Mom, I'm Pagan !!!

Okay, your Christian. Good, if that is your calling, more power to you. But consider the fact that your children may not agree with you regarding the calling of THEIR hearts.

Your child comes home and anounces over dinner that she has felt a calling to the Pagan faith and that she has found people who wish to help in her search. She has done research in the Celtic tradition and found peace in that.

Below is a table discribing the "do's and dont's" of your reaction. We often react first and consider our reaction later. WRONG !!! If a Pagan child were to approach you regarding the Christian faith, you would help, the same is true for a Pagan High Priest/ess. They would help.

There is nothing wrong in that, but there could be something wrong if your reaction is hostile or negative. Try to understand from the childs point of view. Often they are seeking just as you did as a child. Support is what they need and deserve from you as their parents.

Some things not to do....

* Faint.
* Point at my offspring with a crucifix while searching for a silver bullet.
* Call 911.
* Insist that she makes an appointment with her therapist.
* Ask her if she can do a number on your boss. (admit it, you *may* be tempted)
* Tell her she is grounded, after all, she is only 16 years old.
* Ask if human sacrifices are required in her rituals.
* Try to explain that she "is possessed by satan".
* Tell her she would be disowned unless she stopped this practices at once.
* Bring in the local clergy to perform an exorsism.
* Tell her she is the victim of a "cult"..
* Imagine this is what I get for walking under a ladder on my way home from the 7-eleven.
* Ship my almost black kitty to the local animal shelter.

Some of the things to do....

* Learn what it means to be a Pagan.
* Learn what it means to follow the tradition she has chosen.
* Remember that I am tolerant and respectful of other people's beliefs.
* Remember that I don't have to change who I am, to accept who my child is.
* Join her in some of the rituals, and experience the great opportunity to see her
as the Priestess.

Remember, your reaction will tell the child much. Instead of reacting to the programming you have been raised to believe, open yourself to other possibilities. Learn first, speak later. Fear is a powerful thing and fear born of the unknown is the worst kind of fear. Learn right along with your child, find the balance between your faith and the one your child has chosen.