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"Every time I thought I'd got it made
It seemed the taste was not so sweet
So I turned myself to face me
But I've never caught a glimpse
Of how the others must see the faker... Turn and face the strange" ~ David Bowie, Changes
So, I got a little ranty on Facebook on Friday night. A dear friend of mine who is a witch, astrologer, and tarot intuitive discovered that people she thought she could trust were basically looking at her as a sideshow attraction. They were laughing at her beliefs and practices behind her back, and were attending rites much like people go to see The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios. She was deeply hurt, and I was angry on her behalf.
Additionally, I read a post in the Wild Hunt referring to an article written by a Catholic priest (yes, it's on Patheos. I HATE Patheos, but I've linked to the article for your convenience anyway) in which he minimizes witchcraft and those who are practicing Pagans. According to him, we're all just seeking attention and are playing at this. What disturbed me most about the Wild Hunt article was that those who stood up for themselves in the comments of his article were being subtly chastised by the author. She lauded a relatively prominent Pagan who chose to "use this as an educational opportunity" instead of being angry and upset. So, smack the hands of those who were bullied for being angry and upset instead of standing up for them, and let the bully off the hook. Yeah, not me.
Before I proceed, here's what I wrote on my wall:
"Paganism, Witchcraft, Heathenry, Asatru, Voodoo, Wicca, et al.. are just as valid as Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, etc... those who practice these beliefs are not sideshow attractions, carnival freaks, or fodder for jokes behind closed doors. If I have to tolerate your belief in a God whose sole purpose is to make you feel like you are shite; who kills small children for laughing at a bald man's head; who not only condones but orders genocide, herbicide and urbicde; who claims human sacrifice is against his law, but then makes human sacrifice the only way to atone to him for all of mankind, then you have absolutely no leg to stand on when it comes to my beliefs, WHATSOEVER."
And, then some epiphanies hit me.
I recently received a very lovely message from a former fundamentalist Christian who is being drawn to Paganism. He said that unlike other sites, mine was light and fun. He wanted to compliment me on that fact. I realized he'd probably read my bio and my "FAQS and sometimes snarky answers" page to get that impression. I thanked him and offered to assist in any way that I could.
This came to mind as I was contemplating the events of this week. By my use of a cartoon character and a cartoony-feel to this blog, on my Facebook page, as well as on my business site, just how much am I contributing to the minimizing of my people and our beliefs?
Clearly, the content of my blogs is not light-hearted (Friday Frolics aside), and I certainly have posted my share of both serious topical issues as well as my infamous rants. The Sunday Stew is a platform for other writers to share their thoughts and for news, etc... But, a picture IS worth a thousand words, isn't it?
I love my little cartoon girl with both her witchy hat and her berets. But, what message am I sending?
I've been contemplating a change in branding for my website. I originally chose the name Secret Services because I wanted to connect with my blog audience who have been following "The Secret Life" for years now. I thought it would be a clever play on my own brand. My intentions for this blog and for my business were to serve the community, not to cause harm.
Now, I'm not so sure that I've not contributed in at least a small way to the perception that we Witches, Pagans, Heathens, Voodons, et al are something of a carnival attraction, not really spiritual, not really ... valid.
I had put my prior project on hold while I decided what I wanted to do with everything.
This morning, I informed my site designer and good friend, Tara Smith of Exclusively Yours Designs and Marketing Services that I want to proceed with the changes to both the business and the blog. I want to take this to a much more spiritual level, while still retaining the fun of learning and exploring spirituality.
I've made temporary changes to my Facebook pages, using photos of me, rather than my cartoon girl, and timeline covers have been replaced as well.
I'll still be blogging, educating, and ranting. But, with a new look and feel. No more Secrets. I'm standing up for the legitimacy of our beliefs in whatever way I can. There may be a fundraiser involved in this as well.
More to come...
Clik here to view.
"Every time I thought I'd got it madeIt seemed the taste was not so sweet
So I turned myself to face me
But I've never caught a glimpse
Of how the others must see the faker... Turn and face the strange" ~ David Bowie, Changes
Additionally, I read a post in the Wild Hunt referring to an article written by a Catholic priest (yes, it's on Patheos. I HATE Patheos, but I've linked to the article for your convenience anyway) in which he minimizes witchcraft and those who are practicing Pagans. According to him, we're all just seeking attention and are playing at this. What disturbed me most about the Wild Hunt article was that those who stood up for themselves in the comments of his article were being subtly chastised by the author. She lauded a relatively prominent Pagan who chose to "use this as an educational opportunity" instead of being angry and upset. So, smack the hands of those who were bullied for being angry and upset instead of standing up for them, and let the bully off the hook. Yeah, not me.
Before I proceed, here's what I wrote on my wall:
"Paganism, Witchcraft, Heathenry, Asatru, Voodoo, Wicca, et al.. are just as valid as Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, etc... those who practice these beliefs are not sideshow attractions, carnival freaks, or fodder for jokes behind closed doors. If I have to tolerate your belief in a God whose sole purpose is to make you feel like you are shite; who kills small children for laughing at a bald man's head; who not only condones but orders genocide, herbicide and urbicde; who claims human sacrifice is against his law, but then makes human sacrifice the only way to atone to him for all of mankind, then you have absolutely no leg to stand on when it comes to my beliefs, WHATSOEVER."
And, then some epiphanies hit me.
I recently received a very lovely message from a former fundamentalist Christian who is being drawn to Paganism. He said that unlike other sites, mine was light and fun. He wanted to compliment me on that fact. I realized he'd probably read my bio and my "FAQS and sometimes snarky answers" page to get that impression. I thanked him and offered to assist in any way that I could.
This came to mind as I was contemplating the events of this week. By my use of a cartoon character and a cartoony-feel to this blog, on my Facebook page, as well as on my business site, just how much am I contributing to the minimizing of my people and our beliefs?
Clearly, the content of my blogs is not light-hearted (Friday Frolics aside), and I certainly have posted my share of both serious topical issues as well as my infamous rants. The Sunday Stew is a platform for other writers to share their thoughts and for news, etc... But, a picture IS worth a thousand words, isn't it?
I love my little cartoon girl with both her witchy hat and her berets. But, what message am I sending?
I've been contemplating a change in branding for my website. I originally chose the name Secret Services because I wanted to connect with my blog audience who have been following "The Secret Life" for years now. I thought it would be a clever play on my own brand. My intentions for this blog and for my business were to serve the community, not to cause harm.
Now, I'm not so sure that I've not contributed in at least a small way to the perception that we Witches, Pagans, Heathens, Voodons, et al are something of a carnival attraction, not really spiritual, not really ... valid.
I had put my prior project on hold while I decided what I wanted to do with everything.
This morning, I informed my site designer and good friend, Tara Smith of Exclusively Yours Designs and Marketing Services that I want to proceed with the changes to both the business and the blog. I want to take this to a much more spiritual level, while still retaining the fun of learning and exploring spirituality.
I've made temporary changes to my Facebook pages, using photos of me, rather than my cartoon girl, and timeline covers have been replaced as well.
I'll still be blogging, educating, and ranting. But, with a new look and feel. No more Secrets. I'm standing up for the legitimacy of our beliefs in whatever way I can. There may be a fundraiser involved in this as well.
More to come...