I think that as Pagans we should held to higher standards. We are nature lovers, and as humans are a part of nature, we should love one another. I am not saying we must blindly love everyone. But we should treat all people with respect and honor. Our behavior speaks volumes.
Everyone has heard the joke about the old lady that screams in traffic, swearing and giving a middle finger as she passes, only to find Christian bumper stickers, or the "Jesus fish" on her car. But can the same be true for us? We are people who embrace different Gods and Goddesses, some Celtic, some Egyptian, some nature... the list could literally fill this blog. Can we embrace everyone? Are we seen as the people who are screaming in traffic only to have our bumper stickers say "Coexist"; "The Goddess is Alive and Magick is Afoot"; "My other car is a Broom"; "Ankh if you love Isis"... again the list can go on forever.
We need to set an example. We need to as, my friend says, "be the better witch." We already have enough grief from outside our group, (being called devil worshipers and the like) we don't need to add to it!
After signing up to do this project I had a series of nightmares involving a group of Pagans. I expected problems. Sadly that is what my unconscious associated "group of Pagans" with: drama. Although this seems counter intuitive as we pride ourselves on our diversity! My experience shows a group quick to spread and believe gossip, and a lack of tolerance. (I am exited to see how wonderful this project has been and am really glad I pushed through my fears.)
I am a healer. I have taken the Hippocratic oath. I have pledged to "Do no harm." Later in life I took another oath which says: "And it Harm None, Do What Ye Will."
I am out of the closet. Recently I had a friend tell me that a person that I met through her and friended on Facebook asked about me being Pagan. He was excited that I am Pagan and Poly and open about both. He was excited to have such diversity in his friends. I want to make all the people that fall under those labels proud. I work everyday on making the best ME I can be. I am often misunderstood, and have often been the center of gossip. I have at times fallen into the habit of talking about others. I am then angry with myself about it later. I am the ONLY person responsible for MY behavior. ME.
Please remember that our actions are as loud as our words. Be the Best that you can be.
-Blessed Be
Everyone has heard the joke about the old lady that screams in traffic, swearing and giving a middle finger as she passes, only to find Christian bumper stickers, or the "Jesus fish" on her car. But can the same be true for us? We are people who embrace different Gods and Goddesses, some Celtic, some Egyptian, some nature... the list could literally fill this blog. Can we embrace everyone? Are we seen as the people who are screaming in traffic only to have our bumper stickers say "Coexist"; "The Goddess is Alive and Magick is Afoot"; "My other car is a Broom"; "Ankh if you love Isis"... again the list can go on forever. 
We need to set an example. We need to as, my friend says, "be the better witch." We already have enough grief from outside our group, (being called devil worshipers and the like) we don't need to add to it!
After signing up to do this project I had a series of nightmares involving a group of Pagans. I expected problems. Sadly that is what my unconscious associated "group of Pagans" with: drama. Although this seems counter intuitive as we pride ourselves on our diversity! My experience shows a group quick to spread and believe gossip, and a lack of tolerance. (I am exited to see how wonderful this project has been and am really glad I pushed through my fears.)
I am a healer. I have taken the Hippocratic oath. I have pledged to "Do no harm." Later in life I took another oath which says: "And it Harm None, Do What Ye Will."
I am out of the closet. Recently I had a friend tell me that a person that I met through her and friended on Facebook asked about me being Pagan. He was excited that I am Pagan and Poly and open about both. He was excited to have such diversity in his friends. I want to make all the people that fall under those labels proud. I work everyday on making the best ME I can be. I am often misunderstood, and have often been the center of gossip. I have at times fallen into the habit of talking about others. I am then angry with myself about it later. I am the ONLY person responsible for MY behavior. ME.
Please remember that our actions are as loud as our words. Be the Best that you can be.
-Blessed Be
