Pagans come out of the broom closet

[joefree1]

Pagans come out of the broom closet
By:MATT MILNER, Courier staff writer
04/02/2005

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A closer look shows a couple of details that many people wouldn't have. Several have pentacles, a five-pointed star within a circle, dangling from necklaces. Stars show up in many religions, but the pentacle is most closely associated with paganism.
Pagans cover a variety of religious faiths. Wicca, an earth-centered religion, may be the largest. Others adhere to Asatru, based on the Norse religion; Druidism, which stems from the ancient Celtic beliefs; Kemetic, followers of the Egyptian deities; or combinations of different philosophies and pantheons.

Even Wicca isn't monolithic. There are different denominations within it. Gardnerian, Alexandrian, Seax and eclectic Wiccans all come under the pagan classification.
Many pagans are quiet about their beliefs, avoiding public notice. Even friends and family may not know. They're said to be "in the broom closet," a tongue-in-cheek reference to the belief that witches ride brooms.

The people gathered in Oskaloosa left the broom closet. Kathryn, Maureen, Shane, Jaimie and Jeremy were asked to get together by Aiyanna Looney, a pagan cleric. Jen Freyermuth, another cleric, was called too. Most chose to give only their first names. That's not uncommon among pagans. Many are leery of public reactions, especially among those who accuse them of worshipping the devil.
"I find that the people who know less are more hostile," Kathryn said, a sentiment the rest echoed. "A lot of people come and ask questions."

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One of the first questions is often about devil worship. It's something pagans become familiar with. The short answer is no, they don't worship the devil. In fact, the Christian concept of the devil isn't even recognized within many pagan faiths.
More ...
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=14273711&BRD=2575&PAG=461&dept_id=513091&rfi=6

"The devil is only a convenient myth invented by the real malefactors of our world"
Robert Anton Wilson


Pagan DUers meet other Pagan DUers at:
Ancient Wisdom and Pagan Spirituality Group
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=262

on edit: I'm a Eco-Pagan, I worship the ground you walk on. :evilgrin:

[hlthe2b]

1. I'm all for paganism and educating the public....against the propaganda

that some who claim Christianity have perpetuated. But, even I have to admit a reflexive discomfort about the pentacle symbol, since on some subconscious level, movies, tv, and media have effectively associated that with satanism in my mind. I find perusing metaphysical stores to be quite interesting, but I always hesitate when I see these, though I consciously realize that the discomfort is unfounded.

Can any DU wiccans comment on this? Is this widespread, even among those who are fully open to paganism and try to rebuff societal stereotypes?

[joefree1]

2. I wear a sun symbol

I don't use the pentacle. It's a bit too modern and commercial for me. I have several sun jewelry and symbols I wear. For me the sun and earth is a much more traditional symbol for Druids and Eco-pagan.

When people show me their religious or power symbols such as temples, statues, monuments, and sky scrapers I find it reassuring to see the Sun high in the sky far above the structures of humans.

[Dervill Crow]

3. Pentacles

I wear a pentacle necklace and have told a few of my co-workers that I consider friends what the real symbolism is, but I admit that after I've seen an episode of CSI or Law and Order (the two I can think of right offhand) where a pentacle or pentagram has been associated with some ritual killing, etc., I don't wear it quite as openly for a week or two. There is such a pervasive feeling in America that Christian = good and everything else is evil, and it really is encouraging that so many pagans are "coming out of the broom closet" and showing that we're not necessarily wackos. On the other hand, if I was still a christian (as I was in my 20s, much to the dismay of my family of origin!), I would be apologizing for the behavior of Dobson, et al, and explaining that we're not all like that. When you think about it, though, it is amazing that the sight of a pentacle or pentagram causes an instinctive shudder, yet the cross, which was a mechanism of torture and death, is a sign that the wearer is a good person. Go figure.

[hlthe2b]

4. Actually, I have a hesitation when I see someone wearing a cross....

but only because I'm wondering if they are true sincere Christians or Xians of the RW fundie ilck. So, as you say, I'm not sure everyone assumes a cross-wearer to automatically be a "good person." My guess is that true Christians may hestitate from wearing the cross in some settings, given the adverse connotations among some, as you mention doing for the pentacle.

[toddaa]

5. Not a pagan, but I'll give it a go

Five is a powerful number in Taoism. The five elements, the five tastes, the five colors, the five grains, and so on. Many cultures recognize the number five as magical because, well, we've got five fingers on each hand.

[Behind the Aegis]

11. Pentacles

I am not sure what you are asking, but here is my explanation of the pentacle that is used by many pagans. Like the avatar here at DU, the star is "upright," meaning there is a point at the top. This signifies "pointing" to the higher powers. The five points represent the five elements, earth, air, water, fire, and spirit, which is the combination of all four elements. That is known as a pentagram. A pentagram in a circle is known as a pentacle. The one that is used in most movies has the pentagram pointing down. It is sometimes used by Satanists or those using 'dark' magicks. When the point is down it is to call on the powers below. This version is more common in movies because it can be altered to look like a ram's head, a sign of the Devil. However, witches will use both types of pentacles, depending on their magickal needs.

Because pagans are such a diverse group, others may disagree with what I have written. I am by no means an expert.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

6. Pagans welcome at Dances of Universal Peace

and many have come to various Dance camps I've attended. There are Dances honoring the Goddess and I'm sure somewhere someone studied in the faith has created a Druid Dance.

I know what you mean about being hesitant about wearing symbols. There's a crescent and star within the heart in my avitar-one Sufi brother wore a belt buckle with said crescent and star. His house was invaded by some "good old boys" whose kids had told them about it (my brother was a school teacher). They thought he was a Satanist until they saw a picture of Haz. Pir-o-Murshid Inayat Khan, founder of our Order. Luckily, Pir-o-Murshid had long hair, a beard, and wore robes-the gobs thought it was a picture of Jesus and let my brother alone. When my brother was killed in a traffic accident, our Sufi community again felt restrained-we only read scripture from the Bible, not from the Gita, Dammapada, Zend Avesta, and Qur'an, as we would usually do. But we did get by reading our Prayer for the Dead. The funeral was held in the school gym, and many people came up to us afterwards and said that it was the most moving and joyous funeral they had ever attended-which showed our ways came through despite the censorship.

[MountainLaurel]

7. OT question

Could you tell me a little about these Dances of Universal Peace? Is it strictly a Sufi worship? I'm sorta pagan, and one of my circle sisters is a dancer.

Thanks!

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

9. Absolutely open to everyone!

I've danced with Catholic priests, Tibetian Buddhist monks, rabbis, swamis, and Wiccans, among others. Sufism does not believe in collecting followers, so you don't have to worry about that. In fact, my husband says, "If the Dances make you a better (fill in this space with whatever you are), then they have worked." That goes for Pagans as well as Christians or any other faith.

[MountainLaurel]

10. How do I find out about them?

Thanks -- it sounds fascinating.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

14. Website information

http://www.dancesofuniversalpeace.org/

Not always current-check your local alternative hangouts for flyers, or your Unitarian or Unity churches (they are often presented there). If you live in NW AR or SW MO, check our site:

www.ozarkdancecircle.us

or if you're in LA--

www.churchofall.us

[Tux]

12. IS there a Web site

That has info when and where these dances occur?

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

13. Yep

http://www.dancesofuniversalpeace.org/

Realize that they don't keep their database totally current-our Dance circles weren't listed for AR and MO the last time we looked-but this can give you an idea of where they occur. Usually they are advertised via flyers in metapysical book stores, food co-ops, etc. Often they are done in a local Unity or Unitarian Church.

If you are in the LA area, this website can give you Dance locations:

www.churchofall.us

If you are in Northwest AR or Southwest MO, our site can be of help:

www.ozarkdancecircle.us

Hope this helps.

[Tux]

15. Thanks

Is your avatar a Sufi symbol? What does it mean?

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

16. Yes, it is

The heart, when receptive to the Light of the One (symbolized by the crescent and star), can rise to its true self. The wings are named "Independence" and "Indifference"-a person on the spiritual path is independent from dogma- the indifference refers to the ego-being selfless and not caring what others say or think about you as you go on your spiritual journey.

[davidinalameda]

8. I have a pentagram tattooed on my back

and a couple of Celtic tats as well

they're "calling cards" for those in the know

[joefree1]

17. Pictures please

Wanna know.


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