To Wear The Star

[Viseux]

To wear the Star?...
I seem to be at a bit of a cross roads and wish to lay out my thoughts and solicit yours. I am trying to decide weather I should begin wearing my Pentacle daily or not. Not a hard decision? Well it is for me. I live in a very conservative upper mid west small town. Over the last 5 years I have managed to meet and make exactly one Pagan friend in a 20 mile radius of where I live. I work in customer service for a well know catalog clothing merchant.
To wear the Star?...
I am not exactly locked in my broom closet. I am within a 35 minute drive of Circle Sanctuary http://www.circlesanctuary.org/ (http://www.circlesanctuary.org/) and attend meetings and classes there on a fairly regular basis.
I am not ashamed of my religion and do not have a problem talking about it if the subject comes up, but it doesn't.
To wear the Star?...
I would like to see Paganism receive equal respect with the worlds other "accepted" religions. Will wearing the star help promote that understanding and acceptance? Will people look at me and say "see that guy has always been friendly, kind, caring, loving and giving. If he's a Pagan, maybe they aren't so bad." OR, will they say " He's a Witch! Let's ostracize him, convert him, save him, ignore him? Will wearing the Star bring out intelligent questions that might help lead to understanding and acceptance? OR will it lead to trouble? Threats? Missionaries on the door steps? Will it jeopardize my job? Yes, I know you can't be fired for that. Do you know that if they want you gone that they can always find an acceptable reason to fire you?
To wear the Star?...
I'm not a kid rebelling. (I'm 46 years old.)
I'm not a Goth trying to be different (like everyone else.)
I'm not trying to convert anyone else to my faith. (I don't believe in that. I believe we must all find our own path.)
So...
To wear the Star?...
Do you think I should?
Most importantly, please share your reasoning with me. After all, I have to make this decision, and it's obviously not an easy one for me.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this.
Blessings,
Viseux

[IvyWitch]

My advice is to wear it. If you're afraid of backlash, especially at work, you could just wear it underneath your shirt, that's what I did at work.

[Viseux]

My advice is to wear it. If you're afraid of backlash, especially at work, you could just wear it underneath your shirt, that's what I did at work.

Please tell me Why you think I should wear it.
What positives do you see that might come from me doing so?
Blessings,
Viseux

[Meadhbh]

Ivy is right if you want to wear one, wear it. Another thing you could do instead of wearing it under your shirt is to wear a small one that people would not notice so much.

[Viseux]

Ivy is right if you want to wear one, wear it. Another thing you could do instead of wearing it under your shirt is to wear a small one that people would not notice so much.

Well you see I'm not sure I do want to wear it.
I want to hear what positive or negative results might come from wearing it. So, I posted this in hopes people would respond giving me the reasoning behind their answers.
Blessings,
Viseux

[Rosana]

Personally I don't wear pentacle in public - my beliefs are my business.
I live in Poland, where the pagan community is rather small, so pentacles, Mjollnirs and triskels on our necks make it easier to find someone who shares the faith. Disadvantages are obvious: ostracism, hostility or even fear, stupid remarks, attempts of converting.
Good luck with making up your mind! :)

[Ben Gruagach]

Wear what speaks most to your heart -- and that doesn't have to be visible to others, and it doesn't have to be a specific symbol if a different one holds more meaning for you!

Perhaps you would find that a triskele or some other symbol speaks more to your own spiritual path than a pentagram.

In the end, it doesn't have to be that big a deal unless you really want it to be. It IS just a piece of jewelry, regardless of its symbolic meaning.

[Viseux]

Wear what speaks most to your heart -- and that doesn't have to be visible to others, and it doesn't have to be a specific symbol if a different one holds more meaning for you!

Perhaps you would find that a triskele or some other symbol speaks more to your own spiritual path than a pentagram.

In the end, it doesn't have to be that big a deal unless you really want it to be. It IS just a piece of jewelry, regardless of its symbolic meaning.

Well the Pentacle does speak to me symbolically. And I realize that it is just a piece of jewelry per say. However, because it is a very powerful symbol and not just jewelry it often incites reaction in others.
I am trying to balance the pros and cons of wearing it to help me reach my decision.
Blessings,
Viseux

[wolf]

If it's important to you, wear it. You can experiment with having it inside or outside of your clothing.

More likely than not, people will just assume that you are Jewish. That's what usually happens to me.

[ShadowcatX]

What you're wanting is pretty much impossible. None of us can tell you what you might gain or loose by wearing your pentagram in public because none of us are in your situation. What we can do is tell you what we've found to be our experiences. We can let you know that you'll always have some people who support your choices, even if it is only online.

[Viseux]

What you're wanting is pretty much impossible. None of us can tell you what you might gain or loose by wearing your pentagram in public because none of us are in your situation. What we can do is tell you what we've found to be our experiences. We can let you know that you'll always have some people who support your choices, even if it is only online.

I understand and agree with what your saying, as well as apreciate your support.
I guess what I'm really most interested in hearing is what possible positives might come from wearing the Pentacle. If there aren't any, why do people do so? Is it just to grab attention? I can way too easily imagine the negatives. That is why I haven't normally worn mine outside of Circle meetings.
Blessings,
Viseux

[Darkdale]

I understand and agree with what your saying, as well as apreciate your support.
I guess what I'm really most interested in hearing is what possible positives might come from wearing the Pentacle. If there aren't any, why do people do so? Is it just to grab attention? I can way too easily imagine the negatives. That is why I haven't normally worn mine outside of Circle meetings.
Blessings,
Viseux

It depends on why you wear it, I guess. If you just wear it to get a reaction out of others, then, well... not such a good idea. But if you wear it because it is important to you to do so, then it seems like it's a fine idea to me.

[dark witch]

This is a decision to make yourself. Don't chastise those who are trying to give you their opinion just because they are not saying what you want to hear...

Only you can judge what the social climate is in your area. Frankly, I could never understand why people would want to wear a pentagram the size of a saucer at all. I know, I know, Christians wear crosses, so why can't we wear pentagrams? Well, only Mr. T wears crosses that weigh over a pound! If you want to wear a pentagram, think about a small, tasteful, pentagram that you can wear discreetly under your shirt.

When I was Jewish, I didn't wear a big star of david outside my shirt, so as a Pagan, I don't know why I would want to advertise that.

Dark Witch

[CzechWoods]

what speaks for the pentacle to be warn (whether under or above clothes) is as a sign so spirits know you are protected. if this is what you need, a shield of protection towards the spiritual world, then wear a pentacle

i sure wore mine a lot albeit under my clothes. why ? becaus eit was still visible there for the spirit world, but not for people. it was less the fear of backlash but my not wanting to explain myself all the time

if the protection thing is NOt the maion focus, i d say, wear when you feel like it and on other days dont.

i would believe though, that other symbols would fit you far better, would still represent the faith and give you the chance to make friends with other pagans (so there are any) yet wouldnt stirr any troubles.

as you are truely gifted with your carcings, i d wear a little peace pipe stone object, maybe a mini pipe oor something. or a spiral.

or of course (i personally would) gem stones

[WitchCraftWeaver]

I understand and agree with what your saying, as well as apreciate your support.
I guess what I'm really most interested in hearing is what possible positives might come from wearing the Pentacle. If there aren't any, why do people do so? Is it just to grab attention? I can way too easily imagine the negatives. That is why I haven't normally worn mine outside of Circle meetings.
Blessings,
Viseux

I have a pentacle that I wear daily. I wear it under my blouse on a silver chain. I have charged this pentacle for protection, to keep me safe. So far it has worked really well. I also have one in my car, charged for the same purpose... to keep it safe.

I wear it discretely for a purpose... Protection.

Hope that answers your question. :chattin: _wiz_

[mtpathy]

i suppose it depends on how you want people to see you,wearing something like that openly your
solicitiing yourself to remarks,stares and since your in a small conservative town your opening
yourself up to various forms of prejeduce and above all your martering yourself.
there are many different ways of expressing to others that your pagan without openly wearing a
pentagram loud and proud around your neck,for the more conservative pagans out there i have
seen many people wear a necklace of various tumbled stones,as well as ive seen people wearing
a circle with two halfmoons,or a moon and sun together,i have even made a few necklaces for
my girlfriend thats a 5 pointed flower with a circle around it.
i personally dont wear a pentagram,for one its not a symbol that i work with often,i do however
wear a necklace with small onyx and tigerseye,as well as i wear a necklace with a flat circular stone
that has a triangle inscribed into it "personal philosophy".for those that are pagan its something that
they can see and atlest have a hint of my practice and philosophy,and for those that dont understand
they dont have any kind of idea what its about,and above all it dosnt hold the stigma of wearing a
pentagram.

[Seshata]

I have jewellery that I wear occasionally - they are not Pentacles. Some are more symbolic than others, no-one bats an eyelid as they don't know what they mean, or they are just pretty pieces of jewellery to them (btw I don't wear all of them at once!). I have my Pentacle ring which is neither extremely large or small - no-one notices it, or if they do very seldom. The Pentagrame that symbolises my degree goes under my clothes, it is significant to me, and so I don't think anyone needs to see it.

It does also depend on the size of the Pentacle you're thinking of wearing... I would say let common sense guide you, if you feel you're going to get trouble and you're worried about it, why encourage it? As others have said, we cannot judge the situation of where you live, there are certainly parts of the world where I would think that it would be more sensible not to wear anything like a Pentacle.. If you feel that you have to wear something of your chosen path, maybe think more subtley. :)

BB

Seshata

[Darklord_Kodiak]

I wear mine. I wear mine with pride and dont really care who sees it. The benefit of my protection and the satisfaction I get from wearing my pentacle is more than enough reward for me. However if one doesnt feel strong enough about a symbol it probably shouldnt be warn. Find a symbol that calls to you that makes you feel good and safe and then wear that symbol for the world to see. You yourself will be the only one seeing the rewards you get from it. Of course im kind of different in the sense that I dont care what people think of me. Hope this helps you find your answer.
Kodiak

[Moriganna]

I understand your reluctance to wear it in public, and you aren't even sure if you want to wear it daily or not.

My own experiences have been good for the most part. At least where I'm living at now. I currently live in a small community in Northwest Arkansas. There are MANY churches around and alot of very religious Christians.

I wear my pentacle daily and i'm not ashamed of it. I don't hide it anymore either. I used to keep it under my shirt at my old job (which was owned by strict Christians) and when I started my new job because I know work for a large corporation and I was unsure of how they would react. I've been wearing it out in the open again for the last month and haven't even had anyone bat an eye at it.

On a positive note, I have not had any nasty comments about it. If anything, i've had other Pagans (that I didn't know existed around town) come up and ask if I was Wiccan or Pagan. I have met quite a few new friends this way.

The negative side of it? As I mentioned already, nothing majorly negative since i've lived here. Very rarely, i'll get a sideways look by a passerby when they see it, but never a nasty word or question asked.

[Seshata]

I would like to mention (if that's ok) that many people who wear their Pentacles or Pentagrams under their clothes are proud of their path (I know many elders who have made that choice), it is a personal choice. You can be proud of your path yet choose to express/demonstrate it in your own way - remember folks, you can be proud etc but you don't have to put it out there.

For example, my parents and family are extremely elderly (mid 70s and 80s) thus I have chosen not to state what my religion is now (ok it is a bit easier as we don't live in the same country), but I feel that it is not worth upsetting them at their advanced age and the way their health is.. Doesn't mean I'm not proud of my religion, it's just that I personally feel I'm being respectful to their feelings.

BB

Seshata

[Djinn]

I wear my pentacle on a short chain, so it shows pretty much all the time. My pent was charged as an amulet of protection and I wear it as much for that as for any other reason...it makes me feel safe. I gave up caring what the general public thinks of me or my religion years ago, so I certainly don't wear it for attention or rebellion!

And besides, most people assume it's a star of David. Guess they can't count the points.

[Flar's Freyja]

I have huge runic pentacle with pretty blue stones that I decided to go ahead and wear in my small bible belt town.

A checker in Wal-Mart complimented me on it before she realized what it was, and I returned the compliment to the pretty cross she was wearing. That was that.

People won't notice it as much as you think - it's more likely that other pagans will notice it before Christians do.

[FroggieThePunk]

I wear a pentacle all the time. I wear mine openly (usualy) and for the most part people either don't notice or just don't say anything. Granted, yes, I am in another country and for the most part I doubt that most Koreans know anything about the usualy connotations of the Pentacle, let alone what it means to me.

But I also wear it for a deeper meaning. Back in AIT (the military place to learn your job skills) my friend Meers bought it for me. I guess you can say that he in a way converted me to Wicca. But I asked him about it, and learned what I could from him before I made the decision myself. He showed me the door and I walked through it so to speak. I wear it as a sign of my friendship to him, and I very very rarely take it off.

Don't get me wrong, on base I have gotten a few stupid questions (been asked if I knew what it meant, and blah blah blah) and yeah, there have been a few times where I have been asked or invited to church thingees. It happens, and I figure would have happened regardless (I don't think I was wearing my pentacle necklace outside my shirt during those times). You being in the states you might get a lil more of it than I have, but hey, these things happen. It is all how you deal with it.

So I say, wear it if you want to. If you don't think you should, then don't. Either way you don't need a symbol to be what you are or to show what you are. Just be you.

[ap Dafydd]

I wore one visibly for about a year and only ever had two comments, a checkout lady in Tesco who asked if I'd made it myself and a Big Issue seller who said "does that mean you're a Wiccan then". Tend not to wear them visibly now. I always wear some sort of dangly, either a crystal or a Celtic symbol or something, but not on public view.

You might want to check first of all if your employer has a dress code which says anything about religious symbols.

But ultimately it depends on how you view the situation where you live. If you're in the sort of place where you're likely to find the local fundies on your front lawn with a sharp stick and a can of petrol, then keep it to yourself!

gwyn eich byd

Ffred

[PoisonIvy]

I think that you should wear it! It speaks to you and you may even be able to educate someone about it. I wear a pentacle ring everyday and if someone asks me about it,I just explain that "to me" it represents Earth,Air,Fire,Water and Spirit which is what makes up all of us in one form or another. You might agree with that or not and frankly I don't care what anyone else thinks but that's what it is to me.
I don't go around anouncing that I'm a witch unless someone "puts me on front street" about it and then I try to educate them about it instead of letting them leave "in fear" of me or whatever.
I say....do whatcha want!

[WitchCraftWeaver]

I would like to mention (if that's ok) that many people who wear their Pentacles or Pentagrams under their clothes are proud of their path (I know many elders who have made that choice), it is a personal choice. You can be proud of your path yet choose to express/demonstrate it in your own way - remember folks, you can be proud etc but you don't have to put it out there.

I was thinking the same thing. I'm not ashamed of my path, and I suppose that if I wanted to wear my Pentacle on the "outside", as it were, no one would probably notice (except maybe my boss' wife who's VERY into her religious beliefs). I wear mine next to my skin, where I can feel its power better than through my clothes. Hope that makes sense.

:crystalba :broomride

[Seshata]

:)

I can understand. Actually when I'm sewing I usually take off my pentacle ring (handfasting) for practical reasons.

[TigerWiccan]

I always wear mine in circle and at pagan functions, and then when I go out if I think about it. But I don't wear it at work because I've never worn jewelry at work. Maybe because my first real "job" was the military and they had rules about such things.

[LostSheep]

I tend to think you should ... and for that matter I should ... wear it ... this is something that I've been thinking about too, having only just decided that paganism is the way for me, and I think that it would be a useful way of identifying yourself to fellow pagans, and no one else would probably know what it represented if you didn't want them to know.

[dragoncrone]

Wear it because it is a part of not only WHO you are, but WHAT you are. Wear it tastefully, quietly, but wear it with strength and pride.

[Catiana]

If you don't know if you want to wear it or not, then you probably shouldn't. When its the right time for you to wear it, you'll know without hesitation and without question that its what you want. I wear a pentacle ring everyday as a statement of my faith and for protection.

[Blue Dragons Wings]

If you don't know if you want to wear it or not, then you probably shouldn't. When its the right time for you to wear it, you'll know without hesitation and without question that its what you want. I wear a pentacle ring everyday as a statement of my faith and for protection.

I also wear mine daily, two actually. At first I was afraid to let it be seen, thinking I would recieve strange looks or comments, but as it turns out, since wearing my pentacles outside my clothing, many people ask about the star mostly out of curiosity. I haven't recieved any flack from it, and I am quite proud to wear them.

Your town may or may not be as open as mine. I have been lucky, so you should only go by your own feelings and instincts. If it feels right then go for it!!!!

Good Luck. :seehearsp

[seekerofknwoledge]

I would say to go ahead and wear the star. I wear mine not only as an outside symbol of my faith, but also to help my carry my Divine with me during the day. It is nice to be able to reach out and touch my star when things get difficult or just tiring. I guess the best reason to explain why I wear it is that I just feel it's something I need to do.

As for the reactions of others...pay no attention to them. If you're being respectful, then they should have no recourse against that. That having been said, I know that's not always (or even mostly true). I live in a small community, and attend a somewhat conservative Catholic school. Very rarely has anyone spotted my star and ostracized me for that, but it has happened. Most of the time (as others have suggested) I wear my star under my shirt. Not because I want to hide it, but more so because that's just where it falls, and I don't feel a need to make sure everyone can see it. I wear my star for me, so no one else even has to know it's there.

In the end this decision is up to you. No amount of advice from us can do that, but I hope I helped a little.

[MorningDove030202]

Pros

* Identification, others can identify you and you can find other pagans
* Education, you wear your pentacle and people see you and realize that pentacle wearers are not scary people
* Protection charm
* A few intellegent questions and educational oportunities

Cons
* You get alot of dumb looks, odd questions, and occationaly the frightened person
* You get discriminated against

Other Reasons to wear the pentacle:

* Pride in your faith, that your faith does not need to be hidden
* Freedom of religion, if others can wear their religious symbols, so can you

[Rudas Starblaze]

I think that you should wear it! It speaks to you and you may even be able to educate someone about it. I wear a pentacle ring everyday and if someone asks me about it,I just explain that "to me" it represents Earth,Air,Fire,Water and Spirit which is what makes up all of us in one form or another. You might agree with that or not and frankly I don't care what anyone else thinks but that's what it is to me.
I don't go around anouncing that I'm a witch unless someone "puts me on front street" about it and then I try to educate them about it instead of letting them leave "in fear" of me or whatever.
I say....do whatcha want!

i remember the day you got the ring Sis!

i wear my ring everyday, theres even a "no jewelry" policy where i work,,, and not a word has been said to me. ofcourse there are a few people that work there who have known me for a long time, i have the feeling they told the boys upstairs not to say a word to me about it. hell, im not even a pagan, i wear one for another reason. besides, even if i didnt wear my ring or necklace with the star, i still bare one.

i say wear it, who cares what people think. most people are hypocrits in themselves anyway.

[aluokaloo]

I believe that is your choice, and alot of people have given you some very good suggestions, it all depends on locality and common sense. If you know for a fact that there is way too much violence over other religions, then it might be better to keep it under your shirt, or wear something other people aren't familiar with, say celtic knotwork, since people won't even bat an eyelash just as an example. I have several pieces of jewelry, a dragon pentacle, a Thor's Hammer, which is obvious enough. I also have not so obvious pieces, a crescent moon with a quartz pendant, a small sun on a short cord, a little collar with hearts, a horse, a wolf's head and a green bracelet with a lotus blossom on it. Perhaps you should try to wear something small and discreet, just to test the waters since most people don't talk to your neck, unless your really tall and they are really short.. He he he. I get mostly curious reactions, when I wear my pent. But that is largely because of common sense and locality, I live in the liberal state of california. Perhaps you can ask your fellow local pagans what they have met up with.

[Teresa]

I understand and agree with what your saying, as well as apreciate your support.
I guess what I'm really most interested in hearing is what possible positives might come from wearing the Pentacle. If there aren't any, why do people do so? Is it just to grab attention? I can way too easily imagine the negatives. That is why I haven't normally worn mine outside of Circle meetings.
Blessings,
Viseux
A postive thing would be that maybe You cross the path of another pagan who recoginizes the symbol and you gain another friend! I wear mine without regard to what people think or say.I also work with the public and do not try to push my beliefs on others either.It took me 2 years to wear it at work,but now those people know me and they do not openly view me any different.I am the same as I
was before I wore it openly.
Negative is that people who do not know you may make snap judgements of You from seeing it.
This is my 2 cents.I hope it helps.

[MercysFallen]

I wear a small one. I keep it under my clothes at work. (I work with children and I often see parents. Not sure how they will react)
It's about the size of a nicle and it has a thicker circle with a celtic design. The star is small so it's not as obvious at first glance.
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b305/MercysFallen/pent1.jpg

Ren

[magicr666]

I wear mine all the time and i don't hide it. I wear mine because it is part of who i am and sure alot people don't know or understand what it means. If you feel that you have to ask if you should wear it or not then you shouldn't. I believe the power behind it and thats other reason why i wear it. The only bad thing about it is that people might look at you if they see it or think in their head that you are evil. But to me it doesn't matter what they think or say really. So its up to you and you alone to wear it or not.

[Hinge]

To wear the Star?...
I seem to be at a bit of a cross roads and wish to lay out my thoughts and solicit yours. I am trying to decide weather I should begin wearing my Pentacle daily or not. Not a hard decision? Well it is for me. I live in a very conservative upper mid west small town. Over the last 5 years I have managed to meet and make exactly one Pagan friend in a 20 mile radius of where I live. I work in customer service for a well know catalog clothing merchant.
To wear the Star?...
I am not exactly locked in my broom closet. I am within a 35 minute drive of Circle Sanctuary http://www.circlesanctuary.org/ (http://www.circlesanctuary.org/) and attend meetings and classes there on a fairly regular basis.
I am not ashamed of my religion and do not have a problem talking about it if the subject comes up, but it doesn't.
To wear the Star?...
I would like to see Paganism receive equal respect with the worlds other "accepted" religions. Will wearing the star help promote that understanding and acceptance? Will people look at me and say "see that guy has always been friendly, kind, caring, loving and giving. If he's a Pagan, maybe they aren't so bad." OR, will they say " He's a Witch! Let's ostracize him, convert him, save him, ignore him? Will wearing the Star bring out intelligent questions that might help lead to understanding and acceptance? OR will it lead to trouble? Threats? Missionaries on the door steps? Will it jeopardize my job? Yes, I know you can't be fired for that. Do you know that if they want you gone that they can always find an acceptable reason to fire you?
To wear the Star?...
I'm not a kid rebelling. (I'm 46 years old.)
I'm not a Goth trying to be different (like everyone else.)
I'm not trying to convert anyone else to my faith. (I don't believe in that. I believe we must all find our own path.)
So...
To wear the Star?...
Do you think I should?
Most importantly, please share your reasoning with me. After all, I have to make this decision, and it's obviously not an easy one for me.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this.
Blessings,
Viseux
Sorry for the long delay, I don't have much free time.
I think that you're thinking too much. While the "star" is very powerful (in more ways than one) it gains its power from your intentions. So what are your intentions? Remember what you send is returned many fold so stop analyzing and go to the "well" or to whatever place you go to find the truth. The "rule book" is there for those who can't find there own truth. My "pros" may be your "cons" …. and bla bla bla. Sorry I didn't intend to get preachy. Just don't be afraid of your truth. See you soon my friend, we can cast the runes when you get focused and intentional.

[RubyRose]

Please tell me Why you think I should wear it.
What positives do you see that might come from me doing so?
Blessings,
Viseux

Personally, its up to you and only you if you want to wear a pentacle/pentagram necklace. Nobody else can make that decision for you. If you feel uncomfortable at the thought of people thinking negatively of you for wearing such a necklace, then maybe you shouldn't wear it.

As the pentacle/pentagram is often confused in today's society for the Star of David, most people will first think of that, before they connect it to Paganism and Witchcraft. Ofcourse when they do, if they aren't very open minded people, prepare for some flak. My parents still think of Wicca and Paganism, as Black Magic and thus, nothing but bad news.

Just my 2¢ on the topic.
Bendithion,
RubyRose

[Wiccamagikal]

Hey!
The Star is something that can mean different things, and it really has to do with what you want it to mean. Some people wear the star just for protection, some wear it (like you said) to seem different. Some people wear it to say hey, I am pagan..and proud of it. __________Fill in any other reason! But do you feel in your heart like when you are going to work, that you forgot something- that something may be your star. The way I see it, NO OFFENSE toward anyone- but if Christians can wear their cross without us saying anything about it- then we can wear our religious symbol as well. I have wore mine to school, to work, and everywhere else actually...and I think I have only been called a witch to my face once because of it...And I explained what it meant to me, and that yes I am a practicing witch. They accepted it, and moved along on their own way. But if you feel in your heart that you want to wear it, then by all means wear it! And yeah, you will get uncomfortable sometimes because sometimes people do take an extra look at it- but if so just tuck it under your shirt and go about your business. I am also against "converting people", and I do not think that simply wearing your religious symbol is an attempt to convert someone. Basically, I am babbling on but trying to say Wear it WITH PRIDE! Blessings!

[demonique]

I've had an experience, living in a very tiny, conservative, Christian, upper midwest town... I wasn't wearing a pentacle - don't even own one, actually, though I'm looking for one that really speaks to me... But I was sitting down having lunch in our town cafe with a friend when the waitress rushed over all of a sudden and drew out a picture of a rather mangled star in a circle, and asked in a hushed tone if I knew if that was the symbol of witchcraft.

Not one to let misinformation get in the way, I redrew it correctly and said, yes, *that* was the symbol for witchcraft. Why? And she responded that some girl (apparently from out of town, as she was unknown) had been wearing one. And rushed back to the kitchen with an expression on her face I couldn't quite identify, but certainly wasn't "oh, okay, just curious".

Needless to say... if I do decide to wear a pentacle, it may well be an under the shirt thing. The way rumors fly in this town, and with the reputation some members of my family has... I don't need, nor do I want, it getting around that I'm involved in.... *hushed tone* witchcraft.

My two cents. On the other hand, I'm also the type who walked out of there going... man, I ought to wear a pentacle. ;-)

But seriously... if wearing one means something to you, wear it, and if you're worried, put it under your shirt.

[Shasta]

i wear mine every day(a ring), and at work people don't usually say anything, and if they do they mention that they're wiccan or their wife or someone they know is...so it's actually pretty cool....others confuse it for another religion...and ONCE a lady told me i was evil and ran away. but that was only once...

[Nova]

Many people have pointed out positives in support of wearing it openly. Great for networking - meeting other pagans. Spiritual and magical reasons.

If it were to incite a stupid question - you wouldn't have to give a stupid answer.

My personal feeling on the negatives:

If your community was going to hate you for your religion they most likely would've already done so. They would know you don't go to church and approach you about it. They would try to convert you. Maybe rumors would spread from one person who heard you discuss your path.

The pentacle isn't going to be the straw that broke the camel's back so to speak.

This is just from my personal experience. I was completely closeted and the fact that my family didn't attend church was enough to start the rumors. I certainly wasn't wearing jewelry. I had a boss ask if I was a witch or "wiccan" or pagan or lesbian - to my shame I denied it - but was fired nonetheless. (I was only ONE of those!) To be fair I was very young and although practicing had never formally dedicated myself to any particular titles or paths.

Moral of the story - if you are in this sort of town, you'd probably know it. If you aren't, odds are you'll be fine whichever you decide.

[MorningDove030202]

The pentacle isn't going to be the straw that broke the camel's back so to speak.


I disagree, but in all honesty each town is different and has a different amount of tollerance for not attending church and for wearing a pentacle. I think in some places it would be the straw that broke the camel's back. In other places no one would care one way or the other. We as individuals arn't realy in a place to judge the town others live in (unless we have lived there too).

Dove

[BrigidMoon]

I don't wear one but I am not that drawn to it as much as the Celtic cross. However, I don't wear that often either. I'm not a big jewelry person. I do a couple of claddaugh rings (one is my engagement ring!) that is important to me though!

[Viseux]

Thanks to everyone who has responded. I would be happy to hear more if anyone else wishes to post there thoughts.

I have been wearing my pentacle part time. Not everyday, but as I've felt the need or desire. I have also worn it into work a few times now. So far, I have had a few people stare at it, but no comments have been made of any kind. I will continue to "test the water" and see how things go. I am setting up as a vendor for Madison, WI. Pagan Pride Day this Saturday. If the event is covered by the media I may be totally "out of the broom closet" anyway.
Thank You for your concern and support.

Blessings,
Viseux
:smoke:

[merlo]

The new clerk at the gas station where I buy my cigerettes wears his pent necklace AND a ring. I'm like "hey brother, you a pagan, yes?" he smiles and nods. I reply "same here"

see, you get to meet cool people like me wearing a pentacle. I have mine permantly tatoo'd on my stomach, and I wear my shirt off when I work, doing construction.

[BrigidMoon]

Thanks to everyone who has responded. I would be happy to hear more if anyone else wishes to post there thoughts.

I have been wearing my pentacle part time. Not everyday, but as I've felt the need or desire. I have also worn it into work a few times now. So far, I have had a few people stare at it, but no comments have been made of any kind. I will continue to "test the water" and see how things go. I am setting up as a vendor for Madison, WI. Pagan Pride Day this Saturday. If the event is covered by the media I may be totally "out of the broom closet" anyway.
Thank You for your concern and support.

Blessings,
Viseux
:smoke:


Does it make you feel like you're "cheating" by not wearing it? Does it make you feel like you're not sticking to your beliefs or have integrity?

If so, I wish you would not.

Yes, everyone should be accepting of it I agree. But not all Catholics wear crosses and not all Jews wear the Star of David...and they don't feel as if they are committing a sin or doing wrong.

For me, (this is why I am not in a coven or anything) my religion and spirituality are very personal to me. Not for the world to know. That's how I was raised. It helped me be more respectful to others' and their beliefs because it doesn't need to be shared with anyone.

Hope this helps!

:loveduv:

[Astara Seague]

OK...Look I am in Utah!!! Morman city USA I wear mine daily... and nightly... most dont even know what it is... if they are curious they ask, and I explain.. I work in public and with public always.. its a great way to meet other pagans especilly here.. most are in the broom closet.. I feel naked without it..

[Gypsy flower]

I wear mine always.. but it is but a small ring...but I dont care who sees it.. it is my protection

[greenwitch]

I also live in a small town in the upper midwest, so I know what you mean.
Surprisingly however as I wear my pentagram out in public, at school, in restaurants, work, you name it, with people my own age (I'm 17) I've not found many who are willing to pull a full scale witch hunt out of their pockets. The reason this is surprising is because the community in which I live is a very christian one (bible thumpers galore). The adults in my community either question it, or ignore it. I feel I'm more safe when I wear my pentagram, but that could be cuz of old supersition. I am a very outspoken person, I feel like I'm not hiding when I wear my pentagram, my beliefs are very serious and dear to me, and hiding them is a very stressful thing for me, it makes me who I am- why shouldn't people know me? If there are children or kids asking what it means, the faster they learn we're not harmful, the less ostracizing there will be, less prejudice from them as they grow- if fed the right information that is.

So why not wear it? people question because they wish to learn, curiosity brings forth more questions, more learning, more growth which in my mind equals less ignorance and religious intolerance.

just my two cents... :broomride

[Gypsy flower]

You are very right

[Rainmoon_mist]

I have a small charm with the Triple Goddess Moons, the Goddess AND the pentacle. This means a lot more to me than just the pentacle since it incorpprates both the Goddess and the Triple Moons- both central focusses of my faith.

I do not wear this at work. I work with psychiatric patients who often will mistake Goth for Paganism. A lot of psych patients wrap Jesus Christ and religion into their pyschosis- they sometimes think they are God or pray to be delivered- or think they are possessed. It is really sad and in my way of thinking- I do not want to be a focus of misunderstood persecution or anxiety from a patient. I probably would not even wear a cross if I were Christian- to work.

Outside of work I wear my charm absolutely. It brings me comfort and is a bit of a good luck charm. I also have had people ask about it and i have fun telling them the neat things about it and what it means.

Good luck on your spiriual quest. You will come to the right answer.
By the way- in Wicca I believe one is often supposed to be "gifted" a pentagram and that you should no have to buy your own. Just a thought there for ya . :smile:

[Viseux]

Does it make you feel like you're "cheating" by not wearing it? Does it make you feel like you're not sticking to your beliefs or have integrity?

Not really. However, It does makes me feel like I'm cheating myself of my personal identity a bit. The main factor is that I feel I may be missing out on contact with other Pagans and showing non-Pagans that they have nothing to fear from us.



For me, (this is why I am not in a coven or anything) my religion and spirituality are very personal to me. Not for the world to know. That's how I was raised. It helped me be more respectful to others' and their beliefs because it doesn't need to be shared with anyone.


I can understand and respect that. Because I would like to see Paganism receive equal respect with the worlds other "accepted" religions. I'm wondering if wearing the star may help promote that understanding and acceptance. People may look at me and say "see that guy has always been friendly, kind, caring, loving and giving. If he's a Pagan, maybe they aren't so bad." I feel that if most Pagans stay "in the closet" that the worlds understanding of us will be based on our extremists and in your face type people. We don't want our "religion" judged by the wierdoes in it, and let's face it, we probably have more than our share. That more than anything else is leading me to wear the star.
Yesterday at Pagan Pride Day in Madison, WI. I bought a nice Pentagram ring. I am planing on wearing it daily now. I feel that it will be a little less "in your face" than a 46 year old man wearing a necklace and yet will still be there to see for those who should see it. This does not mean my pendant will never be worn, but I'm feeling much more comfortable about wearing my new ring daily.

Blessings,
Viseux

[MorningDove030202]

We don't want our "religion" judged by the wierdoes in it, and let's face it, we probably have more than our share. That more than anything else is leading me to wear the star.

I agree, I like to show the public an alternative view than thoes who wear the pentacle for shock value. I'd also see how one might want to reserve the pentacle for ritual use only instead of every day use. I have one friend who has a pentacle made from antler with a pentacle on both sides, one side is more silver and one side is more black. He wears the silver side publicly and uses the black side for actual worship and magickal workings.

Dove

[pellegrina]

I wear my pentacle ring daily for the same reason I wore a crucifix when I considered myself a Christian--to put a personal, friendly face on a religion that many people misunderstand. To be honest, so far nobody has even noticed it, even though I wear it every single day at my job as a waitress. My coworkers and bosses know about my witchy persuasion (and are generally bemused and curious), but my customers have never commented. Perhaps a necklace would be more noticeable, but my style is a little more subtle than that. (And I'm not entirely sure a visible pentacle necklace would fly with management...)

I would welcome any questions and comments about it, because it's one of my personal missions to demystify paganism. It's always funny when I "come out" to somebody new because to the untrained eye, I look and act like the stereotypical soccer mom next door. ;) I want people to know that pagans come from all walks of life, that it's a normal, valid, satisfying spiritual path.

[ring_of_fyre]

This is an interesting thread for me, as I'm in sort of the same place. I've been pagan for over 10 years and never wore one publicly, because I didn't want to "rock the boat". I also dressed goth for a long time (now i don't have the time or money for it) and was conscious of the associations people would and do make, even though I don't understand why people automatically assume (I'm talking in general here) that goths are pagans.

However, I've recently experienced a re-affirming of my beliefs and part of a powerful experience I had resulted in me wanting to wear a pentacle, a tasteful, small piece of jewelry, daily. Pellegrina it's interesting that you mentioned wearing a cross when you were Christian, because I was about to make the same point- Christians and Jews and people of other religions who wear religious jewelry aren't necessarily trying to make a statement or shock people, and I think the more people who wear them and present a kind, loving face to the world the more accepted it will eventually become and maybe no one will bat an eyelid any more than they would at a cross or star of David.

So, I have made the decision to wear one, it's small and it's on the back of a frog, which is one of my favorite animals, so I'm not too sure people will notice right away anyway. I am just a little nervous about how people at work will react to it, though I suspect I'll just have a few questions from some people and that will be it. And I'm prepared to answer questions, I love to talk about religion anyway. ;) I just have to work up my courage, because I've always been the fly-below-the-radar, don't-rock-the-boat type.

I feel like that was really rambly. Hope I got my point across. :)

[Tulip Tree]

I am not ashamed of my religion and do not have a problem talking about it if the subject comes up, but it doesn't....
I would like to see Paganism receive equal respect with the worlds other "accepted" religions. Will wearing the star help promote that understanding and acceptance? Will people look at me and say "see that guy has always been friendly, kind, caring, loving and giving.... Will wearing the Star bring out intelligent questions that might help lead to understanding and acceptance? ... Will it jeopardize my job? Yes, I know you can't be fired for that. Do you know that if they want you gone that they can always find an acceptable reason to fire you?I see what you're saying, Viseux. If you do it, you're doing it for all of us, you know. Even those of us who are too cowardly to do it ourselves. Personally, I wouldn't ask it of you. At 46 you need to keep a good paying job.

I know someone who wears her pentacle for the reasons you mentioned. It hasn't gotten her fired but then again, she works at a Health Food Store. I work in an office. We might think that Christians are exempt in an office environment, but really, anyone who is too religious makes people uncomfortable. The guy who "God blesses" everyone and "tut, tuts" constantly isn't going to get a promotion either. But a pentacle necklace or ring really should be accepted as a tasteful display of religion just like a cross necklace.... even though it's not.

I'm not going to tell you to do it, because I won't do it. At least, not this year. But then again, if I actually had a pendant with special significance to me, one that had been blessed in initiation or ritual, then I probably would wear it most days not matter what people thought. The pagan jewelry I have now is just that, jewelry.

[AlleyCat]

I think that no one should be ashamed of their religious beliefs, to me it's like Im saying Im ashamed of my deities and my beliefs I wear my pentacle, it is nothing intricate, just a small nice pentacle with a celtic design around the circle, I wore it to all my recent job interviews and when commented on I said 'yes I love it it's who I am' and now have a prominant job in a telecommunications company. I'm not ashamed of who I am and am not afraid of people knowing what I am, hope this helps in your decision..

[Gen]

As many have said, this is a very personal decision.

I don't wear a pentacle because I'm a private person. Besides, I'm strange enough as it is and already endure enough nosy questions.

When I wear jewelery, it always represents something I'm working with spiritually, but it's never obvious. I wear it so that every time I look in the mirror, I will be reminded of my true spiritual purpose. This is one of the best reasons to wear spiritual jewelery of any kind.

It is easy to forget that when you wear a recognizable spiritual symbol, you have become an official representative of your religion, often one of the only ones that most people will ever meet. How many times have you had an appalling encounter with a rude person wearing an unintentionally ironic golden cross around their neck?* Same goes for people who plaster their cars with American flags and magnetic yellow ribbons -- if you want the honor of being wrapped in a flag, you've endowed yourself with the responsibility to be an exemplary citizen. But I notice that these cars are often driven by the most obnoxious and inconsiderate drivers.

Wearing a pentacle is a very high spiritual practice. Wearing it, you have become a public representative of your religion, and any mistakes you make while wearing that symbol have a lot of repercussions.



* I'm not singling out Christians, who are as human as anyone else, but there are a lot more people wearing crosses than any other symbol.

[rhonda silvermoon]

I wear my pentagram all the time. I feel very connected to the elements when I do. I have also noticed that not just the
Christians wear the cross as a symbol...I have as much right to wear my symbol as they do, perhaps more than some because it means something to me. Some just wear it to seem something they are not. I will wear whatever, whenever I wish simply because I want to and if I am persecuted for it so be it at least I am true to myself.:rant:

[David19]

You should just wear what you want - pentacle, pentagram, cross, cresent moon (islam), star of David, etc. It's up to you to wear what you want, i used to wear mine a lot but usually i hid it under my top since i didn't really want any questions, although even when i did have it outside, no one cared.

[Viseux]

Update

I have now been wearing my Pentacle ring daily since early October.
No problems.
I found out that two of the women who sit near me at work are Pagan because of wearing it.

Blessings,
Viseux

[CzechWoods]

thats awesome

[ring_of_fyre]

Same here, I've been wearing my pendant every day since late November. Sometimes it shows, sometimes it doesn't depending on what I wear. The point isn't for it to be visible all the time, the point is for me to wear it. If it's visible, fine, if not, that's fine too. I'm not trying to make any statement or anything. So far no one has said anything. Only two people have looked closely at it and said "wow, that's an .... interesting... necklace". (It's a pentacle on the back of a frog).

The only time I consciously decided to hide it beneath my clothes was at Christmas with my very conservative New England family. ;)