Beltane
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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