Whilst on social media this morning, I ran across an article posted by Llewellyn Publishing--Halloween promotes unfair portrayal of witches--and it got me to thinking. The author posits that the portrayal of witches during the secular holiday breeds negativity toward us. Insofar as the exaggerated image of a preconceived Crone is the dominant visualization, I would agree with the assertion. But, I believe the McCaskill misses a "teaching moment" that would turn that negative into a resounding step toward a revisualization for the masses.
It's true that we Followers of the Path and Dancers in the Moonlight are seen by the media and general public as something "dark," "evil," and oftimes "damned." But, what do we DO to change that conception? Do we talk openly or hide in the shadows and hope (hehe..."like Hell") that we don't get noticed? Do we live our lives IN society or perpetually separate and self-exclude? Are we Wiccans/Witches OF the world or IN the world?
Most of us--because of the very images by which McCaskill is offended--stay in our "broom closet" for fear of separation or exclusion. It's a self-fulfilling action. If we hide--TRULY hide--who we are, aren't we as guilty as the drug store decorations of perpetuating the negative stereotype by acting like our Path is something to be ashamed of or secreted away?
One of my dearest friends "broke" the unwritten/unspoken "code" and "outed" me to one of our mutual friends. She knew no better and meant absolutely no harm...and know what happened? ABSOLUTELY NOTHING--either negative OR positive. It was a situationally-neutral action. Life kept on going...
Albeit I'm not advocating in ANY MANNER for any of us to shout to the highest hillocks that we are Pagan and Proud or any such nonsense--our families or careers may still dictate otherwise--I AM advocating adjusting the stereotypes by answering questions with candor and honesty. If something offends, educate. If someone asks, answer.
And make it a bit easier this Thursday to welcome and embrace the Old Ones as the Veil is lifted.
In the Softness of the Moonlight...
It's true that we Followers of the Path and Dancers in the Moonlight are seen by the media and general public as something "dark," "evil," and oftimes "damned." But, what do we DO to change that conception? Do we talk openly or hide in the shadows and hope (hehe..."like Hell") that we don't get noticed? Do we live our lives IN society or perpetually separate and self-exclude? Are we Wiccans/Witches OF the world or IN the world?
Most of us--because of the very images by which McCaskill is offended--stay in our "broom closet" for fear of separation or exclusion. It's a self-fulfilling action. If we hide--TRULY hide--who we are, aren't we as guilty as the drug store decorations of perpetuating the negative stereotype by acting like our Path is something to be ashamed of or secreted away?
One of my dearest friends "broke" the unwritten/unspoken "code" and "outed" me to one of our mutual friends. She knew no better and meant absolutely no harm...and know what happened? ABSOLUTELY NOTHING--either negative OR positive. It was a situationally-neutral action. Life kept on going...
Albeit I'm not advocating in ANY MANNER for any of us to shout to the highest hillocks that we are Pagan and Proud or any such nonsense--our families or careers may still dictate otherwise--I AM advocating adjusting the stereotypes by answering questions with candor and honesty. If something offends, educate. If someone asks, answer.
And make it a bit easier this Thursday to welcome and embrace the Old Ones as the Veil is lifted.
In the Softness of the Moonlight...
