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Melissa - I too am from a somewhat paganistic religious belief. I found it hard at first too... I mean, who wouldn't find it hard when no one really understands a religion after hundreds (probably more) of years of oppression and being misunderstood. It all stems from other religions. The pagan religions were the "old ways", some of the first religions in fact were Goddess worshipping. However, when the other religions came along, they were threatened by the hold the old ways had on people, so.. the "new" religions decided to find a way to turn people away, saying that they were worshipping the devil, or what have you. Eventually the "new" ways became the majority, the "old" ways were outcast and as time progressed, we were given the witch trials. Now wasnt that a fun history lesson?
Anywayz, from all that, don't you find it sad that old prejudices are carried into new times? I for one really know it bothers me when people use my religious beliefs to constantly insult me, thinking that it's an insult. Well, it's one of those things where I think back to this one poem I read, "I am a witch with pride say I, for a witch's soul doth never die" anywayz, when someone tries to use my religion against me, it's not an insult.
As for "devil worshipping" oh I know too well how people have associated that with my beliefs. I happen to know a fair bit about magick and the like and so I've found myself to be approached by a few girls in my school interested in it. Now, another thing, I'm very open about my beliefs, after a few years of secrecy, I found it to be a little wrong. Why should anyone have to hide their beliefs? It's absurd! So, as a result, towards the end of the school year, I was called down to guidance. There I had a lovely conversation about religious beliefs with my guidance counsellor. She had it in her mind that i was running a devil worshipping cult.. when really all I had been doing was trading spells and educating friends. I had to prove to her that my beliefs were not that of a cult, and therefore not that of a religion in a way.
The other thing I said, was one thing that may prove useful to you Melissa in your defense.. Pagans don't believe in the devil in the first place!!!!! The Wiccan religion atleast, and that of druids I think, Don't put a place for a devil. "The Goddess is both, because nature is both, loving and cruel." or something like that, it was in a movie a long time ago. Basically, the Goddess consists of the Maiden, Matron(mother) and Crone. There is also the forth part of the Goddess, never really named or spoken about, basically, choas. Pagans don't believe in the devil, because they see evil as a part of their Goddess, they don't see it as a foul being trying to tempt us.. but as a part of life, that we experience and then pay for karmicly.. basically. So there's a lil something to get people to stop that one.. "How can I worship the devil, if I don't believe there is a devil in the first place?"-me
Alright, there's some more pennies to add to my jar..
*hugz to all as alwayz*
Ann-Marie -team 783
Note: Really hoping I haven't offended anyone... I'm trying sooo hard not to.
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