"Minority religion?" Just say No.

How do we make Wicca and other Pagan religions more respected and accepted in mainstream society? What we need to do is not just kvetch about it; we need to LIVE it. Refuse to use the words "minority," "alternative" and "other" in relation to our spiritual paths. That very action says that we accept another is superior over us. Act as if we are already equal, and stop asking for validation from others as if it's a privilege that we are needing them to bestow.

Texas pentagram-carving loon

I’ve been searching through various news stories about the guy who carved a pentagram on his young son’s back due to the 12/12/12 “holy day.” Horrifying as that was, I must admit to being pleasantly surprised at how unbiased (in general) the reports have been in relation to this. For example, CNN’s report states, “A pentagram is a five pointed star that has associations with many different religions and belief systems.” No specific comments about Satanism, Paganism, Wicca etc. Aka, not an automatic “those New Age loons, here’s another one.”

The boy has been released from the hospital and should suffer no permanent physical injury, as the cuts were not deep. I hope they get him some psychological support, as well as the mother. There was blood smeared on the sides and the top of the home’s door frame doorway as well (shades of Biblical Passover), which means the father did more than just cut the child; he was being ritualistic on a larger scale.

An excerpt from the attached article:

“His stepfather said he had been searching for his spirituality. “He is deep into the Old Testament,” said John Ponce, his stepfather, in the telephone interview from Portland. “There’s a possibility with all of this pain and marital strife and such, he may have resorted to Old Testament references and then convoluted them. If you know about the Old Testament, there’s the Passover marks on the doorframe were done with a sacrificial lamb, definitely not sacrificial children.”

http://www.star-telegram.com/2012/12/12/4479867/richland-hills-father-accused.html

Shielding in social situations

I don't know if I could call myself empathic. But if I'm in a hypersensitive mood with a low tolerance for people, but have to deal with a social situation, I envision a sphere around me in a calming color and do an improvised chant along the lines of anyone's negativity bouncing off it, as well as letting positive energy in and flowing through me, using it to my advantage and the overflow going into the ground. I take what I need and let the rest go, rather than just let it overwhelm me, and mirror the negative away. So far, so good. :)