Thank you so much for posting this video. This will help me a LOT. As I as making an effort to travel deeper in the Wiccan path, I find there are road bumps. I have "come out of the broom closet" to my mother. But somehow (she or I have not told anyone else) the rest of my family (on my moms side and Christian) now think i worship the devil and tease me about it and say stuff like "Why are you a witch, thats for little kids, its not a fairy tale." My moms mother thinks I sacrifice and hang chi
I was in a knife fight because of being pagan. This guy went nuts and tried to stab me! >=\. I ended up taking the knife away but his leg was punctured in the process. Mind you I was volunteering at a homeless shelter at the time.. All because he thought my pendant was "satanic". The staff never really treated me the same again. Some people are just rotten. However, I don't let things like that change my peaceful attitude toward others. )O(
I've been married to my christian husband for 5 years, he knew I was pagan before we married. We've never let our difference of religion get in the way. We've openly raised our children allowing them to choose their path for themselves. People can put religious differences aside, we're living proof of that.
First say I liked the video. I hope I will be able to do the same after I've been an active Druid for more than 20 years. I will say that I am encountering a lot more negative outlooks toward Paganism despite keep the mindset you suggest. They tend to be more dismissive than aggressive. Also, we also need to be aware of cultural attitudes. I was very open in the states. Here in Nicaragua as a Peace Corps volunteer, expressing my religious views, no matter how calmly could be dangerous.
@WhiteDragon1989 - My suggestions are more geared towards living here in the United States; obviously it's not going to work as well elsewhere. :) All we can do is the best we can with our particular situation and environment in mind.
@WiccanTexan@jocelynmmlkuntz I know this is almost a year late, but I'm sorry for the rude comment that was posted. Someone hacked into my account and put horrible comments on a lot of people's videos. I never check my YouTube mail, so I didn't realize the stuff that was posted from "me". I'm not judgemental against anyone's religion. Again, I'm really sorry.
@thewitchesmind I am sorry to hear that such hate has been focused on your family; I cannot even fathom how emotional it must be. However I must say that not all Christians are as mediæval others. I wish you and your family the best.
My son had his nose broken by some kids that were his friends before knowing he was not a Christian, He was harassed everydayat school and at home. These children didn't know what religion we were, they only knew we were NOT Christian. Eggs were thrown at our house, one child even tried to set my son on fire! Yelling Devil worshiper every time we were seen out side . The school nor the police would consider these a hate crime, I truly hate Christians. I hope they all burn in their own Hell.
@thewitchesmind I can understand your hate (I'm not Christian, seeking to become a Wiccan), but hating all Christians wouldn't do anything but have negative impact on you, and possibly the ones you love. Moving out might be a better alternative, and maybe even seeking refuge in a Northern (more liberal) state if you live in the US.
I'm glad there are people like you. I watched this video when I was still in the broom closet. But on May 2nd, 2011 I participated in Pagan Coming Out Day, and even though its only been a little over 2 weeks, I'm proudly living as a public pagan. So far I've really only had curiosity and one Christian proselytizing, but other than that it seems people don't care or don't mind. I don't know what I was so afraid of! BB, sister.
@firegirlemtcop Haha, I'm not even Wiccan, planning on switching from Agnostic Theist if everything goes alright, but I already told my mom (who is a lay catholic) and her reaction was not as bad as when I told her I became an atheist and didn't believe in god anymore (like 1-2 years ago). She just basically said "ok, but I don't like the pictures I see about Witches", all I said was "Mom.. those pictures probably are stereotyped" Haha, I was actually very happy and surprised at her reaction.
@firegirlemtcop - I posted about your comment (didn't use your name) on my Facebook, and so many people were thrilled to hear about such a positive experience! Thanks so much for sharing it!
@WiccanTexan Awesome. Glad my experience can be shared. I'm about 3 months out now, and still haven't had any negative reactions. Wearing my pent at work has allowed me to meet a few customers and one co-worker that are like-minded and otherwise would never have known. I do know others who have had less positive experiences, but geography has some to do with it. Blessings, friends.
@firegirlemtcop - I'm building a WordPress site that will focus on positive feedback about pagans coming out. I'd like to include your 2 comments. Do I have your permission, and may I use your YouTube screen name on them?
i need not defend myself for it is on me, i am pagan and if you don't like it oh well. look i don't even bring up my religion cause it is mine and i have my truth it matters not what others think.if some one sees my pent and asks i explain calmly and clearly what i know, not believe or think but know. they need not listen if they so choose.
i need not defend myself for it is on me, i am pagan and if you don't like it oh well. look i don't even bring up my religion cause it is mine and i have my truth it matters not what others think.if some one sees my pent and asks i explain calmly and clearly what i know, not believe or think but know. they need not listen if they so choose
Thanks so much for this! I'm new to paganism and live in a place where religion and theology are very hot-button topics. I've always remained painfully secretive about what I believe, but this video has given me much thought about whether or not that level of secrecy is necessary, even where I live.
About presenting yourself defensively. My husband made the mistake in the waiting room while I was in a same day surgery of telling a woman what I was. She came back and told her husband (while my nurse was with him) that I was getting 'God's punishment'. When the nurse came to me, she dropped her clipboard on my bad leg, talked to me like dirt and blew my vain (and blamed it on me). This is my fault?
About presenting yourself defensively. My husband made the mistake in the waiting room while I was in a same day surgery of telling a woman what I was. She came back and told her husband (while the nurse was with him) that I wasgetting 'God's punishment'. When the nurse came to me, she dropped her clipboard on my bad leg, talked to me like dirt and blew my vain (and blamed it on me). This is my fault?
A great message....strange thing is that I was totally distracted by the oil lamps on the right which I have on my coffee table! LOL Set of three....very nice :-)
hello, thank you so much for your post. very intriguing indeed. i can relate so much, been studying my pagan beliefs since i was 16 i am 35 now yes i have met the negitive side of people falsely acussing me of crimes and all that, but most encounters are very positive and open. those who want to be negitive i just wear a smile and let me rant and rave and yell, i just tell them iam willing to share what i believe in if you wish to know, they usually leave and cuse at me.
Nice video. Unfortunately I live in what is called the "bible-belt" and I have been physically attacked, threatened several times, and one person even said "god" told him to kill me. I am not wiccan, but I am of the craft and I respect all of my brothers and sisters of the craft. I subscribed btw. ^^
Thank you for posting this video. I'm having trouble with being public about my paganism in school, let alone my dabbling in the occult. I mean, how would people react if you told them you read occult literature and were a magi? I can't help but feel the reaction would be negative, especially since I live in the south... But regardless, any input would be nice.
@mangamania93 i first told my best friend, and now she says that shes part pagan in her beliefs as well. in one pshe lesson we were supposed to make posters and i wrote 'wiccan' on it. my teacher asked everyone in the class if anyone was wiccan in a tone that suggested that she was surprised that no one was, so i told her i was and it was great. i told a couple of people in my class, but they thought it was really cool, but i was lucky because some were hindu and had similar godess beliefs.
@lewisgunner1 I cannot speak for the pagan community as a whole or for wiccantexan either. A lot of pagans say that they believe in a Goddess and a God. Some, myself included use the personifications of the different pantheons such as the Greek and Roman Gods/Goddesses.
As a public Pagan in the dreaded, 'Bible Belt,' I can honestly say I've never had a problem (knock on wood). I find more animosity on the internet and I have a feeling that an awful lot of those were trolls with nothing better to do than piss off the first group of folks they could find. On the other hand, a particular acquaintance of mine feels constantly persecuted and I think it might have, oh I dunno, SOMETHING to do with her obvious hostility towards Christians.
I've been a solitary practitioner for a while, and I find it's pretty easy to stay low-key without being totally "in the broom closet." I tend to only discuss it when it's relevant.
But a few times I've brought it up, I've been occasionally surprised to meet others on the same path.
@Tobsy1981 A faith in no faith is still a faith. Whether you believe or not. Hence, you can't "grow up" out of faith. And your just as bad as Christians. Your trying to make other beliefs look bad, and yours to look superior.
My parents know im pagan and they support me, but they won't let me say anything even 2 my best friend!!!I want to be open about my beliefs and wear pentacles with out my mom scolding me!What should I do!
What a wonderful video. Thank you for sharing your perspective with others. We need more people like you in this world. Pagans, like Christians, etc... should all be able to feel accepted in a social setting, no one should be ashamed of wearing their symbol of faith or perspective. Everyone can learn from this video by realizing that we are all essentially on the same journey, and that we can, and should, accept eachother as equals, no matter what our disagreements might be. ~ Blessings to you.
@MistressDivine My first comment was i thougt pagen /witchcraft youtube was a cult for white intellectuals. now that you brought up chistianity, Christianity after 300A.D. is a transmografacation of itself and paganism. true christianity is more like Judeism
@syby1112 - When people look for their spiritual roots, they tend to go searching in their personal family history. Paganism as evidenced in Wicca and related faiths originated in white-dominated Europe. Others will find their roots in Africa, Asia and connect accordingly. It's just basic ancestral history. As for "intellectuals," those who seek tend to be deeper thinkers than the sheeple who just stay in their rut.
@WiccanTexan ok question; you mention Wicca and related faiths as originating in a white-dominated Eurpoe and that other will find their roots in Africa, Asia and connect "accordingly" as you further explain however heres the thing; what about those who are of mixed heritages and also the fact that so many wiccans, pagans and witches are totally from non-european or female background?? this also applies to whites who "connect" to non-european relgions and feel "connection"? please explain?
@kahetel13 I am of Germanic, Celtic, Roman and (minutely) Hungarian descent. Thus, I have studied the ways of all three peoples, Hungarian being the weirdest there (not Indo-European, but I don't have room to talk about that here) and meld my personal brand of paganism with the "old ways" as well as my own modern equilibrium. I think that's really the only way to be pagan nowadays, seeing as the vast majority of the "old ways" have been lost to time.
@kahetel13 From what little I know of Native American religion & world views, they are remarkably similar to the fragments of European paganism. I would assume that, given enough evidence that what European pagans do is healthy, non-Europeans would want to take up such ways. However, it's equally as likely (probably more so) that non-Europeans would want to take up their own pre-Christian/Muslim ways, as they would no doubt feel more connected to something from their own culture.
@kahetel13 As for the "old ways," you've just identified the problem. The available sources for paganism range from sparse to non-existant. For example, Snorri's Prose Edda (Icelandic) gives a few stories, including a creation myth and a sort of "doomsday" myth (though not quite that). What has been lost would be the actual religious practices, or any non-Icelandic views.
@kahetel13 Well, I think you're a little mistaken on the African witchcraft point- the witchcraft referred to here is Wicca, which is a form of neo-paganism based on Germanic and Celtic paganism. As to why non-Europeans might take up Wicca or other forms of European paganism, I really don't know. I can only speak for myself, and I'm 100% of European descent. Then again, as I mentioned, I have a feeling that other religions might be similar, and lessons could definitely be learned from them.
I like this post good job i am 18 i have been pagan since i was 15 but i don't do as you say reading to protect myself yet i still get negative reactions in my town constantly when i publicly display my religion I wish that churches would teach some proper things on Pagan religion
@WiccanTexan their is no reason a church should not teach it some are willing to lie and insult other religions feed young children venom and teach them to hate they need to fix themselves bring thoes nice priests that apparently exsist
ah,the christians show their true colours again.there is only room for one god and it isn't anybody else's version.this god of yours seems to be a very jealous fellow,we pagans are happy to make room for all faiths
Thank you for this. :) Though I do think that on a large level it depends where someone comes from, and how, erm, radical the native Christians/whatever else are. I, personally, don't bring it up unless it's relevant because it's not worth the trouble, but if I got asked I would say what I am.
I don't think it helps overmuch that the media (less now, but) has a habit of demonising or caricaturing minority faiths.
@ofthefaeries No its not like there isn't a lot of brainwashing occult symbolism in programs, movies and music much is there? Not all Christians are baptist lunatics and you can be saved by God in any faith, when u realise you have been deceived. Unless you knowing worship the lawless one, like most occultists.
'morning star', you attempt to confuse rightousness with pride, you are a fool and a bigger fool for having a name referring to the 'son of the morning star', a Biblical reference to Satan. Nice try loser.
'..they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.'
@Gavinwr75 - Revelation 22:16, "I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, [and] the bright and morning star."
@imatrollu2yayz there are no contradiction between the Bible and truth. The Bible is the source of truth for man not deceiving spirits or false doctrines you little man/woman.
@Gavinwr75 lmao, she's open toward others not believing what she does, she's kind to them, she doesn't judge christians or other non-wiccans. and then there's you.... yeah, the one comment you can thing to type is telling her all about how "evil" her religion is. you just can't take the fact that, just maybe, there are people out there who are not interested in your religion. so who is the proud, wrathful, and hateful one here?
Thank you for your clearly-pronounced video. While I held in my mind that one should be confident in displaying their belief, I never really took it to heart. Hearing that open disdain for my beliefs is lower than I believed is strengthening. Blessed be.
Why do you even bother to practice any faith when evolution and modern physics shows that God (or Goddesses) are irrelevant in the scheme of things? We know we evolved from genderless organisms, and that gender was an adaptive accident, so why worship anthropomorphic, gendered deities when gender is a purely human concept? Note the difference between concept of gender and the fact of gender.
@thoughtform21 - God/desses are merely cultural manifestations of the forces of nature. They're not real beings up on a cloud somewhere. We simply put what is beyond our human comprehension (which even you must admit, we know and understand only a fraction of the laws of physics) and personify them. Science is very much a part of my faith; I do not separate the two. It doesn't matter as much to me HOW I got here, as to the fact that I'm here.
@WiccanTexan Well said. This is something I have to explain to people often to those who ask me. You are a strong, intelligent woman. I bet you'd make a wonderful politician. I enjoyed your vid. Blessed be.
hello my friend, i enjoyed your video very enlightening and informative, i myself having a irish mexican background both grandfather from both sides of the family telling me to always respec the teachings of our ancestors both celtic and aztec. and i love it all. i have books on pagan/wiccan/druidry/ancient indians of mexico, the more i read the more i learn of others and myself.
I can sympathize with reactions in a predominantly christian nation. I'm an atheist, except we have science as our backer.. the faithful hate to hear the facts
Christians will handle conversations.... when it's a family member who is suddenly pagan and very aggressive...and isolates themselves...and drinks every night... and when we try to talk... she claims we are disrespecting her beliefs.
@Rainy64 - Yes, those are the pagans who are still running FROM something, rather than towards. They perceive Christianity as the enemy, the reason for the emptiness they are feeling, rather than simply a faith that did not connect with them. It's a "them vs us" mentality. Any Christian becomes a symbol of what is wrong in their life, and any challenge or question to their pagan journey becomes, to them, a disrespecting of that journey.
@ Rainy64 - (con't) It really isn't personal; they still haven't come to terms with what made them flee to begin with. Until they face that objectively and honestly, you will remain the enemy in their eyes. Sorry to say, that's just the dynamics of it all.
I am a Scandinavian Heathen. I feel that your issues being wiccan are connected to my issues being Heathen. I am open about my faith and I have never been accused of the negative stereotypes. It is refreshing to see someone who does not fit the negative stereotypes such as yourself. I try really hard to be an upstanding citizen and find that since I don't come off like a wierdo or a racist, no one calls me a wierdo or a racist.
@RagnarKraki I think pagans/heathens share a commonaility with others who don't follow the mainstream - there are stereotypes in place that we really have to make a conscious effort to overcome.
The first time I admitted to being a witch was to a Johovas Witness. I thought they'd launch into a big long god lecture but they didnt. They handed me a few leaflets and asked me questions about what I belived in.
Majorly they were grateful that I took the tme out of my day to talk to them, they so often get the door slammed in their face and people not interested.
The hardest people to tell are certain friends who tried to tell ME what pagans belived in.
@bella6661muerte - We had a nice long discussion with some Witnesses a few months ago about being pagan. They were spooked at first, but to their credit they didn't flee.
@ItsSnottyBee if I were you I would look for a new age store near you, a lot of New age stores teach classes, some dealing with that difference. Good luck!
@ItsSnottyBee - Paganism is a broad umbrella term that basically encompasses all belief systems and religions that are non-Abrahamic. Wicca is a specific religion that falls under that umbrella.
you speak alot of sense, i do a religious studies course at a christian university and on my course we have all sorts of beliefs and attitudes and i have mentioned about being pagan and the overwhelming response was interest and inquisitiveness, only had one bad reaction, and even they are not aggressive about, but use if losing a debate with me, lol.
I am not secretly pagan, but I've never seen many times to bring up my religon. I got into a talk with one guy in class becaus he's intrested in talking to other pepole about thier diffrent belifs. Honestly I don't even know of many ways that the conversation would be brought up anyway. Most pepole however don't really care one way or the other about what religon anyon is. You offer an older wisdom to this, most pagans I see are teenagers or in thier twentys.
I am a North Carolina Pagan/Wiccan/Druid. I lost my teaching job by not hiding enough. I don't really hide, I am just not in your face about it. I love you vid, you did a great job. You go sister-btw I am 51 and my kids schools know.
Awesome video!!!! I appreciate this as I am newly open about my paganism, am studying to be ordained, and am planning on working in the interfaith community. May you continue to give us pearls of wisdom and my She and He bless you and keep you in Light and Love!!!
@Enzo012 - I've never been accused of being a tree-hugger in 20+ years of being publicly pagan. And even if they did, so what? The uneducated ignorance of others is no excuse for not being true to yourself.
@MegaBradybunch - Paganism is not a religion unto itself. The theory of the "underground witchcraft/pagan religion" has been debunked for a good 20 years now. The symbolism you speak of was during the merge of pagan and Christian beliefs.
@MegaBradybunch - No, just defiantly reading documented history. I recommend "The Triumph of the Moon - A History of Modern Pagan Witchcraft" by Ronald Hutton, history professor at the University of Bristol.
hi WiccanTexan, your experience with being openly pagan might be different than others' depending on where you live. living close to most large cities in the usa would probably mean (but not guarantee) more people will be open-minded about your religion. if you live in a small town in the bible belt, however, you might have a rougher time of it
@FluffyFeralMarmot - Very true. I can only speak from my own experience. However, I do know that being here in south Texas, "Bush country," having relatively little conflict is significant enough to point out. I have found that many pagans who run into trouble around every corner also tend to be looking for it to begin with, consciously or subconsciously. I encourage folks to look objectively at their own behavior first before blaming an outside "discrimination."
This has helped me alot. since ive grown up with pagan/wicca in my family. but i really dont see eye to eye on exactly what they belive. so i took my own path. i dont have dietys or (god or goddess) is this ok
@WiccanTexan thanks lol cuz like ive been told that no "dietys" is no religion but i see differnt plus i like it more this why and ive meet plenty of pagans that dont have dietys lol
So pagans/wiccans boil down to people who choose to believe whatever imaginative notions enter their delusional heads, not unsimilar to the monotheistic religions, i note -- correct?
Hmm. See, I like the idea of transposing nature over human god/goddess icons, because it turns direction away from just humans, and to the spectrum of awareness of our planet. But behind that, it's a fucking personality cult.
Am I wrong? I'd love a logical explanation broken down to me if I'm wrong..
Wiccans are pagan, but not all pagans are Wiccan. Wicca is a religion with specific tenets, so it's got a structure. Paganism is filled with both intellectuals and "foo-foo light bunnies," so you are at least partially right on that count. ;) What do you feel is a "personality cult" - Wicca or paganism?
The motivation to attach oneself to either of these vague belief systems, which seem often contradictory and nonconcrete -- basically, the fact they were construed before the intricate study of the natural world via scientific method, shows.. The positive thing about the many gods "natural magick" spiel, is it's denial of western cultured based on the invalidity of the Judaeo-Christian model, in favor of something more ancient and more sacred, nature.
But basically, I'd like to know what the "intellectual" case for either wiccan or paganism belief systems is, for I have yet to hear it articulated in a rational way as of yet. There's so many various sects which fit into "paganism", Wiccan only being one, that it's a daunting field of study. The Druids, the germanic tribes, the "country bumpkins" of the Holy Roman Empire, etc .. What does it all come down to? Many Gods? Nature as transcendent towards the notion of dieties?
thanks 4 ur advice. i already wear my pentacle around school (its not exactly a pentalce. its got sort of a cresent moon with celtic designs inside it and then a pentacle off to the side of that), and ppl have commented on it, but they obviously dont know what it is. they just assume it represents the moon and stars. it does, in a sense, i guess. but thats not the main thing it represents. anyway, thx again :)
i was the only pagan at my school when i was young but nobody really cared. So fr me being open is fairly easy
origionalpagan 6 days ago
im gay so nobody has really focused on me being pagan XD
crystalline721 1 week ago
chickens and do hexes, and i have yet to change her mind. I really do hope my family will somehow in the future accept me as who i am.
KindaIshh 1 month ago
Thank you so much for posting this video. This will help me a LOT. As I as making an effort to travel deeper in the Wiccan path, I find there are road bumps. I have "come out of the broom closet" to my mother. But somehow (she or I have not told anyone else) the rest of my family (on my moms side and Christian) now think i worship the devil and tease me about it and say stuff like "Why are you a witch, thats for little kids, its not a fairy tale." My moms mother thinks I sacrifice and hang chi
KindaIshh 1 month ago
@hayleeneal ='D
illFatedShadow 2 months ago
I was in a knife fight because of being pagan. This guy went nuts and tried to stab me! >=\. I ended up taking the knife away but his leg was punctured in the process. Mind you I was volunteering at a homeless shelter at the time.. All because he thought my pendant was "satanic". The staff never really treated me the same again. Some people are just rotten. However, I don't let things like that change my peaceful attitude toward others. )O(
illFatedShadow 2 months ago 3
@illFatedShadow Glad to hear you don't let those types of situations color your attitude overall.
WiccanTexan 2 months ago
Comment removed
ragdoll485 1 month ago
@illFatedShadow Shame the guy didn't manage.
Colton8646 1 week ago
I've been married to my christian husband for 5 years, he knew I was pagan before we married. We've never let our difference of religion get in the way. We've openly raised our children allowing them to choose their path for themselves. People can put religious differences aside, we're living proof of that.
hayleeneal 2 months ago 7
@hayleeneal That's outstanding!
WiccanTexan 2 months ago
This was a wonderful video, very helpful. Thanks for the upload!
starcrossedvoyager1 2 months ago
First say I liked the video. I hope I will be able to do the same after I've been an active Druid for more than 20 years. I will say that I am encountering a lot more negative outlooks toward Paganism despite keep the mindset you suggest. They tend to be more dismissive than aggressive. Also, we also need to be aware of cultural attitudes. I was very open in the states. Here in Nicaragua as a Peace Corps volunteer, expressing my religious views, no matter how calmly could be dangerous.
WhiteDragon1989 2 months ago
@WhiteDragon1989 - My suggestions are more geared towards living here in the United States; obviously it's not going to work as well elsewhere. :) All we can do is the best we can with our particular situation and environment in mind.
WiccanTexan 2 months ago
Enjoyed this a great deal. Literally, my only problem is that I find my head tilting to the side as you lean. XD Sorry.
Rynadrin 4 months ago
@Rynadrin LOL! I have slight scoliosis so I guess I tend to lean if I'm not paying attention; never noticed that before!
WiccanTexan 2 months ago
"The Olde' Ways of the Wise"!!!
Better known as Witch/Pagan...
btw!)o(666~69
PAGANGRL69 4 months ago
@WiccanTexan @jocelynmmlkuntz I know this is almost a year late, but I'm sorry for the rude comment that was posted. Someone hacked into my account and put horrible comments on a lot of people's videos. I never check my YouTube mail, so I didn't realize the stuff that was posted from "me". I'm not judgemental against anyone's religion. Again, I'm really sorry.
9nati1 6 months ago
Comment removed
Macleery 6 months ago
Nice video. Blessings.
arieswitch376 7 months ago
So True. Too much defence instead of positive.
paganowl 7 months ago
@thewitchesmind I am sorry to hear that such hate has been focused on your family; I cannot even fathom how emotional it must be. However I must say that not all Christians are as mediæval others. I wish you and your family the best.
InvaderxxFreak 7 months ago
My son had his nose broken by some kids that were his friends before knowing he was not a Christian, He was harassed everydayat school and at home. These children didn't know what religion we were, they only knew we were NOT Christian. Eggs were thrown at our house, one child even tried to set my son on fire! Yelling Devil worshiper every time we were seen out side . The school nor the police would consider these a hate crime, I truly hate Christians. I hope they all burn in their own Hell.
thewitchesmind 8 months ago
@thewitchesmind I can understand your hate (I'm not Christian, seeking to become a Wiccan), but hating all Christians wouldn't do anything but have negative impact on you, and possibly the ones you love. Moving out might be a better alternative, and maybe even seeking refuge in a Northern (more liberal) state if you live in the US.
FearedBliss 7 months ago 2
I'm glad there are people like you. I watched this video when I was still in the broom closet. But on May 2nd, 2011 I participated in Pagan Coming Out Day, and even though its only been a little over 2 weeks, I'm proudly living as a public pagan. So far I've really only had curiosity and one Christian proselytizing, but other than that it seems people don't care or don't mind. I don't know what I was so afraid of! BB, sister.
firegirlemtcop 9 months ago
@firegirlemtcop Haha, I'm not even Wiccan, planning on switching from Agnostic Theist if everything goes alright, but I already told my mom (who is a lay catholic) and her reaction was not as bad as when I told her I became an atheist and didn't believe in god anymore (like 1-2 years ago). She just basically said "ok, but I don't like the pictures I see about Witches", all I said was "Mom.. those pictures probably are stereotyped" Haha, I was actually very happy and surprised at her reaction.
FearedBliss 7 months ago
@FearedBliss - It's nice to get those unexpectedly positive responses!
WiccanTexan 6 months ago
@firegirlemtcop - I posted about your comment (didn't use your name) on my Facebook, and so many people were thrilled to hear about such a positive experience! Thanks so much for sharing it!
WiccanTexan 6 months ago
@WiccanTexan Awesome. Glad my experience can be shared. I'm about 3 months out now, and still haven't had any negative reactions. Wearing my pent at work has allowed me to meet a few customers and one co-worker that are like-minded and otherwise would never have known. I do know others who have had less positive experiences, but geography has some to do with it. Blessings, friends.
firegirlemtcop 6 months ago
@firegirlemtcop - I'm building a WordPress site that will focus on positive feedback about pagans coming out. I'd like to include your 2 comments. Do I have your permission, and may I use your YouTube screen name on them?
WiccanTexan 6 months ago
@WiccanTexan Absolutely, I am happy to be part of something. When you have the site built, will you please send me a link to it?
firegirlemtcop 6 months ago
Comment removed
Macleery 9 months ago
@Macleery - I have no idea what you just said.
WiccanTexan 6 months ago
i need not defend myself for it is on me, i am pagan and if you don't like it oh well. look i don't even bring up my religion cause it is mine and i have my truth it matters not what others think.if some one sees my pent and asks i explain calmly and clearly what i know, not believe or think but know. they need not listen if they so choose.
azmaracus 10 months ago
i need not defend myself for it is on me, i am pagan and if you don't like it oh well. look i don't even bring up my religion cause it is mine and i have my truth it matters not what others think.if some one sees my pent and asks i explain calmly and clearly what i know, not believe or think but know. they need not listen if they so choose
azmaracus 10 months ago
Thanks so much for this! I'm new to paganism and live in a place where religion and theology are very hot-button topics. I've always remained painfully secretive about what I believe, but this video has given me much thought about whether or not that level of secrecy is necessary, even where I live.
michelledowdle 10 months ago
@michelledowdle - Google "Pagan Coming Out Day." Their web site has a lot of good information and advice about being more open, if you so choose.
WiccanTexan 6 months ago
Do you believe in all the gods of all cultures (Celtic,Roman,Greek,Norse,etc;) as cultural personaes for the forces of nature?
SlimmShady6 10 months ago
@SlimmShady6 - Yes.
WiccanTexan 6 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
About presenting yourself defensively. My husband made the mistake in the waiting room while I was in a same day surgery of telling a woman what I was. She came back and told her husband (while my nurse was with him) that I was getting 'God's punishment'. When the nurse came to me, she dropped her clipboard on my bad leg, talked to me like dirt and blew my vain (and blamed it on me). This is my fault?
windrider2002 11 months ago
About presenting yourself defensively. My husband made the mistake in the waiting room while I was in a same day surgery of telling a woman what I was. She came back and told her husband (while the nurse was with him) that I wasgetting 'God's punishment'. When the nurse came to me, she dropped her clipboard on my bad leg, talked to me like dirt and blew my vain (and blamed it on me). This is my fault?
windrider2002 11 months ago 4
@windrider2002 - Sorry to hear you had a bad experience. However, remember to take each situation and person on their own merit.
WiccanTexan 6 months ago
A great message....strange thing is that I was totally distracted by the oil lamps on the right which I have on my coffee table! LOL Set of three....very nice :-)
Cats88310 11 months ago
hello, thank you so much for your post. very intriguing indeed. i can relate so much, been studying my pagan beliefs since i was 16 i am 35 now yes i have met the negitive side of people falsely acussing me of crimes and all that, but most encounters are very positive and open. those who want to be negitive i just wear a smile and let me rant and rave and yell, i just tell them iam willing to share what i believe in if you wish to know, they usually leave and cuse at me.
thank you blessed be
hanno21664 11 months ago
Nice video. Unfortunately I live in what is called the "bible-belt" and I have been physically attacked, threatened several times, and one person even said "god" told him to kill me. I am not wiccan, but I am of the craft and I respect all of my brothers and sisters of the craft. I subscribed btw. ^^
ikillyourgod 11 months ago
Very, very well done! You have done an amazing job.
witchami 1 year ago
Thank you for posting this video. I'm having trouble with being public about my paganism in school, let alone my dabbling in the occult. I mean, how would people react if you told them you read occult literature and were a magi? I can't help but feel the reaction would be negative, especially since I live in the south... But regardless, any input would be nice.
mangamania93 1 year ago
@mangamania93 - Can you be more specific?
WiccanTexan 6 months ago
@WiccanTexan word pagan is a mockery by yahwists. Why don't you use something better like "Old believers" or something
VendPrekmurec 6 months ago
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VendPrekmurec 6 months ago
@mangamania93 i first told my best friend, and now she says that shes part pagan in her beliefs as well. in one pshe lesson we were supposed to make posters and i wrote 'wiccan' on it. my teacher asked everyone in the class if anyone was wiccan in a tone that suggested that she was surprised that no one was, so i told her i was and it was great. i told a couple of people in my class, but they thought it was really cool, but i was lucky because some were hindu and had similar godess beliefs.
MizxBluexEyes 3 months ago
wait your pagan does that mean you believe in jupiter/zues and the Roman/Greek gods
lewisgunner1 1 year ago
@lewisgunner1 I cannot speak for the pagan community as a whole or for wiccantexan either. A lot of pagans say that they believe in a Goddess and a God. Some, myself included use the personifications of the different pantheons such as the Greek and Roman Gods/Goddesses.
witchami 1 year ago
@lewisgunner1 - Define "believe." Do I believe in them as literal beings, or as cultural personaes for the forces of nature?
WiccanTexan 11 months ago
As a public Pagan in the dreaded, 'Bible Belt,' I can honestly say I've never had a problem (knock on wood). I find more animosity on the internet and I have a feeling that an awful lot of those were trolls with nothing better to do than piss off the first group of folks they could find. On the other hand, a particular acquaintance of mine feels constantly persecuted and I think it might have, oh I dunno, SOMETHING to do with her obvious hostility towards Christians.
spaceylacey83 1 year ago 2
I've been a solitary practitioner for a while, and I find it's pretty easy to stay low-key without being totally "in the broom closet." I tend to only discuss it when it's relevant.
But a few times I've brought it up, I've been occasionally surprised to meet others on the same path.
Threetails 1 year ago
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You seem nice, paganism is still childish nonsense just as Christianity is, you guys really need to grow up.
Tobsy1981 1 year ago
@Tobsy1981 - How do you feel paganism is childish nonsense?
WiccanTexan 11 months ago
@WiccanTexan Ignore him/her. He/her has no hope in any spiritual form at this point in his/her life.
FearedBliss 7 months ago
@Tobsy1981 I am glad that you seem to know so much about Paganism.
setapartfromtherest 11 months ago
@Tobsy1981 A faith in no faith is still a faith. Whether you believe or not. Hence, you can't "grow up" out of faith. And your just as bad as Christians. Your trying to make other beliefs look bad, and yours to look superior.
jrrrm3 9 months ago
nice video :) Blessed Be xox
I too am a Wiccan Witch, :D
ScooterSam82 1 year ago
Please help!!!
My parents know im pagan and they support me, but they won't let me say anything even 2 my best friend!!!I want to be open about my beliefs and wear pentacles with out my mom scolding me!What should I do!
TwilightNight100 1 year ago
@TwilightNight100 - how old are you?
WiccanTexan 11 months ago
What a wonderful video. Thank you for sharing your perspective with others. We need more people like you in this world. Pagans, like Christians, etc... should all be able to feel accepted in a social setting, no one should be ashamed of wearing their symbol of faith or perspective. Everyone can learn from this video by realizing that we are all essentially on the same journey, and that we can, and should, accept eachother as equals, no matter what our disagreements might be. ~ Blessings to you.
garettgazay 1 year ago 4
@garettgazay - Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it.
WiccanTexan 1 year ago
i realy liked this video. Well done. Blessed be.
Adamstanleygoodrum 1 year ago
I looked around @ wiccan and pagan you tube. it seems like a cult for white intellectuals
syby1112 1 year ago
@syby1112 I am a African American Witch
MistressDivine 1 year ago
@MistressDivine Oh ! I'm sorry, i don't think you should admit that in the hood Some black folks might hold that against you.
syby1112 10 months ago
@syby1112 True but Christianity is nothing but rituals and sacrifice...sounds alot like witchcraft to me
MistressDivine 10 months ago
@MistressDivine My first comment was i thougt pagen /witchcraft youtube was a cult for white intellectuals. now that you brought up chistianity, Christianity after 300A.D. is a transmografacation of itself and paganism. true christianity is more like Judeism
syby1112 10 months ago
@syby1112 - When people look for their spiritual roots, they tend to go searching in their personal family history. Paganism as evidenced in Wicca and related faiths originated in white-dominated Europe. Others will find their roots in Africa, Asia and connect accordingly. It's just basic ancestral history. As for "intellectuals," those who seek tend to be deeper thinkers than the sheeple who just stay in their rut.
WiccanTexan 1 year ago 4
@WiccanTexan ok question; you mention Wicca and related faiths as originating in a white-dominated Eurpoe and that other will find their roots in Africa, Asia and connect "accordingly" as you further explain however heres the thing; what about those who are of mixed heritages and also the fact that so many wiccans, pagans and witches are totally from non-european or female background?? this also applies to whites who "connect" to non-european relgions and feel "connection"? please explain?
kahetel13 1 year ago
@kahetel13 I am of Germanic, Celtic, Roman and (minutely) Hungarian descent. Thus, I have studied the ways of all three peoples, Hungarian being the weirdest there (not Indo-European, but I don't have room to talk about that here) and meld my personal brand of paganism with the "old ways" as well as my own modern equilibrium. I think that's really the only way to be pagan nowadays, seeing as the vast majority of the "old ways" have been lost to time.
IXB34RXI 1 year ago
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kahetel13 1 year ago
@kahetel13 From what little I know of Native American religion & world views, they are remarkably similar to the fragments of European paganism. I would assume that, given enough evidence that what European pagans do is healthy, non-Europeans would want to take up such ways. However, it's equally as likely (probably more so) that non-Europeans would want to take up their own pre-Christian/Muslim ways, as they would no doubt feel more connected to something from their own culture.
IXB34RXI 1 year ago
@kahetel13 As for the "old ways," you've just identified the problem. The available sources for paganism range from sparse to non-existant. For example, Snorri's Prose Edda (Icelandic) gives a few stories, including a creation myth and a sort of "doomsday" myth (though not quite that). What has been lost would be the actual religious practices, or any non-Icelandic views.
IXB34RXI 1 year ago
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kahetel13 1 year ago
@kahetel13 Well, I think you're a little mistaken on the African witchcraft point- the witchcraft referred to here is Wicca, which is a form of neo-paganism based on Germanic and Celtic paganism. As to why non-Europeans might take up Wicca or other forms of European paganism, I really don't know. I can only speak for myself, and I'm 100% of European descent. Then again, as I mentioned, I have a feeling that other religions might be similar, and lessons could definitely be learned from them.
IXB34RXI 1 year ago
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kahetel13 1 year ago
@kahetel13 You know, I did say that I couldn't speak for others... Why don't you ask them?
IXB34RXI 1 year ago
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kahetel13 1 year ago
@IXB34RXI actually didnt look at who was asking so that my fault but, i wasnt speaking to you...
kahetel13 1 year ago
I like this post good job i am 18 i have been pagan since i was 15 but i don't do as you say reading to protect myself yet i still get negative reactions in my town constantly when i publicly display my religion I wish that churches would teach some proper things on Pagan religion
Azaell92 1 year ago 7
@Azaell92 - Churches won't teach it, that's not their job. Their function is to keep you with THEM.
WiccanTexan 1 year ago 2
@WiccanTexan their is no reason a church should not teach it some are willing to lie and insult other religions feed young children venom and teach them to hate they need to fix themselves bring thoes nice priests that apparently exsist
Azaell92 1 year ago
ah,the christians show their true colours again.there is only room for one god and it isn't anybody else's version.this god of yours seems to be a very jealous fellow,we pagans are happy to make room for all faiths
johnbarleycorn67 1 year ago 2
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Gavinwr75 1 year ago
Thank you for your perspective. I hope that more pagans watch this as they come on YT and finally see things from a different perspective. :)
rainbowseapagan 1 year ago
Thank you for this. :) Though I do think that on a large level it depends where someone comes from, and how, erm, radical the native Christians/whatever else are. I, personally, don't bring it up unless it's relevant because it's not worth the trouble, but if I got asked I would say what I am.
I don't think it helps overmuch that the media (less now, but) has a habit of demonising or caricaturing minority faiths.
ofthefaeries 1 year ago
@ofthefaeries No its not like there isn't a lot of brainwashing occult symbolism in programs, movies and music much is there? Not all Christians are baptist lunatics and you can be saved by God in any faith, when u realise you have been deceived. Unless you knowing worship the lawless one, like most occultists.
Gavinwr75 1 year ago
'morning star', you attempt to confuse rightousness with pride, you are a fool and a bigger fool for having a name referring to the 'son of the morning star', a Biblical reference to Satan. Nice try loser.
'..they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.'
Gavinwr75 1 year ago
@Gavinwr75 - Revelation 22:16, "I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, [and] the bright and morning star."
WiccanTexan 1 year ago 3
@Gavinwr75 Let's note your contradictions: You insult her by calling her a loser while talking about the Bible, Loser. EPIC FAILZ CAT IS AMUSED!
imatrollu2yayz 1 year ago
@imatrollu2yayz there are no contradiction between the Bible and truth. The Bible is the source of truth for man not deceiving spirits or false doctrines you little man/woman.
Gavinwr75 1 year ago
@Gavinwr75 Matt. 5:22 - And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.
AdventOctober 1 year ago
I am so glad that you are such an effective communicator! Thank you for being a respectful representative of the Pagan faith :)
PyroPete91 1 year ago 2
@PyroPete91 - Thank you for thinking so!
WiccanTexan 1 year ago
Heathen children of wrath. Proud sinners. Sun worshippers. Magic workers and other abysmal practices. Occult deceivers
Gavinwr75 1 year ago
@Gavinwr75 - "Mickey Mouse... Donald Duck! Mickey Mouse... Donald Duck!" I wish I could remember the rest of the words. Darn Disney.
WiccanTexan 1 year ago
@Gavinwr75 You've been wicked for 20 years?
Gavinwr75 1 year ago
@Gavinwr75 - 20+!
WiccanTexan 1 year ago
@Gavinwr75 lmao, she's open toward others not believing what she does, she's kind to them, she doesn't judge christians or other non-wiccans. and then there's you.... yeah, the one comment you can thing to type is telling her all about how "evil" her religion is. you just can't take the fact that, just maybe, there are people out there who are not interested in your religion. so who is the proud, wrathful, and hateful one here?
TheMorningStar1991 1 year ago
Nice video!!!!
kelticgod088 1 year ago
Nice video!!!!
kelticgod088 1 year ago
Thank you for your clearly-pronounced video. While I held in my mind that one should be confident in displaying their belief, I never really took it to heart. Hearing that open disdain for my beliefs is lower than I believed is strengthening. Blessed be.
Culturalheathen 1 year ago
@Culturalheathen - You're welcome. 20+ years have taught me that people CAN change their mindsets.
WiccanTexan 1 year ago
Wonderful!
Avrilcrazy455 1 year ago
Im sorry you are really confused. I will pray for u.
9nati1 1 year ago
@9nati1 - What do you feel I'm confused about?
WiccanTexan 1 year ago 5
Why do you even bother to practice any faith when evolution and modern physics shows that God (or Goddesses) are irrelevant in the scheme of things? We know we evolved from genderless organisms, and that gender was an adaptive accident, so why worship anthropomorphic, gendered deities when gender is a purely human concept? Note the difference between concept of gender and the fact of gender.
thoughtform21 1 year ago
@thoughtform21 - God/desses are merely cultural manifestations of the forces of nature. They're not real beings up on a cloud somewhere. We simply put what is beyond our human comprehension (which even you must admit, we know and understand only a fraction of the laws of physics) and personify them. Science is very much a part of my faith; I do not separate the two. It doesn't matter as much to me HOW I got here, as to the fact that I'm here.
WiccanTexan 1 year ago 16
@WiccanTexan Well said. This is something I have to explain to people often to those who ask me. You are a strong, intelligent woman. I bet you'd make a wonderful politician. I enjoyed your vid. Blessed be.
sheavepin 1 year ago
hello my friend, i enjoyed your video very enlightening and informative, i myself having a irish mexican background both grandfather from both sides of the family telling me to always respec the teachings of our ancestors both celtic and aztec. and i love it all. i have books on pagan/wiccan/druidry/ancient indians of mexico, the more i read the more i learn of others and myself.
thank you again for the video.
take care friend
hanno21664 1 year ago
I can sympathize with reactions in a predominantly christian nation. I'm an atheist, except we have science as our backer.. the faithful hate to hear the facts
Powerslave138 1 year ago
Christians will handle conversations.... when it's a family member who is suddenly pagan and very aggressive...and isolates themselves...and drinks every night... and when we try to talk... she claims we are disrespecting her beliefs.
Rainy64 1 year ago
@Rainy64 - Yes, those are the pagans who are still running FROM something, rather than towards. They perceive Christianity as the enemy, the reason for the emptiness they are feeling, rather than simply a faith that did not connect with them. It's a "them vs us" mentality. Any Christian becomes a symbol of what is wrong in their life, and any challenge or question to their pagan journey becomes, to them, a disrespecting of that journey.
WiccanTexan 1 year ago
@ Rainy64 - (con't) It really isn't personal; they still haven't come to terms with what made them flee to begin with. Until they face that objectively and honestly, you will remain the enemy in their eyes. Sorry to say, that's just the dynamics of it all.
WiccanTexan 1 year ago
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scribd (dot) com/nb812
DreamsofMajesty 1 year ago
I am a Scandinavian Heathen. I feel that your issues being wiccan are connected to my issues being Heathen. I am open about my faith and I have never been accused of the negative stereotypes. It is refreshing to see someone who does not fit the negative stereotypes such as yourself. I try really hard to be an upstanding citizen and find that since I don't come off like a wierdo or a racist, no one calls me a wierdo or a racist.
RagnarKraki 1 year ago
@RagnarKraki I think pagans/heathens share a commonaility with others who don't follow the mainstream - there are stereotypes in place that we really have to make a conscious effort to overcome.
WiccanTexan 1 year ago
The first time I admitted to being a witch was to a Johovas Witness. I thought they'd launch into a big long god lecture but they didnt. They handed me a few leaflets and asked me questions about what I belived in.
Majorly they were grateful that I took the tme out of my day to talk to them, they so often get the door slammed in their face and people not interested.
The hardest people to tell are certain friends who tried to tell ME what pagans belived in.
bella6661muerte 1 year ago
@bella6661muerte - We had a nice long discussion with some Witnesses a few months ago about being pagan. They were spooked at first, but to their credit they didn't flee.
WiccanTexan 1 year ago
@bella6661muerte JW are not Christian.
Rainy64 1 year ago
I'm an agnostic and am interested in Paganism and Wicca, and I'm actually doing some research and trying to distinguish between the two.
ItsSnottyBee 1 year ago
@ItsSnottyBee if I were you I would look for a new age store near you, a lot of New age stores teach classes, some dealing with that difference. Good luck!
mandachaos 1 year ago
@ItsSnottyBee - Paganism is a broad umbrella term that basically encompasses all belief systems and religions that are non-Abrahamic. Wicca is a specific religion that falls under that umbrella.
WiccanTexan 1 year ago
you speak alot of sense, i do a religious studies course at a christian university and on my course we have all sorts of beliefs and attitudes and i have mentioned about being pagan and the overwhelming response was interest and inquisitiveness, only had one bad reaction, and even they are not aggressive about, but use if losing a debate with me, lol.
TheBlondDaemon 1 year ago
@TheBlondDaemon - As a general rule, I've found that the reactions are polite interest, deeper interest or "oh, OK."
WiccanTexan 1 year ago
I am not secretly pagan, but I've never seen many times to bring up my religon. I got into a talk with one guy in class becaus he's intrested in talking to other pepole about thier diffrent belifs. Honestly I don't even know of many ways that the conversation would be brought up anyway. Most pepole however don't really care one way or the other about what religon anyon is. You offer an older wisdom to this, most pagans I see are teenagers or in thier twentys.
ImDiffrentSoWhat 1 year ago
I am a North Carolina Pagan/Wiccan/Druid. I lost my teaching job by not hiding enough. I don't really hide, I am just not in your face about it. I love you vid, you did a great job. You go sister-btw I am 51 and my kids schools know.
amethyst48 1 year ago
You are so bright and professional. It's good to have this "socially equal" face representing the wiccan community...even if this is youtube.
albritjc 1 year ago 2
@albritjc - Thank you! I usually taped right after work, because inspiration tends to come during the day.
WiccanTexan 1 year ago
lost secret of the stone age by richard rudgley.
also The burning times documentary here on You Tube. both excellent. your video on presentation is excellent.
Crowley said "neat but not gawdy".
thepixieful 1 year ago
Thank you for your video~
theAuroraLilyLauren 1 year ago
I love your video. I'm a Wiccan in Texas, too. What you're saying is so true! :)
AmericanPrincess109 1 year ago
@AmericanPrincess109 - What part of Texas?
WiccanTexan 1 year ago
@WiccanTexan Houston.
AmericanPrincess109 1 year ago
Awesome videos :)
Miizturi 1 year ago
Awesome video!!!! I appreciate this as I am newly open about my paganism, am studying to be ordained, and am planning on working in the interfaith community. May you continue to give us pearls of wisdom and my She and He bless you and keep you in Light and Love!!!
281melissa281 1 year ago
I'm a public atheist while keeping all the pagan stuff in the closet, I wouldn't want to be accused of tree huggery.
Enzo012 1 year ago
@Enzo012 - I've never been accused of being a tree-hugger in 20+ years of being publicly pagan. And even if they did, so what? The uneducated ignorance of others is no excuse for not being true to yourself.
WiccanTexan 1 year ago
Pagan is the Original Religion of all Europeans you will find Paganism symbolised in the Churches
MegaBradybunch 1 year ago
@MegaBradybunch - Paganism is not a religion unto itself. The theory of the "underground witchcraft/pagan religion" has been debunked for a good 20 years now. The symbolism you speak of was during the merge of pagan and Christian beliefs.
WiccanTexan 1 year ago
@WiccanTexan Sure it is you defiantly are misleading people
MegaBradybunch 1 year ago
@MegaBradybunch - No, just defiantly reading documented history. I recommend "The Triumph of the Moon - A History of Modern Pagan Witchcraft" by Ronald Hutton, history professor at the University of Bristol.
WiccanTexan 1 year ago
hi WiccanTexan, your experience with being openly pagan might be different than others' depending on where you live. living close to most large cities in the usa would probably mean (but not guarantee) more people will be open-minded about your religion. if you live in a small town in the bible belt, however, you might have a rougher time of it
FluffyFeralMarmot 1 year ago
@FluffyFeralMarmot - Very true. I can only speak from my own experience. However, I do know that being here in south Texas, "Bush country," having relatively little conflict is significant enough to point out. I have found that many pagans who run into trouble around every corner also tend to be looking for it to begin with, consciously or subconsciously. I encourage folks to look objectively at their own behavior first before blaming an outside "discrimination."
WiccanTexan 1 year ago
i wasn't trying to knock anything, im just saying being pagan and being public shouldn't be a big deal.
sonicsoul0 1 year ago
This is a great video! I hope you keep making more.
lensing123 1 year ago
im 16 so im alittle new at it still. lol
fubar2469 1 year ago
This has helped me alot. since ive grown up with pagan/wicca in my family. but i really dont see eye to eye on exactly what they belive. so i took my own path. i dont have dietys or (god or goddess) is this ok
fubar2469 1 year ago
@fubar2469 - Sure! Your personal spirituality is your own business.
WiccanTexan 1 year ago
@WiccanTexan thanks lol cuz like ive been told that no "dietys" is no religion but i see differnt plus i like it more this why and ive meet plenty of pagans that dont have dietys lol
fubar2469 1 year ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
witch paganism suks!
pakistanrules97 2 years ago
LOL! Define "witch paganism."
WiccanTexan 2 years ago
So pagans/wiccans boil down to people who choose to believe whatever imaginative notions enter their delusional heads, not unsimilar to the monotheistic religions, i note -- correct?
Hmm. See, I like the idea of transposing nature over human god/goddess icons, because it turns direction away from just humans, and to the spectrum of awareness of our planet. But behind that, it's a fucking personality cult.
Am I wrong? I'd love a logical explanation broken down to me if I'm wrong..
AllWalksofLife 2 years ago
Wiccans are pagan, but not all pagans are Wiccan. Wicca is a religion with specific tenets, so it's got a structure. Paganism is filled with both intellectuals and "foo-foo light bunnies," so you are at least partially right on that count. ;) What do you feel is a "personality cult" - Wicca or paganism?
WiccanTexan 2 years ago
@WiccanTexan
The motivation to attach oneself to either of these vague belief systems, which seem often contradictory and nonconcrete -- basically, the fact they were construed before the intricate study of the natural world via scientific method, shows.. The positive thing about the many gods "natural magick" spiel, is it's denial of western cultured based on the invalidity of the Judaeo-Christian model, in favor of something more ancient and more sacred, nature.
AllWalksofLife 2 years ago
@WiccanTexan sn't th need for any religio a personality cult?
sonicsoul0 2 years ago
very impressive video. outstanding ***** :)
HarperDearMilo 2 years ago
Thank you!
WiccanTexan 2 years ago
@WiccanTexan
But basically, I'd like to know what the "intellectual" case for either wiccan or paganism belief systems is, for I have yet to hear it articulated in a rational way as of yet. There's so many various sects which fit into "paganism", Wiccan only being one, that it's a daunting field of study. The Druids, the germanic tribes, the "country bumpkins" of the Holy Roman Empire, etc .. What does it all come down to? Many Gods? Nature as transcendent towards the notion of dieties?
AllWalksofLife 2 years ago
thanks 4 ur advice. i already wear my pentacle around school (its not exactly a pentalce. its got sort of a cresent moon with celtic designs inside it and then a pentacle off to the side of that), and ppl have commented on it, but they obviously dont know what it is. they just assume it represents the moon and stars. it does, in a sense, i guess. but thats not the main thing it represents. anyway, thx again :)
girlzluvanime 2 years ago
I have to say this is about the most intelligent thing I heard on this topic so far :)
only if it were always so easy..
Finwaell 2 years ago
If only, in an ideal world. I have only my own experience to draw from, and fortunately it's been pretty good so far.
WiccanTexan 2 years ago