I have been a pagan for many years now, and I have seen how large groups of people can never get along. It is well documented that the Christians and muslims can't get along with thier own, but that also applies to us pagans. Their is the infamous 2% rule when it come to groups, that there will always be 2% of any group that take a hardline view on any subject. I have had Yahoo groups for pagans and the level of bickering is as bad as the christians fighting over jesus being god or the son of god. The Pagan communities are rather fragile, but so are many other groups.
What is all the fighting about...EVERYTHING! I could write a short novel discussing all the arguements in paganism. Is the Wiccan Rede law or just an idea? Can you harm someone to defend others? What side to you cast a circle with? Which Pantheon is better? What is Historically correct and what isn't. Is there white and dark magick? Like I said there are so many, but the one I want to talk about tonight is the "Who has the right to represent me as a pagan?" question.
There has been rumors and efforts by some to recreate an "American Council of Witches". And the one thing that I have seen is a lot of pagans saying that this council doesn't know what you practice and thus can't represent you. This is one of the many repurrcussions of christianity. I wonder how many of you realize that you feel this way becuase of the ways christianity tried to control you and the way that you think. Many pagans were once christians, and one of the reasons why we left was because we hated being controlled. So many pagans view this council idea as a way to control pagans. While I see thier point of view, I see the error of that stance. If we as pagans can't get past this hurdle we can never work together to counter any other religions attempts to limit the activities of paganism. Does it have to be this way? Are we doomed because of our christian fears to prevent any group of people represent us to the rest of the world? Can we just for a moment decide on a group of people that work for the pagan communities in collecting and giving information out about paganism as a whole?
It shouldn't matter that I am a druid and another pagan is a wiccan. If we can remove the finer points of everyone's unique paths , we should be able to accomplishing many things. I have witnessed arguements on who is pagan and who isn't. Too many people say hello to all "pagans and wiccans", but yet wiccans are pagans. I have seen arguements of neopaganism and vintage paganism. I really don't see an end to these debates. Here the two-sided sword of labels is hurting paganism. I do like to know what a person believes, that way I understand what is important to them. An Asatru has little concern over the wiccan rede, a stryga might not want to talk about Cerridwen. But too many use labels as a way to seperate pagans that we don't agree with as a seperate group. Jimmy is a neopagan with a path based on Gardenerian ideals, he is not like me I am a druid / Celtic Recon with a dedicated honor of Lugus.
Religious Tolerence is what most pagans seek for, but are hypocritical for just the same. We want the rights to follow out beliefs freely and openly, but not only do we refuse it on many christians we refuse to give it to many pagans. As long as Jimmy doesn't judge my path, why should I judge his. We have to lead by example, to show the christians and muslims this is how it is done. If a group of pagans is to be formed they must be able to be respectful of other paths. And we as pagans need to show adult behavior and give them a chance to show thier true intentions.
To those that want to help the pagan communities and do it with pure intentions, I give you my deepest gratitude. You have a difficult job full of challenges. The more I discover people standing up willing to face negative remarks and actions, the more proud I am for being a pagan. We don't walk the same path, but we do share some of the same views. If you are a pagan look around at the pagan ezines, blogradios, and youtube videos and realize something special. Your path is your path, and it is wonderful when it crosses the path of another pagan. That is when we share thoughts, make friends, and make this world a better place.
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