Caz

Mrs. B has a very interesting Pagan Journal prompt up at the moment.  She wants to hear what we think is the most frustrating aspect of being pagan.  I suppose at different times, there are different answers to this question... lack of community, lack of activities within that community, the ridiculous price of some 'supplies' (I put that in quotes as there is very little I think of as a required supply for pagan practice.. and the absurd prices feel almost predatory in some cases)  I had a bit of a ponder whilst I made a cup of coffee and came up with my answer.

Ok I sat there for a minute trying to figure out a way to put this diplomatically, and came up with nothing lol.   So I'll just say it & duck for cover!  I was close with the community aspect, but that wasn't *quite* it... My issue is finding community that doesn't feel like, for want of a better more pc term, a bunch of nutters.  *ducks*  There seems to be such a strong tendency toward the extreme in pagan circles where people appear to want to be as out there as possible.  As a pagan I totally understand the need for, and really do LOVE the symbols.. but really, if your outfit inspires a game of count the pentacles @@, nuff said.   I also realize that our faith is as much a part of our everyday lives (probably moreso) than your average Christian... but I've met people who behaved as if everylittle mundane thing was some great mysterious message from the Gods.  Sorry Joe, sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.   

I think I've hit on it... my real problem is the lack of 'down to earth' people that celebrate this 'earth based religion'!!  I can't really be the only down to earth, no nonsense pagan mum living in this greater metro area with a population of some 2 million folks can I?  (not that it matters, because I found the same problem when I lived in California too)  I have had about TWO pagan girlfriends, maybe 3, in my entire history as a pagan that I really felt I could sit down for a cuppa without the conversation drifting to the way fringe.  I suppose I must say I have no huge problem with discussing some of the more unusual topics paganism can bring up... but sometimes it'd be nice to sit down with a couple of pagan friends and just chat about ... nothing :D and just know that even though we aren't actively talking pagan stuff, that common bond is still there and doesnt' require constant reinforcing.

I shall now pull a Salman Rushdie and go into hiding LOL. 

9 Responses
  1. Todd Says:

    Well, if it makes you feel any better, I *totally* agree with you. That's why I don't even wear my pentacle necklace much because I just don't feel the need to "throw it in their face", if you know what I mean. It's a personal thing, this paganism, not public.


  2. Meganne Says:

    Yes, yes, and yes. I agree with you totally too. You aren't alone, sister!


  3. Caz Says:

    Thanks to you both :) Meganne, I tried to follow your blog earlier (as well as tried to comment) but I think blogger has issues at the moment because it won't let me do either! I'll bookmark you and try again later :D


  4. Lisa Says:

    i agree about those who take things to the extreme, but i suppose you have those in all religions. personally, i dont try to push my pentagram onto anyone, but i wish simply wearing it wasnt such an issue.


  5. Anonymous Says:

    You're my new best friend. ;) Seriously, I try to gently broach this topic at least a few times a month on my blog, and I'm always petrified I'm going to have the stones cast my way. Thank you for phrasing it all so delicately!


  6. Caz Says:

    Lisa.. I totally agree and wish everyone could wear a pent without being accosted. Interestingly enough here in Aussie it's not nearly as big an issue as it was in the US.

    Kaleanani LOL.. that is the first tiem I have ever been accused of putting things delicately *gryn* But seriously, I do feel that pagans across the board would be taken more seriously if there wasn't such an incredibly huge visible minority making the world wonder if we're all a bit less than sane ya know?

    Thanks for weighing in everyone :D


  7. I totally agree with you!


  8. Lyn Says:

    I loved your post - exactly how I feel too.


  9. Desiree Says:

    Well said, I completely agree!