Can this pagan behavior be defended?

I recently read a members blog on the "trashy state" a group of pagan people had left at a Summer Solstice Gathering. I was reminded about the "ire" I felt after reading a newspaper article on the same thing. How can we as pagans do something like this? I mean most of us follow teachings that are "Earth Based" and are staunch advocates for keeping Mother Earth clean.

The utter disregard for the earth, especially at a site that most hold as sacred ground, speaks volumes of how some folks view us. Not only to those of us who take rituals as a serious, solemn and spiritual part of our faith, but to those who are not pagans who say "being pagan is just a joke". How can we show the world that our pagan paths are just as meaningful as the mainstream religions when we act in utter disregard of what we advocate?

This brings me to my questions. When participating in Pagan events do you feel that the "partying behavior" takes away from the sacredness of the event? And if you do think this, then what do you think can be done to keep it from turning into a party with little regard to the purpose of the occassion?

Tags: awareness, pagan-party, sacred-rituals

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Permalink Reply by Morrighan's Daughter aka Cyn on July 6, 2009 at 6:02pm: What trashy state where? If you're talking about Stone Henge then you should also be aware that a large majority of those folks were NOT pagan.

Partying behavior..why not party? Life is a celebration! Solstices and Sabbats are a time to celebrate, celebrate the turning of the wheel, celebrate the Great Mother and the All Father, celebrate LIFE! Not every sacred thing needs to be taken solemnly do you think that the Gods are somber and solemn? HELL NO! Look at the duct billed platypus only a Creator/Creatrix with a sence of humor could put a ducks bill and feet on a mammal and make it lay eggs! Come on lighten up. LIFE IS A CELEBRATION!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by MaskedEternity on July 6, 2009 at 6:09pm: I was disgusted when I seen the pictures myself. I personally think there is a very large difference between party behavior and celebration and that is responsibility. I can not believe that of all the people there not one person stayed behind and participated in clean up, I just do not see that as a possibility. There are unaware people that show up at any number of events at any given place just to be there (not for spiritual, cultural or any reason but to be there), and leave their trash behind for what ever reason, but I know for myself, when I see it I take it upon myself to take care of it....so others must too? I wish I could have seen the full conclusion with my own eyes, and wish I knew for sure that there were a few individuals who were present who did something because of their beliefs and not because they were hired to be a clean up crew. Maybe those people just were not viewed because it was not news worthy?; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Morrighan's Daughter aka Cyn on July 6, 2009 at 6:13pm: Again where was this at?; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Gwendolynn on July 6, 2009 at 6:23pm: Calm yerself Lady Cyn...it was at StoneHenge but it could be any other large rituals for I've seen it before. Yes, celebrating the various Sabbats should be enjoyable but some have become too "party like" and the Sabbat gets lost in the partying atmosphere.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Morrighan's Daughter aka Cyn on July 6, 2009 at 6:40pm: Bah calm myself. I'm a feisty one and if pagans are being accused of something I want to know where it is at so I can research it for myself.

And just who is it you're calling fluffies Luciferius?; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Gwendolynn on July 6, 2009 at 7:00pm: The whole world looked upon it as a Pagan event, so it doesn't matter if the garbage was left by a pagan or non-pagan, what matters is that most non-pagans viewed it as an example of the party like atmosphere.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Luciferius Legion on July 6, 2009 at 6:17pm: Merry Meet Lady G.

Fluffies are pigs, while true followers of the Goddess care enough to take out what they bring in to a gathering and leave nothing behind but the warmth in their footsteps.

With all the hypocrisy found among us, it will be a daunting task. When I have a gathering for Sabbat or Esbat, I carefully choose those who may come...they need to do the same.

May all your days and nights be ones of love and joy....and may the Goddess guard thy heart.

Blood and Dark Blessings,

Luciferius Legion
Elder High Priest
The Dark Moon Coven
luciferius.legion@live.com/yahoo.ca (chat)
http://www.myspace.com/luciferiuslegion
http://witchandwarlockwarriors.ning.com/?xgi=cGbaUZU (invitation only Warrior site); ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by thymekeeper-aka-Debbi on July 6, 2009 at 6:31pm: I went to the public pow wow this weekend at Pechanga and even with announcements every half hour or so reminding people to clean up their areas when they left, the place was still trashed. Hubby, son and I and a few of our friends walked around for about an hour picking up garbage. There were people on blankets and lawn chairs that wouldn't even move their feet out of the way when we were trying to get the trash off the ground. A few people saw what we were doing and did join the effort, but most of the people didn't give a shit.

It doesn't matter what your belief or practice is. Common courtesy of anothers home should be regarded, even if there is no house on the land.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Gwendolynn on July 6, 2009 at 9:53pm: And this has become an all too common mindset of some...."I didn't put the garbage there, so I'm not picking it up." It's that way in most of their lives....it is the "It's not my fault, blame it on someone else" attitude we as a society have come to live in. I think it was wonderful that you and your family picked up after the event. It says something about you all as caring individuals.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Infernal Seraph on July 6, 2009 at 6:40pm: Hypocrites and posers plague every belief system. It's just the nature of the beast.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by PamWiccan on July 6, 2009 at 6:43pm: Greetings Lady Gwen,

I saw the before and after pics of the event and was totally appalled. Even if they were all not Pagan's the one's that were should have cleaned it up.

I have been to many events and we always have cleaned up after it was over. As far as it taking away for the sacreness I find that it doesn't as long as the circle is keep in order.

I would imagine that the God's and Goddesse's have had many a feast and I am sure they cleaned up afterwards or they surely had someone else do it :)

Blessings Lady Gwen :); ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Morrighan's Daughter aka Cyn on July 6, 2009 at 6:47pm: From something I read somewhere those pictures were taken before the clean up crew started. Yes Stone Henge hires people to keep the grounds clean after all it is a landmark. So while there were careless PEOPLE (not just pagan people) the trash was cleaned up.; ▶ Reply to This