I have a small problem

[Kitase Raikua]

Hi, my name's Reka, and I'm a Junior at a hick town high school in the middle of a hick town state. I've been practicing Craft for about 2 years and when we had to do a term paper in English, I decided it's time to clear up some of those irratating misconceptions. However, I'm running into some problems. The SIRS in my library are conveniently missing every article on paganism they had. I confronted the librarian about it, but as she has no record of them being taken out she had to conclude that they were 'stolen'. It's a little too early to raise the subject of censorship, but I'm beginning to get suspicious. Anyway, I'm not going to waste anymore of your time on my senceless jabber.

To the point.

To augment my paper I'd like to include a few interveiws. Anyone who practices a religion under the umbrella term neo-paganism for at least 5 years and would be willing to answer a few questions, please post here. I'd prefer you were over the age of majority (18) but it's not required.

I'd really appreciate your assistance.

Or if you just want to rant w/ me about illegal censorship please post here too...

[Aidron]

The same thing happened to me back in high school (I'm 21 now, this occured when I was 16). They 'concluded' that the items had been stolen my misfit students hoping to raise up Satan himself. Frankly, after asking around the student body, I believed it.

Unfortunately, the school was unwilling to replace the texts and copies they had of paganism, and due to internet protection measures, paganism could not be looked up.

I would not call myself a neo-pagan, or a pagan, but I have been a practicing witch for around 10 years, so if you have any questions I'd be happy to answer in any way that I can, cause honestly if message boards had been available to me back when I did my paper, I would have utilized them.

[Moon Momma]

Actually, the books may have very well been stolen. I've seen it happen at public libraries too.
I guess I fall under "Neo-Pagan" since I don't come from a long line of Pagans. I've been Pagan since 1998. And I am over 18. :)

[Kitase Raikua]

Thank you both so much, this means a lot to me. I must say that I'm caught a little off guard here, I hadn't expected a reply so soon. If you'll give me a day or so, I can get the questions, and PM them to you. Thank you again. Finding people to interveiw for this has been difficult, to say the least.

[morrigen]

I will, too...answer your questions, that is...if you want...
I've been pagan/ceremonial magician for 18 years now....(definately over the age of consent -sigh-)

If I can help, let me know :)

[menolly]

Dontcha just hate it when people make misinformed decisions about things, then refuse to be educated?

I'd love to help you if I can. I've been practicing for about nine to ten years now, am 21 years old, and I guess I'd call myself Neo-Pagan (I've never been too good at labelling myself!)
If you'd like to hear from me, PM me anytime :)

(Oh, and welcome to MW :hugz: You'll be calling it home soon, just like the rest of us :lol: )

[Boogins]

I've been a practicing witch for 28 years now. Can I help?

[Kalika]

I've been practicing for 10 years now... and am over 18. :) If you still need help, let me know. I'll answer what questions I can.

[dragonspirit 69]

Do you have to use the school's library ?? If not go to your local library and get the books from there. I would help but I haven't been practicing that long.

[Valkie]

pagan for 4 years. I'll help too. One idea that may be better than PMing everyone... post the questions publically and have people PM you with the answers. You get the non-bias info that you need and anyone can answer.

[redthewitch75]

I have been practising for nearly 14 years now, and I am 28. I would be glad to help in any way I can. PM me if you'd like.

[Isil Darkmoon]

Been practicing 5 years, 22 years old... I'd be happy to help.

EESH, though, that confused me. I'm logged on on campus, isntead of at home like normal, so I had the @ work setting... kept seeing posts about "peopleism", which is apparently the word the display substitutes for "paganism" and I couldnt' figure out what hte heck you guys were discussiong!

[Yvonne Belisle]

I have been practicing more than five years and am over 18 as well. Post the questions though you may get an avalanche of information :)

[Kitase Raikua]

Wow!
If I'd known about this forum 2 years ago....lol.

I did try to go to my public library the had one, and I mean one, book and it was overdue but still out.

I'll post up the questions the next time I get on. Thanx again!

[Kitase Raikua]

I know I'm double posting, and I'm sorry, I couldn't figure out how to delete my other post....

Ok, here they are.

1. How long have you been worshiping?

2. What religion do you follow or have you blended several religions?

a. If so, which?

3. Do you believe in the God and Goddess, or are you polytheistic?

4. How do you feel towards other religions?

5. How did people of other religions act towards you when they discovered your chosen path?

6. What were some misconceptions you’ve encountered about Neo-Paganism in general, and how were they wrong?

7. Have you noticed that the more people are around you, the easier it is for them to accept you?

8. What religion did you follow before becoming a pagan, or were you always one?

9. Are there any other members of your family who follow your path? How did they influence you?

10. Do you believe in ‘converting’ people of other religions?

11. Have you noticed any changes in yourself since you began down this path? (ie. More patience..tolerance...)

12. Is there anything you’d say to someone who didn’t know anything about Neo Paganism?


I'll paste them if I find anymore, if you have suggestions, please don't be shy...

[Antoninus]

1. How long have you been worshiping?

2. What religion do you follow or have you blended several religions?

a. If so, which?

3. Do you believe in the God and Goddess, or are you polytheistic?

4. How do you feel towards other religions?

5. How did people of other religions act towards you when they discovered your chosen path?

6. What were some misconceptions you’ve encountered about Neo-Paganism in general, and how were they wrong?

7. Have you noticed that the more people are around you, the easier it is for them to accept you?

8. What religion did you follow before becoming a pagan, or were you always one?

9. Are there any other members of your family who follow your path? How did they influence you?

10. Do you believe in ‘converting’ people of other religions?

11. Have you noticed any changes in yourself since you began down this path? (ie. More patience..tolerance...)

1. 2 and a half years
2. Paganism
3. Polytheistic (Greek Pantheon mostly)
4. I got no problem with any other religion as long as they dont stick thier beliefs in my face or practise ritualized rape
5. Most people were ok with it, some where repulsed, some were confused...
6. Mostly its the usual that people come up with "Its evil" "Your a devil worshiper" need I point out whats wrong with that?
7. Sometimes
8. Chrstian, then Athiest
9. No
10. Nope
11. There have been so many changes, I couldnt tell what was due to religion or not