|
Why do non pagans wear pentagrams
As a Wiccan myself, it annoys me. I haven't told anyone about my religion and because I'm young I'm forced to pretend to be catholic. We pagans are called satanists, evil, demon worshipers, etc but non pagans are edgy if they wear it. I see this one girl who dislikes religion and is an atheist wearing a pentagram. What? I see people who don't know it's true meaning wearing it. It is very meaningful to us! They wear it because they are dumb emo teenagers and will grow out of it when it's not edgy for them anymore. But our faith in the God and Godess won't fade! I'm not a Muslim, so I won't wear a hijab. I'm not a Christian so I won't wear a crucifix. I'm not a hindu so I won't wear a bindi. Why do non pagans do this?
[ ]
Want to answer more questions in the Miscellaneous category?
Maybe give some free advice about: Spirituality?
As Razhie said, this isn't an issue common only to Pagans and pentagrams. I used to be CHristian fully. But although Jesus is still a key character/God in my life, I now recognize him as the Lord/God half of the Lord and Lady and the holy spirt as the Lady or Goddess. So I have been a witness to many wearing crosses who were not Christian and many wearing Pentagrams for whom it has no meaning either. To me, its as dumb as wearing a T shirt that says I am a Republican or I am a Democrat simply cus you liked the color and design of it, even if you didn't side with that political party. Its a matter of people going for looks, not the meaning behind something. There's nothing you can do to change it. But here's what I do when I come up across a stranger in a group, like lets say at a party or a friend introduces you to another friend you don't know who is wearing a cross or pentagram. I don't push my spiritual views upon others and will adjuct how I speak to seem to Christians to believe all the doctrine and dogma of the Church, meeting them at a level of belieff that they can handle for now, for I once was there myself, mindless, just letting an organization tell me what to believe and whats ok and whats taboo, instead of thinking for myself. I ask several questions of person to determine where they are at. Just a while back, a senior at a Sr. ctr asked me what I did in this advice column and from past talks I thought she was at least open minded. I gave her examples of the types of questions that come through, like dating help, problems with boss or coworkers and questions on sexuality based issues. She then asked if I got qusetions from people who were gay. I said I did and her response, I hope you told them they are wrong and going against the way God made them. So I said nothing to her about how I support ALL various sexual or gender ID's. Unfortunately, you can't find common ground in convo's neither would you enjoy the company of someone whom you believe so opposite of. I have even at times under the guise of being Christian for a few, not always, explained when they brought up witches or pagans and put satanist or devil worshippers in the same phrase and set out to straighten their misconceptions. Theres always a right and a wrong way.
I am proud of you that you for one at a young age are learning to think for yourself but keep quiet for the most part to keep the peace. Don't think it means you are embarrassed for your beliefs. When you are an adult and can share with others what you believe, you will come to find that there are way more secretive pagans than you could imagine. Or if not fully pagan, sure a heck are leaning that way which I find encouraging.
My favorite necklace as of recently wasn't a pentegram but a crocheted choker with a pendant of the nude female symbol for Goddess, female/Gaia but it fell on the floor and the pendant broke. Still looking for a replacement. I can say that even wearing something like that got several pagans to ask me why I chose this necklace design and then I could truly answer it symbolizes the Goddess to me, all that is feminine, the creating force.
I know it may be very irritating but don't let it get to you, spend your time figuring out how to find out from strangers you dont know whether its a design they just thought cute or nice or a gift they were given and expected to weaar or whether it has any meaning for them.
I have a favorite story of the time I went to visit my sister in another state. She introduced me to all her church friends at a Christmas party. She is pagan too but feels God wanted her in the church to be ready to help people as they started searching for more or had questions come up in their spiritual life. And so it happens that her pastor mentioned his daughter was dating a man of some religion background family wise other than Christian and asked for prayers of the congregation. My sister spoke to him after and said, you told me about the Christian she dated who treated her terrible. This young man you mention has agreed to allow her to follow her own faith and any children would be taught both to make their own choice later. So the question is, would you rather have your daughter married to a CHristian who abuses her, or a non Christian who actually treats her as Jesus would and really loves her. He admitted he wanted her happy.
This is the pastor I met and talked to after he voiced a concern over what clergy is allowed to go see dying patients in hospitals, something he did. He didn't think Pagan priests or priestesses should be allowed because they are satanists. Well, I had a talk with him after to tell him what I know about pagans from those I know as friends real well. I had the inkling he's be more open to hearing me If I didnt mention I was also pagan and I will use this just to get the truth to those I sense may be ready to hear what I have to say. If you ever misguess and speak with someone who really reacts negatively and comes down on you, either never associate with them again or if you have to see them on a regular basis, say what you have to to get them to calm down and I translate that as saying, Hey, I was just pulling your leg and you fell for it. THis I do to lessen the chance of having some Christian become a stalker out to pester me. Its the same thing I beleive lots of gays do, even if having come out of the closet, just picking and choosing your battles carefully as far as teaching and informing people. I hope this all helps and encourages you dear.
]
Head coverings for women are worn in many cultures, not just by some members the Muslim religion.
Many people do wear bindis, crosses, native religious symbols, Buddhist symbols, etc... without believing them. Just because they think they are pretty or fashionable. Some people even tattoo these sorts of symbols on their bodies without understanding them or believing in what they stand for in the culture or tradition they come from.
You are right: It's offensive and ignorant. It's okay to be upset by it.
But it's not a uniquely pagan issue. This is the kind of crap people pull, usually directed at minority religions or cultures. Pagans aren't being singled out. This happens to nearly everyone's beliefs.
]
More Questions: |