Confused

[Whirll]

Hello to all out there i have been practicing solitary for about 2 years now. I have tryed to do spells and worship god and goddess but my family is always calling me nuts and making jokes . this is why I am confused , I would never make jokes about somthing they believe in .
What should i do ?

[Yvonne Belisle]

Look to your heart. If you look to your heart and know that the path you are following is the best one for you then ignore the laughter and work on education. In a few of the posts on this site you will find a url for a very good description by of all people the government of a Wiccan. Although that may not be your exact path the fact that it is in a military manual should help you show your family that your beliefs are shared by many others. Read the threads on this site many of us have had acceptance problems be they a coworker, stranger or loved one. I don't want to try to rephrase what has already been said very well by the original speakers so I suggest again read the threads. Welcome to our community may you find the haven here and the acceptance that we have all found.

[Kaylara]

Unfortuately, this comes with the territory.
I try not to take myself so seriously that I can't laugh at my own follies and foibles! (The standard wizard of oz jokes, broomstick jokes, and of course the Burning witch jokes!) Over the years, I have learned to laugh at myself.
The key is to not let them know that it upsets you. Take yourself out of the situation and think about how you would react if you weren't a witch. I try to see the humor in life, and my religion is no exception. (And if you really want to confuse them, you can start studying discordianism!)

I hope this helps!

Kaylara

[Niamh]

I agree with having a sense of humor about yourself. I am the proud owner of a tall, pointy black hat! My other car is a broom, get your house off my sister, etc.
It's ok to be upset. And it does seem to ring true that while pagans don't laugh at people practicing thier religion (even if we find it silly) others seem to do it to us. Fear of what they don't know? Maybe.
But like Yvonne said, you need to follow your heart and listen to yourself. Decide what is best for you. You might decide to practice completely in private and stop talking to your family about it. You may try to educate them to make you all more comfortable. Whatever you do, it has to be right for you!

[sisba]

I am pleased to see in a way myself and the people around me are no different to anyone else here,
some good comments from everyone, it justs encourages me more I am on the right path.

[Carmelo]

I have a few pagan co-workers where I work. They have been detrimental to me in showing that I am not alone. That's how it's usually been for me, though, I have always been protected on my views in life(sort of like I have the Supreme One watching over and guiding me).

A few nights ago, I asked my pagan friend where I could find a Pagan store other than an obvious location. One of the non-pagans asked if I were pagan and I told him no, just a seeker. (I don't feel like I've earned the right to call myself Pagan!) Well, my pagan friend asked him why he would ask that of me and the other guy said because it was sick. Well, John, my pagan friend, became quite upset and told him not to downgrade something he did not understand. The other guy just chuckled while John stared holes through him.

The point was made clear as John and I walked away. He just said,"Small minded people".

It's very true, it takes a small mind to rag on someone else's views and observations. I used to do that, and then I grew up.

[Amora]

It takes a strong sense of knowing you are on the right path. I also believe everyone has the right to openly discuss their religious views but sometimes just to make it more bearable it's best not to discuss it with them until they can grow up and be a little more open minded. I was graced with a very supportive family but my coworkers have told me on numerous occasions that I will rot in hell. And I'm ok with that because I don't believe in hell so it'd be kinda hard to rot there for all eternity.

Be Strong, Be Happy

[adrian]

Greetings!
As i look back in history at all the masters and their followers i can see one thing they all had in common and that was the same thing you are going through, i have found that if i am true to my path i invite criticism and at times violent behavior from others just because i believe in something...i have been called satan worshipper, evil, and that i would burn in hell for what i'm doing. But you know something that i have noticed?
These same people are always telling me what a good guy i am, how nice i am. So i think i can take the ridicule and criticism from a few ignorants. But one thing i always do, and that is to keep my rituals a secret because if someone knows and projects negative energy it can affect or defeat what you are trying to acheive. It's like telling someone they are ugly all the time and soon they believe it, but isn't it ugly just to say the words?
I pray you see your way through this, we all can be so
unkind at times but in forgiving we prevail.

[Earth Walker]

:D I have been out as a Pagan for yearrrs, and I
am proud of it.

Remember the old children's ditty:
Sticks and stones may break my bones,
but names will never hurt me. :)

Walking with the Goddess with her head held high
and proud. :sunny: