This has pushed so many buttons and caused so much intriguing discussion around here that we feel compelled to share it. What are some of the most annoying things people have said to you about your faith?
Shit People Say To Pagans, Neopagans, Wiccans, Witches, etc.
I’m torn on the witch thing. I get that for pagan women it can be used as a form of identity, but as far as the history of the word goes it’s more of an accusation or a folklore archetype than a real title. When someone calls themselves a witch it seems like their making an actual claim of having magical powers. Whereas if they called themselves a shaman, an outsider could objectively confirm that they engage in shamanic practices even if the outsider doesn’t think that shamanic practices have supernatural effects.
I sort of agree. I’ve never self-identified as a “witch”. Honestly, I don’t have a descriptive for myself in regard to what I believe, but I know plenty of women who think of themselves as witches. Whatever floats your boat, I guess. Personally, I don’t want me be defined by a word, because once you begin to accept parameters you begin to limit your thinking.
That said, there’s a lot of good stuff in the video which touches upon the frustrations of Pagans and folks who are just sort of Pagan-Centric. But I would agree with some of your thoughts, and go as far as suggesting that using the word “witch” can invite misunderstandings.
I tend to agree with you Nigel and Claire. I tend to classify women as Goddess rather than witch as that is the terminology and actually, there are many types so it’s a very broad term. Sure there are those that can perform magick in the see of their personal preference but to label them is kind of putting someone in a basket along with everyone else. I have Goddesses I know that follow different paths so I don’t like to generalize them. To me, they are just Goddess Jane or Goddess Brittney and they seem to respect that terminology. I know what they are capable of and know who to go to for advice or help with a solution.
“That’s white people shit…” said mostly in jest from my Mexican husband who practices Palo Mayombe (an Afro-Cuban tradition) and came from a Santeria background. While I have cone to understand the fundamental differences between what I was taught and what I learned after being scratched by his Godfather. However, it still bugs be to hear that when I an so in love with my tarot and herbs. It gets the jobs I want done. I also point out that the Druids and Norse went beyond anything he does and some of them still practice that way. 🙁 Ekk.. human sacrifice! And willing?!
What is go beyond ? Abuse of people and animals makes one more powerful ? Usually it’s the opposite .
Actually wiccans respect the environment. No human or animal sacrafices.
I have to disagree Shannon as your statement is a generalization by saying “That’s white people shit” I have had all races say some outrageous stuff to me when they found out I was a Pagan. All…. people tend to classify anything outside of the Christian faith as evil and diabolical I don’t care what race it is. I have to agree with you that what you feel and wish to follow should be your decision and yours alone and not condemned or ridiculed. I quite did not understand you where human sacrifice comes in as most religions I studied Christian religion was the most predominant with human sacrifice. What was your association with this?
I think it’s just ridiculous to call yourself a witch, it’s begging for attention if you ask me.
I have no idea what to call myself, but I’m not confused because I do believe in a higher power and I have a personal relationship with it/them. I think organized religion is ridiculous and very brainwashy and cultish, especially now, just the other day “Creflo Dollar” asked his followers to donate money so he can buy a G6 private plane… enough said.
In any organized religion though, you’re basically following and making an authority out of some other person who has no ‘superpowers’ and no more of a direct-link to god than you do. They just memorized and “learned” a bunch of sh*t that some other person wrote, and so long ago that countless people have rewritten it and made it fit their ideals. You’re also hearing this person’s translation and interpretation of it, so it breeds more blind following than freethinking.
I completely see and recognize what was done to paganism, it was wiped out and demonized during the convert-or-die campaigns, but I agree with a lot of pagan beliefs as well.
I’m open-minded and follow the truth. I think being a total atheist is bullheaded and naive, but I’m also not going to blindly worship something because I’m told to worship it. So idk what you would call that lol.
I tell people I’m pagan or Wiccan I don’t tell them I’m a witch. And I only tell people about my religious acts when they ask.
There’s differences between regular Pagan, Wicca, Neo-Pagan, Witch, etc…
I say I’m a Witch with pride.
Odin Paganism envelopes all the terms you stated just they contain many different aspects. Just as there are many forms of witches there are many forms of paganism. One should always be proud of their following. I always say “Do what you love but love what you do”
That’s a good move Alexandria. The Witch terminology is kind of a broad term. Most of those that know me know what I can do, what I am learning to do or do better, and know when to come to me. To follow paganism as a whole is a very broad subject and can take a lifetime to learn so we have to grasp bits and pieces.
Don’t take me wrong about this as I follow many Wiccan following but I am a pagan to heart. I tend to see Wiccan as a soft touch to the pagan following so it was more acceptable to the Christian community as we see it accepted in many circles such as the military. Over the years we have seen many pagan following closed up and his like a bottle of booze in prohibition but I tend to believe this needs to change as we are all human beings and should be able to believe in what we wish to believe. I am proud to be a pagan and welcome the opportunity to discuss my beliefs with any Christian as I usually win the battle. Now when I am talking I speak from a sense from living in the states here so I reflect on that. I actually would love to see a pagan following with a more open view and expression as first it would expose the false beliefs that many have on us, two it would discredit the Christian community, and third it allows us to express our freedom of religion and beliefs. How can you present something as a myth if you constantly keep it a secret? What are your thoughts on this? I agree with you that the choice to worship should be your choice but my question would be should you be condemned for doing so?
I told my mom I was pagan and she said “so you worship flowers and plants?”
Close, but not quite.
That’s funny!
I am a good mix of Christian, Pagan and Gnostic. Divine is all around, in every tree, plant person,body of waster flower,-the list is endless! Gnosticism reminds me that Jesus was here to show us how to reach the Divine, how to live a life of love to all creatures. Names of religion are assigned by men. Name really aren’t important. How we live is important.
How do you not fight within yourself-Christians want you to believe in one God, pagans believe in many gods and they are a god themselves and the Gnostics believe part of a god is within them. I could carry on a very deep discussion with you Love it I just feel you are in constant battle with yourself.