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Beltane 1998 Newsletter
Young Pagans 2
By Darren
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Humanity has always tried to find a scapegoat for its problems, while
man still fights with the natural ebb and flow of universal energy. Some
people still take the ego centric view and think that they are the centre
of the universe, dominating over each other, every species of plant and
animal, intimidating and suppressing things which are useful and sacred
to the balance of us all. Humanity has not taken responsibility for their
own actions, but has rather directed the blame to something or someone
else. I guess that's why Satan is such a fundamental part of the
Christian pantheon. Man's fear has kept God in business all these years.
The 'Old Religion' of celebration, myth, ritual and magic (in its
unformed, undogmatised natural state) was suppressed and condemned as
anathema to make way for the rise of monotheistic and patriarchal
religions. Society was happy with letting other people make their
decisions for them and being told what they should or shouldn't believe
in, or do. It was easier to let someone else do the thinking and easier
to follow. For centuries, the Christian Church has had its way, taking
things out of context and basically turning the old ways into myth and
legend and destroying a primitive, nature based way of living. People
began to detach themselves from the land as the Creator was now out there
somewhere in the heavens, separated from the earth and had given man -
through dogma - dominion over the land, sea and the creatures which
crawl on the surface. The Pagan Gods and Goddesses became Christian
saints, others just disappeared altogether. Healing remedies and other
sacred rituals became associated with witchcraft, in a diabolical sense.
Celebrations of the seasons, sun, and moon cycles were camouflaged by
Christian holidays. This same way of thinking created splits and
opposites, dark/light, matter/energy, man/woman, and has caused a great
imbalance on all levels. One's own body became a sin, another sacred
rite which should be explored, expressed and celebrated, not suppressed.
And so, still lies today from the 16th and 17th centuries, the stigma,
intolerance and ignorance which continues to divide us and threaten our
planets existence. It is not a 'word' such as 'Paganism' or any other
'ism' which is responsible, it's the actions of human beings which are
responsible. Instead of creating war, violence and things which
disconnect us from the Earth and ourselves, we should be searching for
some kind of balance, within ourselves, our community and the earth
with which we live. We need to reconnect with our opposites and
rediscover our love and kinship with Mother Earth, to 'know thyself'.
We can no longer live selfishly, and if we do we will destroy
ourselves and every other species and ultimately the planet. We
might not be able to sever the stigma attached to the word 'Paganism',
but by hope, tolerance (it has to work someday) and education we can
bite the devil back, more or less. However, it is basically up to the
individual if they want to listen so that they can learn what is the
truth and if they don't, that's their choice. WE are all free to do that.
Words hurt, only if you listen.
A main problem is the power we give authoritative figures, over
young minds to teach them from the start that there is a good and bad,
right and wrong. Christianity has stressed these elements of thinking
and children are taught in schools that Christianity is good and right
and Paganism (or any other 'ism') is bad, wrong and inferior. Not only
is this method narrow minded, but ignores the principle of being a human
being and the right to be an individual. No one can teach you how to
find yourself, it comes from inside. You have to make mistakes in order
to learn and no one can save you as there is nothing to be saved from.
Once people learn that the earth is our home, our guide, our mother,
our life and breath, I don't think many people will be in a quick hurry
to get to their heavens. Our minds should be expanded and open by those
we share this world with, not to be closed in and forces into a low
self esteem, guilt ridden and inferior state of mind by people who are
older, have power, and claim they know the truth. People have no right
to enforce their opinions on people who don't know any better. You can't
liberate and transcend your spirit if you rely on others or hurt others
to reach your goals.
I feel that all religions, not one religion should be taught in
schools. Not just Christianity - but the whole multi layered spectrum
of cultures and theologies which lay under the broad term of 'religion'.
Religious knowledge must be taught at all levels of such a tender age
to discontinue misconception, fear and intolerance some people have
towards others spiritual paths. A lack of understanding and simple
arrogance has transformed things which were once sacred into an inferior
blasphemy. People should be taught to explore others believes and to
respect them, a chance to expand the minds of our future, not narrow it.
People should be able to make up their own minds about What path they
take to discover themselves, not to be told. For true religion is at the
heart and inspiration, not the parroting of religious doctrines.
Religion should be a deep personal journey to find our place in the
universe, to find our sanctuary with in ourselves on a continuous
journey to "know thyself" and draw us closer to the life source which
sustains us all.
Over my 20 years on this earth, I have come to the realisation that
we are not human beings having a spiritual experience but a spiritual
being having a human experience. The body is then sacred, the temple of
the soul. I have and still seek strength, liberation and knowledge and
will continue to travel and journey and travel seeking to 'know thyself'
as I reconnect with the Earth and her cycles. I feel I have always been a
Pagan (not the dictionary meaning), by my own interpretation, as I feel I
have returned home. My friends are very open minded and understanding and
we sometimes talk about the 'deep and meaningfuls' as it gives me a
chance to voice my opinions and to listen to others. I like to surround
myself with funny, intellectual and creative people. I am lucky to have
them. However, I do not know of anyone who is a Pagan, let alone ones
of the same age, or a member of the Alliance (as I have just recently
joined). It would be great to talk to people around the same age who
share the same or similar view on life. Could there be some organised
meeting to give the young ones a chance to meet. Would any other younger
members like to meet and have interesting, open minded conversation?
The opportunity s there, we just need people to find the time. We are
the future!!! Any suggestions or help would be greatly appreciated.
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