Chapter 4: Epilogue

As of this writing, my little sister is sixteen years old. She is wanting very much to explore Witchcraft, and I see her going through many of the same struggles that I did. I don't want to get into the family dynamics or say anything that may unintentionally hurt my sister or my parents, so I will say only this. My parents as still Catholic and have a very strong faith. Like any good parents, they want to pass that faith to their children. I am learning how to keep my mouth shut and listen to Goddess and God instead of a desire to "mother" my sister.

I am practicing as a solitary while doing some teaching. I've also recently began doing Tarot readings for others. In the grand scheme of things, seven years isn't a very long time. Since my first trials and fumbling for information, my life and my self have changed immeasurably. The purpose of my story?

I've been there, done that … I've been through the trials, the pain, the "Do I come out of the broom closet?" I want to be a voice for other Pagans, for those who cannot be open about their faiths. I want to help others who are walking the same path that I am, or that have the same fears I did. I still don't know if there will be members of my family that will choose not to attend our Pagan wedding ceremony. I do not know if they will come to the Sainings of our children. I've rewritten and updated most of what you have just read … the first draft was actually written four or five years ago. I've been reminded of where I came from, and seeing how far I've come gives me hope for the future.

I will end with the same few quotes I did the first time around. The Burning Times are not yet over. Others who share my beliefs worry about losing their jobs, custody of their children, and respect in the non-Pagan community. People are afraid of us because they do not know about us. Instead of reading a book or exploring the internet, they rely on movies like "The Craft" and "Four Rooms" to tell them what we are, even though they are "educated" people who realize the media lies. But it tells the truth when they want it to.

Margaret Alder said of Wiccans, "We are not evil. We don't harm or seduce people. We are not dangerous. We are ordinary people like you. We have families, jobs, hopes, and dreams. We are not a cult. This religion is not a joke. We are not what you think we are from looking at TV We are real. We laugh, we cry. We are serious. We have a sense of humor. You don't have to be afraid of us. We don't want to convert you. And please don't try to convert us. Just give us the same right we give you -- to live in peace. We are much more similar to you than you think." (Drawing Down the Moon, p.453).

Despite the hurt and struggles, when I walk outside in the day and feel the warm sun on my face or see the moon at night, I remember why I am Pagan and remember Her calling me; and there are no questions. Only hope, and peace.