Wicca/Paganism

[DoctorShoe]

Bright blessings to all!

Wiccan here. Just wondering if there are any more of us around. :) I don't have a coven, and there doesn't seem to be too much opportunity for it in Ireland, even in the medium sized cities.

DP is not a Wiccan. I'm a hospital doctor. We enjoy Dr. Who and Star Trek. I was raised Catholic.

I have had a lovely Beltane. Didn't get to celebrate quite as soon as I'd have liked, due to work, but it was beautiful.

My sick orchid is budding, my Book of Shadows is growing... Thinking about a nice walk in the woods tomorrow afternoon.

Would love to hear from others. :) I have so many questions.

Your welcome fellow Velvet!

If you're interested in Carl Sagan you could do worse than start with The Demon Haunted World.

Glad to know I'm not the only witchy type here!

velvetgreen- very eloquent.

I am a practicing witch, an atheist and a scientist. Gods and goddesses to me are immanent, useful archetypes, I also like Jung's ideas of the collective subconscious.

Hello All,
Wiccan here waves
Im a solitary practioner.

I was Wiccan.
Over the passed year I have found myself leaning more toward Hoodoo type magick. I found the 'an' it harm none' becoming harder and harder to adhere to. I struggled for a long time because I didn't want to cross any line and still believed in the 3 fold law. But a series of events meant that I didn't so much believe in the 3 fold law and although I didn't want to harm anyone or anything, I didn't want to take any shit any more either...

I still love the God and the Goddess and live by not harming anyone unless severely crossed. I consider my magick very carefully and don't just go about hot footing or vinegar jarring people but I will if I have to. I really struggled with this but when I finally made this decision I found it very freeing.

I would say I am a Wiccan grey witch but I suppose only in the sense that I love the Lord and Lady and in that I cast a circle and do my best to observe the Sabbats and Esbats. I don't know, maybe I'm no longer Wiccan at all.

I'm very much a Witch though and coming out of the broom closet felt amazing and right to me. It still causes issues though such as my altar being a permanent set up and that takes some explaining when we have workmen or say my In Laws see it (they are very judgey).
I'm not taking it down though. I did once and felt like I was lying about myself and I refuse to do that any more.

My altar is a permanent set up too ( I'm a trad rather than wiccan). I usually cover the ram skull and stang up if I'm expecting tradesman (it's the main coven one and rather large to say the least) but I forgot last time. He must have seen it ( and the rest!) but never said a word....

Can I ask those that practice the craft- how many of your social or work circle know hat you do? Do you keep it a secret for relatives? Or children?

Some do, some don't. I don't wear obvious pagan symbols so I'm not that easy to spot at work although one or two have actually asked me outright.

If they visit me at home then there are plenty of giveaways ( the room with the skulls etc is not in a part of the house visitors would normally go to) but only if you know what you are looking at. A non witchy friend probably wouldn't notice anything other than I like candles. A pagan would out me instantly!

My social circle is pretty mixed. Some are pagan/witches. Some are not but know and are "pagan friendly" and some have no idea at all or if they have guessed then we are operating on a don't ask/don't tell basis! My children and their friends certainly know.

Elphame I am aware there will be a range of views on "coming out", I just was interested to hear personal experiences.

I am like you I think- those that are "in the know" can spot me immediately.
Others wouldn't know.
I think it's easy to practice semi- openly, observing Sabbats is something we do as a culture anyway, so me making a Yule log,decorating a tree or making hot cross buns raises no eyebrows.

Ah I meant some people do ( know I'm pagan) and some people don't (know I'm pagan). I'm lucky to live where I do as there is a strong pagan/alternative/hippy presence and nobody to be honest is much bothered.

User for years I wasn't 'out' as a Witch but last year I just decided I needed to be more open about who I am and what I do and I wanted my altar to be permanent.
I just kind of get on with it and if people ask then I tell them, so far I've had some funny looks but nobody has said anything.
I'm in my 40s now and if I'm not true to myself now then when will I be?

Hi everyone,

Hope it's ok to post here after a gap. I've read the whole thread and learnt a lot.

I'm new to all this. I might be a little unusual in that I'm in a 12 step programme and need to develop some spirituality in my life. Any words of wisdom pertaining to that would be appreciated. I just suddenly felt that this way of life makes sense.

I've read lots and have other books lined up including suggestions here. I don't have much time or scope to devote to it, So I imagine the solitary path will suit me. Also I've looked into some covens near me and there is something that sits a bit funny in their literature. But that might just be the fact it is unfamiliar.

I've looked into some covens near me and there is something that sits a bit funny in their literature

Trust your instincts on this - there are sadly a lot of very dysfunctional and downright abusive covens/groups out there and these tend to be the ones that "advertise" themselves - there are of course exceptions. Many covens (my own included) do not draw attention to themselves - new members are invitation only.

Are there any moots in your area? They can be a good place to meet other pagans locally

Hi Elphame,

That's interesting - I did wonder. I can see how it would easily become a dodgy situation. There a few near-ish moots but can't really get to any at the moment because of young DC. Something for the future I think.

Some moots have a pagan parents group - there is one in Bristol if you are anywhere near and I'm sure there are others