Beliefs and Opinions

Beliefs and Opinions

I'm a firm believer in Chaos and am possibly (ha, definitely) a bit cynical of others and their intentions. If there's one thing I've learned, it's that people always have an angle, an alterior motive, no matter what they say. I, on the other hand, will try to be as open and direct as I possibly can, even at my own or other peoples expense. I'd rather be considered blunt and bitchy than a lemming.

But there is purpose in my bluntness. There is logic to my methods. If I don't choose to share them with you, then there's probably a reason for that, too.

What Not To Look For

I don't know what you've heard, or what you know, but Paganism and Witchcraft are not the Cure-Alls for all our ails in life (Nor are Paganism and Witchcraft solely mutually exclusive). Magick will not give you ultimate control of the world around you, you will not become Merlin or Morgain. But you will learn to flow with the balance of life around you, learn to navigate your path in life more freely, and learn compassion when others seem to have none.

Although finding your path may be difficult, I will guarantee that you will find a wealth of information and knowledge of the many different cultures intertwined under Paganisms umbrella of beliefs. But if you are seeking to over-power the world, then you're in the wrong place.

Rule #1 as a Pagan: We do not forcefully inflict our views on others as we prefer our quiet solitude and we undestand that secrecy is the key to all hidden knowledge. Do not out other Pagans, do not offer opinion as fact and most of all know what you believe and what you don't believe and why.

I will first start with a fact that seems to be over-looked more and more as days go by: Pagans are not all Wiccan but All Wiccans are Pagans.

Does this sound confusing? Well, it's a very important lesson on your path to truth and knowledge. So, I should explain.

Paganism is a bit like Christianity as they both have many branches within them. For Example, Christians are not all Catholics, yet all Cathoilcs are Christian. As such, Wicca is one of many branches withing the Pagan Belief System. And for the record, I am not Wiccan, I am Pagan.

I sincerely suggest you check further into Wicca, but keep in mind that this is a very positive path. Some great Authors to check out that are Wicca Specific are: Raymond Buckland, Gerald Gardiner, Scott Cunningham, among others.

I am what is called an Eclectic Pagan. What this basically means is that I take many beliefs from many religious branches and incorporate them all into a religious philosophy that works specifically for my personal beliefs and values. This is true religious freedom, in my opinion. It allows me to hold all religions as sacred as I will recongize that my Pagan beliefs also adhere to many other religious philosophies that may not be Pagan at all. All Paths Lead To The Same Centre. How you view them just depends on your perspective.

Also, perspective is a powerful force on it's own. If you work on patience and understanding the human soul, then you will allow yourself the ability to view a situation from multiple perspectives. This not only increases your abilities as a Pagan but will also help you in the greater scheme of life. And when we allow ourselves to be outside looking in, from every angle, we are better prepared to deal with any situation that may arise.

This subject is relative to one's perception. But I whole-heartedly believe that you will not have many results when using practical magic unless you believe in (a) your ability to cast, (b) have used your true intentions as your motivating energy, (c) and maintain both secrecy and an open mind about what you have cast.

In reference to (a), if you don't believe anything will come of your efforts into the realm of magic, chances are, nothing will happen. But this is true in most aspects of life. For instance, when learning sports, until you believe you are capable of catching that baseball, chances are, you'll shy away from it or miss it (the naturals are the one's who shy away, close their eyes and put out their arm only the unwittingly catch the ball, it happens, but it's not the majority of first time results). You can do what ever you put your mind to, as cliche as it might sound. But cliche catch phrases like this wouldn't pop up so often if they didn't hold some form of truth and wisdom.

There are many people who are unable to grasp this belief in oneself right away. For instance, certain religions believe that magic is evil. If you are converting to Paganism, then this may weigh in the back of your mind, making you feel naughty or ashamed, which if you think about it, is kind of silly. Love yourself, know yourself, be able to rely upon yourself spiritually. You have to start feeling more comfortable with following your instincts. I would most certainly recommend meditation for any one choosing to follow a Pagan path. Learning to work with your minds eye is a wonderful way to learn more about yourself as well. And a big part of Paganism is knowing yourself. I would also recommend yoga as this can help you learn more about working with your body (it's healthy for you, too). The more in tune you are with yourself you will find you are capable of far more than you may have realized.

Working with (b) Intention is very important to any spell casting. Your intention is what you will use to connect yourself to the powers that be (I prefer to call it the Universal Energy, or the All, but to each their own). Either way, if you believe in yourself and are motivated by something strong enough to want to cast, then you should be on your way to releasing a truly worth-while spell. But say your intention is either not positive or may not really be your true intention? For instance, you like a boy, you want him to like you too. A positive spell would be something to catch his eye, or bring yourself out to the foreground. A negative spell would be trying to cast a love spell. And if your thinking about trying to make some one love you, then that would fall under the false intentions header... When we look to control others, the real charge is in knowing you have the ability to do so. This is possible, but thinking that your doing it because you really want them to love you is just plain foolish. I could get way deep here but really, it's really all about common sense and knowing what's right and wrong. Pagans DO have morals and values, just like every one else.

In reference to (c), it is traditional that Solitary Pagans kept their casting to themselves, for several reasons. Reason #1, no one likes a braggart. Reason #2, the more people you tell, the more you are sabbotaging your spell. If some one catches wind of a spell you've cast, they are now in the know and cast counter, if they feel the need. Reason #3, the Burning Times are far from over my friends. To this day, we still face persecution from those who are closed minded, judgemental and believe that pushing faith on others is productive (although I've found such tactics to work quite the opposite). Reason #4, Witch Wars, where people who claim to be Pagan out actual Pagans for political, personal or other types of gain.

A Quick word on Witch Wars:

Witch Wars is actually quite a controversial topic within the Pagan Community. To some one such as myself, a Solitary which whom I share very little with a chosen few, I do have less to worry about. But sometimes, people are just plain catty and stubborn (and that is hardly something any one religion has the majority on, hard headed people, that is). Some Pagans are very serious in their craft. And Covens are wonderful places for certain people, but not for all. I have nothing, what so ever, against Covens. But as it is true in many other facets of life, so it is true with religion, some people are just more social than others, so the ability to work in groups comes more naturally to them. I'm a social person in my personal time, however, even at work, I do prefer to go solo when able. More than anything, it is merely a matter of personal preference. Solitary is not better, it's just different, and vice versa. But, it lends less outlets for those wishing to "infiltrate" your beliefs.

That is, essentially what a Witch War has boiled down to, infiltration. Once it was thought to be when one Witch uses Witchcraft against another (which would make sense, and actually has been known to happen. It's not a norm, but it is a possibility). Now, don't go getting paranoid here! Don't start thinking that every one is eventually going to turn against you at some point, because that is not the case. But like with any rivals, sometimes situations come to blows in one form or another, and for some Pagans, it's by spell craft. That would be an example of a Solitary Witch War (which can include outing, slandering, defaming and other nasty tactics to bully some one, and this is hardly something you only have to watch out for from Pagans).

But the term essentially has come to have a more nefarious implication when dealing with Covens. And from the, albeit, few Pagans I know who prefer to be a part of a Coven, it's not all that common. When it happens, however, it's encouraging people within one Coven to infiltrate another with the intention of causing harm by dethroning the current leader, creating a mutiny from within, or with the intention to be malicious by inciting chaos within a Coven's home. None of these are nice, nor should they be considered a civil manner to handle those we may strike up a rivalry with, regardless of whether they be Solitary or have a Coven Affiliation. Our beliefs should not be something to be manipulated, mishandled or twisted and bent. No one's beliefs should be subjected to that. We should each be free to choose what makes the most sense to us as individuals. And for any one to attack that, well, Karma will find them in the end.

I think what people of all walks of life need to come to understand is that we don't have the right to over power the beliefs of others. And in my personal experience, when someone gets to know you, then finds out your Pagan (enter any religion here, actually), if they already like you, chances are it won't really make much of a difference. You may even find they are curious and want to know more, but may not be sure how to bring it up (Awkward!). And many of us who have been drawn to Paganism have researched multiple religions already, or asked people about their faith, which helped us come to our chosen philosophy. It's our nature to be curious, but some people have been taught it's impolite.

I'm never afraid to be approachable. If I'm a good example of a good person who is Pagan to some one of another faith, then that alone starts to help break down the walls of segregation of religions. Sometimes, if you ask someone else about their faith, it breaks down the walls and information is gladly shared.

We people, all of us, can come off suspicious when it comes to one social topic/mannerism or another. We choose which walls to put up and which to take down. And of course, pick and choose your trusted companions wisely, always. But sometimes we need to let go a little in order to break stereotypes and be counted within our society. We tend to have such high ideals. But when we expect more from others than we are willing to give of ourselves, we aren't going to accomplish much, being part of the opposition. And never come out of the "Broom Closet" with anyone until you feel it's appropriate.

Modern Persecution: It's Not Just Against Pagans Anymore

(And it never really was to begin with)

First and foremost, every single religion on the planet has face persecution of one kind or another. All have faced having to hide or having to be defended. No religion is the main driving force against all others and no one religion is the only one being persecuted. Hence, my site being a Zero Tolerance Zone to any and all Religious vetting.

In the days of Christ, Roman, Greek, Egyptian and Judaism Beliefs were the main religions of the people (and that's within the, at the time, known world, and doesn't even touch upon the Germanic and Slavic religions forming to the north and to the west of the then known World. Let's not forget about the Eastern Philosophies of the times, either). In that era, even Jesus had to make a stand for the birth of Christianity to become recognized. Generations after which, Christians were still fighting to be recognized and respected, however, it had become more of a situation of "My Christian Theology Trumps Yours" between Protestant/Presbyterian versus the Catholic beliefs.

And of course I would like to think every one has learned (or will learn about) the Holy Wars called the Crusades that took place between 1000 - 1300 AD, during the Middle Ages. (Historians consider that between 1096 and 1291 there were seven major Crusades and numerous minor ones).

And although we know all about the Crusades, the Burning of Witches in Salem, the Spanish Inquisition, to the attempted Genocide of the Jewish People in WWII and numerous other wars that have all been based on a difference of Spiritual Philosophy, we have yet to learn from any of them as long as so much as one person persists on using religion as a weapon.

All Beliefs Have Been Persecuted,

Some Are Still Being Persecuted,

All Are Worth Protecting

But in Our "Modern Age", Some Will Still Twist Religion To Harm Others

Previously, I had posted an experience here about my only experience with direct persecution in which my beliefs were attempted to be used against me. I have removed that story for one simple reason. To continue the issue, to lend any further limelight to the person I had fallen out with, would be petty on my part. I have let it go. And I wish no future association with that person.

I have learned that sometimes people will get close under the guise of a friend only to fail to find you useful after a time (for what ever reason, and this kind of experience could stem from any situation, not solely with the intent to abuse your faith, but generally with the intent to use and abuse you as a person. The realization is the same no matter what some one may try and use against you). This behavior is in no way exclusive to religious differences.

I have learned that some people may expect you to "Do Their Bidding" if you are open about being a Pagan, because they think we are movie genies. Just let them have that delusion and slowly walk away. In truth, we only really need to fight (for our beliefs) if we are being openly antagonized. And we don't even have to fight every time some one tries to antagonize us. (With some people, it's hard to hold it in and walk away, and we can't win every inner battle. So don't be too hard on yourself if you make a big stand with a small mind and realize afterwards, maybe you didn't have to go big and go home).

The point is, I was revamping my site and saw the post and see no need for it. We all have our cautionary tales. You will have your own, as well, no matter what your beliefs. And when we are true to ourselves, we understand others are responsible for living with their hate, their fear and paranoia, or what ever it is that keeps them circling and hurting people. But if you live life with good intentions and a grain of salt, you will find more happiness than a bitter person would know what to do with. Live well, Love yourself, and just let go of the past.

Modern Persecution

Although today we are legally given the right to share our views and follow the spiritual path we feel suits us best, it does not mean that Persecution is over. And this isn't something that affects Pagans only. Every religion has it's own group of people who bestow upon themselves the right to force their views on others. And regardless of the philosophy they're pushing, IT'S WRONG to force any view upon some one else. And I don't mean to force my opinion on any one, just to maybe, with a little luck, impress the importance of freedom and what it means to those who seek to repress others with their personal views (as religion, quite frankly, is the most personal view a person can have, outside of politics, that is). America was built on Freedom Of Religion, not to just one particular religious belief, but to ALL. I am free to worship how I see fit, as are you, this is even in our Constitution. Yet for some reason, people see fit to proclaim that their one slim view of things is the end all be all to us all and I honestly find that a bit hard to swallow. I'm not interested in Paganism to manipulate anything but myself, and only in a way which allows me to be in balance with my surroundings. And if you're looking for control of anything but yourself, you may find yourself in a state of disappointment. Saddly, one of life's greatest lessons (for me) has been that it is a futile attempt when we try to control others. Life is more flowing and carefree when we are able to adapt and persevere through any situation. The goal should be to move with life, not to move life to follow each of us. If we try and make ourselves the center of the Universe, we're all bound to get caught in each others gravitational forces. This does not strike me as wise and certainly not something I would purposely set out to do.

In The long run, we should be looking for balance. We will not find any peace or balance in any one's view but our own. And as much as it may sting at the moment, I am happy to be open about my beliefs and philosophies with all. I will take the stings as they come, not because I particularly like the opposition, but because if some of us aren't open about what we believe, then we'll never be free to be open without facing opposition.

The more I learned about Paganism when I was 15-17, the more I realized that most of the books people bought were for manipulating others. I have a few, purchased mostly out of curiosity, but after getting them home and delving into them, I realized that was not what I was looking for. I didn't want to force any one into anything. What I was seeking was harmony. I felt off kilter, out of place, the eternal wall flower. It's not that I'm not a confident person, or that I'm not well spoken or comfortable speaking with any one (alone or in a group). I just felt like I was in a constant undulating storm in life. And I didn't want to change the world, I just wanted to make my interaction with my environment more fluid. So, changing something about any one else struck me as the most harmful thing you could do, even if you were trying to help them.

With that said, I never meant to imply people DON'T do spells on others, but if you are seeking to be a moral person, with strong values, then one SHOULD NOT attempt to manipulate some one else, because you wouldn't wish your free will to be taken away. It is a grave injustice, most especially in the name of love. Love doesn't destroy or detract.

On the other hand, if you are someone seeking power, there is a place for you and I have no doubt you will eventually find it. The world requires all types, and we get to choose the kind of person we wish to be.

Do you agree or disagree with my beliefs and opinions? I'd love to hear from you. Check out my "Contact Me" page to send me e-mail.

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