Pagan Politics

[Ishtar]

I am posting here for the first time, hoping maybe someone can help me. I'm not sure if there is anyone here from my community so I've tried to be anonymous, although I have always been told my writing, if nothing else, is unique.

Relatively speaking, I am a new pagan (about three years). I practice under a secret tradition. Over the past few years I have learned to love my tradition, although it was a litle unnerving to me at first that nobody had ever heared about it before, and therefore I had a time of questioning its legitimacy. I also love my coven. It is a wonderful family of people who care for each other, and the tradition offers a warm extended family.

My coven is part of a national umbrella organization for witches, and my elders are very excited about participating in it. My elders are also very active members of a local community. Both of the organization and the community have done alot of good that I can see everyday. So you may ask.. what is the problem?

The problem that is wearing me down is that, while both of these groups offer kinship and the protection that I enjoy, they also offer alot of politics. Who is in the broom closet, who is out. Who wears their pentacle inverted. Who invites the quarters and who invokes them. And, of course, my personal favorite: who has been practicing the longest and who isn't a real witch. It seems in this group and new squabble appears every day, and nobody can agree to respect each others differences.

Also, while I really respect the work of pagans like the Farrars, Scott Cunningham, Ellen Cannon Reed, ect. the name dropping also gets to me. It seems every coversation is dotted with "well, you know... I practiced with (insert pagan celebrity here)." I'll admit, it was intruiging at first, but now I see it as part of the game.

Being simple, I joined the craft for one thing: to learn about the goddess and magic, not for this. Every time I find myself caught in the middle, or having to read pages of scathing put-downs about who is and is not a real pagan, I feel so disheartened about my faith.

I have tried to stay out of the conflict. It isn't for me. I have a simple mind, and have never felt like keeping track of who doesn't like who, or who is sleeping with who, or which high priestesses are on power-plays.

Because I feel this way, I have tried to back out of both of these groups. I know it sounds selfish, enjoying the freedom they offer me, but not wishing to participate. My elders, though, who I very much respect, say they really need me to be a part of these things. After all, these are things they really care about and I am part of their coven so I belong there beside them. I haven't learned yet if it just my coven or my tradition that is part of the national organization but I suppose I should find out.

Does anyone else feel this way? Is there any other solution besides some heavy shielding that will help me keep a good relationship with my elders?

Blessed Be,

Ishtar

[Yvonne Belisle]

I'm founder of a group that is just starting out. I started it last semeseter at college. Basicly we are trying to do in person what Mol does over the net. We are based in San Marcos. If you want to look at our website please ignore the spelling errors I keep meaning to fix the typos. It's called Paganpathways.
http://www.geocities.com/paganpathways

[Wyrdsister]

Ooh, Ishtar, this sounds very difficult.

While I'm no expert, I get the sense that it is not your coven or tradition specifically, but it is an occurence in a lot of human groups and associations. There will always be people who want to be in positions of obvious power, fame, knowledge, etc. There will always be people who love covert games of politics, gossip, etc. And there will always be those, like you, who want to have nothing to do with any of it.

Perhaps I am over-generalizing, but I feel this can sometimes get out of hand when groups are more secretive than public. This is not to say secret or "members only" groups and their work are not good or valid - they certainly are! - but it's been my humble experience that secretive groups are more prone to power-plays than groups that operate out in the open.

I am sure you are far from being the only one to experience what you have explained in your post. I know that doesn't make the heartache lessen, but I'm sure you can find support from others who understand where you are.

The Witches Voice web site - http://www.witchvox.com/ - has an entire section they call "Witch Wars" which deals with just that! Check it out; you might find something that helps.

In the meantime, we are all here to share and listen to you, and support you in any way we can.

Welcome to the Community, and keep posting! :)

Blessed Be,

Wyrdsister

[Mariposa De La Luna]

I'm sorry you're in such a situation. I suggest you read the post entitled Seekers Bill of rights, posted by me. There are also others around the net.

It sounds like high school games. If you really respect your elders you should be able to go to them and talk about your problems. If they reply negatively maybe this is a sign you have outgrown them. Just because we start down one path doesn't mean we have to stay on it. Of course change is also very difficult but in the end you have to do what is right for you, not what people tell you.

I do applaude you for being your own person and not giving in to such pettyness. It takes a strong person not to get sucked in to everyone else's games. Stay strong

[Wildwood]

Hi

Sorry to hear your troubles Ishtar.
Part of the reason I have so far travelled a solitary path is
to avoid that sort of politics (I get more than enough of it in
the rest of my life.) I feel I need to establish what I believe
in and where I am going before I get into a coven (which
I may never do).

Sadly this sort of politics happens everywhere, but I'd
suggest just taking a bit of time out on your own when it
gets too bad. Perhaps making it clear to the worst offenders
that your not comfortable with them gossiping when you
are around. Although I know talking to people about things
like this can be difficult. This way you wouldn't necessarily have to
give up on the group you so obviously enjoy spending time
with. It's a tough situation, so good luck with whatever choice
you make.

Wildwood

(p.s. Welcome to the boards)

[belladonna23]

Hi, Ishtar, and welcome.
I am so sorry that this has happened to you. Please don't let other people's power plays dishearten you in your faith. I allowed this to happen to me many years ago, I've only recently gotten past it.
I agree that you should make clear to the offending people that you can't accept their behavior, and maybe try talking to your elders. I also agree that if they continue to make you uncomfortable, it may be time to move on.
You will always find a loving, supportive family here.

[Fairywolf]

Hi Ishtar I am sorry to here of your problem but I see it like this: it is like growing up in a small town ther will be times when everyone will be talking about others but you must follow whats in your heart and if you are happy with everything else stay there if not you must do what makes you happy. You can only live once YOU are happy otherwise it is a sorry existance. I don't like putting it that way but in some instances it is true. I hope you find what makes you truely happy in life.

[Armitage]

I personally would try and find those of like mind and get away from those who made it unpleasant. But then again, running might either not be a good idea or be an option...

[gunner]

i'll be posting on this but i wanr to give it some thought first