person very well, you shouldn't discuss in public areas. It's just not good show.
This, of course, leads nicely into the 2nd part of the question: What steps do you think are important to take in securing religious freedoms for Pagans, Witches and related?
First of all, I'm not all about Pagans, Witches and related... I'm about religion as a whole. It's a private thing for me - something that's deep within me, that I look at in my own time, in my own space. I don't believe that I'm the only one that's right, and I don't believe that anyone else is, either. I believe that each person from each religion can (and should) learn from other religions in order to understand their own beliefs better. Asking whether I want to take steps to secure religious freedoms for a specific group not something that's easy for me to take - nor is it easy for me to explain why...
I went on a rant earlier this month on the whole "femanist rights" issue, and whether I am a humanist or a femanist. I have the same personal feelings on religions. Each and every religion should have equal rights and equal say. Yes, it is important in securing religious freedoms, but those who are securing them should not lose sight of other religions who need rights, too. Each one should be equally represented, or NONE of them should receive rights at all.
Do I believe that it could happen? Hmmmm - well, if everyone would actually drop all of their human nature for about 15 seconds, we'd have an amazing lack of war, hatred, and general unhappiness toward our fellow persons. Let me know how that works out for y'all. I'm not pessemistic - I'm realistic. Human nature wins out over logic pretty much every time. The fight or flight instinct within each and every one of us is there for a reason and it's not going to go away anytime soon.
So - that then begs the next question... Do you feel Pagan and Witch groups should better organize into “churches” to provide a more “legitimate” face to general public? Why or Why Not?
I don't do public worship. Unitarian churches accept Pagans and Witches, with very little issues. I think that's great. Honestly, the Pagan and Wiccan community has created quite a number of groups for those who would worship in a wider community. Organizing into churches will do one of two things, depending on where they end up locating them:
1. Riots, burning crosses, bombings and general threats will occur throughout the entire time that the building is up, and anyone found going into it and coming out of it will find it easier to cross the picket line at Planned Parenthood than heading to and from worship.
2. No one will go to said churches because of the fear that #1 is going to happen should they be seen there.
Either way, the idea of an actual place of worship is not something that is going to go down well in most communities - not even the liberal one that I live in here in the Pac NW... Can you imagine what would happen should a church open up publicly in the SE? I don't think so...
So... The upshot of the entire discussion is this: Worship as you will, just don't think you're exempt from hatred.
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Witches Weekly Question for Nov 10th!
When did you first realize that the pagan path was for you?
I think I realized it when I was very young, but I never knew what "pagan" was, so I couldn't say that this is what I wanted to be.
I was always a little different from the other children. I think being raised in a haunted house probably had something to do with it. Also seeing things which no one else saw, knowing things no one else knew, and being generally precocious as a small child were other bits which had to do with it.
I tried going to church with friends. I still love going to Midnight Christmas mass at the local RC cathedral, though now that they've changed the Mass from the latin to english, I'm less enthralled. The music is something that gives me goosebumps, and I have this moment, just at midnight when the bell tolls, of absolute peace. It's fabulous.
I went to the LDS church once... I also went to the Episcopal and the Babtist churches... All with friends... I spoke with Rabbis and with priests. I just didn't ever feel as comfortable as I was when I learned that there was another path for me to take that was spiritual in nature, but within myself.
I was about 15 when I first learned about Paganism, and the different forms therein. There was a store in downtown Port Townsend, Phoenix Rising, that was filled to the brim with crystals, tarot cards, wands, pentacles, not to mention all the statuary of fairies and dragons. I was drawn to it mostly because it was completely different from what I'd been around in the past - and I even found books promoting the combination of secular christianity and paganism.
My mother was hesitant at first, but accepted that I needed to learn more about different religions. I brought home several Scott Cunningham books, "Guide to the Solitary Practitioner" and "Herbs and Lotions", and pointed out that she'd already been raising me by what Cunningham called the "Wiccan Rede":
Do what ye will, an it harm none
What ye will do, will come back 3-fold
Be careful what ye wish for, ye may get it
Once she found that these were the basic tennets of the religion, and that everything was based upon these *fairly* practical ideas, she was fine with it. I think she was actually relieved that I wasn't going to be going to a secular church - and that I wasn't going to be doing anything "cult-ish" (at least, in her eyes - you need a group of people to join if you're going to be in a cult, and I was going and doing all of this on my own... On the other hand, perhaps I was a cult of one - a Cult of Personality, even! LOL)...
So I guess I've always known that it was the right thing for me - I just needed to figure out what it was. LOL.
~M
I think I realized it when I was very young, but I never knew what "pagan" was, so I couldn't say that this is what I wanted to be.
I was always a little different from the other children. I think being raised in a haunted house probably had something to do with it. Also seeing things which no one else saw, knowing things no one else knew, and being generally precocious as a small child were other bits which had to do with it.
I tried going to church with friends. I still love going to Midnight Christmas mass at the local RC cathedral, though now that they've changed the Mass from the latin to english, I'm less enthralled. The music is something that gives me goosebumps, and I have this moment, just at midnight when the bell tolls, of absolute peace. It's fabulous.
I went to the LDS church once... I also went to the Episcopal and the Babtist churches... All with friends... I spoke with Rabbis and with priests. I just didn't ever feel as comfortable as I was when I learned that there was another path for me to take that was spiritual in nature, but within myself.
I was about 15 when I first learned about Paganism, and the different forms therein. There was a store in downtown Port Townsend, Phoenix Rising, that was filled to the brim with crystals, tarot cards, wands, pentacles, not to mention all the statuary of fairies and dragons. I was drawn to it mostly because it was completely different from what I'd been around in the past - and I even found books promoting the combination of secular christianity and paganism.
My mother was hesitant at first, but accepted that I needed to learn more about different religions. I brought home several Scott Cunningham books, "Guide to the Solitary Practitioner" and "Herbs and Lotions", and pointed out that she'd already been raising me by what Cunningham called the "Wiccan Rede":
Do what ye will, an it harm none
What ye will do, will come back 3-fold
Be careful what ye wish for, ye may get it
Once she found that these were the basic tennets of the religion, and that everything was based upon these *fairly* practical ideas, she was fine with it. I think she was actually relieved that I wasn't going to be going to a secular church - and that I wasn't going to be doing anything "cult-ish" (at least, in her eyes - you need a group of people to join if you're going to be in a cult, and I was going and doing all of this on my own... On the other hand, perhaps I was a cult of one - a Cult of Personality, even! LOL)...
So I guess I've always known that it was the right thing for me - I just needed to figure out what it was. LOL.
~M
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Other Good Questions from Witches Weekly...
How do you (or would you) go about teaching/including your child about your practice/beliefs?
What kind of coming of age ritual might you suggest for your child and how would you approach them about it?
What might you tell them about being a Pagan in a Christian-centric community?
Oh, boy... I'll start off with this caveat: This is one of those hot buttons that I often end up jumping up and down about - be warned. This is simply what *I* believe - it's not what you should do - but keep in mind how YOU were when you were little, and it might make sense. Also - note the word "normally" - there are those young 'uns who are exceptions to the rule. I believe that they show themselves naturally, and their parents will be able to see maturity and understanding as the child exhibits it.
First of all - I *DON'T* teach or include children - ANY children, mine or otherwise - in my practice or beliefs. Those under the age of 12 aren't normally able to understand the concept of a higher power, or of gods/goddesses, or rituals and why they are there. They are too busy learning about the world as a whole, and how it affects them directly, and how they can affect the world - it's not a matter of higher powers placing that tree there because it was meant to be - it's a matter of how high they can climb it.
Those between the ages of 12 and 15 normally are too involved with themselves to pay attention to the world at large, and will only be interested in being a pagan for the sake of being different. They are not normally aware enough to appreciate the mysteries of what is going on in the world beyond what directly affects them - they are, after all, teenagers.
That being said - if I were to teach someone else about my beliefs, and I felt that they were old enough to understand them, the first thing that I would do is to basically have them sit down and write everything they currently understand about the god/dess. then have them write down questions that they have about what they DON'T understand. This gives me a basis on where to start from - I don't want to go over what they already know - I want to find out what they do know, what they understand, and where to go from there.
As far as a coming of age ritual - I'd ask them whether they *want* one, first. Some children don't want to be the center of attention, some do - some don't care. I'd also ask them what they'd want IN their ceremony, who they'd want to be there, what they'd want to do for it. I'd help them in planning what they want, with the idea that the end result is them feeling more mature and adult - which is, really, what a coming of age ritual is all about.
Regarding "being pagen in a christo-centric world"... Well, that's something that would happen as I continue teaching them. I believe what my mother always taught me about religions in the world... "Picture a bicycle wheel," she'd say, "You can imagine one, can't you? All the spokes running from the outside rim to the hub? Ok - well, think of it this way - the world is the outside rim. All those spokes? Those are the different religions and how people believe through their life's path. The hub of the wheel is what we get to as we travel through our lives and down our individual religious pathways.
"Just like the bicycle wheel can't support anything without the many different spokes to even out the balance of weight, the world can't survive without the many different religions and paths of life that we, as human beings, take. It is up to each one of us to appreciate the differences, accept them, embrace them, and know that our choices aren't the only ones in the world - but that we help support the world with them." I think my mother is a very wise woman regarding religion.
Part of what I would teach is that being in a christo-centric world doesn't have to be a bad thing - but I believe that religious intolerance is still something to be aware of. I don't advertise what religion I am at work - this isn't necessarily because I'm afraid of what "the man" might do to me. It's because I don't feel that my religion (or anyone else's, for that matter) is something that should be discussed at work - I feel the same way about politics and sex. Unless your work happens to be at a religious order, don't talk about religion. Unless you happen to work at a porn shop, or a sex shop, don't talk about sex. Unless you work with a politician, don't talk about politics. It's just not professional, and it's no one else's business what I do outside of work. At work, I'm on THEIR dime - which means that I need to be a positive representative of my company. Outside of work, I'm on MY dime - which means that, as long as I don't drag my company's name into it, I can do as I please with my religious / political / sexual beliefs.
~M
What kind of coming of age ritual might you suggest for your child and how would you approach them about it?
What might you tell them about being a Pagan in a Christian-centric community?
Oh, boy... I'll start off with this caveat: This is one of those hot buttons that I often end up jumping up and down about - be warned. This is simply what *I* believe - it's not what you should do - but keep in mind how YOU were when you were little, and it might make sense. Also - note the word "normally" - there are those young 'uns who are exceptions to the rule. I believe that they show themselves naturally, and their parents will be able to see maturity and understanding as the child exhibits it.
First of all - I *DON'T* teach or include children - ANY children, mine or otherwise - in my practice or beliefs. Those under the age of 12 aren't normally able to understand the concept of a higher power, or of gods/goddesses, or rituals and why they are there. They are too busy learning about the world as a whole, and how it affects them directly, and how they can affect the world - it's not a matter of higher powers placing that tree there because it was meant to be - it's a matter of how high they can climb it.
Those between the ages of 12 and 15 normally are too involved with themselves to pay attention to the world at large, and will only be interested in being a pagan for the sake of being different. They are not normally aware enough to appreciate the mysteries of what is going on in the world beyond what directly affects them - they are, after all, teenagers.
That being said - if I were to teach someone else about my beliefs, and I felt that they were old enough to understand them, the first thing that I would do is to basically have them sit down and write everything they currently understand about the god/dess. then have them write down questions that they have about what they DON'T understand. This gives me a basis on where to start from - I don't want to go over what they already know - I want to find out what they do know, what they understand, and where to go from there.
As far as a coming of age ritual - I'd ask them whether they *want* one, first. Some children don't want to be the center of attention, some do - some don't care. I'd also ask them what they'd want IN their ceremony, who they'd want to be there, what they'd want to do for it. I'd help them in planning what they want, with the idea that the end result is them feeling more mature and adult - which is, really, what a coming of age ritual is all about.
Regarding "being pagen in a christo-centric world"... Well, that's something that would happen as I continue teaching them. I believe what my mother always taught me about religions in the world... "Picture a bicycle wheel," she'd say, "You can imagine one, can't you? All the spokes running from the outside rim to the hub? Ok - well, think of it this way - the world is the outside rim. All those spokes? Those are the different religions and how people believe through their life's path. The hub of the wheel is what we get to as we travel through our lives and down our individual religious pathways.
"Just like the bicycle wheel can't support anything without the many different spokes to even out the balance of weight, the world can't survive without the many different religions and paths of life that we, as human beings, take. It is up to each one of us to appreciate the differences, accept them, embrace them, and know that our choices aren't the only ones in the world - but that we help support the world with them." I think my mother is a very wise woman regarding religion.
Part of what I would teach is that being in a christo-centric world doesn't have to be a bad thing - but I believe that religious intolerance is still something to be aware of. I don't advertise what religion I am at work - this isn't necessarily because I'm afraid of what "the man" might do to me. It's because I don't feel that my religion (or anyone else's, for that matter) is something that should be discussed at work - I feel the same way about politics and sex. Unless your work happens to be at a religious order, don't talk about religion. Unless you happen to work at a porn shop, or a sex shop, don't talk about sex. Unless you work with a politician, don't talk about politics. It's just not professional, and it's no one else's business what I do outside of work. At work, I'm on THEIR dime - which means that I need to be a positive representative of my company. Outside of work, I'm on MY dime - which means that, as long as I don't drag my company's name into it, I can do as I please with my religious / political / sexual beliefs.
~M
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
OOOH! 2 in one day! Can it be?
Yeah - I got to looking into the Witches Weekly archives and found this little gem of a question - I couldn't resist. I'm in a ranting mood! LOL
What are some things that people do in the name of paganism or neo-paganism that tend to annoy you?
Hmmm... I think that being so totally self-rightious about their religion is one that irks me... But then, that's not just in the Pagan or neo-pagan community - that's pretty much everywhere. Those who believe that their religion is the ONLY religion out there, and it's the only RIGHT religion to pick - well, they're as bad as those they rant against. There's a great quote from my fiance regarding religion, and it explains why A. I'm a solitary practitioner, and B. he's a devoted athiest: There is no religion which, when practiced fully, condones the subjigation, mutilation, or killing of another for ANY reason. Fred's decided that he will remain an athiest until all religions understand this, accept it, embrace it, and preach it fully and honestly. I don't blame him.
People who say that Wicca is better than all other religions are no better than the Roman Catholics who say that Roman Catholisism is better than all other religions... Remember that those who believed that there is only *ONE* true religion, and that one religion was the only way to go created the Inquisition - and it can go both ways.
Also - those who aren't willing to do the work and look into, understand, question, even dis-prove parts of, the religion they wish to be a part of... They irk me. I've had a few run-in's with people like this. I watched as they duct-taped together portions of each of the sabbat rituals into something that they liked, rather than keep with traditions - and then looked down on me when I declined the invite to join in... It's not that I'm not into doing things a little differently - but for someone who was booted from a coven for not studying the mysteries of the religion, and then deciding to simply make something up and call it "official"... Well, I have to say that it doesn't strike me as someone who wants to do a lot of soul searching for something as important as a religious belief. If you're not willing to work and question and dig into your religion, then you shouldn't be a part of it - and you certainly shouldn't be calling yourself the LEADER of such a religion.
Another thing that irks me to no end is the "fluffy bunnies" - you know the ones... The ones that bounce up to you at a party and have coven names like "The sparkle fairy princess coven of light and moonbeams", and member names like "Sunshine EverDance" and "Moondrivel RiverDance". They tell you that being a Wiccan is just the most nicety-nice thing in the whole world, and if everyone would join them and just be nice the world would be filled with sparkles and rainbows and lolly-pops and...
And about that time you just want to smack them - if only to shut them up, since it's obvious that they haven't a brain in their head to knock sense into. It's not that I'm cynical. I'm a realist. The realist doesn't see the glass half-empty or half-full; the realist looks at the glass, sees that they've got to make sure that it doesn't get knocked over while others are moving around the room, and understands that eventually, someone (most likely them) will have to take it to the kitchen and clean it. I see the world as it is, not as it "should be". Yes, it's true - if people WERE nice to one another, and DID get along, and COULD accept one another for who they were and not for any number of possible disqualifying issues, then the world would be a great (if boring) place.
The truth of the matter is that human nature won't allow such things to happen. We are, by nature, a group of materialistic, jealous, greedy bunch of creatures who want a lot, but don't necessarily want to give in order to receive. We can *choose* to be different... we can *choose* to accept that person across the room as different and not abandon them when the house we're both in is set on fire... But that's the whole point, isn't it. It's about choice - and we, as a group, have chosen not to do so. I don't like people. Individual persons are great, but people? Well, as K would say, "People are dumb, panicky, dangerous animals - and you know it."
So yeah - those would be the most that I have issues with within the Neo-Pagan and Pagan communities. Which is why I'm a solitary practitioner, and proud of the fact that I question my religion almost daily, and reconcile with it at the end of the day because I can prove to myself that it's the right one for ME.
~M
What are some things that people do in the name of paganism or neo-paganism that tend to annoy you?
Hmmm... I think that being so totally self-rightious about their religion is one that irks me... But then, that's not just in the Pagan or neo-pagan community - that's pretty much everywhere. Those who believe that their religion is the ONLY religion out there, and it's the only RIGHT religion to pick - well, they're as bad as those they rant against. There's a great quote from my fiance regarding religion, and it explains why A. I'm a solitary practitioner, and B. he's a devoted athiest: There is no religion which, when practiced fully, condones the subjigation, mutilation, or killing of another for ANY reason. Fred's decided that he will remain an athiest until all religions understand this, accept it, embrace it, and preach it fully and honestly. I don't blame him.
People who say that Wicca is better than all other religions are no better than the Roman Catholics who say that Roman Catholisism is better than all other religions... Remember that those who believed that there is only *ONE* true religion, and that one religion was the only way to go created the Inquisition - and it can go both ways.
Also - those who aren't willing to do the work and look into, understand, question, even dis-prove parts of, the religion they wish to be a part of... They irk me. I've had a few run-in's with people like this. I watched as they duct-taped together portions of each of the sabbat rituals into something that they liked, rather than keep with traditions - and then looked down on me when I declined the invite to join in... It's not that I'm not into doing things a little differently - but for someone who was booted from a coven for not studying the mysteries of the religion, and then deciding to simply make something up and call it "official"... Well, I have to say that it doesn't strike me as someone who wants to do a lot of soul searching for something as important as a religious belief. If you're not willing to work and question and dig into your religion, then you shouldn't be a part of it - and you certainly shouldn't be calling yourself the LEADER of such a religion.
Another thing that irks me to no end is the "fluffy bunnies" - you know the ones... The ones that bounce up to you at a party and have coven names like "The sparkle fairy princess coven of light and moonbeams", and member names like "Sunshine EverDance" and "Moondrivel RiverDance". They tell you that being a Wiccan is just the most nicety-nice thing in the whole world, and if everyone would join them and just be nice the world would be filled with sparkles and rainbows and lolly-pops and...
And about that time you just want to smack them - if only to shut them up, since it's obvious that they haven't a brain in their head to knock sense into. It's not that I'm cynical. I'm a realist. The realist doesn't see the glass half-empty or half-full; the realist looks at the glass, sees that they've got to make sure that it doesn't get knocked over while others are moving around the room, and understands that eventually, someone (most likely them) will have to take it to the kitchen and clean it. I see the world as it is, not as it "should be". Yes, it's true - if people WERE nice to one another, and DID get along, and COULD accept one another for who they were and not for any number of possible disqualifying issues, then the world would be a great (if boring) place.
The truth of the matter is that human nature won't allow such things to happen. We are, by nature, a group of materialistic, jealous, greedy bunch of creatures who want a lot, but don't necessarily want to give in order to receive. We can *choose* to be different... we can *choose* to accept that person across the room as different and not abandon them when the house we're both in is set on fire... But that's the whole point, isn't it. It's about choice - and we, as a group, have chosen not to do so. I don't like people. Individual persons are great, but people? Well, as K would say, "People are dumb, panicky, dangerous animals - and you know it."
So yeah - those would be the most that I have issues with within the Neo-Pagan and Pagan communities. Which is why I'm a solitary practitioner, and proud of the fact that I question my religion almost daily, and reconcile with it at the end of the day because I can prove to myself that it's the right one for ME.
~M
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Witches Weekly Question...
Who has been a spiritual mentor for you during your path? If you do not have one (or even if you do), what motivates you to stay on your spiritual path?
An interesting question... My spiritual mentor? Well... I guess that's been a sort of combination of friends and my Mother - and my own personal moral beliefs. I was raised with what those in the craft call the "Rede" since I was born, by a parent who was not in the craft - it was simply the most sensible thing she could come up with that made sense to us kids. Religion wasn't a big thing in our house - my father really wasn't a religious person, and my mom was disenchanted with the secular areas she had been exposed to. She handed me a stack of different religious texts when I was 13 and said to choose for myself.
As for what motivates me to stay on my spiritual path - Myself, I guess, is the answer to what keeps me on my spiritual path. I've always felt that there was something bigger that couldn't be defined or cubby-holed into a specific religion, that was out there... It's not that I believe in any one divine being - or that I believe in many of them... I simply believe - that's all.
I'm of a serious mind that Terry Pratchett has it right - believing in gods is sort of like believing in the Postman... You already know that they exist, that they'll be there every day, whether you actually are there at the postal box or not. It's what you do in your daily life that matters and reflects your personal beliefs, more than whether you happen to be standing there, waiting for the letter to arrive.
Of course, that begs the question as to whether I believe in a structured spiritual path and worship... No, I do not. If I did, I'd be a HUGE hypocrite, as I don't have a set time for me to do alter work or anything. I'm a solitary practitioner because I don't like dealing with other people's drama - nor do I like dealing with how other people feel that I "should" be worshipping. I believe that my daily actions and thoughts are enough for day-to-day things, and if I need something additional, such as advice or guidance, I can choose to meditate upon the question until I can find the best answer possible - whether that be within myself, or to ask someone else for advice to help me.
I don't believe that having high holy day celebrations or equinox rituals make me any better of a person than those who go to church each Sunday. I give thanks every day for the gifts I have received, which include my health, my family, the roof over my head, and the food on my table. I do this by doing the best that I can each day, and choosing to not wallow in self pity too much when things get hard for me.
I believe that each person is in charge of their own lives, and can choose to do good things or bad, regardless of how they were raised. There are very few exceptions to this belief, and those that are - well, there's something seriously mentally wrong that no amount of medication or treatment can fix. I believe that each person has the power to make their own way through life, without purposely hurting another person. I believe that indirect hurts are just as bad as direct hurts. I believe that each person needs to make atonement for their actions if they end up hurting another person - especially if they do so purposely. I don't believe that a spiritual leader has the ability to take payment for atonement and make it a "done deal" (indulgences, etc). I don't believe that sitting on your knees saying "hail mary's" or "Our Father's" is atonement, either. I believe that atonement comes from within, and affects the person wronged directly and personally - and can only be done once you feel true remorse at your actions.
So, there you have it - some of the things that I believe, and my answer to the Witches Weekly Question...
~M
An interesting question... My spiritual mentor? Well... I guess that's been a sort of combination of friends and my Mother - and my own personal moral beliefs. I was raised with what those in the craft call the "Rede" since I was born, by a parent who was not in the craft - it was simply the most sensible thing she could come up with that made sense to us kids. Religion wasn't a big thing in our house - my father really wasn't a religious person, and my mom was disenchanted with the secular areas she had been exposed to. She handed me a stack of different religious texts when I was 13 and said to choose for myself.
As for what motivates me to stay on my spiritual path - Myself, I guess, is the answer to what keeps me on my spiritual path. I've always felt that there was something bigger that couldn't be defined or cubby-holed into a specific religion, that was out there... It's not that I believe in any one divine being - or that I believe in many of them... I simply believe - that's all.
I'm of a serious mind that Terry Pratchett has it right - believing in gods is sort of like believing in the Postman... You already know that they exist, that they'll be there every day, whether you actually are there at the postal box or not. It's what you do in your daily life that matters and reflects your personal beliefs, more than whether you happen to be standing there, waiting for the letter to arrive.
Of course, that begs the question as to whether I believe in a structured spiritual path and worship... No, I do not. If I did, I'd be a HUGE hypocrite, as I don't have a set time for me to do alter work or anything. I'm a solitary practitioner because I don't like dealing with other people's drama - nor do I like dealing with how other people feel that I "should" be worshipping. I believe that my daily actions and thoughts are enough for day-to-day things, and if I need something additional, such as advice or guidance, I can choose to meditate upon the question until I can find the best answer possible - whether that be within myself, or to ask someone else for advice to help me.
I don't believe that having high holy day celebrations or equinox rituals make me any better of a person than those who go to church each Sunday. I give thanks every day for the gifts I have received, which include my health, my family, the roof over my head, and the food on my table. I do this by doing the best that I can each day, and choosing to not wallow in self pity too much when things get hard for me.
I believe that each person is in charge of their own lives, and can choose to do good things or bad, regardless of how they were raised. There are very few exceptions to this belief, and those that are - well, there's something seriously mentally wrong that no amount of medication or treatment can fix. I believe that each person has the power to make their own way through life, without purposely hurting another person. I believe that indirect hurts are just as bad as direct hurts. I believe that each person needs to make atonement for their actions if they end up hurting another person - especially if they do so purposely. I don't believe that a spiritual leader has the ability to take payment for atonement and make it a "done deal" (indulgences, etc). I don't believe that sitting on your knees saying "hail mary's" or "Our Father's" is atonement, either. I believe that atonement comes from within, and affects the person wronged directly and personally - and can only be done once you feel true remorse at your actions.
So, there you have it - some of the things that I believe, and my answer to the Witches Weekly Question...
~M
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