Paganism in the US

[Arioska]

Bonjour, new to this community.... You will have to excuse my english...
Living in Switzerland, almost nobody knows about Paganism (I am a Wiccan). I am wearing a pentacle and many people just assume I am jewish... In a way, it is comfortable - no pressure, no comment. I am hearing disturbing things about the way pagans are treated in some part of the US. Is there anybody that could confirm that ?
Being solitary (no other choice any way) I am a little bit nervous about entering any community but I trust you will be indulgent...

Blessings,

[Maggie]

Originally posted by Arioska
Bonjour, new to this community.... You will have to excuse my english...
Living in Switzerland, almost nobody knows about Paganism (I am a Wiccan). I am wearing a pentacle and many people just assume I am jewish... In a way, it is comfortable - no pressure, no comment. I am hearing disturbing things about the way pagans are treated in some part of the US. Is there anybody that could confirm that ?
Being solitary (no other choice any way) I am a little bit nervous about entering any community but I trust you will be indulgent...

Blessings,

Hi--this is a fight-free zone :) no need to worry here!

I'm afraid that at least some of the stories you probably hear are true. Acceptance varies quite a bit, depending on where a person is. At the same time that Wicca is a recognized religion and found in the military chaplains handbook, there are demonstrations against wiccans on military bases. I live near Washington DC, in a very diverse area, and I haven't heard of any incidents around here BUT I do know that stores have been vandalized and people harassed for being pagan in other parts of this country. It really does depend on where one is.........

Regards,

Maggie

PS--your English is just fine! :)

[moonmagick4]

Merry Meet Arioska!!!!
Please do not be nervous about joining this WONDERFUL community!!!We are all like family here!These are the nicest people you will meet.Don't be afraid to ask any questions!!We will help as much as we can!!

[Amora]

Merry Meet!!!

I am free with my religious feelings and will let anyone who asks know where I stand (typical New York attitude!). Thankfully I haven't run into too much oppostion other then being told I was going to burn in hell a few times. There are a bunch of wonderful people in this sight...you will be welcomed with open arms.

[BlackDragon]

You have wonderful english, so no worries there. I can not personally answer your question, being from Canada. Here, it's in our charter of rights and liberties to have whatever religion and beliefs we want. I have been accepted as a Pagan by my friends, but as a solitary, I don't really broadcast it.
I've done a project on the Salem Witch trials, and I know that things in the US arent bad like that anymore. Everyone has the right to be who they want to be.

[Lady Raven]

I may be a reserved witch, but I bet that my whole school knows. um... no one has treated me differently. I've already proved what a great person I am , so the news that I was pagan didn't really change people's opinons of me...at least that's what I think. I saw a poll that said that a lot of pagans weren't persecuted because of their religion, but there will always be cases of it. ~raven

[Mariposa De La Luna]

Merry meet and welcome! :sunny:
Don't worry about the english, its a difficult language to learn if its not your primary. As for intolerance against pagans, people have freedom of speach even if they speak out of ignorance. They can also protest what they want but in most places need permits if its going to be a march. My teacher is Brayan Lankford the HP who was turned away when he was going to give an invokation at City Hall in Dallas,TX last year. They gave the Mayor's office an information pamphlet on Wiccans/Pagans and were invited back and gave it despite some council members protests. If you want to know more try www.witchvox.com They have lots of articles you can search for. Pagans are standing up and being heard. I must admit I don't know of any violent happenings against pagans. Maybe someone else will.