Many people in my life have learned a lesson with me and my ability to give my opinion. I guess this could be best summed up as "If you want the truth, go to Jess...if you can handle it." In my day-to-day life this is exactly how I handle someone asking my opinion. There is no beating around the bush, its a straightfoward, all-telling of my particular beliefs and/or feelings on a subject. Sometimes it offends people, other times its helpful, but rarely can I be called too-sensitive, or even politically correct. I am not going to make everyone happy everytime that I speak, nor do I try to.
Many people have attributed this to the fact that I am southern. Nope, that's not it. I highly doubt that if I would have been raised anywhere else that it would have made much of a difference. I am a strong, opinionated woman, and that's the end of it. If I don't like you, I'll tell you. I have offended quite a lot of people in my 22, almost 23, years on this planet. Am I sorry for that, yes, sometimes. I am who I am, and that's all I'll ever be.
Don't mistake me for not caring. I do, and there are many things that I feel quite strongly about; my "family" (which isn't always blood related), my husband, my son, my environment, my friends, my religion and plenty more. But it seems quite frequently that with some people, they can't quite get over the "bump" when they find out that I am Pagan.
I've been called lots of names in my life which relate to my beliefs (I'll put a few here): Goddess-Worshipper, Wiccan, Witch, Spellcaster, TreeHugger, Sorceress, Bitch, Satanist, Demon-Child, and um...posessed by 7 seperate demons (which of course came about whilst beling hit with a mainstream religions holy book)...yeah. Go figure.
While some of the more negative names have not upset me, there are a few that of course have. I have no problems with someone scrutinizing and respectfully discussing that which I believe. I understand the the path I chose to walk in my life comes with a price, and that too often the only things that people "know" about my beliefs have been what they have seen replayed over and over on the movie/television screen. Many times, talking to someone, being respectful of differences, and being a shining example of what Paganism/Wicca is, shows a person that you can't belive everything you hear or see on television.
But then, on the opposite end of the spectrum, you have those that do not care to listen, those that choose a path of judgement and ignorance, and have no inclination to do otherwise. These are the people that I have a problem with. The people that tell me that they do not want me to wear my fingerprint sized pentacle around them or in their home because it is "evil and offends them", and while saying this are wearing a religious symbol the size of my hand. Do I take it off? No. But because I am respectful of most people, I will put it underneath my shirt. Never, EVER have I asked anyone to remove anything around me, nor will I ever. Then you have the people that constantly say that I am damned to a soulless eternity, where the rivers are fire, where the scents of sulfur and brimstone fill my nostrils, an entity stands by with a pitchfork and whip, and where I will not ever see my ancestors again. Nevermind that I live a wholesome life, that I will go out of my way to help someone in need, I do not do drugs, commit crimes, etc. Whereas the person/people damning me do the exact opposite. I could continue the argument (guilty), give a smart-ass remark (also gulity) but 9 times out of 10, I choose to say "I'm terribly sorry that you feel that way, but I'm finished talking about it" and I turn and walk away. These people truly believe that theirs is the one-and-only way, and everything else is evil or a joke.
I have also ran across those that have the chronic problem of accusations. Everything from I caused them to have a cold, to touching my skin would cause a person to become a "witch". Hello dark ages, have you come to town again?! But seriously, I laugh it off, because truly that is all you can do.
Don't get me wrong, walking this path isn't all negativity and judgement. Often it is beautiful, uplifting, eye-opening and awe-inspiring. For those that have support, love, and respect from those around them (including themselves), it is truly wonderful.
There is a price for everything in life, nothing comes free. Many people new to this path see only the "glitz and glamour." They want spells, tools, and magick. Or worse, they want bragging rights. Rarely do they understand the work, study and sacrifices we sometimes make to be who and what we choose. I'll never be one to say that this is an easy choice to make in life, but for me, it was the only one that fit. By walking the path of Paganism/Wicca, you gain not only a deeper spirituality, but a deeper respect for the world around you. In turn, occasionally you face judgement, persecution and hatred. But deep-down, if this is truly the right choice for you, you will find peace and comfort in your spirituality the likes of which you have never felt before.
Welcome to the path,
May the Lord and Lady Guide You
J. Leonhardt
