Discernment, Tolerance, and Why It's OK to Question Things
Tuesday May 21, 2013
This is a post from about a year ago, but I got a request from a reader who thought it might be a good time to revisit the issue:
I wanted to share with all of you a conversation that I observed taking place on a listserv I subscribe to, in which an individual wrote a post that highly praised a book she had recently read about modern Pagan practice. A number of other folks chimed in, agreeing with her assessment that it was The Awesomest Book Ever, and that clearly the author was a wise and wonderful person. And then all hell broke loose. Why?
Because someone disagreed.
Yes, someone had the gall and bad manners to question the author's scholarship, point out errors and inconsistencies in the book, and gently suggest that readers might want to examine some other sources as well. This, naturally, led to accusations of "intolerant" and "mean" and "jealous," because clearly the dissenter must be an angry and hateful person to bring up any of these things.
Years ago I read a book by a particular author (although not the one referenced in the listserv discussion) and had some doubts about some of the "facts" she presented, many of which were in direct contradiction to (a) things I'd learned in history class, (b) my personal experience and (c) logic. I raised these doubts to a few other folks, and was immediately pounced on by the leader of a discussion group. "She is an author who sells a lot of books," she told me. "Why isn't her word good enough for you? Aren't we supposed to have perfect love and perfect trust?"
To this individual - and apparently lots of the people on the listserv --the notion of "perfect love and perfect trust" meant blindly following the writings of an author without question, and I find that troubling. If we Pagans want to be taken seriously as a community, we do have to question things that don't make sense, or at the very least, ask for the source of information so we can explore it in more depth. Blindly following along, never asking questions or setting higher standards, benefits no one.
More importantly, we need to recognize that the words "intolerant" and "mean" shouldn't be bandied about every time someone disagrees with the majority opinion. Just because I try to be respectful of the opinions and ideas of others doesn't mean I've left my common sense and critical thinking skills at the door.
A while back, we talked about what makes a book worth reading, and the fact that sometimes, you really do have to go through a lot to weed out the stinkers. I'm not saying you should doubt every single thing you read - simply that if what you read seems off, or in contradiction to what you've already learned, there's nothing wrong at all with stopping and saying "Hey, I wonder if I can find out more so I can have an informed opinion."
It's okay to question. It's okay to doubt. And most of all, it's okay to continue exploring and learning so that you can think for yourself and form your own opinions.
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I wanted to share with all of you a conversation that I observed taking place on a listserv I subscribe to, in which an individual wrote a post that highly praised a book she had recently read about modern Pagan practice. A number of other folks chimed in, agreeing with her assessment that it was The Awesomest Book Ever, and that clearly the author was a wise and wonderful person. And then all hell broke loose. Why?
Because someone disagreed.
Yes, someone had the gall and bad manners to question the author's scholarship, point out errors and inconsistencies in the book, and gently suggest that readers might want to examine some other sources as well. This, naturally, led to accusations of "intolerant" and "mean" and "jealous," because clearly the dissenter must be an angry and hateful person to bring up any of these things.
Years ago I read a book by a particular author (although not the one referenced in the listserv discussion) and had some doubts about some of the "facts" she presented, many of which were in direct contradiction to (a) things I'd learned in history class, (b) my personal experience and (c) logic. I raised these doubts to a few other folks, and was immediately pounced on by the leader of a discussion group. "She is an author who sells a lot of books," she told me. "Why isn't her word good enough for you? Aren't we supposed to have perfect love and perfect trust?"
To this individual - and apparently lots of the people on the listserv --the notion of "perfect love and perfect trust" meant blindly following the writings of an author without question, and I find that troubling. If we Pagans want to be taken seriously as a community, we do have to question things that don't make sense, or at the very least, ask for the source of information so we can explore it in more depth. Blindly following along, never asking questions or setting higher standards, benefits no one.
More importantly, we need to recognize that the words "intolerant" and "mean" shouldn't be bandied about every time someone disagrees with the majority opinion. Just because I try to be respectful of the opinions and ideas of others doesn't mean I've left my common sense and critical thinking skills at the door.
A while back, we talked about what makes a book worth reading, and the fact that sometimes, you really do have to go through a lot to weed out the stinkers. I'm not saying you should doubt every single thing you read - simply that if what you read seems off, or in contradiction to what you've already learned, there's nothing wrong at all with stopping and saying "Hey, I wonder if I can find out more so I can have an informed opinion."
It's okay to question. It's okay to doubt. And most of all, it's okay to continue exploring and learning so that you can think for yourself and form your own opinions.
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Summer Reading: Our Favorite Witchy Fiction
Saturday May 18, 2013
Get ready for summer with some witchy fiction!
Image © Getty Images
What's really awesome is that thanks to our Readers Respond feature, over seventy readers have added their favorite titles as well, so there's no shortage of good reads! You can share your own book ideas with other readers at Reader Favorites. I've turned off Comments on this post so you can share your suggestions on the Readers Respond page instead - that way other readers can find them easily, any time.
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Are You a Crafty Pagan?
Thursday May 16, 2013
OK, so one of the most popular aspects of this particular About.com site is, I have found, that people really love Pagan-themed craft projects. I've posted a number of them for Sabbats and other occasions, and they're always a big hit. I know tons of readers do them, as well as doing their own craft projects.
We also have a really cool feature called Show and Tell, which allows readers to submit a photo and a story. If you've put together a project that celebrates your gods, your beliefs, a Pagan holiday or some other aspect of your spirituality, stop on in and share it with other readers here: Share Your Crafts
Once it's submitted, it goes into a queue for moderation. I'll review it and approve it, and then it goes live on the site. This is a neat way for everyone to share some of their projects, so send 'em on in!
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We also have a really cool feature called Show and Tell, which allows readers to submit a photo and a story. If you've put together a project that celebrates your gods, your beliefs, a Pagan holiday or some other aspect of your spirituality, stop on in and share it with other readers here: Share Your Crafts
Once it's submitted, it goes into a queue for moderation. I'll review it and approve it, and then it goes live on the site. This is a neat way for everyone to share some of their projects, so send 'em on in!
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Inmate Wants Herbs and Carrot Cake for Ritual
Wednesday May 15, 2013
A man convicted of killing a woman and her two children in 1987 is suing the Massachusetts Department of Corrections, claiming that they won't allow him to have a myriad of items he needs for Wiccan rituals. Daniel LaPlante says that the DOC's failure to provide him with 26 herbs, 30 oils, a dozen-odd medallions, and carrot cake (which he says Wiccans refer to as "Wolf Ice") has prevented him from being able to practice his Wiccan faith.
Now, I'll be one of the first people to say that I believe everyone - including convicted murderers - has a right to practice their beliefs. However, I'll also say that none of the things he's requesting are essential, to the best of my knowledge, to effective practice of any modern Pagan religion.
We've seen cases like this before, where an inmate has requested a candle, or meditation space, or the right to have religious reading materials. But LaPlante's request seems a bit excessive. Even though all of the things he's asking for CAN be used, they're not required.
And I've been Pagan for twenty five years, and I swear to dog, I've never referred to a moist tasty carrot cake as "Wolf Ice." What do you guys think about this case?
Also: badly chosen stock photo in original article.
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Now, I'll be one of the first people to say that I believe everyone - including convicted murderers - has a right to practice their beliefs. However, I'll also say that none of the things he's requesting are essential, to the best of my knowledge, to effective practice of any modern Pagan religion.
We've seen cases like this before, where an inmate has requested a candle, or meditation space, or the right to have religious reading materials. But LaPlante's request seems a bit excessive. Even though all of the things he's asking for CAN be used, they're not required.
And I've been Pagan for twenty five years, and I swear to dog, I've never referred to a moist tasty carrot cake as "Wolf Ice." What do you guys think about this case?
Also: badly chosen stock photo in original article.
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Reader Mail: Do I Have Special Powers?
Wednesday May 15, 2013
A reader asks, "I always have dreams about what's going to happen. My grandmother was sick and I dreamed she was going to die, and then she did. Sometimes I know someone is going to call me and then they do. I'm pretty sure I have special powers. Does this make me more powerful as a witch??"
As much as I hate to burst your bubble on this, I think most people have some amount of latent psychic ability. In the Pagan community, having a psychic gift doesn't really make you a special snowflake, because there are so many other people who have the same abilities in varying degrees. The problem we run into is that we're typically told that it's hogwash while we're growing up -- stuff we think we "see" is chalked up to a vivid imagination or too much television -- and by the time we reach adulthood, we've sort of suppressed all that natural intuition that we have. In short, many people are raised to "disbelieve" in psychic ability, so by the time they're grownups, they doubt that it's even possible.
Also, keep in mind that the events you describe aren't unusual. If your grandmother was elderly and ill, it's not unreasonable to assume that she would eventually pass away. Likewise, with the phone calls -- while it *could* be a psychic connection, it could just be that the person who called you is someone who calls regularly enough that it's not weird for them to have called at that particular time.
It's not uncommon to have intuitive flashes like you've described, and there's nothing supernatural or ooky-spooky about it. Being psychic has nothing to do with "special powers." It's more about being in tune with your own intuition and subconscious. While some people are certainly more psychically gifted than others, there's no reason you can't work on developing your own talents and abilities: Developing Your Psychic Gifts
As to your other question, about whether this somehow makes you "more powerful" as a witch, the very notion of "more powerful" is pretty subjective. I wouldn't worry about being "powerful" so much as I would suggest you focus on developing your skills so they'll be of some benefit to you.
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As much as I hate to burst your bubble on this, I think most people have some amount of latent psychic ability. In the Pagan community, having a psychic gift doesn't really make you a special snowflake, because there are so many other people who have the same abilities in varying degrees. The problem we run into is that we're typically told that it's hogwash while we're growing up -- stuff we think we "see" is chalked up to a vivid imagination or too much television -- and by the time we reach adulthood, we've sort of suppressed all that natural intuition that we have. In short, many people are raised to "disbelieve" in psychic ability, so by the time they're grownups, they doubt that it's even possible.
Also, keep in mind that the events you describe aren't unusual. If your grandmother was elderly and ill, it's not unreasonable to assume that she would eventually pass away. Likewise, with the phone calls -- while it *could* be a psychic connection, it could just be that the person who called you is someone who calls regularly enough that it's not weird for them to have called at that particular time.
It's not uncommon to have intuitive flashes like you've described, and there's nothing supernatural or ooky-spooky about it. Being psychic has nothing to do with "special powers." It's more about being in tune with your own intuition and subconscious. While some people are certainly more psychically gifted than others, there's no reason you can't work on developing your own talents and abilities: Developing Your Psychic Gifts
As to your other question, about whether this somehow makes you "more powerful" as a witch, the very notion of "more powerful" is pretty subjective. I wouldn't worry about being "powerful" so much as I would suggest you focus on developing your skills so they'll be of some benefit to you.
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Bibles in Public Schools... Again
Monday May 13, 2013
The Times Free Press in Tennessee reports that a parent has raised questions about the distribution of Bibles in Hamilton County public schools. The parent, whose student is in fifth grade, said she was concerned when her child brought home a permission slip which, if signed, would allow him to bring home a Bible provided by the Gideons. She asked the school not to send Bibles home with students, and now the issue has arisen about whether such acts are appropriate in a public school.
School officials say that they have an "all or nothing" approach to the distribution of literature in schools, and "all groups, religious or otherwise, receive equal treatment." School board attorney Scott Bennett says, "If a principal allows the Boy Scouts to distribute leaflets, then the same privilege must be afforded to the Gideons, Catholic groups or Muslim groups."
Representatives from Americans United for the Separation of Church and State says they regularly get "complaints from parents across the country about the Gideons distributing Bibles at schools."
This definitely isn't the first time we've seen this issue arise, and it probably won't be the last. A number of school districts have come under fire for permitting religious organizations to pass out information to public school students.
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School officials say that they have an "all or nothing" approach to the distribution of literature in schools, and "all groups, religious or otherwise, receive equal treatment." School board attorney Scott Bennett says, "If a principal allows the Boy Scouts to distribute leaflets, then the same privilege must be afforded to the Gideons, Catholic groups or Muslim groups."
Representatives from Americans United for the Separation of Church and State says they regularly get "complaints from parents across the country about the Gideons distributing Bibles at schools."
This definitely isn't the first time we've seen this issue arise, and it probably won't be the last. A number of school districts have come under fire for permitting religious organizations to pass out information to public school students.
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Making an Athame
Monday May 13, 2013
Thinking about making your
own athame? Me too!
Image © Patti Wigington 2011
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VA Approves Thor's Hammer for Headstones
Saturday May 11, 2013
Remember a few years back, when the Veteran's Administration approved the use of the pentacle on the headstones of Pagan soldiers? This came after Patrick Stewart, an American soldier, was killed in Afghanistan in 2006. Pat was a Wiccan, and his widow, Roberta, fought tirelessly to allow the symbol of her husband's faith to be placed on his government-issued headstone. With help from the folks at Lady Liberty League, the symbol was approved in 2007.
However, that left the issue of symbols to be approved for non-Wiccan Pagan soldiers. This week, Jason Pitzl-Waters at the Wild Hunt reports that the VA has okayed the use of Thor's Hammer on the headstones of Heathen soldiers. There's been no real fanfare about the topic, but the symbol has quietly appeared on the list of approved symbols.
Why is this important? Because there are plenty of Pagan paths that don't use the pentacle as a symbol. For the families of fallen Heathen soldiers, this is a big step. Typically, a symbol is not approved until a family member has requested one to be placed on a headstone. So although I don't know who the service member was that prompted this change, thank you for your service and your sacrifice, whoever you may be.
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However, that left the issue of symbols to be approved for non-Wiccan Pagan soldiers. This week, Jason Pitzl-Waters at the Wild Hunt reports that the VA has okayed the use of Thor's Hammer on the headstones of Heathen soldiers. There's been no real fanfare about the topic, but the symbol has quietly appeared on the list of approved symbols.
Why is this important? Because there are plenty of Pagan paths that don't use the pentacle as a symbol. For the families of fallen Heathen soldiers, this is a big step. Typically, a symbol is not approved until a family member has requested one to be placed on a headstone. So although I don't know who the service member was that prompted this change, thank you for your service and your sacrifice, whoever you may be.
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Life Rituals: Create a Birthday Altar
Friday May 10, 2013
For some people birthdays are just another day, but for others, it's often seen as a special time. After all, it's a milestone -- it marks the anniversary of your arrival on earth! Whether you're having a small group of friends over for cake, or going out to a big party at your favorite club, sometimes it's important to take a few moments just for ourselves to mark our birthdays. You can do this by setting up a birthday altar to celebrate the journey your life has led you on thus far. How to Create a Birthday Altar
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Reader Mail: Pagans and Nudity
Tuesday May 7, 2013
As the weather gets warmer, it's not uncommon for me to find questions in the Magical Email Bag regarding the practice of going skyclad, or working with a group that practices in the nude. A while back, I received an email that read, in part, "I'm thinking about joining a Wiccan coven, but I read somewhere that Wiccans practice in the nude. That sounds kind of embarrassing. Seriously, I can't imagine being in a room full of people completely butt-ass naked. What's up with that?
Well, much like a lot of other stuff you'll find on this website, the answer is "It depends."
Some groups practice nude, or skyclad, while others don't. It's really a matter of personal preference. If ritual nudity is something you're uncomfortable with, though, I'd strongly encourage you to ask the people in the group you're considering. If they practice skyclad, and you think that sounds terrifying, then this would not be the right group for you to join. Do Wiccans Practice Nude?
On the other hand, if you don't think being naked in front of a bunch of people is that big of a deal -- and honestly, many of us really don't think of it as a big deal -- then you should be fine. But if you're looking at a coven or group to join, you definitely need to ask them about it, and consider your own comfort level. You do, after all, have a choice about how you practice and who you practice with.
It's also important to keep in mind WHY a group or individual may choose to practice skyclad. Much like a number of other aspects of modern Pagan practice, the reasons behind an action are significant. In many traditions, the removal of clothing is the removal of a barrier between us and the divine. In other groups, being skyclad forces us to present our true selves to the gods, with no disguise or artifice. If the group you're considering does in fact practice skyclad, ask why they do so. Their answer may give you a better sense of comfort in joining them - or it may send you running in the other direction. Either way, you've made an informed decision.
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Well, much like a lot of other stuff you'll find on this website, the answer is "It depends."
Some groups practice nude, or skyclad, while others don't. It's really a matter of personal preference. If ritual nudity is something you're uncomfortable with, though, I'd strongly encourage you to ask the people in the group you're considering. If they practice skyclad, and you think that sounds terrifying, then this would not be the right group for you to join. Do Wiccans Practice Nude?
On the other hand, if you don't think being naked in front of a bunch of people is that big of a deal -- and honestly, many of us really don't think of it as a big deal -- then you should be fine. But if you're looking at a coven or group to join, you definitely need to ask them about it, and consider your own comfort level. You do, after all, have a choice about how you practice and who you practice with.
It's also important to keep in mind WHY a group or individual may choose to practice skyclad. Much like a number of other aspects of modern Pagan practice, the reasons behind an action are significant. In many traditions, the removal of clothing is the removal of a barrier between us and the divine. In other groups, being skyclad forces us to present our true selves to the gods, with no disguise or artifice. If the group you're considering does in fact practice skyclad, ask why they do so. Their answer may give you a better sense of comfort in joining them - or it may send you running in the other direction. Either way, you've made an informed decision.
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