Clearing up Any Confusion

[Mairwen]

Yvonne Thomas

*confused*
I was reading in the god/goddess forum and I noticed that you got very upset over the reference to Lillith being a demon among other things including a dark Goddess. I don't understand since there are many views including some of our members who see her as such. The writer appeared to only be acknowledging that she is considered that by some. I don't see her as such but wouldn't denying that she is sometimes seen in that light cut back on an honest discussion of her. I was also wondering if you objected because visitors to the site might sieze on one of us refering to her as a demon and furthering the missconseption that we worship satan? I'm only asking to clear up sonfusion on my part.

[Mairwen]

First of all, I'd like to thank Yvonne. She sent the post above to me in a pm, and I asked her permission to post it publically so that we could put an end to the mess that this forum has become. Second, I apologize for the delay in posting a response. I've been taking my time, thinking about this, trying to figure out what to say that won't cause more problems.

Yes, we all have different views, and having a place to share them is a wonderful thing.

However, it's been my experience, and the experience of many others, that the Old Gods some refer to as "demons" do so because what they know about them comes from Christian text and scholarship ~ or lack of understanding, or the lack of desire to understand (out of fear, maybe?). When I started the Dark Spirituality thread/classes, I did so with a bit of trepidation in my heart, somehow knowing that such an issue was bound to come up. This is a subject which I hold very dear to my heart because so many of the Old Gods have been demonized just because people fear them and/or have been sadly misinformed.

It's been my personal experience that some (most?) of these Dark Gods are not "bad", "evil", and certainly not demons. And I'll defend them, and myself. It's a matter of getting to know these Old Gods, getting to the root of their beings, their myths, their cultures. Have any of you ever tried to get to honestly know these Dark Ones you're labeling as demons? I know that there are those who consider the Morrigan a demon ~ but ime, she's a very kind and loving mother who will defend her own at any cost. Does that make her a demon? Read her myths.

I don't see her as such but wouldn't denying that she is sometimes seen in that light cut back on an honest discussion of her.

Kaylara has offered, if anyone should wish to continue the Lilith discussion, that I could move it to "Just Talk".

visitors to the site might sieze on one of us refering to her as a demon and furthering the missconseption that we worship satan?

That's part of it, yes. I don't think any talk of demons has any place in a forum meant to discuss Gods and Goddesses.

This is my two cents. YMMV

[Yvonne Belisle]

Thank-you for clearing up the confusion for me.:)

[Mairwen]

"Lilith" has been moved to "Just Talk". Please continue any discussion about her there, please.

[mol]

This place is built upon individuality. It has been from the start. I never in my life have believed that there is only one way to look at things and I trusted I was not alone. So, from the start I impressed upon the members of this community to share YOUR views on subjects, while keeping in mind that they are JUST THAT. YOUR views.

And this also pertains to how we see our God(s) and Godess(es). We all look upon them differently...EVEN if we know them by the same name.

Why am I posting this?

Well, when we discuss different things we have to make sure that we are telling OUR views and not trying to suppress anyone else's.

If someone asks a question about a subject...then tell them YOUR view...someone else will tell them another...and another...it is up to the person in search of the knowledge to decimate the information into a form that they understand.

Keep this in mind when posting...all of you...especially when you are posting YOUR views.

[December7]

Yep, thanks for explaining, I finally got it! :)

[adrian]

I just finished a book called: The Book Of Lilith- By Barbara Black Koltuv, Ph.D. and i must say that it was a pretty deep book but i felt to truly understand it i had to go into the Jewish Books of Knowledge and the things i found there....WHEW!

[Mairwen]

That is a pretty good book, Adrian. However, if you wish to discuss it, I suggest taking it to the Book forum. Thanks!