Non-Pagan Reactions: What Do You Say?

[neonblast]

if the don't know what a Wiccan or Pagan is, i usually just refer to the absolute basics "i'm a good witch" and they usually say ok, but for the silly ones who say "but all magic is evil!" i usually just say "all books of the bible must be evil too!" that usually catches them off-guard :3

[lilnuttyredhead]

I tell them its an earth based spiritial path. Depending on the person and situation I sometimes, jokingly, compare it to "the force" from Star Wars. That always breaks the tension and gets a little bit of a laugh... but then I go on to explain it in very loose terms and just end the conversation.

[WiccanTexan]

@lilnuttyredhead - That's a great response!

[ReviewCam]

are you a solitary Wiccan, or part of a coven? If solitary, is it a lonely religion? Do you celebrate holidays with family?

[FearedBliss]

@ReviewCam So if someone is solitary, does that mean that what they believe doesn't matter? Or should they go with what 99% of the population believes in even if it's wrong or is not right to them?

[WiccanTexan]

@FearedBliss - Not at all. What EVERYONE believes matters. No one can dictate the relationship between you and the Divine.

[WiccanTexan]

@ReviewCam - If you're solitary, there are plenty of groups that do public rituals to attend, so it doesn't have to be lonely at all. I am currently solitary due to various work and family commitments that take up my time, but I have run 2 covens and been member of a third. Our immediate family celebrates the holy days.

[FearedBliss]

@WiccanTexan I tend to stay out of covens our local public rituals simply because I probably won't agree with what other people believe. I am very eclectic.

[FearedBliss]

@WiccanTexan I have incorporated Buddhist believes into my life that also match Wiccan beliefs, so instead of dancing, I could just sit down and meditate.

[Christopholaes]

Seems a little to much like the schooling Christians do to their kids to arm them against opposing opinions of other groups? As I do not see any more basis to the claims and mythology of wicca, than to any other religion or faith? Also, having had to study western religions(pre and post christian doctrines) I understand much pagan lore. Modern wicca as i encounter it is often a mish-mash of beliefs and customs from completely incompatible mythologies, much like christianity. Is this different?

[WiccanTexan]

@Christopholaes - Not really; it's simply educating our children and others on the facts. They may never run into ANY opposing views, but that's no reason to run around in ignorance of your religious environment. Commericalism has made Wicca seem like a big hodge-podge, but traditional Wicca has set tenets and beliefs.

[Christopholaes]

@WiccanTexan Whoa delayed reply! Yes traditional Wicca does have some set tenets and beliefs. Though I would point out the more puritanical view of religion or spirituality is somewhat the trade mark of monotheism. Meaning that though there were some set ideas individuals were still somewhat free to interpret the 'spirits' or forces of natures etc. Unfortunately modern Wicca's interpret this to mean 'believe whatever you like'. Which of course was not the point at all. What is Wicca to you?

[WiccanTexan]

@Christopholaes - I've been out of the loop for quite a while; trying to play catch-up. I use this definition of Wicca: "An early 20th century religion, whose original structure is based upon European pagan beliefs/practices and Masonic ritual. It has evolved into both eclectic and non-Gardnerian Traditions which carry on through some specific rituals and tenets, but are open to broader interpretation."

[Christopholaes]

@WiccanTexan Hmmm. Interesting, you do know that each Gaelic nation such as Wales, Ireland, Scotland, Britain, Normandy and Gaul all had different and sometimes mutually exclusive belief systems. 'Pagan' is not a word used for one religion, but a label used by monotheists to dismiss thousands of differing belief systems.

So when you say 'European Pagan' I have to say that is about as vague a description you can possibly give. There is also no such thing as one 'European Pagan' tradition?

[WiccanTexan]

@Christopholaes - of course; paganism is all about synchronicity. I use "European Pagan" as an umbrella term for the entire European continent, not to denote that there was one common religion. It's easier than listing the hundreds of cultural belief systems that are out there.

[Christopholaes]

@WiccanTexan Well that's certainly true. You would be here for months if you tried to put them through the 500 char limit boxes we have here on youtube. I would be immensely cruel to demand such a thing, lol.

Well reading though again with that in mind, it is still a little vague, yet no where near as much thank you.

hm. Don't know as much about that particular school of pagan thought, I have more of a personal interest in ancient Celtic Druids from southern England. Know of them?

[The13hhour1]

if there really interested and dont want to just judge, i tell them wicca is a neopagen nature based religeon

[Renfeildette]

I told my roommate what Paganism was about (since she had no idea) and she thought it was cool. I think people won't necessarily be so judgmental if we take the time to explain things. :)

[embracetheslaughter]

i just want to point this out: if someone cares to know about something they will research it themselves. most people only care to be rude and judge because they have obviously been bestowed a right to do so and are better than another human being.

[WiccanTexan]

@embracetheslaughter - I consider talking to actual practitioners to be a very valuable way to research. We rely far too much on books and the Internet for our crucial information.

[ruku871]

well when i announcet that i was wiccan my family was a bit put off by it especialy since they raised me to be christian but after alot of work on my part they accepted it i just had to show them i was the same guy just slightly different/ To some other people though iv fought an uphill battle meeting alot of christian zelots who tell me im a child of satan and i will be damned to eternety in a lake of fire i just say that is your hell you go burn in it

[aTTypical]

Hopefully the person is someone you know, so you can think of an angle that they would be most responsive. For example, I know my mother is really into other cultures and she likes history. Since our family also has a strong Irish blood-line, I use ancient Irish culture to explain pagan beliefs to her. I can talk about Sabbats or mythology to her from this standpoint, and she finds it interesting rather than startling or upsetting.

[falconlord5]

The same thing I say to everybody, "Why do you care?"

[WiccanTexan]

@falconlord5 - That seems a little off-putting. They're curious, for the most part. Why not take that moment to education rather than alienate?

[falconlord5]

@WiccanTexan Mankind is uneductatable.

And no, they're not curious, they're just looking to stir up trouble.

Sarcasm and deflection (along with continual references to the U.N. Charter of Rights and Freedoms) spares me, and my friends of varying creeds and beliefs a lot of grief.

[WiccanTexan]

@falconlord5 - I don't agree; otherwise, there would have been no social, intellectual or other progress ever made. I think mankind is highly capable of learning. It's just that in our fast-food culture, if it doesn't happen in a fairly rapid way, people become frustrated.

[falconlord5]

@WiccanTexan Two thousand years ago, Plato was complaining about the same things we are.

Makes me wonder how much "progress" has been made.

[rubymellon]

You should make videos again!

[WiccanTexan]

@rubymellon - I will do more, when I get some time to sit down and record! :)

[rainewater85]

A brief, general response of mine is, "We're the Celtic cousins to the Native Americans," and I leave it at that. If, however, a person has no respect for the natives of Turtle Island, then trying to educate them is taking on more than my fair share of a workload.

[WiccanTexan]

@rainewater85 - Actually, I don't find that a good response. Paganism is SO much more than the Celts, and a good portion has nothing in common with Native American beliefs and practices. 

[rainewater85]

@WiccanTexan I'm sorry if my reply comes across angrily, but I don't feel that your response was a good one either. When I don't have the chance to go into a history/anthropology lesson in public and have only that moment to banish another's fears, then I feel mine is indeed a good response. Also, as I'm coming from an Ulster-Scot background and speaking of myself and my practices, then yes, I feel we are their cousins, not their brothers and sisters. My Turtle Island companions agree with me.

[WiccanTexan]

@rainewater85 - I didn't take it as an angry response. What I was responding to was the basic information in your post, which seemed like a general statement you felt was appropriate. If I'd known your background and that you were only addressing your own personal practices, I'd have agreed with you. And for the record, it's refreshing to see someone challenge me back!

[GaleZMe]

What's with that Halloween-type ghost image in the title frame?? Black dog, little ghost, and illustration of priestess.

[WiccanTexan]

@GaleZMe - it's one of my Yahoo avatars, if I'm thinking of the same image you are. We live in a haunted house, hences the ghost. At the time I made the avatar, we had a black Labrador.

[ufoplejarenbarbie]

most of my relatives are roman catholics and they have not spoken to me since I was 18 and did not join their "jesus-eating" cult of mass murder...(i was never again invited to thanksgiving or christmas partys)...

[ufoplejarenbarbie]

I lead a double life...i have pagan friends and non-pagan friends and I never introduce or mix them!...i have non-pagan girlfriends just for sex and pagan girlfriends for romantic love...i also have "new age" friends etc...

[ufoplejarenbarbie]

in the work world I never ever" out" myself or discuss any religious topics...in private life the less my x-tian friends know the better!...never trust anyone!

[WiccanTexan]

@ufoplejarenbarbie - Just out of curiosity, why not?

[bubblehp]

the usually call me adevil worshipper and tell me that i will burn in hell. and i say :

" accusing a wiccan of worshiping the devil is like accusing an athiest of worshiping god i cannot worship what i do not believe in. i cannot burn in hell for my oppinion it does not exist and if it does, it's your hell you burn in it. "

if they would respond with decency as in not telling me to burn in hell or fy not accusing me of satanism i would not have to be so mean. but most ppl give no choice

[WiccanTexan]

@bubblehp - How about replying with decency to them? A hostile attitude is just proving their point in their eyes. Why not educate instead, show that your faith helps you rise above it?

[bubblehp]

@WiccanTexan i guess that would work mayve but i just give ppl wat they give me a load of bs. but thats worth a shot.

[ImDiffrentSoWhat]

I'm only 16 and I have been pagan for going on 2 years (I grew up christian.) My mother and brother know and so do my friends and a few pepole at school that I got into the conversation at school. My grandma and one aunt and one uncle all belive paginsm and wicca is devil worship. The main problem I have is that my mom thinks this is a fad, I can't really think of anyway to tell her it's not a fad. Thankfully she doesn't bring it up as much anymore, mostly she threatens 2 make me go to church.

[WiccanTexan]

@ImDiffrentSoWhat - My parents thought it was a fad too. 30 years later, they've figured it out. ;) Just keep studying and getting your facts straight. People will see by your actions what your faith gives you - responsibility, maturity, etc. A purely emotional response will only enforce, in their eyes, their own view that it's a fad.

[ImDiffrentSoWhat]

@WiccanTexan Thanks. Luckly after the shock wore off, she's accepted it. I'm blessed with such an understanding mom. Actually after she had me explain it, she thought it sounded a lot like her faith. It helped that one of her friends is Pagan to. It's nice that you do this, shows parents that it isn't a teen fad.

[GreenGirlGoin]

Due to the pendent I wear (silver triskele), the question of religions came up at work a few months back. After explaining holidays, views on dieties, and the differences between prayer and spellwork, they actually didn't make to big of a fuss. I think what helped most was to be logical, brief and accurate, and love what you do of course ^-^

[WiccanTexan]

@GreenGirlGoin - exactly! Approach is a big part of the picture.

[chalicechiq]

Now, does "coming out" also involve taking a day off work that is a non-standard holiday in the secular or Christian calendar? I do this a lot, and I'm up front about why I do it. Today I took the day off (April 16) as it is my late father's birthday; remembering the ancestors is important, so I wanted to have a day to myself to reflect and drink a toast to his memory.

[chalicechiq]

I also always request the entire week of the winter solstice off, as I do an all night vigil around a bonfire with several friends. I have been doing this for several years, and the people who know (like my manager/HR director) are usually quite interested in what we do and why we do it. She's not interested in conversion, just learning something new.

[WiccanTexan]

@chalicechiq - I never really "came out," I just live my life as I see fit, and don't treat anything as out of the ordinary when it comes to religious expression. I carry myself as an equal. As for time off, I work for the Gov't so that's not really an issue. I just take a leave day, no questions asked.

[RainArborNox]

( 2 ) "worship the devil". I smile and quietly state " I don't worship the devil.I in fact do not believe in him" and so far that has been the end of the conversation.

[RainArborNox]

( 1 ) Avoidance has been the most noticeable reaction since coming out of the broom closet, which I can understand. I believe once my family realize I'm still "me" and not a clone (lol) they will warm back up, or maybe not. We shall see. The other reaction I hear is the "I used to mess with that stuff but I grew out of it " (I'm 34 and have been pagan since I was born) so I quietly and calmly looked him in the eye and asked "what stuff"? an the reply ( 3 times now) has always been :

[WiccanTexan]

@RainArborNox - After 20+ years, I think my family's figured out it's not a fad. ;)

[chalicechiq]

But other than that...there was one day I had to go to the airport to pick up a friend flying in from out of town, and I had my silver pentacle on, very clear against a red shirt. (I suppose this counts as being "out" right?) The woman at security asked me if it was "the Devil's cross." I about fell over laughing. I'm really suprised I've had it this easy around here.

[WhiteDragon1989]

@chalicechiq if they said take it off I'm sure the laughing would have stopped real quick lol.

[chalicechiq]

@WhiteDragon1989 Oh I don't know; I can be pretty charming and get people laughing about it and give me a pass. :D It helps when you have DDDs too. :wink:

[chalicechiq]

I live in central Florida. In some ways, this area can be kind of conservative. But I'm out on my job; have been the entire time I've worked there (about 13 years now). I've used the word "heathen" to describe myself and one person laughed because he equated "heathen" with "hedonist" and thought I was some kind of licentious, loose woman!

[PaganLayla]

I try and avoid the words "wicca", "witch", "horned god" (at first). I know those are important tags but they are also the words that scare people that have heard untruths about them before. I talk about "nature religion". How I feel that all energy and power comes from nature and then the balance between male and female and how they work together in everything. If people are then open to hear more about it, I give them more conventional words and explain them.

[WiccanTexan]

I think it depends on the situation. I always use "Wicca" as this is my religion's legitimate name. Other terms I will judge the situation first.

[OfTheWillows]

Wicca is like fantasy role playing games IRL.

[WiccanTexan]

In what way?

[simplycranky]

@OfTheWillows you are so narrow minded. why are you even watching her vids?

[xxxRAISORxxx]

your necklace is beautiful... )O(

[WiccanTexan]

Thank you!

[AnaiyaThoron]

I practise Paganism and Vodou and I don't care what other people think. I tell anyone who asks, and if they don't accept it - fine. I accept my Christian friends, Muslim friends, Buddhist friends, etc - if they don't like it, they're not good friends, or do not practise their faith's well.

People should see you as a person, and not pigeon-hole you because of a belief system - and if they do, they don't get the priviledge of having my friendship :)

[OfTheWillows]

You believe in stupid shit. You deserve to be ridiculed.

[WiccanTexan]

Try presenting a constructive argument, and you might be taken seriously, OfTheWillows.

[heyjenknee]

I found out an acquaintance of mine is pagan /wiccan and although I do not judge her because that is for God to do I cannot be associated with her. I will never step foot into her home nor will she be welcomed in mine but I will be civil to her because I am a Christian.

[sandinthestorm]

It may be difficult to associate with someone whose beliefs seem to so contradict your own, but did Jesus not say to love thy neighbor?

[heyjenknee]

That is true what Jesus said and that is why I am civil and will be kind to her , I try to hate only the sin , not the sinner. I don't have it in my heart to hate her at all, even saying that is ridiculous.

[sandinthestorm]

Okay, it seems I misunderstood you there. Sorry ^_^

[girlzluvanime]

@heyjenknee

do u mean 2 say that u refuse 2 be friends with some1 just bcuz of their beliefs? if u like her, as a person, i c no reason whatsoever 4 u 2 not be friends with her 4 being herself.

[WiccanTexan]

How do you feel that your actions are not in judgment, or in any way civil?

[FluffyFeralMarmot]

@heyjenknee strange reaction, not welcoming someone into your house because of their beliefs. will you act the same way to a hindu coworker or muslim? or someone who votes for a different political party? or likes different music? it's pretty much guaranteed that everyone you meet will disagree with at least one of your beliefs

[zeldaofarel]

I'm not really public about it, but where I live people are pretty clueless about Wicca. Most people here are either atheists, or Christians and we don't bring religion to the workplace, or even to the public. Here religion is a private matter and we don't discuss it. Christians don't either. If someone asks about my Pentacle, I tell them what it symbolises. I don't have friends at the moment, so it's not an issue. My mom is an atheist and hates religions, so I just don't discuss it.

[ArionaMew]

You inspire me.... You really do.. ---- Ariona, who was scared away from this beautiful religion by her peers at her parents' church

[WiccanTexan]

Thank you. I hope that you find your path and stick to it regardless of what others tell you.

[SeramiNefera]

Well, my friend was told because she saw my Tarot cards. She was interested and not afraid, so I talked to her about Wicca. Then asked if she wanted me to read her Tarot since she voiced interest in it.. I am just beginning to learn Tarot and told her it was my first attempt and she told me it was pretty accurate.

I told my mother my interest in Wicca and it turned out that we both were turning to Wicca and was afraid to tell the other!!

Still, that is the gist of what occurred for me.

[WiccanTexan]

It's amazing what you find out when the lines of communication are opened!

[RavenMoonclaw333]

I am a public witch, and when i told my mom that i was wiccan. she had no idea what i was talking about so i just kind of talked about witchcraft and cleared away some misconceptions that many people have (fly on brooms, bubbling cauldrons filled with toxic glue, ect.) All i have to say is ease into it and don't hold back once your there, tell them what it is and what you believe.

Blessed Be )o(

Raven Moonclaw

[raltaki]

I am a non-pegan, and to me its no different from any other belief system. If it makes you happy roll with it as long as you dont impose on another. From this perspective and having to reveal myself as an athiest to the general populace is a little more interesting. Id suggest taking the age old approach of "Here I am this is what I am, DEAL WITH IT"

[maugustyniak]

So, what happens when we decided to..."DEAL WITH IT"?

[raltaki]

Who is we? Honestly no one else should pass judgement on another based soly on their held beliefs. You dealing with it wwould be kindly nodding your head acepting us (or them) for who they are and respecting their individuality,and not blindly stomping out anothers ideasas evil or malevolent. AS long as these individuals do not impose their beliefs or will upon others.

[WiccanTexan]

Your "Deal with it" sounds a little in your face; I hope that's not what you were suggesting. I prefer to give out what I want to receive in return.

[wiccanwisdom]

(part 3) and since I have gone into a majour interest in The Fae some of the sceptical bunch in cliques seem to pick fun at me not understanding how Fae are viewed as spiritual beings. They seem stuck under the assumtion that I'm a looney that is obsessed with the fairy's of childrens stories. They can't seem to open their minds enough to learn and to understand and just make steriotypes of what is not true.

[wiccanwisdom]

(part 2) School is also a bit of a challenge I don't get as much fuss as I used to since I came out of the broom closet 3 years ago, as I'm now a 6th former and most people I know have matured and done their research and accept it. Though a guy I had a crush on refused to be friends with me as my beliefs freaked him out in general even though I had been nothing but nice to him (he came from a strong christian background).

[wiccanwisdom]

(part 1) Most of my negative experiences have more or less been online. Youtube inparticular, as you get alot of people who don't understand the pagan faith, jumping in head first and making rash comment on videos and profiles. I had problems with my family accepting at first but they have realised that I am who I am and I'm not going to change so they don't push the bar.

[SilentHillWren]

I've had A LOT of bad experiences with being an open witch. And I live in the Ozarks. Needless to say, I've been in "defense" mode sinse I was a teenager. I've gotten into debates over the meaning of certain words, bible scripture, symbols, and which civilizations have "the biggest body count." After tiring of this, I decided it's best to quiet ppl with a typical "this is a free country. You don't try to convert me, I won't try to convert you."

[thuirthiawindsong]

My best friend is a very conservative Catholic, and when I told her that I was converting to Wicca, we got into a pretty big fight. With us, it was just a matter of letting her know that what I believed was not evil, and that I couldn't convert back to a religion I didn't believe. We're still good friends, but mostly we avoid discussing religion.

[stardel6]

I do not want to date a non pagan becouse they never understand.. They hear Pagan and do go aaaaaaaa

[wiccanwisdom]

I have a friend that says the exact same thing but it depends on the individual, there are many non-pagans that have a firm understanding of the religious path or want to develop an understanding. It's just a matter of finding the right person who is open minded and understanding.

[WizardofTacoma]

Thanks for trying to keep an open communication I'm gay and a suicide survivor too, 38 yerars ago witchcraft was my way out that it was ok to be gay. I have been teaching the arts of witchcraft and Wizard's tradition, for over 25 years. Blessed Be Wizard

[itwaschris]

You are criticized because you always revert to the same tired old propaganda when confronted with your delusions. Why bs more of it? As a non-pay-gun I want to know why Wiccans always have to create straw man arguments like we don't worship Satan. Why can't you deal honestly with valid criticisms? What about some honest self examination regarding your refusal to deal with your white privilege or your racist cultural appropriation?

[WiccanTexan]

We DON'T have to create them; that's pretty much my point. Too many pagans tend to overkill on the "we're not like them." And race has nothing to do with it; Wicca is not a racial faith. The "cultural appropriation" is primarily by pagans who believe that Wicca is "what I want it to be;" it's not a part of Wiccan teaching or theology. You need to separate commercialism from theological structure.

[raphael3712]

In general, I've had little in the way of bad experiences. I did get a man on the public bus who asked me why I wear a 'devil star' and I explained that it was a pentacle and for me it doesn't represent the devil. He just rolled his eyes and left me alone. One response I have liked to Christians freaking out about the pentacle is to say: "You feel comfortable wearing the cross Jesus died on, I am wearing the symbol of his acutal body."

[Zarabbas]

Margaret Murray's hypothesis intentionally omitted evidence that would have contradicted here theories about a Witch religion and Gerald B. Gardner lied about belonging to a Witch Religion (really was the masonic organization the ROCF). Gardner invented and founded Wicca in 1951, using Freemasonry as a model to construct his false religion on.

Knowing this as many Wiccans do, does this not demonstrate Wicca to be empty of true spirituality since it was founded on lies?

[SMKFan13]

ALl religion was founded by man seeking spirituality. Witchcraft has been around a lot longer then Wicca. Wicca is a "newer" version perhaps.

[Zarabbas]

That is an interesting way to justify Wicca. Of course, that is what you believe about religion.

With such a belief, everything is valid. Of course this is your opinion. I merely point out the lies that were first used to introduce Wicca and now people like you call it a "newer" spirituality. LOL

[SMKFan13]

Who said I was Justifying Wicca? I'm not even Wiccan. Assumptions are wicked.

[Zarabbas]

So is denouncing all religions as man-made.

[WiccanTexan]

Gardner used the current history of his time. Wicca has evolved since then to use more updated material. There are very few "pure" religions that have not merged other traditions or mythologies into their own; in fact, I really can't think of one at all.

[chalicechiq]

My life-partner is Asatru and I'm still finding my way, but rest assured we aren't racist or white supremacists or whatever. Sadly, that gets thrown at people who walk a Germanic path like he does, thanks to the Nazis and the SS, etc. And what's weird is that Hilter was a Catholic who simply didn't attend Mass. Himmler was the *real* psycho. Anyway, I just wish folks would give the Angles and Saxons some credit once in a while. :)

[chalicechiq]

@WiccanTexan You have a point there; even Christianity is a blended path.

[TombeMan]

When people ask me what I am and I say Pagan/Wiccan, the first thing I hear "Oh, so you kill cats" or "you drink blood" but then again, I'm from South Africa so I'm not so sure as to how relevant this is in the international context.

)O(

[WiccanTexan]

I'm sure folks here in the U.S. here that too.

[BaphometsUnholySon]

How wierd...

Since SA has a major Pagan Fed...

[WiccanTexan]

???

[livingsoul12066]

I haven't had to explain it in so long, I'm not sure what I'd do! The only people who don't know are my aunts/cousins/grandparents. They're all very conservative and very Christian, so I guess I'd just give them a text-book explanation. Something like "Paganism is a nature-based religion, I do not believe in Satan, I do not dance naked under the full moon."

I think that covers all the bases.

[raphael3712]

But dancing naked under the full moon is so much fun. LOL.

[livingsoul12066]

XD I'm certain it is, but I haven't done it yet. I have danced topless at a Beltane ceremony, but while the moon was full that night, we were inside.

[bewitchedfox]

This is my usual response, "Wicca is a nature based religion. Nature is (basically)our church. We believe in practicing 'Harm to None'. We believe in both a God and a Goddess. They are both equal just like everything in this life has a male and female aspect. We do not encourage sacrifices or any cult behavior. We just love and honor what blessings the God and Goddess have given to us in our lives. We show respect of that through the full moon rituals and the holiday rituals."

[itwaschris]

IF you have such a dandy religion, why isnt there even ONE Wiccan who has the courage to address the valid criticisms of wiccans. Why do you ignore people who criticize your hypocrisy and racism and only acknowledge criticism that's easy to answer? Why doesn't "harm no one" apply to non-White people who don't like you appropriating their religious practices? Why isn't it harm when your victims aren't White like you?

[ThePowerFunt]

must be tougher in the US on pagans/wiccans than it is in the UK...most pubs have at least one Wiccan (as in, I don't know anywhere to drink where I cannot have a beer and a chat with a Wiccan) and in Aus, no one ever freaked out over anything really (but I am a country boy at heart). You reckon GWBush will ever convert?

[WiccanTexan]

I don't think it's any tougher here, it's just that the feminist movement (IMHO here) has made Wicca seem like a counterculture movement, and we're still overcoming that image.

[painsey]

i had some crap off a local vicar years ago before i was wiccan he phoned the police saying that i use severed horses heads in satanic rituals in the local cemetery at night ony because i had a pack of tarot cards

[bicclookfrmwiccbks]

I have been contemplating on coming out. But you see I don't really fit the Wiccan mold of today. You see I am being trained in a Tradition that is somewhat different than modern day Wicca. Not to be elitist or anything...but I have to say...to explain the things I practice and why would be a mouthful to a non-traditional non-pagan. How exactly do I explain secrecy and my oath and dedication and elevation and "oh I can't tell you what I do in the Coven"? You know...it just seems too hard to say.

[mheit22]

I find simply saying that I Worship the earth and all life cut out a lot of the scarieness. I am not nessesarily a wiccan, I rather like the term Pagan, but what ever you say, say it with a amile. It helps put people at ease.

[WiccanTexan]

Our own Trad is not, in many ways, your garden-variety Wicca. Explain it simply; WHY it's secret.

[bicclookfrmwiccbks]

Thanks for this. I guess I could explain *why* I can't give out information. That way they can feel at ease and not feel all worried about my practices. WHY is it Secret? Simple: It is because it Is. ;)

[MaximumCheeseage]

I have a few pagan friends, but I don't really think they've had many bad reactions from people, I just guess it depends on how well you know the people, how well they know you and what their beliefs are.

It's like, if you were "coming out" to a strict Christian, they might not take it too well, but I think most people would be understanding of it.

[WiccanTexan]

@bicclookfrmwiccbks - Our Trad is somewhat different as well. Just tell them the basics - that there are some things that remain secret because they are meant to have a psychological spiritual impact. Gather some general information about the ideas of oaths, dedication etc and let them know you are honorbound about the specifics. Most people don't want details anyhow; they just want to satisfy basic curiosity.

[jimsim3]

I wish we could separate Spirituality and religion. Religion to me is man made why Spirituality made man. Two completely different concepts really.But in this case we know which come first. It question of balance not faith. Freak them out every time. /|\

[Teknobard357]

My only truly negative experiences (with the exception of some truly willful, ignorant high school students back when I was a high-schooler) have been with other evangelicals, though I have found that most christians in my area, most people who actually believe anyway and don't just go to church and say they're christian, are very active proselytizers. Does being agressively proselytized to count as a negative experience, cuz then I can count a good number in my life....

[av1497]

that gets a f ck off from me but most things do if i dont feel like arguing

[MercysHollow]

I'm the type that doesn't like to make trouble I am the type to walk away. That's what I do. I am learning to take a stand.

I just hate conflict.

[MercysHollow]

Many of my co workers, most who were christian came to my defense.

I now work with kids in my new job. I stay clear from letting anyone know my beliefs.

You never know how a parent will react. The parents like me a lot. I don't want them to change their opinion on me.

I find myself slipping my pentacle in my shirt (it's about the size of a nickel)

If I see them in public. Like I posted on your other video I'm not in the closet but not quite out either!

[WiccanTexan]

I had the same experience; Christian friends supporting me at work. Parents never really gave me a problem; just one, but they were OK once we explained things.

[MercysHollow]

My fist negitive response was at work. I wasn;t too open but it got out. We had an older gentleman who worked there who was a Born-Again When finding out I was Pagan he asked me if my whole family was like this or just me. (see his wife was a friend of my Moms)I guess he didn't want his wife around people like me!

Another Younger co worker who was attending bible school saw me outside of work. I did have my pentacle on her pointed at it and straight out said "I don't like that"

[WiccanTexan]

What was your response?

[Neopagan2007]

Thanks for the video! I'll get a few of my experiences together in a video or I'll post them here soon. I've been so busy the last few weeks. Thanks again!

[WiccanTexan]

Looking forward to it!