I think it mostly has to do with the fact that poeple are uninformed about what being a witch is all about or their so closed minded to their own beleifs that they can't see any other point of view but thier own.White Witches don't worrship satan beacause we don't beleive in that sort of crap.If you take it to a dark place than maybe theres some truth to the negative outlook on us.
I work in a very religious/christen/catholic salon where they pray a lot and talk about church and what not.I have no problem with this as long as they don't try to push their beleifs on me.I respect all religions, whatever helps you in your life and gives you a certian rule of morals are great.Whatever works for them is wonderful.Myself I try to steer clear of any religious talk,I don't want them to think anything bad of me.
I remember one day I had my pentacle neacklace on,it's so nice it's silver with a celtic circle around it.I usually tuck it under my shirt so I don't arouse attention.I keep it close to my heart and it gives me strength,just like how people wear crosses ect.
Some lady saw It and made it a point to give me dirty looks then eventually left because I guess I made her uncomfortable.
Some feed back on this subject would be great because i'm sure others have had the same issuse
Thanks,
Rhainnoncat

There are a lot of misconceptions out there, but I think it's really to be expected. Afterall, you've got tv and movies propagating all of these lies, and then even the books that are published on the subject that you would think are credible are nothing but rubbish. Within our own ranks, we've people giving us a bad name. People who've little to know understanding of what magick is truly is and how it works yet running about yelling at everyone how they're witch and that they're being persecuted.

People are naturally afraid of the unknown (afterall, isn't that what adds some of the excitement when you first discover witchcraft and begin practicing? The fact that it's all so new, so different, so taboo?) And with all of these lies about witchcraft/Paganism/Wicca/whatever being tossed about it's no wonder that many a little old lady will glare at our pretty stars.

For instances like these, when people are staring, thinking they know what that little star is all about, but ask me anyway to see what I'll say, I'm careful with my response, but I still give the truth. For the obvious untrusting person, I mention how it is a rather old symbol of protection and that you can find it in a number of beautiful stained glass windows in a few churches in England. This is 100% true (I think there are like five churches with it in their windows, not many but still a credible point worth mentioning.) This is usually gets responses of "Oh, really?" And the entire situation has been difused.

Namaste,
Dami

Awesome, Damianna. I never thought about mentioning the churches and I should. The First Methodist Church in Warren, IN also has a star stained glass window that is lovely.

i2331mages.jpg

Afathera-

What a beautiful window! Thank you for that, and especially the specific church and location.

Namaste!

I also love the beauty of stained glass windows.Especially when the sun shines through.Churches are a place of santuary and hope.
You dami seem so cut and dry with your answer but have you ever had someone close to you look down on you for your beliefs?
When I am asked about my penacle necklace I simply say spirit over the four elements and finish it there.Then if they so want to inquire more I tell them it's my talisman and an ancient symbol.People that don't know about other relgions may want to research more so,in any case I have no fear or persecution.200 hundred yrs ago a different story.Wear your symbols with pride and stand up for what you beleive in. As i'm sure you and others allready do anyway.
lots of love
Rhiannoncat PGH

I love the window lovely. I agree with Rhiannoncat about not pushing your beliefs on other & like wise thats how I feels as will. I also agree with Daminna about people views on our beliefs. There will always be someone out there that see us as evil. If not because their beliefs say so or just because they think they know everything about us. I where my pentacle necklace & bracelet at work but my bracelet is covered by lab coat & the necklace has the pentacle below this lovely black stone. But I wear it with pride. But then like Rhiannoncat i dont want the action people bring to it. So unless others ask me I dont say a word. everyone will always have there own views of other beliefs I just say you knew me before you knew my beliefs that who I am & you wanted to be my friend before you knew whats different now?

I'm only cut and dry with my response because while they're mulling it over, I'm dashing away!

But, no, I've not had anyone close to me react badly because of my beliefs, unless you count that time my mom was screaming and crying and telling me she didn't want it in her house (she was truly scared.) But, my family is complicated: we're fam trad pagans, but as such there is that traditional superstition/fear against witchcraft; I am, of course, the odd ball of the bunch who had a natural interest in it (and my mother encouraged it when I was younger! Which only made the afore mentioned incident all the more puzzling,) and chose to combine the two. But I'm glad of that, because there are few in my family who are still follow our old ways, and the system I've created and am practicing with my family works.

As for friends, I'm very careful who I let get close to me: many associates, few friends. There's too much to risk and I've got too much to focus on (family, school, trying to get more clients for my wee little Healing Practice.) But, my friends have always tended to be very open minded, and most now are Pagan as well. So no worries there!

With the instance I first mentioned, obviously skeptical people looking to start trouble, this has only happened to me at work. With my previous job, I was a supervisor at a call center, and this self proclaimed "aspiring nun" questioned me about my necklace in front of about 20 other employees on the floor (who knows how many customers heard her, too!) So, yes, short sweet answer geared to her way of thinking was certainly the way to go. Other times, though, like when I get questioned at the gas station (which happens a lot, strangely...) depending on the vibe I get from the person (intuition, what their aura looks like, etc) and how many people are around, I'll go into a full explanation!

I fully believe in interfaith work and doing what I can to encourage acceptance and truth about Neo-Paganism, in fact, I do active interfaith work on a near daily basis. Just, sometimes it's just not the time for it. There is a need to be selective.

Namaste,
Dami

I totally agree with that as will. I love how you guys just seem to think just like me lol. I never can find that anywhere I thought I was alone at first lol