I Got a Ticket from the Pagan Police

Okay, I am being melodramatic here. I did not get pulled over on the Internet Highway. But I have to say sometimes I feel that way. There are many, many wonderful blogs and websites written by pagans. It is an informative and educational experience to visit; to learn about other pagan paths and to meet people that, as a solitary practitioner, one would not otherwise come in contact with. Usually, this is a positive encounter.

Unfortunately, I have also run into some very judgmental people. As a pagan this is disappointing, and at times, hurtful. Pagans in general are accepting of all paths. Pagans also understand that people in "mainstream" religions can be critical of and prejudiced against pagans, mostly due to misconceptions and lack of information. To run into this kind of prejudice from other pagans is, to say the least, disheartening.

Here are a few examples, paraphrased, of statements I have read. I will not name blogs or websites; it is not my intention to be confrontational.

Wiccans are not witches. They do not practice magic or witchcraft. Wiccans are "wishy-washy" about any kind of magic other than white magic. Wiccans are the most uptight group of people ever. Wiccans have too many rituals.

You get the idea. The right to have your own opinion is obvious. You can write whatever you want on your website. Just be sure to state that you are voicing an opinion, not necessarily a documented fact.

Wiccans are many and varied, as are most pagans. There are uptight people in all walks of life. Does that mean that if you meet, say, a teacher who was uptight, that all teachers are uptight? One bad apple in every bunch?

I am Wiccan. I also call myself a witch. I do know that there are Wiccans who do not call themselves witches, but that is their choice. Practicing magick and/or witchcraft is a personal choice. Some include it in their path, some don't. As a Wiccan, I choose not to practice black or gray magic, I prefer to practice magick that heals, helps and supports the Earth and all upon it. That is not to say that I am unfamiliar with defensive magick. I am capable and ready to protect myself and my family if the need arises.

Without belaboring these issues and opinions, I would like to state that my Wiccan ways may not be particularly appealing to pagans of different paths and beliefs. Just as those same pagans may not appeal to my path. The point is, we are all pagans doing our best to live our lives the best we can, with the skills and knowledge, beliefs and ideals that set us apart from mainstream practices. It is at times a difficult path we take. The last thing we need is criticism and judgment from our fellow pagans. Tolerance, at the least, would be appreciated.