Pagan Pride and prejudice, Do we hold our selves back?

 

In darkness you paint us, but we will not hide. We're the light of the country in which you abide, we're fearless and strong, the protectors of life hidden in the shadows,we conquer all strife.

We come from the Old Ones, our lineage secure. We rise from the ashes, we always endure. It's time you remember that we were here first. We healed your sick, yet suffered your worst.

From time immemorial we've woven our lore cunning folk, healers, benandanti-there's more. We're black and we're white, we're brown and yellow. We're women and children, and mighty fine fellows.
  We're Her hidden children, the angels of light, our task is to teach and to help set things right. We conjure and cast, and whisper and pray so you can enjoy your freedom each day.

 We've long been your army, protecting your back when you are in trouble, in the secret we act. The Mother is watching- She hasn't missed much. She's gathered Her magick and given the touch to Witches and Pagans and Druids and such.

The times are a'changing and one thing is clear the Lord and the Lady have now reappeared. Two pillars, three points, four quarters extend five is the number of magickal blend. By moon and by sun, by earth and by stars realize this day that the power is ours!

Found this poem in a book by  Silver Raven Wolf The ultimate Book of Shadows for the new generation Solitary Witch.

One of the common things about the Wiccan way is the belief in secrecy. It is part of the five principals in some variations “To be silent”. Other paths require vowels of silence and degrees of initiation, before you are privy to the deep mysteries.

In the old days being too loud and proud came with its very own lynch mob. It was a matter of survival. Things have changed slowly since Gerald Gardner throw off the veil and helped fuel the modern Wiccan movement back in the 1950s.

 On 2001-MAR-15, the United States awarded tax exempt status to different forms of Wicca, and recently in the news in Memphis’s channel 3 reported on the opening of a Wiccan church.

Still negative misconceptions prevail, Questions like “Do you worship Satan?” or statements like “You’re going to hell.” Are generally enough to force most believers to hold there tongues on the subject. Besides isn’t half the fun the secret?

Well if you ask me no.

While having a secret may seem like fun, the fact of the matter is when things are kept private rumors abound and falsehoods are born.

 The stone wall riots fueled the gay rights movement and now the united state sits bordered by two countries that recognize same sex marriage, and could be on the verge its self with the first president ever publicly endorsing it.  

All thought many lobbyist and rights groups rallied for the cause the grass root effort that made it possibly is what is important here. To get the majority to support a minority view you have to demystify it. Allow them to see it as normal and just another facet of life. To this end Harvey Milk asked homosexuals to come out.

It is never fun to be the one standing in the face of opposition; to look hate in the eye and proclaim your wrong and I don’t care that you out number me.

But a popular quote about Wicca comes to mind “She changes everything she touches. And everything she touches changes” As wiccans we are called to do many things. Heal, guide, and teach. To change things for the better because we have the gift, that gift comes with a price.

So I will leave this article off with another quote this one by the aforementioned Harvey Milk.

“Brothers and sisters,... You must come out. Come out... to your parents... I know that it is hard and will hurt them but think about how they will hurt you in the voting booth! Come out to your relatives... come out to your friends... if indeed they are your friends. Come out to your neighbors... to your fellow workers... to the people who work where you eat and shop... come out only to the people you know, and who know you. Not to anyone else. But once and for all, break down the myths, destroy the lies and distortions. For your sake. For their sake. For the sake of the youngsters who are becoming scared.”