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Post by Amarynth on Mar 16, 2013 7:28:36 GMT -8
~ 10 Things About Being a Witch ~
1) No conversation or recruitment is necessary…
Witches have no insecure compulsion to convert everyone to their way of thinking. People come to Witchcraft when and if they are ready/interested. Also, you are not required to accept or do anything that you’re not comfortable with.
2) No artificial code of morality…
Out of all of the creatures of this Earth, only humans are forced to live under unnatural moral codes.
3) Progressive Reincarnation…
Witches believe we are here to learn and to progress, not suffer eternal damnation if we ‘slip-up’ in someone else’s eyes.
4) No Discrimination…
There is no such thing as being the ‘right’ race, color, gender, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin to be a Witch; ALL are welcome!
5) No middle man (or woman)… Once you know all of the basics, you can be your own ‘minister’ or ‘priest’ you need never bow before (or rely upon) some religious dictator for spiritual guidance, you go straight to the source.
6) Be yourself…
By sharing a common interest with others in Witchcraft, you do not lose your identity as an individual. You are unique and can and should stay that way without becoming a blob in homogeneous mass.
7) No repression…
Witches are not forbidden from reading, learning, eating, drinking, or saying anything. You can actually even disagree with someone without being ‘excommunicated’.
8) Contribution…
No, Not money, but knowledge. The Craft has always , and will always, be an experimental faith. If it works, we use it. Then share it so that all in the Craft may benefit.
9) No rigid Dogma…
Witches DO NOT believe that their path is ‘The One and Only Path’. The only ‘True’ path is the one that works best for you. All paths are valid.
10) Self-empowerment…
Witchcraft allows you to truly feel your own power, if you will, and a true sense of self. You are ‘allowed’ to be the best person that you wish to be with all of the love and support that you can possibly hope for. Witchcraft allows you to take your hopes, dreams, and most heart’s desires and manifest them in this reality. All is possible. All is real.
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Post by Randalla on Mar 16, 2013 20:16:27 GMT -8
Hey I just saw this on one of my non-political FB pages just last night. Thought it was pretty cool, too.  |
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Post by Maximillian Thorton on Mar 17, 2013 19:55:47 GMT -8
I sense a strong and rather ugly undertone here.......
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Post by Randalla on Mar 17, 2013 20:10:07 GMT -8
If I had come up with this, maybe.  Ama, though, has not a hateful bone in her body.  |
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Post by Maximillian Thorton on Mar 18, 2013 12:06:35 GMT -8
Then whoever designed this. Either way.
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Post by Kevin MF Hardy on Mar 18, 2013 13:42:28 GMT -8
this thread makes me think of this video every time it is hit with a reply.
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Post by Randalla on Mar 18, 2013 14:17:23 GMT -8
Lmao And max, I'm surprised. Letting a challenge go unanswered. |
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Post by Maximillian Thorton on Mar 18, 2013 16:37:00 GMT -8
There are so many biased and over-loaded things in the OP, it would take a dozen paragraphs to reply.
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Post by Randalla on Mar 18, 2013 17:16:41 GMT -8
Since when has that stopped you? You know, rather than be offended, maybe stop and look at it from the other perspective. There's a reason some folks feel the way they do about organized religion altogether, let alone a specific branch. If we didn't feel like we were having fingers pointed at us, that we were being judged, that others are telling us what we can and can't do based on someone else's OPINION, or someone else's BELIEF that we may not happen to share, we wouldn't be so bitter in our own objections. Put yourself in Ama's shoes. Her coworkers have been shitheads to her because of her Pagan beliefs. How bout my own experience? A perfectly rational lunch time conversation with a coworker of my own took an akward turn when mention of my PCOS (jacked up hormones) made her suddenly ask me with a horrified expression, "You don't have THAT problem, too, do you?" What problem? Being a lesbian, of course, as if PCOS had anything to do with it. I was so caught off guard, rather than stand up for myself, I slammed the damned closet door closed. She's one of those holy roller bible thumper types, and among some of the most judgmental people I know. I still like her, though, despite it. If not for experiences like that, there might not be a reason for organized religion to leave such a bitter taste in our mouths. If organized religion didn't empower people to judge, to think that their way is the only way and everyone else is doin' it wrong, even while they preach "judge not" out of the other side of their mouth. We get just as miffed and offended every time we see religious types pointing fingers at us for all kinds of reasons. Put yourself in our place and try to understand where we're coming from. |
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Post by Cerridwyn on Mar 18, 2013 20:17:17 GMT -8
I love it Ama!
And so true. Being a pagan you can find every thing ritual that puts your faith to shame Max to those whose spirituality is all well spiritual. I don't need a candle, but if I want one, that's cool. I don't need a circle, but if I want one, that's cool.
It is very well known that in WW II the witches of England worked with members of every religious faith on one night to send the message to Hitler that he did not want to invade England that if he did he would fail.
Whether it was his own belief in the occult that kept him away or whether the joint Pagan/Christian/etc ritual/prayer activities really made a difference, who is to say. All I know is that he could have owned England. But he never invaded.
Bright blessings to you Ama and to everyone else as well. It will soon be Ostara, have you planned your festivities yet?
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Post by Randalla on Mar 18, 2013 22:56:07 GMT -8
Well, despite my own feelings one way or another, I'm still reluctant to be the one to say my way is better than anyone else's, I'm just trying to point out why such sourness. Until someone's been looked down upon for some reason or another, it's kinda hard to see it from that worm's eye point of view. Not saying I've been perfect my own self, but I like to think I'm trying. lol
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Post by Maximillian Thorton on Mar 19, 2013 9:33:34 GMT -8
I cannot speak for other organized churches. But the Holy Catholic Church has indeed asked forgiveness for her transgressions in the past. We're not sure how else we can say we are sorry.
The message of Christianity is Christ, who is love. Love is kind, but not always gentle. Love is greatness, but not always comfortable. Love is the Truth, and we must speak the Truth as He proclaimed it.
Most distaste from the Church comes from either Christians who proclaim a message that is not Christian, or from a complete misunderstanding of why the Catholic Church does what she does. I cannot speak for other denominations because I am not them. But the Church calls all into her fold, seeking both love and forgiveness from them. Rand, she no doubt was taken back herself. I am NOT defending your co-worker: I'm merely suggesting she didn't understand the situation herself. Misunderstanding and lack of communication are the agents of disunity.
The Church does not empower her members to judge. We recognize only God can truly judge the souls of humanity. But we can judge the actions of individuals, because by Christ's teachings, we have a basic understanding of what is right and wrong. But again, only God can decide.
The Church's rituals and teachings have developed for over 2,000 years, some ranging back to the Jewish traditions. We tell our members ours is the right way not because we think so, but because Christ Himself preached the ministry. We obey God: can you condemn us for that? Christ called us to make disciples of all nations, to evangelize. That's not forcing anyone (or is shouldn't). It's communicating the Gospel through our lives and our love.
By the way: you may be surprised to understand Blessed Pope John Paul II convened at least once an Assisi Meeting: a gathering of the world's religious leaders for a time of prayer and unity for peace. Tell me that's pointing fingers.
Ama, Rand, Cerd: I love you very much. If this is offensive, I apologize: I pray everyday for the souls that do not fully understand the Church and Christ. I pray for my soul and your souls, that God may have mercy on us all, for we are sinners.
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Post by Randalla on Mar 19, 2013 12:14:54 GMT -8
I don't condemn people who don't condemn me and my friends who I know are good people.  To clarify, I know you haven't, and don't, so it's not a personal attack by any means. I mean in general, by whoever or whatever organization or denomination. I'm also beat after just one errand today, so I'll check back in a bit. lol |
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Post by Amarynth on Mar 20, 2013 6:11:06 GMT -8
Sorry, I've been a bit busy lately and just coming home from an overnight shift. I will talk more on this within a day or two, or perhaps even today when I return from Rockland. I will say two things:
1. This is really not meant to make anyone feel as if their own beliefs are being threatened. It's simply a fellow witch explaining something that I could not have explained better myself. I think it's wonderful. Nothing ugly about it.
2. Rand, you took the words right out of my mouth with your explanation. Thank you dear.
3. Cerd...most likely working, but definitely doing some personal reflection and praying to the Goddess for my loved ones in this trying time. How about you?
4. Max, I am curious as to 'why' you sensed a "strong and rather ugly undertone"? I truly don't see it as that..I simply see this as a Pagan trying to make sense of the world we live in and perhaps offering a little explanation of what makes a witch different from other "organized" (I really hate religion being described as organized) religions. This isn't meant to hurt you and your beliefs, or belittle them in the least. Such has been done to my religion many times over, but I would never treat another human in the way that I and I am certain many others have been treated because of the way I choose to live.
See, and I'm not saying this to be mean...but I feel that if anyone has an issue with the way I worship (and if they take the OP to be a slight to their own religion) then it is only because of their own insecurities with their own morals and beliefs. If you are secure in your life and what you so strongly believe in, then there should be no reason to feel as if there is a strong and ugly undertone to the original post.
It's all about being open to all paths out there, and to be understanding and tolerant of peoples beliefs...no matter what they might be.
My children have the right to follow whatever religion they choose, whether it be Christian, Jewish, Muslim whatever...their path is their path just like mine is mine. I will always be there for them and never persecute them for their chosen religious path. For me, this is the Wiccan way...
An it harm none, do as ye will....
It is what it is: some well versed words that explain a great deal about how many of us Pagan's feel about our beloved path.
Also, I didn't post this up here to begin a religious debate...truly that wasn't my intention. I simply wanted to share something that touched me personally. Sorry if it offended you Max.
And...that was much more than two things...
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Post by Maximillian Thorton on Mar 20, 2013 12:28:42 GMT -8
Ama, I do not believe for a second you intended for such an argument. Perhaps even the original author did not. But those opposed to the Catholic Church have used these types of arguments countless of times, in numerous variations. It just screams to me "anti-Catholic."
It's not a matter of being insecure or threatened. It's a matter of apologetics: a defense of the faith. I have a duty to protect what I believe. More importantly, however, I have a duty to clarify the misconceptions around my faith.
Himself said, "Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you." I'm definitely not saddened by it. Frustrated and upset, of course.
I'm going to provide a quote not aimed at anyone in particular, and not to imply any of you hate the Church. It accentuates, though, our mentality. Written by Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, whose cause for canonization was recently recognized.
"If I were not a Catholic, and were looking for the true Church in the world today, I would look for the one Church which did not get along well with the world; in other words, I would look for the Church which the world hated.
My reason for doing this would be, that if Christ is in any one of the churches of the world today, He must still be hated as He was when He was on earth in the flesh. If you would find Christ today, then find the Church that does not get along with the world. Look for the Church that is hated by the world as Christ was hated by the world.
Look for the Church that is accused of being behind the times, as our Lord was accused of being ignorant and never having learned. Look for the Church which men sneer at as socially inferior, as they sneered at Our Lord because He came from Nazareth. Look for the Church which is accused of having a devil, as Our Lord was accused of being possessed by Beelzebub, the Prince of Devils.
Look for the Church which, in seasons of bigotry, men say must be destroyed in the name of God as men crucified Christ and thought they had done a service to God.
Look for the Church which the world rejects because it claims it is infallible, as Pilate rejected Christ because He called Himself the Truth.
Look for the Church which is rejected by the world as Our Lord was rejected by men. Look for the Church which amid the confusions of conflicting opinions, its members love as they love Christ, and respect its Voice as the very voice of its Founder, and the suspicion will grow, that if the Church is unpopular with the spirit of the world, then it is unworldly, and if it is unworldly it is other worldly. Since it is other-worldly, it is infinitely loved and infinitely hated as was Christ Himself.
But only that which is Divine can be infinitely hated and infinitely loved. Therefore the Church is Divine."
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