An article on Wicca

[elaby]

I've been poking around various places looking up Wicca-related stuff, and I came across this awesome article. I read it recommended by someone for people who are new to Paganism, a warning against books by a particular author who many people think is misleading about Wicca. From what I read in the article, holy cow, is she ever O_o

Wicca: For the Rest of Us - Why We Despise Silver Ravenwolf

Silver Ravenwolf, from the quotes of hers in this article, is not only bigoted toward anyone who isn't Wiccan, but is also hypocritical and delusional.

Here's a small excerpt from the article, her quote in italics and then the author of the article's response.

"As someone who works with magick, sooner or later you're going to be found out, anyway. Let's face it. You will probably carry yourself differently (confidence does that to a person). You may become more articulate, more sensitive, more ethical; happier, richer, healthier. You will succeed in your dreams where others spend their lives wishing instead. Eventually, people will wonder what you are doing right! People may also fear you. Not because you have threatened them, but because you obviously are not enjoying the same tragedies they are. (Page 278)

Excuse me? What sort of cult propaganda is this? News flash #2: non-magical people succeed at their dreams too. And anyone who thinks that Wicca or any other religion or organization will protect them from the tragedies of the world needs a serious and immediate wake-up call. Wicca doesn't make you anything. You are what you make of yourself, and you can do that equally well as a Wiccan, Christian, atheist, or anything else."

HELL yes.

Comments

[amythestcat.livejournal.com]

Hmmm...I'll have to look into this further. I am currently going through her "To Ride a Silver Broomstick" and do not find any bias at all, personally. However, I have not done in depth research on her. I think the above quote is likely somewhat out of context. I'm guessing the meaning is, those suffering the "tragedies" are those not set fully in any religious or belief path, but have the illusion that they are. Finding your path does give some degree of a buffer, a cushion. Those without are likely more prone to stress and reaction without realizing it. Those who believe "in name" and not "in practice". I know for one finding this path has helped me feel more stable and helps me deal with stress.

[elaby.livejournal.com]

It seemed from this article that she meant something more like finding your "religion" rather than your "path." It may have been out of context, but the way it was written seemed very snide and awesomer-than-thou to me. Personally, I don't think a person has to have a faith in order to feel fulfilled, but that could very well be that person's "path" if that's the way you want to put it.