But I don’t understand…..

I get this alot…from people who ask me about Wicca and being a Witch.  While I haven’t “outed” myself to many people, there are a few who are aware of it just because of the fact that they are in my home  enough to see it.  I’ve explained in previous posts that I have a disabled daughter who requires home nursing care.  There are 5 nurses in my home at various times who help me out.  Because they are here, they see the books I have laying around that I’m reading, hear me talking about a spell I’m doing or a Sabbat I’m celebrating. Though I try to be private about it somewhat, this is my home and I can’t hide my lifestyle or who I am completely.

While 3 of the 5 are totally accepting and even interested in knowing about it or learning about it more, one of them loves at least the crystal/herbal/oil spells and asks me to do them for her (such as passing an entrance exam) the 5th one is a problem.  She is the typical Christian with the preconceived “evil” notions about the word Witch, I can say this because for a while I attended Christian church.   While she insisted she’s not being judgemental, she proceeded to ask impertinent questions she would never ask a person of another religion, and though I patiently tried to answer the questions I felt willing to answer, hedging the ones that were private to me, and explaining things in a way I felt she should understand, her final answer to it all was ….I don’t understand.  Though I suggested she read a book about it (I suggested Simple Wicca for a quick easy read) or she do some research on line at sites such as About.com…she just shook her head and again..I don’t understand.  Infuritating needless to say!!  While I’m not saying all Christians have this attitude, people in general balk at learning the truth about something they don’t understand.  Instead of striving to learn about it before making an opinion, they just regurgitate what they’ve been taught or believe the preconceived notions without thought that they might be wrong about something!  I think that is what is wrong with the religious sect in general.  They all believe that their religion is the “Right” one. 

In my search for a spiritual path I could believe in and be comfortable with, I have studied or at least got a basic synopsis of various religions..I know enough to understand where they are coming from.  This should be something people of religion should be willing to do..to learn before forming a negative opinion of another’s path.  There is a commonality between most religions and that is the worship of a higher being..in whatever form they believe.  The relationship we have with that higher being,  God, Goddess, Buddha, Mohammed, The One, The Universe, whatever you call it..is what counts..not how we go about worshipping Him/Her/It.  Religion is manmade, not God Made.  Wiccans believe..Do as you will, and Harm None.  To me this means, let people have their own beliefs, religion, way of life, without judgement or harm to others.  Isn’t that beautiful…God/Goddess put us on this earth for the soul purpose of loving each other, taking care of each other, learning life’s lessons, and loving them.  Thats it…very simple.

As a Witch, I know that I will encounter even worse things than “I Don’t understand” but I think this is the attitude that will bother me the most.  It is very easy to find a way to understand if you WANT to.  I’m not asking anybody to change their religion to mine…but leave me alone to enjoy and live my path without your negative  or judgemental attitude.  I don’t judge you so please do me the same favor.  After all, I worship a Higher Being the same as you..I just do it differently.

Blessed Be,

Autumn