Over the years, I've noticed two reactions that I get from people when they first learn that I am pagan. There are those folks that think because I use the term witch, that I perform ritual sacrifice in my backyard and lead wayward christians astray ... The second is a weird romanticized view of witches where some folks think I wiggle my nose and *POOF* we're all on a tropical beach somewhere drinking a fruity alcoholic beverage with a little umbrella in it and they fail to take into account that there's a little thing called physics. I know it sounds strange but people have the oddest ideas of what exactly a witch is. To illustrate this, I was in the local grocery store a few years ago, just standing in the express checkout line with twelve items or less in my basket when I got this overwhelming feeling that I was being watched. I turned my gaze from the tabloid magazine rack to the gentleman (and I use that term loosely) behind me...I can't even begin to describe the look on his face...(it was somewhere between horror and repulsion) and out of his mouth comes "Are you A good witch or a bad witch?" as he's staring directly at my double pentacle necklace with the flower border.
Needless to say, I was truly at a loss for words. Who did I look like, Margaret Hamilton from the Wizard of Oz? So I just looked at him and raised an eyebrow and turned around to face forward as the line began moving and then from behind me I hear.."So, do you put spells on people ?" and "I hear you people dance around naked in the moonlight.." I knew he was trying to make me look foolish, but I had enough of it at that point so I turned back around and quickly replied, "Why yes, and If you ask me one more silly question, I'll put a real good whammy on you!" The audible gasp and resulting silence was almost too much and I dearly wanted to start laughing but I stifled my giggle and payed for my groceries and left.The other type of folks look at witchcraft as a novelty. These are the people that like to hang around and be your friend because they feel it's cool to say my friend "so and so" is a witch. Which comes with it's own set of grief when these people take it upon themselves to shove you right out of the broom closet and onto center stage. I hate when this happens, it's almost like that dream we all have about showing up to high school naked...talk about mortifying!
Not too long ago, one of these types dropped by to visit one day. I had recruited my kids to help me sweep the pine needles out of the driveway so we were all standing there, having just finished, when she pulled in. Looking at the brooms resting against the garage door she looks at me and asks..."Which one is yours?" Of course trying to be a smart ass I replied, "Oh, mine is actually in the house," and went inside grab my besom. When I came back out with broom in hand to show her she remarked "Oh, do you really fly that?" All I could do is shake my head. "No..." I said, "Gravity doesn't work that way." The look on her face was priceless because it suddenly dawned on her just how ludicrous her question was. She didn't hang out too long to talk. I would like to think that people are more informed in this world, I mean it's 2009 for crying out loud! But every now and then, another person comes along and I realize just how deep the myths and misunderstandings go.
* Thank you Fire Lyte for giving me the idea for this post's title!*
11 comments:
lol this is n't how gravity works!
nice!
brightest blessings
-giggle snort- haha. That is so awesome. xD A girl I know in one of my art classes is Hindu (by choice) and she has her own interesting stories on what people have asked/said to her. In short, this post just reminds me of that.
Actually, Liz, I'll probably be pointing people to this post when I do a follow up on the idea of Pagan Superpowers when I discuss the supposed Law of Attraction. (And...guess what...Lacy will be back on that episode!)
I get nauseous when I hear people say things like, "a witch's thoughts have power," and "oh The Secret is just what witches have been saying all along!" Well, there are more types of magic than attracting something to you, and unlike The Secret, not everything you think becomes reality. Just like you said, you cannot think your way out of certain immutable laws of the universe, like gravity or sunshine or the fact that, no matter how hard I think reality is just waves of thought, if that baseball hits me in the face, it's going to friggin hurt.
Anyways, I'll point people to this excellent post during that episode(s).
FL
LOL, who says you can't have fun at the grocery store!
I was just talking to a friend the other day, and when she pointedly asked me what I was if I wasn't Christian - I said "Pagan." To which she replied immediately - "oh - you practice Witchcraft."
Now, technically, this is true. It's just the way she said it...like it was this woo-woo thing with sparkly lights around it. I think people will always have some pre-conceived notion about it.
I like that you had such a good sense of humour about nosy-guy!
Here, Here ! Very Well Spoken !
I tend to get a different reaction when people find out I'm pagan as most people have me pinned down as a good Christian as I tend to be well mannered and try to live a good life...
It always amuses when that clashes violently with the evil, baby sacrificing (and quite possibility eating) movie image.
Just yesterday I mentioned to my co-worker about my son being such a devout Christian. I educated my sons fully on all paths and religions as they were growing up and allowed them to choose. I told her how every day he reads his Bible. She said, "Well, you do, too, right?" And I said, "I'm a Druid." She said, "Like I said, you read your Bible." I was surprised how she didn't 'have a clue.' Yes, a Druid can read a Bible, but she thught it was part of being a Druid.
I totally understand the being thrust into the spotlight thing, I have been thrown into the spotlight by well meaning friends asking me to read their tarot then inviting strangers over as well so I can read theirs too, and on top of the already uncomfortable situation, my good friends love to comment on my being a Witch! Nothing like the feeling of being a deer caught in the headlights. I have since told my good friends that I am not a party favor to be passed around and next time they want a reading they need to make an appointment. Tarot readings are a personal thing to me and not to be taken lightly, as is the rest of my craft. I think that my friends have the idea now.
stay blessed
sadie
I read your blog regularly and enjoy it very much. Today's post gave me such a chuckle that I just had to pop in and comment.
I don't know why, but I am continually amazed at the general public's stupidity. But then again, it is good for a laugh (and a shake of the head) most of the time.
I personally love that look someone gets when they say to you, "You are such a Witch" and you turn to them and say, "You have NO IDEA!" Too funny.
I love the gravity comment. Being pagan is not something I talk about in public or at work. Most coworkers think I an hindu due to the nature of my nose piercing and bcz Sarasvati is my desktop wallpaper. *shrugs* If only they realized that prayer and spell casting all fall under quantum physics.
LOL
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