Nowadays, I am happily married to the witch of my dreams. However, once upon a time, I was a single pagan looking for my Merlin. A Merlin in his youth that is, but wise beyond imagining and in tune with the world around him. Someone calm and kind that lived in the woods and talked to the animals. You could look into his eyes and find the secrets of the universe... Okay, okay, that may have been a very far-fetched fantasy so I will explain myself before you start to gag.
When I first started my pagan path, I was single and searching. I dated a few men who were not pagans and I really didn't connect with them. Of course, the discovery of my path was all I wanted to talk about so I might have seemed a trifle self-absorbed. Then, I came to the conclusion that if I dated only pagan men I would be more understood and have more in common with that person. Consequently, it's one of the best decisions I ever made. As you all know, our belief system is an intimate one and being able to share it with another on such a personal level makes it all the more beautiful. It also binds your relationship in ways that you never could with a non-pagan person.
So, I started actively looking within my newfound circle of companions and found that a friend had the same curiosity that I had about dating and we decided to experiment together. Since we were both pagan we had a lot to share and I believed that my fantasy had come to life! We attended a few circles, had a ritual of our own, and shared spell components. I thought to myself that nothing could go wrong. Then, the mundane world stepped in and I found that he had just as many faults as any non-pagan person. I was crushed! To make matters worse, the more I thought about it the more I saw that I was the very same way! Both of us had disillusioned each other. Now this person is one of my dearest and closest friends and I am very grateful for that. I think we both learned a valuable lesson and we can laugh about it.
Of course, sometimes it takes a few knocks on the head to fully let something sink in. The next pagan I dated was someone from the same tradition as me, but higher in level. Stars filled my eyes when he paid attention to me and listened to what I had to say. Again, I let my fantasies overwhelm my common sense and it was another lesson learned. Yet, if I didn't go through these trials then maybe my husband and I would have never dated. Maybe we had to have our lessons learned before finding one another.
If you are a single pagan, my bitchery to you is to flush all the fantasies from your head and, instead, see the real magic that a person has inside of them. There as many flaky pagans out there filled with crap as there are non-pagans. Take your time, go with your gut, and your High Priest or Priestess will come to you. :)
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Giving and Sharing in the Pagan World
Good morning to all. Today I don't feel quite so bitchy and I will be more than happy to tell you why. As I was perusing the Wild Hunt Blog, which I absolutely love by the way, I chanced upon an article about how a pagan temple in Minnesota was saved by donations. The founders of this temple had been given almost 12,000.00 by their fellow pagans and, let me just say, this made my bitchy heart swell with pride!
Another similar story I've read about in the past few weeks has been raising money for Starhawk's excellent book, the 5th Sacred Thing, to be adapted into a movie. The book has a great message and is quite the tearjerker. I really don't like to get all weepy, but it was well worth it. So far, the production company has received over half of the 60,000.00 goal. The website takes as small a donation as 1.00 and if each pagan in this country could donate that then there should be no problem at all with the go ahead for the movie. If you want to learn more about it and donate the web address is: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/fifthsacredthing/the-fifth-sacred-thing?ref=card
I would also like to give kudos and thanks to all the pagans who give and organize charities around their communities. Without you all, most people would think that us pagans are self absorbed and hedonistic. Well, okay I think we should all have a little hedonism at times. :)
Monday, July 18, 2011
Are Pagans United?
According to almost every pagan I've talked to concerning Christianity, their biggest bitch about the religion is the corruptness and fighting within the different sects and faiths. It's definitely mine and I have no need to tell anyone my experiences because I'm sure they've had the same or similar. Yet, do we have these same grievances in paganism as well?
When I first started exploring my pagan beliefs with others I joined a Yahoo e-group. It was great and, for awhile, we all played nicely together. Then, as we got to know one another more and I learned about the differences in traditions, little things were said about how one tradition was older than another and which traditions took their roots from others and which tradition was the greatest of them all. Needless to say, I was very confused, and the seeds of doubt crept into my incorrect thinking that pagan society as a whole was united and loving.
The worst thing about doubt is that when it enters it takes change for it to leave and I listened to what the others said and became biased in the way I thought. Then, I thought about every person in my group and every pagan I knew and I asked myself if I was biased of any of them because each and every person had a belief that was slightly different than another. And then I asked myself how different am I than from any Christian who believes that their faith's way is the only way to get to a place of blessedness in the afterlife? So instead of questioning everyone's beliefs, I began looking closer at the people who talked the most about other traditions. Was it insecurity on their part? I think so and I also believe that they were negative about other traditions because it made them feel self important and intelligent.
Can paganism become a whole without this self-doubt and negativity? Can each tradition be looked at with equality? Yes, I definitely think it can but it will take Elders to teach us NOT to behave like others we have come to loathe. It will take self-awakening and wisdom. It will take enlightenment. It will be up to every pagan to ask him/herself if what they say to others is negative or positive. Paganism is beautiful and unique in that everyone can have their own belief system without prejudice or spite. Let's keep it this way people because isn't acceptance and love what it's truly all about?
When I first started exploring my pagan beliefs with others I joined a Yahoo e-group. It was great and, for awhile, we all played nicely together. Then, as we got to know one another more and I learned about the differences in traditions, little things were said about how one tradition was older than another and which traditions took their roots from others and which tradition was the greatest of them all. Needless to say, I was very confused, and the seeds of doubt crept into my incorrect thinking that pagan society as a whole was united and loving.
The worst thing about doubt is that when it enters it takes change for it to leave and I listened to what the others said and became biased in the way I thought. Then, I thought about every person in my group and every pagan I knew and I asked myself if I was biased of any of them because each and every person had a belief that was slightly different than another. And then I asked myself how different am I than from any Christian who believes that their faith's way is the only way to get to a place of blessedness in the afterlife? So instead of questioning everyone's beliefs, I began looking closer at the people who talked the most about other traditions. Was it insecurity on their part? I think so and I also believe that they were negative about other traditions because it made them feel self important and intelligent.
Can paganism become a whole without this self-doubt and negativity? Can each tradition be looked at with equality? Yes, I definitely think it can but it will take Elders to teach us NOT to behave like others we have come to loathe. It will take self-awakening and wisdom. It will take enlightenment. It will be up to every pagan to ask him/herself if what they say to others is negative or positive. Paganism is beautiful and unique in that everyone can have their own belief system without prejudice or spite. Let's keep it this way people because isn't acceptance and love what it's truly all about?
Friday, July 15, 2011
Harry Potter Versus the Witches
The final Harry Potter movie is finally in theaters and, yesterday, people across the U.S. stood for hours in a line waiting for the stroke of midnight to come.... And alas, I cannot tell you what happened from there because I did not go.
I know this may come as a shocker. I mean, what witch isn't going to be gaga over the Harry Potter movies? Well, folks, that witch is me and I will be more than happy to tell you why.
First let me say that I adore and love the Harry Potter series. It's imaginative, fun, well-written, and the story has all the ups and downs of a rip roaring tearjerker. I was hesitant to read the first book because of all the hype surrounding it and I have to confess that I waited for all of the books to be written before I turned the first page of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. But, of course, once I read it I was hooked and I bought the rest of the books and read one right after another. I did not want the series to end. I also saw the first few movies with my kids BEFORE reading the books and we all enjoyed them.
The problem started when I watched Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. It was the first movie I saw after I read the series and I was so disappointed at all the differences. It's not the movie's fault, I do have to say that. The books are simply too long to make into one movie each unless you want to make them epically long like The Lord of the Ring trilogy. At least the last book is separated into two movies. I admit that after movie #5 I haven't seen the rest. If the last two movies followed the book more then please let me know because watching the last battle is definitely a temptation.
Another rant that I have to add here is the demented belief that Harry Potter and his world truly exists in ours. Some people even take their magical names after the characters! I believe that this is simply ridiculous. They are ALL fictional characters based from great fantasy novels, yet there is NO spirituality in them. The characters in Harry Potter are not pagan based. They do not believe in any Gods, there are no ritual circles, no covens, and no pentacles. Please people, all I ask is that when I go to a ritual circle that there be no Lady Hermiones or High Priest Harrys. Unless that is your real name of course.
I know this may come as a shocker. I mean, what witch isn't going to be gaga over the Harry Potter movies? Well, folks, that witch is me and I will be more than happy to tell you why.
First let me say that I adore and love the Harry Potter series. It's imaginative, fun, well-written, and the story has all the ups and downs of a rip roaring tearjerker. I was hesitant to read the first book because of all the hype surrounding it and I have to confess that I waited for all of the books to be written before I turned the first page of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. But, of course, once I read it I was hooked and I bought the rest of the books and read one right after another. I did not want the series to end. I also saw the first few movies with my kids BEFORE reading the books and we all enjoyed them.
The problem started when I watched Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. It was the first movie I saw after I read the series and I was so disappointed at all the differences. It's not the movie's fault, I do have to say that. The books are simply too long to make into one movie each unless you want to make them epically long like The Lord of the Ring trilogy. At least the last book is separated into two movies. I admit that after movie #5 I haven't seen the rest. If the last two movies followed the book more then please let me know because watching the last battle is definitely a temptation.
Another rant that I have to add here is the demented belief that Harry Potter and his world truly exists in ours. Some people even take their magical names after the characters! I believe that this is simply ridiculous. They are ALL fictional characters based from great fantasy novels, yet there is NO spirituality in them. The characters in Harry Potter are not pagan based. They do not believe in any Gods, there are no ritual circles, no covens, and no pentacles. Please people, all I ask is that when I go to a ritual circle that there be no Lady Hermiones or High Priest Harrys. Unless that is your real name of course.
Our Elders in the Craft
What is an Elder exactly? Is it someone who has been initiated and elevated to the highest level in a tradition? Is it someone who has to be in the crone stage of life? Or is it someone who has shown their wisdom countless times and is a natural leader and teacher to our society?
An 'Elder' can be all of these things. However, I believe a TRUE elder is someone who has learned from their own wisdom and uses it to help others. I'm sure all of you can agree with that statement and I am positive that some of you have seen 'Elders' abusing their titles. This bitchery has been percolating for awhile now and I will be happy to tell you why.
When I was first accepted into a coven, I was round-eyed with excitement because I had finally found the Craft family I had always wanted. Then I went to a gathering for a sabbat and met other covens. I realize now that people are people and being a witch makes your moods and quirks no different than those of other spiritualities. Yes, I had really thought that witches had made some kind of ascension and that we had overcome our imperfections! Needless to say, it was a lesson learned.
As time went on, I met more Elders and my respect for them went from the highest level to a level where I shook my head in sadness whenever I was around them. These people were arrogant status seekers. They would elevate their initiates quickly so they could keep tally on how many Elders these Elders had made. Some wouldn't even talk to non-initiates and lowly First degrees while others were just rude and spiteful. Then, it occurred to me that these Elders probably had the same thing done to them so, like any family, the chain of abuse had already been well established. Perhaps the most absurd thing I have ever observed was at one gathering held at a couple's house who just happened to both be Elders. They were doing a project with their coven and wanted to store it in a spare bedroom. Well, the spare bedroom just happened to be so filled with junk that there was barely room to walk. The 'Elders' then decreed that their coveners would clean out this room and they did with one of the Elders directing them where to put all their crap. To me it was one of the most ridiculous displays of power I have ever seen. I mean, really? You can't even clean up your own stuff? I wanted to ask them if they were really that lazy?
Other ways that Elders abuse power is by making their coveners or others feel like they are stupid or inept. Of course, those who have a brown nose always seem to have it easier then others who really want to learn. Yet, when people see that those who are kissing ass are reaping all the rewards then you can't really blame them when they start doing the same thing.
I have met these types of 'Elders' in my tradition and in other paths and I truly believe that we need to look at how we conduct ourselves and how we want our students to learn. How much knowledge is lost when that is the last thing that people look for? Thank the Gods for the TRUE Elders who really care about their path and their students. My hope is that these Elders will always be more populous than the others.
An 'Elder' can be all of these things. However, I believe a TRUE elder is someone who has learned from their own wisdom and uses it to help others. I'm sure all of you can agree with that statement and I am positive that some of you have seen 'Elders' abusing their titles. This bitchery has been percolating for awhile now and I will be happy to tell you why.
When I was first accepted into a coven, I was round-eyed with excitement because I had finally found the Craft family I had always wanted. Then I went to a gathering for a sabbat and met other covens. I realize now that people are people and being a witch makes your moods and quirks no different than those of other spiritualities. Yes, I had really thought that witches had made some kind of ascension and that we had overcome our imperfections! Needless to say, it was a lesson learned.
As time went on, I met more Elders and my respect for them went from the highest level to a level where I shook my head in sadness whenever I was around them. These people were arrogant status seekers. They would elevate their initiates quickly so they could keep tally on how many Elders these Elders had made. Some wouldn't even talk to non-initiates and lowly First degrees while others were just rude and spiteful. Then, it occurred to me that these Elders probably had the same thing done to them so, like any family, the chain of abuse had already been well established. Perhaps the most absurd thing I have ever observed was at one gathering held at a couple's house who just happened to both be Elders. They were doing a project with their coven and wanted to store it in a spare bedroom. Well, the spare bedroom just happened to be so filled with junk that there was barely room to walk. The 'Elders' then decreed that their coveners would clean out this room and they did with one of the Elders directing them where to put all their crap. To me it was one of the most ridiculous displays of power I have ever seen. I mean, really? You can't even clean up your own stuff? I wanted to ask them if they were really that lazy?
Other ways that Elders abuse power is by making their coveners or others feel like they are stupid or inept. Of course, those who have a brown nose always seem to have it easier then others who really want to learn. Yet, when people see that those who are kissing ass are reaping all the rewards then you can't really blame them when they start doing the same thing.
I have met these types of 'Elders' in my tradition and in other paths and I truly believe that we need to look at how we conduct ourselves and how we want our students to learn. How much knowledge is lost when that is the last thing that people look for? Thank the Gods for the TRUE Elders who really care about their path and their students. My hope is that these Elders will always be more populous than the others.
Who is the Bitchy Witch?
The witch, of course, is me. Greetings, merry meet, hello, and hi. I am your normal, run of the mill witch. Yes, I'm in a tradition. No, I'm not an elder though I do respect those who TRULY deserve that status. There is nothing more mystical or powerful about me than there is in any of you reading this. I listen to my gut, but I can't tell you what you're thinking, and, finally, I regret to inform you that I do not know the secrets of the universe.
With that being said I do have some opinions (aka bitcheries) about the state of affairs in our witchy world and that is what my blog is all about. In the wanderings of my path I have met some great people and friends. However, then there are those I have observed acting as petty tyrants, manipulators, and bullies. Actually, I will call these people the rejects of society who have sought out a counter-culture to exploit. It's sad, but I have found that it is oh-so-true.
Along with the bitcheries, I will scribe other musings of mine and information that I think is worth sharing to all my witch brother and sisters. Let me also say right here and now that even though I am initiated into a tradition, I respect and honor ALL pagan paths. So, please, if commenting do not say how your tradition or belief system is any better than anyone else's. That's just not nice.
Finally, I do welcome all thoughts, comments, bitcheries, musings, etc., that you may have as well.
So Mote It Be
The Bitchy Witch 7/15/2011 :)
With that being said I do have some opinions (aka bitcheries) about the state of affairs in our witchy world and that is what my blog is all about. In the wanderings of my path I have met some great people and friends. However, then there are those I have observed acting as petty tyrants, manipulators, and bullies. Actually, I will call these people the rejects of society who have sought out a counter-culture to exploit. It's sad, but I have found that it is oh-so-true.
Along with the bitcheries, I will scribe other musings of mine and information that I think is worth sharing to all my witch brother and sisters. Let me also say right here and now that even though I am initiated into a tradition, I respect and honor ALL pagan paths. So, please, if commenting do not say how your tradition or belief system is any better than anyone else's. That's just not nice.
Finally, I do welcome all thoughts, comments, bitcheries, musings, etc., that you may have as well.
So Mote It Be
The Bitchy Witch 7/15/2011 :)
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