Dysfunctional Behavior and the Pagan Scene

[Lark]

Here's a link to a thought-provoking article that I found that talks about the fact that many of the Pagan teachers that are worth meeting are choosing to withdraw from the public eye and are becoming more difficult to find.  It is well worth the read, and I also recommend following the links to some of the essays that this article references.

http://www.fullcircleevents.org/newsletters/

-Lark-

[StarFire]

Thanks Lark.  It was a good read.  Makes a lot of sense, too.

[Anonymous]

I've read this article recently.  As I mentioned in another forum, the people in my neck of the woods, or at least the ones I've met, seem too mellow for this sort of thing.  I see some evidence of it online, though.  It only takes a few cranky people looking to stir something up to make a forum uninviting.  I imagine it'd be even worse IRL.

Makes me glad I found at least one semi-lucid place.  :wink:

[Anonymous]

Very good article...there is a bit about putting up with (or not putting up with) persons acting out and behaving badly that I will share with my daughter.

Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Here's a link to a thought-provoking article that I found that talks about the fact that many of the Pagan teachers that are worth meeting are choosing to withdraw from the public eye and are becoming more difficult to find.  It is well worth the read, and I also recommend following the links to some of the essays that this article references.

http://www.fullcircleevents.org/newsletters/

-Lark-

An *excellent,* thought-provoking article. Thanks for posting the link.

[Anonymous]

Here's a link to a thought-provoking article that I found that talks about the fact that many of the Pagan teachers that are worth meeting are choosing to withdraw from the public eye and are becoming more difficult to find.
 
http://www.fullcircleevents.org/newsletters/

-Lark-

As usual, my little Lark has hit the nail right on the head. If you really look at the heart of the article, (and it has many) then you will find that it is truly a matter of choice, however unfortunate for the neophytes who are looking for a mentor.
Many of us have been practicing (such as myself) for over 20 years.
You see the changes that happen all around you, and blame it on these so-called "problem children". Well, kids, like it or not, we're just the generation like the generation before us. And most of us have chosen to withdraw from the public, because we feel we cannot connect the old with the new. Wicca is proving to be an everchanging religion, even though it is known as "The Old Religion". Many of us old timers stick to the Old Ways, and some are going along for the ride, changing with the times.
It's all a matter of choice for us, and we have but ourselves to blame, not these "problem children" that we choose to use as a springboard for our own problems.

:::preens her feathers, and settles in for the night on her perch by the fireplace, dreaming of when Lark will be back to make cookies:::


The Owl~

[Anonymous]

I think that is some of your finest prose.  :hmm

[Anonymous]

Very good post, Lark. Thanks for sharing the link.
It is sad to see people pull out. But it also echoed a lot of how I've been feeling. Mostly the reason I'm a solitary. I'm know there are countless good pagans out there. But living around me I've not yet felt any draw to be in a coven and just as seldom in public circles.
Sometimes I stop and wonder if I'm just hyper-critical. So it all makes one think.

I guess my biggest turn off has always been how many pagans in covens seem to look down on solitary witches. The feeling that since one is not part of their "Mysteries" that they are less faithful or less of a pagan. To me the mystery is always in unlocking our feelings and thoughs as well as the never ending quest to learn more.

Recently my theological readings have been in Asatru, the New Testiment, Hawaiian mythology and deities, and others. A co-worker and fellow pagan saw the Catholic Bible in my bag and though, because I'm learning more about other faiths, that I was less faithful and less of a pagan. I got some dirty looks. I personally have found so many things that are true from faith to faith that I find it makes want to look for more. Sorta like how the "Golden Rule" or something like it is in most every faith.

Anyway I'm rambling so I'll stop.

[Brijrian]

Rambling or not, I agree with you Midsummertiger. I also study like you--the combination of religious books on my shelf is quite diverse. And I keep finding similarities even though they are from different cultures. I like 'continuing education'

[Zenon]

I loved  the article.

In my entire country there is only two wiccan covens I know of but they're closed to new members, so I know nothing about what they do.  I'd really like to see how a coven works, though.  Right now its not a problem at all, but someday I think I'll start feeling lonely or I'll really get stuck, and then I will probably start seeking somebody else.