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Beltane 1998 Newsletter
Paganism 101 - P's and Q's
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Manners, respect, decorum, ways of behaving.... What's this got to do
with Paganism? In this season's column I intend looking at the areas in
which new (and old) Pagans should think about the ways in which they
behave. Manners are the only way that allow groups, and individuals,
that hold differing views, to get along together. I am not dictating,
or even suggesting a code of behaviour, but trying to highlight the
areas that you should think about. To do this, I will be posing a series
of questions, it is up to you to decide the answers.
The Earth
- Should you drop your butts, or other rubbish on the ground, or throw
it out the window?
- Should you pay respect to the earth on a daily/weekly/festival basis?
- Should you ignore the Earth in the pursuit of material comfort?
Ritual Practice
- Should you perform rituals under the influence of drugs or alcohol?
- Should you perform a ritual for someone without asking them?
- Should you purify yourself before you perform a ritual?
Deity
- Should you ask your Gods/Goddesses to sort out the mundane aspects of
your life, without you helping?
- Should you thank your Deity/ies for working in your life?
Events and Gatherings
- Does the starting time mean just that, or does 'Pagan Time' become
an acceptable excuse for being late?
- Should you offer some time to the organisers of the event to help it
run smoothly?
- If the main ritual is not done according to your tradition, should
you complain, participate, or politely leave?
- If your tradition is strict, and you don't like deviation, or
'eclecticisms', should you offer to help plan the ritual, or moan
about how it is eventually run?
Your Path
- Is your path the 'one true way', and should everyone know this?
- Should you study a topic intensively, or for a long time, before you
put yourself forward with an opinion about this topic?
- Should you look upon teaching as a service, an honour, or a way to
recognition?
What do you think about this statement:
"It's easier to say sorry afterwards, than to ask for permission
before hand"
This is only a starting point, and is designed to get you thinking
about how behaviour effects other people, our Earth and our relationship
with Deity. I'd like to know what you think about manners, ways of
behaving, and their place in a Pagan society.
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