hyp·o·crite
[hip-uh-krit]
noun
1.
a person who pretends to have virtues, moral or religious beliefs, principles, etc., that he or she does not actually possess, especially a person whose actions belie stated beliefs.
2.
a person who feigns some desirable or publicly approved attitude, especially one whose private life, opinions, or statements belie his or her public statements.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/hypocrite
I think I've talked about it before, people who 'talk the talk' but don't 'walk the walk' .. we are Pagan's we have the freedom to study from all walks of life, we can be as Eclectic as our Path guides us to be - and we celebrate that, we love that and we discuss how other religions don't allow that sort of freedom, we talk about the rules that they have and how it's not so much a case of Thy Will Be Done and Thy Will Be Don't and then some small minority amongst us try our hardest to make sure that anyone who says they are Pagan follows their way of practicing the Craft, no discussion - it's a do it my way or you are WRONG mentality!
Don't get me wrong - I have no problem with anyone telling me that they have an alternative way of casting a circle, or chanting a spell, or mixing that potion and I am ALL about the learning .... what gets my goat is people laying down the law to me especially when they have no experience to back it up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Several times recently in the various groups I belong to I have witnessed people being made to look foolish by 'longtimers' and it's made me angry. Nothing gives anyone the right to 'diss' anyone's way of doing things - so they may walk the circle with one trouser leg up and one down - so what!!!??? They may want to paint the candles with glitter and sprinkle bird seed in their ritual bath ...... SO WHAT!
It's not your way, or my way and what gives us the right to judge - we don't want to be told how to practice our Craft, if we did (then forgive me, but) wouldn't we be following a more mainstream religion????
Before, anyone starts yelling - yes I know there are new Witches and Pagans that are just as pompous, overbearing and RIGHT as longtimers - but I like to think that they will, as they work with Perfect Love and Perfect Trust, see that we can not judge anyone else for being right or wrong!
I really fail to see how this small minority can walk this Path and yet still fail to see the irony of how demanding they are that they follow the only 'true and right' way to practice the Craft!
In Perfect Love and Perfect Trust
Raven x x x
Image courtesy of google search - no author given
You've made excellent points and many of the things you pointed to really rub me the wrong way too. One of the foremost "reasons" we turn FROM organized and more modern religion is to embrace diversity and individuality within the bond of unity we cannot sever, but too often, I see people denying the "truth" of human existence - trying to get everyone to "match" their own ways. How then, can they call themselves Pagan? Or Witches? As you said, it IS ironic.
ReplyDeleteAnd for those who are more focused on what and how others are doing, rather than focusing on their own back yard - and walking the talk for themselves - are truly only "hurting" themselves. At the end of the day (or the end of the lifetime) the only person you're left with...is yourself.
Just excellent and I couldn't agree more! Personally, I don't care about what I "think" I know...I love hearing others opinions, stories and ways of working magick! We all have something to contribute and learn if we are to continue growing. Thanks for posting!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more, our diversity is one of the thing that make our Craft so wonderful, and what does it matter how we prayer or do a ritual? As long as it's Harm Ye None, right?
ReplyDeleteSorry I didn't comment sooner... Read this on my phone and its difficult to post from there....then by the time I was at my computer the faeries took my attention somewhere else ;~P....
ReplyDeleteI love this post. I find it interesting that not long ago I was afraid to state these same feelings I had. But I have learned as I express them, that many others feel the same. Its wonderful to be surrounded by such loving Pagans!!
Cay