** Shanndaramon's Page **

So, you’ve done it. Congratulations! You’ve stepped out of the proverbial broom closet and into the light of day. You told someone you’re a pagan. It was hard. It was frightening - but you’ve done it. But, guess what, now comes the really hard part - earning the respect you deserve as a practicing pagan. You now have to live your life in a way that demonstrates that you are worthy of respect not ridicule. The very reasons that you were in that closet are the reasons you will now have to pay close attention to how you live your life after leaving it. In the recent events of the sniper shootings in the D.C. area, a tarot card was found near the sight of one of the shootings. Immediately, those who misunderstand or fear tarot cards used the news to proclaim the evil of the cards and those who use them. We all know this is ridiculous. The tarot is a tool like any other that can be used for good or mischief. A hammer can be used to build a house or smash a scull. This fact does not make all carpenters evil. If a King of Hearts had been found near a shooting, would people have accused bridge players of having a pact with the devil? Of course not! The reason it happens with tarot cards is because a negative connotation from decades of misunderstanding and ignorance has been placed upon them. The same has been done to pagans and such a false conception is the basis for creating a negative stereotype. The only way to combat a false stereotyped image is to replace it with another one - a more accurate and positive one. This is what we face when we step out of the closet. In order for us to be proud of who we are and to make it possible for others to never have to cower in that dark space again, we must replace the false images of paganism with images of caring and loving people who are committed to their spiritual practice for the good of one and all. What does this mean? It means that we have a certain responsibility of defining for others what being a pagan truly is. It means we must be better than good, we must be exemplary. We must be willing to show the world that we are worthy of respect and admiration. We must demonstrate that we have principles and we live by them. Earning respect for our religion means that we must not ridicule the religious and spiritual practice of others even in the face of ridicule. Bringing no harm means that we must respect others and treat them with kindness and compassion even when such respect is not given. The rule of three compels us to send out love and to help others even when we are offered no such compassion or aid. If we are seen reaching out to others, we cannot be accused of spreading evil. Could there be a Pagan Relief Service, Pagans For Peace, a Pagan Shelter, a Pagan Home for Battered Women, the Spirit Scouts (a pagan version of the Boy and Girl Scouts)? Programs like these could help to create a more positive image of pagans and paganism but you do not need to create a national aid network to gain respect. You do have to be willing to examine your actions and motivations and consider their effects on the opinions of others, though. You also have to be willing to remind other pagans of this responsibility. I am not advocating the creation of the pagan thought police only that we remind each other of the consequences of our actions on the consciousness of public opinion. What we do and say will eventually come back to us and others who may be contemplating joining us. The solution is simple in theory but difficult in practice. Be who you are but be mindful of others. If your neighbors take a dim view of seeing a crowd of people sky clad in your backyard chanting to the moon, then build a fence and chant softly or find a new place to practice. Also, take the time to carefully explain what you are doing if someone asks. Relate it to them in their own terms. If they are Christian, for example, they will understand the concept of prayer, laying on of hands, relating to a higher power, chanting, and worship. Take the time to understand why they practice their religion. You will certainly not agree on everything but at least try for mutual understanding and respect. Some people, of course, will simply refuse to understand and that is their choice. As long as they cause no harm, they should be left to go on their way. Offer no harmful words to them and, if they offer you such words, do not take them to heart. Taking the higher road is difficult and requires constant vigilance but the payoffs are greater respect for you and others on the pagan journey through life. So, congratulations once again! Welcome to the new day! Now’s the time to work on changing those damaging and hurtful stereotypes. Let’s take up that broom and get to work cleaning out that mess on the outside of the closet. If we do it together, we’ll be done in time for supper.