In my41 years on Mother Earth I have had a great deal of Life Experiences and possess a large dose of Common Sense and am gifted with very Good Intuition.
I think all the "book learning" in the world will not replace Experience,Common Sense & Intuition. Though I do not disparage the intellectuals or the more experienced Witches in the Pagan communities. I just believe much of Wisdom comes to us from these 3 things I have in abundance. Thank the Lady!
That said, I would like to approach a very touchy subject amongst Pagan & Witch folk. That of how much to tell or keep hidden from the "Outsiders", aka the non-Pagans or the Bible Thumpers here in my neck of the woods, The Bible Belt.
Do we continue to hide our beliefs and lifestyles or do we take a chance that will affect those close to us, even our children? I think this is a very personal but very pertinent subject for us in this the 21st century and supposedly Free Country of the USA. How much freedom do we really have if we are forced to stay in the Broom Closet to keep our jobs, our homes, our property, our social standing, our education,our children safe & lifestyles and friendships?
I am not much in the broom closet these days, my immediate family know I am a Witch, and support me in this. My Mother- in-law knows, as does my closest brother who is a Pagan himself and my other brother is a new Christian who is trying to understand my Spiritual Path.
So I have more acceptance and support than some I suppose. And less than many others.
I keep quiet at times only for my husband's careers sake, but that will not be for much longer as he wants me out of the broom closet 100%. And our daughters are now 20, 17 and 11.
The 11 year old wants to know, "If she will be a Witch when she grows up?". Shewas Born with the Power and is a Witch alreadty actually and a Ghost & Animal Whisperer.
Our eldest is an Eclectic and Liberal Christian. As is her husband. They are atleast open- minded and she is accepting if not fully comprehending all I am as a Witch.
Our middle daughter is a Witch-Pagan and is becoming more active in the Craft. She is a more Natural Witch than she even realizes. And out of the broom closet herself.
We are fortunate & blessed to have been able to Home School our children, I cannot even imagine trying to be a Witch or Pagan in the pubic schols around here!
But I digress...
I was an Eclectic Spiritual Christian for much of my children's early years Al though not much accepted by my fellow Christians, as I was never docile or submissive to "authority". LOL
I still am not.
I am my own unique person and do not seek the approval of others for myself, but I am not selfish either...so I for now choose when to and not to expose to the oh-so public eye my Witchy-ness.
I just do not like the hiding. Are we afraid of the persecutions, "burning Tinme" happenings coming again? Do we fear just for fears sake? What can we as Witches & Pagans do to become an accepted part of Society.
If the Gay Coomunity can have a Gay Pride Day or Parade, then why can't we Witches-Pagans have a TRUE coming out ? Yes we have Pagan Pride Days, but in the smaller areas it is not helping much IMO.
It is a decision we all will have to make someday.
Yea or Nay.
Perhaps for the Next Generation we are raising it will not be such a difficult thing to decide or by that time some of us brassy Witches & Pagans (Like Starhawk) will have stepped out enough to make a Real Difference for those following us by years or generationally.
To me if it means moving to a place where they are more open to Pagans and Witches then I am more than open to going. But where I am at there is a small community of Pagans and I see the potential for us to be a part of a positive change in our area for the good of us all.
We may have to take some chances and Step out of the Shadows and into the Light. Little steps at first . Ripples in the Pond that eventually become Bigger Waves and perhaps we can be as "The Butterfly Effect", in our little area begining something bigger than all of us. Like a Good Storm cleanses for *needed changes* .
And then again maybe we must sit awhile longer. Only our hearts and time will tell. {In My Honest Opinion.}
~STARRA~ )O(
LINKS:
www.hedgewytchery.com
(welsh-Irish Traditional Witchcraft site)
http://www.shadowdrake.com/
