Responsibilitly
of the Elders
of the Pagan Path
This
is a great and powerful time for
the Earth and Nature based beliefs. Whether you call yourself Wiccan,
Pagan,
Witch, Shaman or Neo-something, we are seeing a greater return and
flowing
toward these beliefs than at any other time in history. Thousands of
people
both young and old reach out to us seeking answers, searching for the
truth
and fellowship with others of like mind. Without exception, these
people
are hearing the voices of our ancestors and they are listening to the
gentle
voice of the Lord and Lady which echo's in their soul. For those of us
who have traveled this path for a time, this is the beginning of a new
era and one which requires a change in our thought processes. I will
speak
to this in greater detail later.
My
experience from talking with others
has shown, that while many of us are out of the proverbial "Broom
Closet,"
when talking with close friends who share our beliefs, we quite often
play
our cards close to the vest when dealing with others outside our close
circle of friends. In many cases, this is still a necessity because of
family or work considerations, however it carries over into our
dealings
with other followers of our community with whom we have not become
comfortable.
With the dawn of this new era, we must shed these apprehensions to move
forward and embrace those just becoming enlightened to the voices of
our
ancestors.
Hopefully,
those of you who have walked
this path for a time, can remember how confused and unsure you were
when
beginning you journey. Like myself, there is a possibility that you
wrestled
with the emotional conflicts between what you had always been led to
believe
by the unaware, and what your heart was telling you. You probably also
were unsure where to start reading and learning even though there were
only a hand full of books or so to choose from.
Today
it is just as confusing to the
new seekers of truth and information if not more so. They still
struggle
with the same emotional conflicts as we did, yet there are several
hundred
books to choose from and relatively few of us willing to step far
enough
away from the shadows to offer advice and guidance in making the right
choices. It is an intimidating situation for them to say the least.
This
is the area where I want to nudge
your comfort zones and present a concept which you may not have thought
about.
Earlier,
I said that those of us who
have followed this path must change our thought processes. In
considering
this, we must come to understand that the beginning followers of the
Earth
and Nature beliefs we see today are the new generation. These are the
people
who are coming forward to learn, understand, embrace and dispel the
centuries
of superstition and misconception which surround our beliefs.
Therefore,
we must move forward to embrace the next generation. We must move
forward
to assume the role of mentors and guides.
If
we ever hope to achieve understanding
and acceptance of our beliefs to build unity within our scattered
communities,
WE MUST shoulder the responsibility of ensuring THAT future becomes a
reality.
We simply cannot sit idle and hope those who follow will understand the
true meaning of our ways without adequate guidance.
As
with any rite or ritual, we know
from experience that the realization of our intent and will is totally
dependent upon the energy we pour into that working. We must then
understand
that that ensuring a positive future for our ways is no different. We
will
get back exactly what energy we put into the Cauldron of the future.
We
are the Elders of the Wiccan, Pagan
and Witchcraft community, and we are the future Wise One's of the past.
If we do not teach our traditions, values, morals and ethics of the old
ways, who will?
I
receive many request each and every
month of new ones seeking information. Each and every one represents
our
future reaching a hand out to us, the Elders, the Wise One's of these
paths
for guidance and answers. They are willing to understand, accept and
follow
this path, if we will only take the time to truthfully answer their
questions
and guide them from our wisdom and experience.
Understand
this clearly my friends.
They are the future, our legacy, the ones who are reaching out to
change
the centuries of myth, superstition and misconception which we and
those
before us have sought for so long.
So
as you surf the Internet or encounter
one who is new to our ways, embrace them with love and make the
connection
with their spirit. I urge you to not pass them by, but to reach out and
take that hand if even only momentarily to answer a question or offer
reassurance.
Let the love of the Lord and Lady fill your spirit and move a few steps
further away from the shadows. Assume your place as one of the teachers
of Strength, Honor, Harmony and Balance. Come forward to help bring the
Lady's children home to the warmth and security of her bosom.
I
charge you to step from the shadows
and take your place within the Circle to escort the dawn of a new day
for
our beliefs.
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