itty wrote:

Holly in many cases when we tell people we're Pagan without specifying our religious affiliation those people do assume us to be Wiccan. In my case I am. But I hear the anger and frustration from other Pagans that this is the case. I understand that.

me too!!

Wicca was, I think, so explosive that it sort of symbolized all of Pagan religions. It also has gotten a reputation of being a feel good, let it all hang out, anything goes sort of religion. People think that as Wiccans we have no real foundation beyond what we want and do at any particular moment. We have what we call fluffy bunnies. Those are the sun shiney, sparkly, we love the world, everything natural is peaceful and wonderful, leap about the lanscape throwing flowers, hugs and kisses sort. I will tell you, at the risk of having my ankles attacked by a hoarde of angry bunnies, that this is completely not the case.

blink,,,they think you're just some kind of living-in-la-la-land always happy live in the moment never worry about anything, seeing the world through rose colored glasses people?? Are these people who think this the SAME people who, not so very long ago, accused Witches and practitioners of Wicca as Devil worshipers??? These SAME people??

Wicca does have core values and beliefs. They are few and they are disputed but they are, IMO, inherent. There is a very good discussion here on B'net about those values. Wicca has many traditions, many solitary practitioners. We have traditional people, moderate people and liberal people with respect to the religion.

Don't all faiths have that? :) Some of them can be embarassing, IMO, and I'm talking about my own faith!!!!

Gilly can certainly tell you, as can I, that not all of us subscribe to the very traditional practitioners do. We, meaning notn-traditional Wiccans do catch grief about how we practice our religion.

Isn't that always the way? sheesh

What I like about my religion is the freedom within the boundries of the core to explore, to dare, to know, to will and to be silent. I like the automony of being thought of as an adult and not a child to be guided and lead. I like the emphasis on personal growth personally and spiritually. I like having to dig into many disciplines and many philosophies in order to do the growing that is an integral part of my religion.

wow,,,those are some of the very things I love about Reform Judaism, too :) That's kinda cool :)

Ed to ADD: I celebrate other holidays. I love Christmas and I love Yule. I celebrate both. LOL...I love the hymns, particularly the traditional ones. I have several tapes of them and I listen to them and sing them. I can do that in respect for my Christian family and friends. I can share their joy and also be in tune with the purpose of Yule. It's a lovely religion that I have! :)

I am absolutely thrilled that you love your faith so much,,,and it shows,,,in your attitude, in your words,,,in your happiness,,,in EVERYTHING. That kind of spirit is "catchy",,,even to people who don't share your faith,,,,Holly

ItsAllALie wrote:

Thanks, guys.  I don't mean to be nosy, but when I discover ignorance in myself, I like to "fix" it,,,but religion is such a personal thing, it's always tough to know what to ask, what people will be willing to share.

All, one thing I noticed from your response, which kind of stunned me,,,,Do people think that just because you're Pagan that you are Wiccan?

People just seem to link Pagan and Wiccan together.  It's actually at a point where many Asatru call themselves "Heathen" as a way to distinguish.  I've only had that problem a handful of times, 'cause I don't really talk about it outside of here.

allthegoodnamesweretaken wrote:

Well, a real Yule is going to start around the solstice and last for 10 days. There is a big fire and lots of drunken revelry. They just stole our yule tree, mistle toe, etc and called it "Christmas" cause it was around the same time. People will put up with a lot, just don't go changing around our party!

all

My understanding is that in England, Christmas used to last for 12 days, made use of a Yule log and lots of drunken revelry, mistle toe, etc,,,now I know where they got it!

MedKit77 wrote:

I love the winter holidays! My husband (an agnostic) and I decorate the heck out of our house! I love the holiday music and those shows that I've been watching since childhood, and all of that, and I ALWAYS have a Solstice tree covered with lights!

There's no reason to put aside all the things we love just because other people/religions have claimed them as exclusively their own. After all, many of the winter traditions (the trees, the lights, etc.) came from PAGAN backgrounds.

Agreed :)

gillyflower wrote:

Yay Solstice! I also am big on Saturnalia!

Um,,,ignorance showing here,,,what are those??? Don;t mean to look stupid, but I'd rather look stupid for a short time, than be ignorant forever,,,

Holly

MedKit77 wrote:

I love the winter holidays! My husband (an agnostic) and I decorate the heck out of our house! I love the holiday music and those shows that I've been watching since childhood, and all of that, and I ALWAYS have a Solstice tree covered with lights!

There's no reason to put aside all the things we love just because other people/religions have claimed them as exclusively their own. After all, many of the winter traditions (the trees, the lights, etc.) came from PAGAN backgrounds.

Sounds wonderful, I love the Autumn and Winter Holidays. I have a Solstice tree too, I have a Norway Pine in my room. I love the lights bright and cheery
I love Saturnalia too!!!!!!:D