Misrepresenting this path

Sometimes I am saddened by the misconceptions of Wicca in the world and even in our own communities.  It always amazes me how there are some that consider themselves Wiccan yet misrepresent the beliefs to others.  I have met so many like this throughout my journey and it makes me sad and, at times, disgusted.

It is not just those outside of the Wiccan faith that misrepresent our beliefs but it is also people within our own communities, and one of the ways they do this is by wearing the sacred symbol of the pentacle while acting out the opposite of what we represent.

Wearing a pentacle is an honor for me. I don’t take for granted the work that is involved with being able to represent the Pagan path with pride and integrity. I continue to hold myself to the high standards that come with being able to say, “I am a witch” or “I am Wiccan”. I have enough respect for my elders who have fought through adversity in order to practice this path and make it possible for me to do so as well.

I have found myself pondering what my role is in the lack of respect for our sacred symbol and what my role should be.  I know that I am not responsible for others spiritual beliefs and for that I am grateful, it is enough just to take care of mine.  But I do think that there are those of us in the community who should be of assistance if possible by helping to set the record clear and be an example (as much as possible) to the ethics which govern the Wiccan faith.

Our path is full of beauty, mystery and spiritual grace. One of the most important jobs of Wiccans worldwide is to continue the beauty which our path represents. This is another point where ethics come clearly into the picture.

There are so many new people coming into this path that are not getting a clear understanding of the ethics behind Wicca. Unfortunately there are not enough elders willing to stand up and teach either. It leaves us with a big gap of understanding between some of the newer generations of Wiccans and the older generations of practitioners. This gap creates confusion, misunderstanding and susceptibility to learning and teaching things that are not in line with our belief structure.

Wicca is not about spellwork or being cool.  It is not about revenge or anger.  It is about spirituality and love.  It is the connection to the god and goddess and the universe.  One of the most important parts of the path of Wicca, not Pagan but Wiccan, is the Rede.  It is an essential part of this path.  If one does not follow the Rede then you may be Pagan but not Wiccan.  And think about it, why wouldn’t you want to follow a clause that ultimately protects you.

Wiccans should understand that we are a part of everything and everything is a part of us, as above so below.  Whatever energy I send out is ultimately tied to me.  It is like throwing a tennis ball to a wall, it is coming right back.

There is a responsibility that comes with wearing that pentacle which goes far beyond being cool. It is the ultimate responsibility to this path and what we represent.

I have to remember that the moment I put on a pentacle or symbol of this path, I am representing it to the outside world. In essence, it is irresponsible to wear a symbol you cannot respect enough to stand by what it stands for. That means a lot, so let’s be clear.

• Know what it is you believe in and stand for.
• Have enough knowledge of the path to answer questions appropriately.
• Manipulation, dishonesty and deceit are not Wiccan traits.
• Don’t wear a pentacle because it makes you look mysterious or it goes well with your goth outfit.
• Don’t falsely represent yourself as a mentor, teacher or elder if you have not done the training to be one.
• Don’t advertise for sex on the internet, especially with a pentacle on.
• Don’t throw trash on the ground or abuse our mother, especially with a pentacle on.
• Don’t act in immoral ways in our communities and act like you are better than the book religion people.
• Respect your history and the elders who paved the way for us.
• Be humble enough to still learn and not act like you know everything just because you have a pentacle on.
• Respect this path and your fellow Wiccan or Pagans.

Should I go on? The sad thing is that I could. These are all real examples of what is happening in our community as we speak.

Now, I am in no way immune to this behavior myself. The difference for me on my path is the realization that I don’t want to disrespect myself or this path by partaking in maladaptive, old behavior that does not promote my spiritual self. So I work on this constantly. Nothing comes easy for anyone, me included, so I try not to take it for granted. I don’t take this pentacle around my neck for granted, not for one second.

A statement that comes to mind is from JZ knight while channeling Ramtha and goes something like this, “The best way to worship a God is to act like one”.

I try to follow this with every breath even though it is very hard at times.

I will repeat this statement because we need to hear this over and over again in our community, the responsibilities that come with that pentacle around your neck are great.

It is the ultimate responsibility to this path and what we represent. I hope we can all remember that throughout our day and actually be what we are representing.

And if you can’t do that then it is simple, take the pentacle off. TAKE THE PENTACLE OFF………………..

Blessed Be.

*written in 2006 and published on witchvox