This was only intended for those who live where I do, in the Rogue Valley, Oregon; as I am doing a research paper for my beginning wicca class, but not many have chosen to answer the following questions, which I understand; and posting it here, it would still greatly be appreciated for Rogue Valley Dwellers if there are any, but I am expanding it to the United States and beyond, as I have learned that being Pagan is not easy for all within the communities in which we live, which is sad of course: So please feel free to answer the following, either here, or to my email; acroia2002@yahoo.com, subject line: Research
1. How long have you been pagan
2. Where do you live and how are you treated
3. How are you treated by those in your community who know of your faith/beliefs
Please add your name, where you live and the group(s) you belong too.
thank you
Arawaine
Permalink Reply by Anna on December 1, 2009 at 8:13pm
Hi Arawaine ~
My name is Anna, I'm a solitary witch - and I have recently come to realize that I have always been (to some degree) a Pagan. My family was not involved in any churches or religious groups when I was growing up, so I was left to 'find my own way', so to speak. So through the years, I attended church with friends, and loved the comradarie and closeness of the church, but didn't identify with the teachings. My friends would have these moving stories about being re-born, and touched and what not - and I honestly couldn't relate. I just didn't agree that God would be so narrow minded, and that only those that followed Christ were allowed in to heaven. I didn't beleive that the sole purpose of my life was to be the 'best Christian' I could be until I died, and which time I would get to spend eternity worshipping Christ. I always beleived I was here to DO something; to learn and to gorw and then MOVE ON.
After high school, I started looking around at a lot of different faiths and religions; IIn particular I studied a lot about Buddism...but none fit for me, until I found Wicca. I had just started to find my way to my true faith when I met my current life partner, who just happens to be a "non-practicing" mormon. So - I was back to trying to fit in with his faith. It has taken me a long time to 'come back' to Wicca, and it just feels right. I truly feel drawn to this path, and when I look back over my life, I realize that my beliefs and core faith have always followed a Pagan path - I just didn't recognize it.
I live in the greater Seattle area, and folks are pretty liberal here. none-the-less, I'm not really the in-your-face kind of person with my faith. I do wear a "Goddess Petagram", which most people think is just a 'lovely celtic flower' necklace. The few times people have asked about it, and I've told them what it is - I get one of two reactions. 1: They hear the word "pentagram" and get that look on their faces - like they've smelled something foul. Or 2: They give you the fake smile and say how "cool" that is. Most people don't have a clue...
Those that know me, and know my faith are mostly curious. Wicca has a lot of really messed up sterotypes to overcome; I get a lot of questions wanting to know if being a witch is 'like Charmed' or 'Bewitched' - Ugh.
Right now, as I indicated above, I'm a Solitary withc - but I would love to find a Coven or even just a group of like-minded foks to hang out with in my area.
I hope this helps with your paper...Blessed Be!
Anna
Thank you Anna, this helps tremendously. I know the look you are given, and trials we must endure to make it all right again. WICCA is truth, and in the end we shall all come together to teach others. I myself wear a triquertta overlayed on a pentagram, as I am Celtic/Wesh, a druid. Most people here in Oregon smile, or look the other way; I get a few who nod and know, and arguements of how we are soothsayers, devil's children, or just plain crazy. I keep going forward, and pray for everyone. You are welcome to share and talk with us. Right now, its just me, air, my son, fire, and a friend who is earth. My daughter was water, but has drifted off into a world of her own with friends. I pray someday she will return.
arawaine
Permalink Reply by Anna on 
