@juergen_hubert A while back, I took a brief online course on Old Norse saga literature, arranged by the university of Iceland. The topic was fascinating, of course, and very relevant to what I do.
The course had a Facebook group, in which we were supposed to be able to ask questions and discuss the material, etc. but I discovered after a while that this group was teeming with white supremacists of the Odinist sort. They were openly talking about the superiority of European culture, and how Christianity spoiled everything.
I complained to the university. AND THEY DID NOTHING. So I have to assume that the University of Iceland is now a Nazi university, which is a disgrace.
Like any other niche religious movement, paganism attracts cult personalities. Any leadership position is going to be appealing to these narcissists, and our community is not immune. Learning how to spot cult groups should be included in any basic 101 education for new Pagans.
The first lesson is coming to terms with the fact that intelligent, reasonable people get drawn into cults. It's not weak or gullible people that fall for it, it can happen to anyone. It can happen to you. Accepting that is the first step toward protecting yourself. Here's a link to a good list of red/green flags to look out for:
If I could get rid of one concept I see in modern paganism, it would be the erroneous idea that older = better. Humans have proven many times over that just because something has been done a certain way for centuries, doesn't mean it's the “right” way to do it.
Of course, that doesn't mean it's the wrong way to do it, either. Each practice should be evaluated on its own merit, and whether or not it works for the people that we are now, in this era.
@Cat_LeFey
Great point. I feel like there's a feedback loop here too. If we are willing to discard less useful concepts and practices, then those that remain will be better for us - and vice versa, if we treat everything as sacrosanct just because our predecessors found it useful, then we do ourselves a disservice and make it even less likely that older practices will benefit us in our daily lives today.
@Prometheus Yeah, that's so true, paganism is like an engineered religion, where we're constantly tweaking and adjusting things to try to make improvements.
Hi! A bit of an introduction here. I’m Dawn (she/her). I’ve always loved nature but recently discovered #paganism and I’m currently on a path to try and incorporate it into my life. I’m reading ‘Path of Paganism’ by John Beckett and it’s such a refreshing read. I’m also a beginner Tarot reader. So happy to be here on this server. Looking forward to getting to know new people! Have a wonderful day.
I've been a #Pagan for a long time and I've been asked lots of questions over the years. There are a few different types of questioners that you run into:
The scientism atheist: It's a trap, they only want to argue with you cuz they've convinced themselves they're smart. Their questions are basic one-liners that show the only religion they know anything about is christianity.
The curious hippie: They smoked some pot or did LSD in their youth, and are aware of alternative spiritualities. Their info might be a few decades old, but they are genuinely interested.
The youth: Look, I know it's annoying having to answer the same beginner questions over and over again, but we all have to do our part. They might not accept your answer because it wasn't in that one book they read, but try anyway.
The Interfaith Christian: Surprisingly, they're patiently curious and congenial. They understand that you love your gods the way they do theirs, and they accept you. It's weird.
The seeker: Their questions are targeted and specific, because they've done a little research already. They are usually just looking for some validation, and to know they aren't alone in their practice.
The dudebro: His question is a joke, he doesn't actually want to know about curses or sex magic or anything. Ignoring or joking back is the best option.
@Cat_LeFey@noam
Just asking for a friend here, but is it ever ethical (in whatever that translates into for Pagans) to “put a hex on” someone? There’s a certain orange-tinted gentleman that seems ripe for the picking. How about if we vote on it? What’s that petition web site? How many signatories would it take—fheoretically, if you will—to get something going?
Whilst you walk, thank the landscape for its beauty. Speak to the spirits that inhabit the space. Respect those who have come before you and listen deeply, for they might have a lesson or two ✨️
Please, #bookstodon and everyone else , recommend your very favorite books and other #information to me. I'll read anything, audio or ebook or maybe even paper #book, #website or recurring graphics or whatever.
Feed me.
Missing from this vanilla article about "#paganism" in the UK armed forces are any mentions of the fact that all of these #Pagan faiths are rooted in #whiteSupremacy, and are adopted by #whiteSupremacists looking for a way to hide their hateful ideals from the greater public. Clueless articles like this play the role of useful idiot. Whenever you hear about someone in the 21st century adopting paganism, it's almost always a white supremacist hiding in plain sight.
@slcw You have stats to back that up or are you seriously going to stand here and call my mixed race trans ass fash? Along with many of my friends who are actively antiracist or fucking BIPOC themselves?
@lannan You can be bitter all you want. I didn't say everyone who identifies with these religions is a white supremacist but it's a fact that white supremacists are using these faiths as another expression of their hateful ideals. If you're not a white supremacist, I'm not talking about you. But I'm not going to pretend that beliefs that have been co-opted by white supremacists are noble, or worthy of respect. Go ahead and block me.
Menhit-Nebetuu the Divine Eye.
She is a large, primordial deity. Her consort is Khnum/Khnum-Ra. She has connections to the fields, plants, stars, and time. She is a combination of two goddesses, Menhit and Nebetuu. Just like Hethert and Sekhmet, these two are a angry and pacified combination.