Welcome to IMHO

"In Mjolnir's Humble Opinion"

Merry Meet, and Blessed Be to ALL

Before I begin, let me remind you that this is an opinion page.  Also, I am not a professional writer, so don't nitpick my writing style, please.  You may or may not agree with some of my opinions.  That is, of course, only natural.  This page is for anyone who wants to read MY opinions about Paganism, Wicca, and life in general.  These opinions are shown here to give you a better understanding of how I think and feel about the Pagan and Wiccan religions.  They may not necessarily reflect the same views as other Pagans you may know.  Such is the beauty of this world.  Each of us is different, but equally important.  To understand and accept each other for what we are, regardless of differences, is the will of the Goddess.  In so doing, we can come that much closer to her loving embrace.

Editor's Note:  In some areas of this page I may use the terms "good" and "bad".  To express opinions and feelings in written word is difficult for me.  I use these terms only to try to convey a certain meaning or attitude, or individual intention.  For those of you who may not know, the terms "good" and "bad" are often frowned upon in the Pagan and Wiccan communities.  To a Pagan, nothing is entirely "good" or "bad".  All things are necessary for balance, in life.  An individual may, at times, have "good" or "bad" intentions, but that makes the individual neither a "good" or "bad" person, only a normal child of the Goddess and God.  Please, excuse the terms.   

I think the best place to begin this page is with a few definitions.  I will give you the literal definitions of Pagan, Witch, Wicca, Wiccan, and Eclectic.  These are literal definitions given by commonly accepted sources of information.  Many individuals will have different definitions from these literal definitions.  They are given here as a starting point, and a general guideline.  I do not necessarily consider these to be all-encompassing definitions.

Pagan - One definition given in Webster's Dictionary is "a person who is not  a Christian, Moslem, or Jew; heathen."

Witch - Described in Encyclopedia Americana as "derived from the Old English wicce, meaning "a female magician or sorceress," but although the terms "wizard" and "warlock" are available for male magicians, "witch" and "witchcraft" are generally applied to both sexes and their magical activities."

Wicca - Defined in the New Lexicon Webster's Dictionary as "witchcraft" (That is the entire definition given, with "Wiccan" listed as the adjective).

Eclectic - Defined in Webster's Dictionary as "choosing; selecting from various systems, doctrines, or sources."

Now that we have dispensed with some literal translations, let us continue.  

We have seen the literal definition of a Pagan.  There is no great mystery behind Paganism.  Pagans are Pagans simply because they do not worship the Judeo-Christian God.  Very simple, actually.

We have seen the literal definitions of Witch and Wiccan.  Again, no great mystery.  It is simply someone who practices Wicca, or the "Old Craft" (as it is often called).  We will look at these again, shortly.

We have also seen the literal definition of Eclectic.  Eclectics are Pagans who derive their value and belief systems from a compendium of religions and sources.  They look at each religion openly, then decide what they find to be "good" in that religion.  They take that portion of it, and form their values and beliefs, based on a variety of sources.

To me, being Pagan means having an open mind and heart.  Accepting others for who and what they are, regardless of any differences between them and myself.  I consider all of us to be different, but equally important, whether you are Pagan or non- Pagan.  It is often the differences in people that can bring them together.  A robust mixture of many different cultures and religions is one of the many things that makes this such an interesting life to live.

In nature, all things have a balance.  There are positive and negative energies.  For those of you who are scientifically-minded, look at it this way:  "For every action there is an equal, but opposite reaction" (or something like that).  This brings us to the "Law of Three".  This is a very common belief held by many Pagans and Wiccans.  It basically goes something like this:  "Any action you take against another will be returned to you threefold".  That is quite an incentive for anyone.  To me, this applies to ANY action an individual takes.  This applies to actions toward other people, toward nature, toward an organization, etc.  The thing I love most about the "Law of Three" is that I believe it applies regardless of whether your intentions are "good" or "bad".  If someone does something "good", they have "good" things returned threefold.  If someone does something "bad", they have "bad" things returned threefold.  The reactions to a person's actions could be a big thing that is three times the magnitude of the original action.  It could also be a lot of little things that, as a whole, add up to three times the magnitude of the original action.  No, I don't think the Goddess sits there with a scale, measuring EXACTLY three times the magnitude of an action, but I feel it is close to three times.

For all of you scientifically-minded people (once again), you may be saying "but that's three times, it is not an equal reaction".  Well, here is how I envision it.  We have all heard of the theories behind time travel.  We know that it is theorized that an individual travelling faster than the speed of light would travel backwards in time.  One problem.  How do you travel faster than the speed of light?  One of the theories behind a possible solution is commonly referred to as the "sling-shot effect".  In the "sling-shot effect", if a rocket could travel at a speed close to the speed of light, and be put on a trajectory around the Sun, close enough to get a lot of the gravitational pull, then circle around the Sun, the result of the centrifugal force would accelerate the rocket beyond the speed of light.  I look at the "Law of Three" as being a "sling-shot effect".  Any action an individual takes is not only returned to them, but greatly accelerated in the process.

Paganism and Wicca are religions that go back several thousands of years.  For me to try to sum up the whole thing in a nut-shell, I would probably describe them as "Earth-based religions, with emphasis being placed on the balance of all things".  Pagans and Wiccans usually worship a Goddess and a God.  In all things, and people, that you ever encounter, there are always feminine and masculine attributes to everything, as there are positive and negative energies.  It is this perfect balance of nature that often makes it so difficult for Pagans and Wiccans to be able to understand a monotheistic religion.  Especially one that is matriarchal.  Generally speaking, most Pagans and Wiccans are polytheistic.  There are, of course, exceptions (e.g.-some followers of Diana).

One of the most wonderful things about the Pagan  and Wiccan societies is that there is no pressure to follow one particular path.  Pagans and Wiccans believe strongly that each individual must look deep within themselves, and decide what path they feel is best for them.  Once a person decides that a particular path feels "right" to them, that is the path they follow.  That is why Pagans and Wiccans generally frown upon proselytizing (recruiting).  I feel that to try to persuade someone to follow the path I have chosen, is to blind them to the path that may be right for them.  Pagans and Wiccans do not look for converts.  We keep no score-cards of how many people we have been able to "win over" to Paganism or Wiccanism.  We look at it as though there are many paths that lead to the same, ultimate goal.  Whether that goal is called "Heaven", "Valhalla", or whatever, it is not the NAME of the goal in itself that is important.

Pagans and Wiccans worship many different goddesses and gods, from many different pantheons, but we all feel as kindred spirits.  We do not denounce others for whom they worship.  We are very content knowing that we are loved and respected by others for who and what we are.  We love each other in the same manner.  If you are not a Pagan or Wiccan, it doesn't matter to us.  As opposed to using our religious differences to tear us apart, and fight against one another, we use them to strengthen ourselves and learn new things.  It is this wonderful diversity that enriches us, and brings us together.

Most of us try to be as close to the Earth, and all that she has to offer, as possible.  Many Pagans  and Wiccans are "nature-lovers".  We love to see and feel the beauty of the mountains, a clear stream, a deer running across an open field, etc.  I look at everything as being a part of the Goddess and the God.  Their presence is all around us.  Everything we see, feel, hear, taste, and smell are a part of them.  All things around us are their gifts to us.  Some of these gifts are to be used for survival (food, shelter, etc.).  The other gifts are here for us to respect, admire, and appreciate (a clear stream, a beautiful sunset, EACH OTHER, etc.).  The Goddess and the God are both worshipped, and thanked for these wonderful gifts.

Hopefully, you are beginning to see that there is nothing to fear from Pagans and Wiccans.  On the contrary, we are generally peaceful people who like living quiet lives.  I see no need for a lot of conflict with others.  I have better things to do with my time, than argue with others who are different from myself.  I prefer to welcome these people, as I have welcomed you here, and learn from those people.  It is learning from each other that helps an individual to grow spiritually.  It is diversity in all things that helps to bring balance to everything.

I mentioned Eclectics earlier.  Why?  Because that's what I am.  My values and beliefs are derived from many different sources.  It is this diversity that helps me find balance, and makes me who I am.  I look at all religions and cultures with an open heart and mind.  That which feels "right", I adopt into my belief system.  Some of the beliefs and values I hold even come from the Christian religions, as well as the Pagan and Wiccan religions.  I used to be Christian, so it is only natural.  I am no longer Christian because it did not feel "right" to me.  It is not my intention to say that anything is wrong with being Christian.  On the contrary, it is a diversity in cultures and religions that makes this world so exciting and wonderful.

As far as "Witchcraft" or the "Old Craft", have you ever drank an herbal tea to relieve a stuffy nose?  Have you ever used an Aloe-based gel, to help a wound heal more quickly?  Have you had your future read by Tarot, Crystal Ball, Palmistry, or a Tea Leaf Reading?  Have you ever consulted an Astrology book, to see whether or not to go somewhere the next day?  Have you ever worn a certain color of clothing, to get a desired response from someone?  If you answered "yes" to any of the previous questions, then you have some experience with Witchcraft.  Herbal Healing, Scrying, and Color Magic are all basic parts of Witchcraft that have been practiced for many millenia.  Depending on where you live, you may have heard them referred to in different terms.  Perhaps "Psychic" or "New Age" are terms with which you are more familiar, and which are more easily acceptable.  Have you ever heard of "Laying on of Hands", "Faith Healing", or "Alternative Medicine"?  Well, these are also forms of Witchcraft that have been practiced for thousands of years.  Same thing, different name.  Now that more people have begun to accept these methods as being effective and helpful, they simply give them a more socially acceptable term.  In other words (to coin a phrase) "The names have been changed to protect the INNOCENT." (emphasis mine).

You are probably asking yourself two questions right now.  First question:  "When is this bag of wind going to finish?"  Answer:  Don't worry, my hands are beginning to cramp.  It won't be long.  :o)

You may have noticed throughout my pages that I like to kid around a little from time to time.  I like to look a things in a jovial manner.  I believe there is a time and place for everything.  At a formal religious ceremony, the utmost propriety must be adhered to.  In my little home page, where my intent is to give you a basic understanding of the Pagan and Wiccan religions, I want to make you comfortable, and to feel at home.  Hopefully, this page will help you to understand some of your neighbors on this little planet a little better.

Now, for your second question.  Why does this guy keep talking so much about caring, understanding, and love for each other.  Answer:  It is very simple.  The better people get along with each other, and the less conflicts there are, the more enriched and happy all of our lives can be.

Probably one of the main reasons I felt so strongly about putting this page together, is because I live in a very "Pagan-unfriendly community".  This is a very Christian-oriented, "fire and brimstone" area.  I doubt that it is because any of the people here have any reason to despise Pagans, or Wiccans.  I believe it is only their lack of understanding.  Many of them have a lot of horror-stories and myths stuck in their head about Pagans and Wiccans.  There are many web-sites, books, etc. that have been created to help dispel those myths about Pagans and Wiccans.  Not everyone bothers to learn about something they don't understand.  Some peoples first impulse is "I don't understand it, it is different from me, therefore it must be destroyed".  This is a terrible view to have.  I should mention that people who have those views do not fit my personal definition of "true Christians".  I am talking about unstable people using the Christian religions to meet their own needs.  I bear no ill will toward these kind of people.  I simply hope and pray for the day they can finally look upon the world with love and compassion, and fill their own hearts with happiness when they do.

One thing most Christians don't have a problem with is seeking spiritual guidance and support.  In any town in America, you can find anywhere from one to one hundred, or even more, Christian clergy from many different Christian denominations.  It may be difficult to understand this, but where does someone in my situation turn for such guidance and support?  If there are any other Pagans in my area, they certainly are not suicidal enough to say so in public.  There is nowhere for me to turn for any help on such matters.  There may be some local clergy who wouldn't mind helping me, but would a Muslim be able to find full spiritual satisfaction by talking to a Baptist minister, or vice versa?

Is my attempt to bring understanding to others futile?  Possibly, but to not try to begin with would certainly not help.  I had one week of leave, from work.  I know very little about HTML, but I have learned all that I can as quickly as possible.  I will continue to add to my site, but what I have done here, thus far, is probably the major brunt of my work.  I had a strange, indescribable urge to do what I could to get my message posted for all to see.  I have to worship in silence.  This is my only means of communicating to others the actual beauty of Paganism and Wicca.  Not to convert anyone, but just to help others understand.  That way, there will be no need for you to fear or hate Pagans or Wiccans.  I have done everything possible to try to put this little Pagan and Wicca page together, in the hopes that it would somehow help to open peoples eyes to the truth.  I look forward to the day that everyone can truly have "religious freedom".

For those of you who enjoy irony, here is a little something to read:  I am a U.S. Army Sergeant, sworn to give my life in battle, if need be, to protect the U.S. Constitution, and to protect all of the rights of my fellow Americans.  Yet, I can not enjoy some of the most basic, fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution I will so vehemently defend.  "Freedom of speech", "Freedom of religion", "Pursuit of life and liberty", are all freedoms that I am proud to say I am here to protect.  I, however, must wait in silence for the day I can enjoy those freedoms myself.

Here is a little more irony for you:  I am eternally grateful to the Goddess and God for my loving wife, and her two wonderful boys.  They are, by far, the greatest gift ever bestowed upon me.  It is actually for their safety, more than my own, that I maintain my silence to most of the people around me.  Only a very select few who know me personally know that I am Pagan, only the few I trust completely.  I live in fear that some religious zealot may find out, and cause harm to my family.  I know these type of people are in the minority, but they are there.  I fear they would attack without reason, or thought.  They probably would not even stop long enough to realize that my wife and sons are Christians (Ummm...no need to read that last sentence again.  You read it right the first time).  It is the differences between myself and my wife that make us equal parts of the same whole.  It is often these differences that make me love her with all my heart and soul.  In fact, I love her enough to worship in silence, away from others.  I will remain silent, until the day that messages such as this, and many others, finally clear away the shroud of mystery that many people think hangs around Paganism and Wicca.  I will remain silent about my Paganism, to protect my non-Pagan family.  It is often said that Pagans and Wiccans are very secretive.  Often, this is true only because we are forced to fear for our very lives, and the lives of those we love most.

Perhaps some day, all Pagans and non-Pagans will exist side-by-side on this planet, as easily as the Pentacle and the Cross at the top of this page.  It is a pretty picture on this page, and could be an even prettier picture in real life.

When I have said on this page that it is "diversity that enriches us, and brings us together" and "it is often the differences in people that can bring them together", I know this to be true.  It is the life I live, and I find it to be "good".

("IMHO" was posted on 28 September 1997)

Background music "thestory.mid" courtesy of The Midi Den