Solitary: A Self-Directed Spiritual Life
Let's talk. Come sit with me under a tree or by a lake while we chat about being alone in our practice and our beliefs. Solitary practitioners choose this path for many reasons and have a unique perspective. As a solitary witch, I want to share how I keep true to my beliefs and practices whether I'm working on my own, in a small group or attending a large group gathering. Author of Moon Affirmations, meditations based on the phase of the moon.
Not Pagan Enough
After exchanging a number of emails with an editor (not going to say the company), the woman stopped responding. She said she was going to contact me after a certain date and didn't. Now this was for paid work so I was hoping to be able to write for them. It's always iffy when you nudge people via email - especially publishers because it is almost always we will let you know. Gently I nudged. The response I got was you aren't pagan enough for our readers.
My first reaction was to be offended. I'm Pagan enough for me. I live my life according to my beliefs, doesn't that make me Pagan enough? I've written for them in the past some well researched writing. Now when you're talking writing. No is a perfectly acceptable answer. I've heard it often. If I printed all my rejection letters, I could probably wall paper my whole house with them. I expect rejection.
I did not expect my beliefs to be judged. Now I took a deep breath and opted not to respond other than to say, thank you for letting me know you won't be using my work. I can tell you the email I sent back to her was carefully worded to be professional and polite. I left out the dozen WTFs I wanted to include.
Can I or anyone judge whether someone is Pagan or Christian or Muslim or whatever enough? Marion Green in A Witch Alone (yes one of my favorite books) said something to the affect of no two people can experience a spiritual or religious event the same. Part of that is because everyone has their own perspective.
I live by this. My family has Methodists, Lutherans, Atheists, Agnostic, Science (a belief in science not religious) and a bunch of other beliefs. It's not my job to tell them how to believe and I'm family. If asked, I'll share. My spiritual beliefs are personal and private. When I meditate, I don't shout from the rooftops I did and the end results. When I celebrate my beliefs, I don't need to tell everyone. My celebration isn't for everyone - it is for me.
Since this was a professional situation, my response was very reserved. At some point down the road, I might attempt to get more work from this company. Again- paid writing opportunity. Money is good and I like a roof over my head.
However, I'm not going to be buying their products. To have someone so judgemental speaks to a lack of understanding and in a way bigotry. It's like someone saying a person isn't white enough or black enough - it's offensive. No I don't want to start a movement or cause a ruckus. I'll handle it like I do my spiritual beliefs - privately. I won't buy the products this company puts out. I'll make a point to avoid them and put my money in other products. Because if you are judging me, I'm not above judging you and choosing to spend my money (which is the power behind most things) elsewhere.
I don't know about any Pagan meter that gives a reading. Am I 40% or 70% Pagan? I don't know. I'm just a solitary eclectic witch who is seeking. I'm me.
Comments
-
Saturday, 02 June 2018
Thank you. It speaks to the bigger problem of prejudice in our society unfortunately. I'm a solitary witch that doesn't mean I don't know my own beliefs. I was raised by a farmer who only went to church for weddings and funerals and a methodist who is a true believer. By sixth grade I begged to not be forced to go to church anymore. It wasn't until I was in my 30s that I found something that fit. Trust me - in my 50s - I know my beliefs and my own mind. I wrote this so others who had to deal with this time of crap would know they aren't alone. Thank you for reminding me I'm not either. Blessings!!
-
Saturday, 02 June 2018The whole idea of a "standard" for what makes someone Pagan "enough" would be funny, if some people didn't take it so seriously. I'm an atheist Pagan in an eclectic circle, and we all manage to be a family. I am at a loss why some others can't be so inclusive.
-
Saturday, 02 June 2018
It's beyond me why people act this way. I have enough going on in my life, I don't have time to judge people's level of spirituality. As long as people don't try to tell me how to live my life, how they practice or what they believe doesn't matter to me. It's not up to me to determine how much they are Pagan or whatever their beliefs are. Thank you for your kind words.
-
Monday, 04 June 2018What is meant by "Pagan Enough?" I am a Roman Polytheist, so I guess I would be outside the Neo-pagan community. But I never understood the term - "Pagan Enough."
-
Monday, 04 June 2018I would say a Roman Polytheist is about as Pagan as someone can possibly be!
-
Tuesday, 05 June 2018
Thank you for the support. It's nice to know there are those out there who are supportive regardless of whatever level I am Pagan. All of you have touched me. Thank you for your acceptance and your kindness.
-
Wednesday, 06 June 2018"Not pagan enough"? What does that even mean? I hope you can find another publishing company.
-
Thursday, 07 June 2018
Because I'm trying to build my income from writing, I was looking for a paying market. There aren't a lot out there. I'll keep writing and looking for a way to get paid for doing what I love. Thank you! Your support is greatly appreciated.
-
Thursday, 19 July 2018
To all who read and offered words of encouragement, thank you! The support and caring shown lifts me up and reminds me there are good people who support. The editor in all likelihood chose her words poorly. I'm strong in my beliefs and continue to learn and grow in the craft. All the support reminds me about all the good within the community - you are all wonderful!
-
Please login first in order for you to submit comments
I've had similar issues when shopping for a new Pagan community. Not Wiccan enough, too Wiccan, not female enough, not radical enough, too radical, and many other ways telling me I'm not Pagan enough or not the right kind of Pagan. What's in your heart, head, and soul is all that truly matters - not the opinion of those who consider you beneath them.
Hang tough!