Witchvox Article

Author: Seeker of Wisdom
Posted: October 25th. 2009
Times Viewed: 739

The basis for this essay was a news article published by the Associated Press in early August of this year: “Court Gives Santeria Priest OK to Sacrifice Goats”. The article was posted on a local forum, which rapidly provoked a large number of responses both for and against the ruling. As this was a group of Wiccan practitioners, it was interesting to see how everyone’s views guided their responses. For many the concept of animal sacrifice overruled any rationalization that there should be acceptance of the practice of this religion, others disagreed with the sacrifice but still supported religious freedom, and yet others felt that these rights should be protected regardless.

This article sparked a large debate within the local Pagan community, and brought forth some surprising opinions. We learned a lot about one another, and achieved a bit of introspection along the way. After much debate I decided to put some of my opinions together in this essay, and hope that it too will help facilitate the thought process related to acceptance. There are far too many in this world today that are neither open nor accepting and feel their way is the only way…

The recent ruling in the case regarding a priest of Santeria practicing animal sacrifice highlights the challenges various religions and cultures have with acceptance of specific acts. In this instance, the issue revolves around Santeria’s sacrifice of various animals during religious rituals. Animal sacrifice is abhorrent to many, and the reason this lawsuit was brought was due to attempts by the city to restrict these practices through enforcement of sanitation and other associated laws.

Now the debate rages amongst many as to why this should be accepted, others are actively seeking new methods to restrict it, and still others are debating the validity of the act and why it cannot be supplanted by another form of ritual that only symbolically takes life. The intent is not to debate the validity of any of these views, rather to draw a corollary between them and acceptance of other religious practices.

Take for example the growing Wicca movement in the US. Practitioners of this particular religion are seen in a similar light as above, primarily due to misinformation spread by media and entertainment, and a slew of materials written with little or no factual basis. That aside, the premise of the unacceptability of witches’ practices is loudly discussed in some circles, especially in some Christian groups and governmental agencies. With a perception of witches as people who perform dark magics, even to the extent of practicing sacrifice (untrue) , and engaging in other morally unacceptable behavior (highly subjective) these groups would like nothing more than to see Wiccans demonized and defined as criminals with the ability to practice their religion outlawed.

While Wiccans are a prominent example, this type of discrimination occurs in many instances where there is a lack of understanding of the religion or culture from which it arises. Look at how Jews, one of the major religions, continue to be persecuted both actively and passively around the globe.

This brings us back to the issue of acceptance. One of the keys to acceptance is education. This does not mean all actions of every religion will ultimately be found acceptable, just that there is a basis for understanding and tolerance where appropriate.

In general, Wiccans teach a path of religious tolerance and that “all paths are one”. Indeed, the proliferation of the “COEXIST” bumper sticker would seem to indicate a high level of acceptance exists in our society, until one identifies an action they do not agree with, at which point many will seek to suppress that particular religion through legal, regulatory, and social pressures and force it to conform to their idea of moral acceptability.

Many are understandably dismayed at the concept of animal sacrifice in the practice of ritual, but we must understand the context and accept that this path is not ours to follow. Nor is it ours to judge the practitioners of that path in doing what they have been taught is a culturally acceptable practice. Article I of the US Constitution states “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…”. Without this protection American could very easily have become a religious state, to the detriment of all.

Even with Constitutional protection it has been challenging for many religions to gain public acceptance. Wiccans continue to feel this active discrimination in many venues with career, social, and financial implications related to exposure of their faith.

It was only recently the Veteran’s Administration agreed to add the pentacle to their list of religious symbols that could be placed on graves. There was no rational argument for the previous prohibition of its use, especially as Wicca had been a recognized religion by the U.S. military for many years.

How many Wiccans have publicly stated their religious preference without social repercussions? At the least they are viewed as weird. At the worst they are ostracized and may even lose their jobs. American culture claims to be open and accepting, but personal experience, media reporting, and accounts of others show this to be a shallow claim.

Unfortunately, this is not limited to Wiccans, but extends to virtually any aspect of society where a single characteristic can create a category by which one may be defined. It can be color, race, religion, or any of innumerable other items.

Where does this leave us?

Obviously cultures cannot change overnight, nor can education be instantaneously imparted to everyone. Attempts to impact the above two items, as well as open minds and healthy discourse will allow establishment of informed decisions. This does not mean everyone will always agree, that is the beauty of acceptance – we can understand and appreciate another’s actions without feeling the need to force their conformance to ours.

In the case of Santeria and other groups who practice animal sacrifice acceptance is key, as is understanding that they must be allowed to perform their rituals lest we diminish our right to perform those we hold dear.

ABOUT...

Seeker of Wisdom

Location: Silverdale, Washington

Other Listings: To view ALL of my listings: Click HERE

Email Seeker of Wisdom... (Yes! I have opted to receive invites to Pagan events, groups, and commercial sales)

Home - TWV Logos - Email US - Privacy

News and Information

Chapters: Pagan/Heathen Basics - Pagan BOOKS - Traditions, Paths & Religions - Popular Pagan Holidays - TV & Movies - Cats of the Craft - Festival Reviews - Festival Tips - White Pages (Resources) - Issues/Concerns - West Memphis 3 - Witch Hunts - Pagan Protection Tips - Healing Planet Earth

Your Voices: Adult Essays - Young Pagan Essays - Pagan Perspectives (On Hold) - WitchWars: Fire in the Craft - Gay Pagan - Pagan Parenting - Military - Pagan Passages

Pagan Music: Pagan Musicians - Bardic Circle at WitchVox - Free Music from TWV

Vox Central: About TWV - Wren: Words, Wrants and Wramblings - Guest Rants - Past Surveys - A Quest for Unity

Weekly Updates: Click HERE for an index of our weekly updates for the past 6 years

W.O.T.W. - World-Wide Networking

Your Town: A Link to YOUR Area Page (The largest listing of Witches, Pagans, Heathens and Wiccans on the Planet)

VoxLinks: The Pagan Web: 8,000 Listings

Your Witchvox Account: Log in Now - Create New Account - Request New Password - Log in Problems

Personal Listings: Pagan Clergy in Your Town - Adult Pagans - Young Pagans - Military Pagans

Events: Circles, Gatherings, Workshops & Festivals

Covens/Groups/Orgs: Local Groups Main Page

Other LOCAL Resources: Local Shops - Regional Sites - Local Notices - Global/National Notices - Local Skills & Services - Local Egroups - Political Freedom Fighters

Pagan Shopping: Online Shops Index - Original Crafters Sites - Auction Sites - Pagan Wholesalers - Pagan Local Shops

Web Site Content (including: text - graphics - html - look & feel)
Copyright 1997-2009 The Witches' Voice Inc. All rights reserved
Note: Authors & Artists retain the copyright for their work(s) on this website.
Unauthorized reproduction without prior permission is a violation of copyright laws.

Website structure, evolution and php coding by Fritz Jung on a Macintosh G5.

Any and all personal political opinions expressed in the public listing sections (including, but not restricted to, personals, events, groups, shops, Wrenâ€™s Nest, etc.) are solely those of the author(s) and do not reflect the opinion of The Witchesâ€™ Voice, Inc. TWV is a nonprofit, nonpartisan educational organization.

Sponsorship: Visit the Witches' Voice Sponsor Page for info on how you
can help support this Community Resource. Donations ARE Tax Deductible.
The Witches' Voice carries a 501(c)(3) certificate and a Federal Tax ID.

Mail Us: The Witches' Voice Inc., P.O. Box 341018, Tampa, Florida 33694-1018 U.S.A.

Witches, Pagans
of The World

Current Topic
Editorial Guide

NOTE: The essay on this page contains the writings and opinions of the listed author(s) and is not necessarily shared or endorsed by the Witches' Voice inc.

The Witches' Voice does not verify or attest to the historical accuracy contained in the content of this essay.

All WitchVox essays contain a valid email address, feel free to send your comments, thoughts or concerns directly to the listed author(s).