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[sacrificialgoddess]

LOL I love that Buffy quote.

So, let's be honest here. Did anyone of you go through the New Age - er, henna tattoo and a spice rack stage - trying to find your way?

Back in my 20s, after I had left Christianity behind, but was still a theist, I had a Charmed faze that lasted over 2 years (Ok, almost 3 years). I'd watch the old TNT reruns twice a day, as well as the new WB episodes (so sometimes I'd watch 3 episodes in one day!). I had read the Ronald Hutton book The Triumph of the Moon, so I knew that Charmed's worldview was essentially Christian (in spite of their use of a "Book of Shadows") with witches fighting demons of Hell and the Satanic Source, but I still couldn't help myself -- I was hooked.

The first three years were not that bad, but yes, the Charmed Ones were in fact, Catholic.

[Gillyflower]

n00bs are attracted by the shiny and quick fixes. And I'm lumping myself in with the n00bs. I bought a couple of crystals, smudge sticks, I tried various things out of local New Age shops (Tiger, you have or had some great ones around Wall Street). I will always be sad I didn't snatch up a gorgeous crystal ball there in an antique store. And I don't know what I would do with one!

Fortunately I was saved by the reading list from a decent tradition.

Is there anything we can do - talk one of our own into going into the movie or television business and create some normal characters? Maybe some of you can write books?

[wiscidea]

Is it just my imagination? I'm thinking that many people in non-Pagan religions have a problem discussing Paganism. Why is that?

At the risk of offending someone somewhere somehow...

I just have too much respect for Pagans. You generally leave people alone, so people leave you alone. There's no immediate need to defend ourselves from you. You're just nice people. Even if I thought you were completely insane, I wouldn't want to burst your bubbles by asking critical questions.

I also think, perhaps incorrectly, I have a grasp of what you're about and should really go to other websites if I have questions. I guess I don't want to bother you with ridiculous questions.

I suspect most Christians don't know how to react to you. Perhaps they don't even take you seriously enough or view you as a direct threat to their faith. You'd know more about this than I do. But I wish more of them would at least answer the question you present in this thread. Other people, from other religions, probably aren't even aware of you. I can't imagine there are many Pagans living in the Islamic world.

That said...

Should I try to think of some questions? Promise you won't hate me? I could play Devil's Advocate... uhhhh... no, that would be taking your side....    Just kidding!!!!

Namaste

[mintie]

I find Paganism very interesting but I know soooo little about it...I read bits and pieces here and there but I feel that I don't know enough to ask question about it...

[MaineCaptain]

Wiscidea, I can't speak for everyone, but I do not think any one would mind sincere questions. I know, I would not. And no question is ridiculous, if asked sincerely as I know you would.

I know if I have the answer I will try and answer you.

And Mintie Please feel free to pop any questions you might have. I think we can handle it  

[Gorm_Sionnach]

Wiscidea and Mintie: Pagans, Recons, or those of us who wile away our lives posting in such forums are almost always open to inquiry. Some will share general philosophy, outlook, maybe some experiences, others may be shy about doing so, fearing to divulge too much personal information a publically accessible web site, which is completely understandable.

Generally though, "we" love to hear ourselves type (I love to hear myself type) and so I am very open to all manner of inquiry. I'm at the point where I can even recieve difficult questions or lines of inquiry, and I do enjoy being made to ruminate about something, generally brought on by someone asking from a totally different perspective.

Pagans ain't perfect, and there are a lot of issues within the 'community'; some have simple answers, others are complex. There is disagreement, infighting, charlatans and hucksters and other people woith generally disjointed opinions, but such is modern Paganism.

Gilly: There are a couple of Pagan fiction authors, again some are independently published so the demographic they reach is small, others have a wider audience but that is because they are published by a subdivision of Llywellyn. Most media representations of Pagans tend to range from harmless flakes to sinister manipulators of the young.

My own personal guage from mainstream is "The Simpsons" two (or three) seasons ago during an episode Bart was pestering Lisa, "Dad, Lisa's been casting spells at me!", Lisa, "Its called Wicca and its empowering". It was a one off, but none the less that it was there speaks volumes.

[sacrificialgoddess]

Because it seems particularly apt:


Bump.

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