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?
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
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Dailgneachd on -
Sheep.... BLAAAAHHH.....
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Permalink Reply by Arachneh on -
If you make a 'goof' in public ritual and laugh, the ritual team leader will usually berate anyone who laughed.
Huh?
One of my coven sisters and I have a fifteen-year-old stealth-game of "made you laugh" going on.
That's a bit tightassed . . .
If they don't 'guide' the people, how will they know what's what at a public event?
Duh. They won't know.
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Permalink Reply by SIN on -
Yeah, like I said - some people have some funny ideas about what it means to be pagan and 'spiritual'.
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Permalink Reply by Gwendolynn on -
Would that be me you're speaking of Lady Sin?
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Permalink Reply by Gwendolynn on
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Absolutely not...I laugh during ritual. There's a difference between "laughing" and being "falling down drunk" in a ritual. The latter, of which, takes away from the ritual...in my humble opinion.
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Permalink Reply by SIN on
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*giggles*
I was givin' you a hard time.
It was really just a generalized statement, not directed at you.
But yeah, you have some funny ideas about being Pagan and experiencing spirituality. You have it your way, the next guy has it his way and to expect everyone to share the same ideals as you is pretty funny Gwen.
For the most part, people are munts. You just work up from there. Lower the bar, you'll hardly be disappointed. :-P
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Permalink Reply by Morrighan's Daughter aka Cyn on -
Where's the pie?
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Permalink Reply by Arachneh on
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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?
I avoid big festivals as a rule, but here's how we handle it (and how I've seen it handled) at large "family" Circles, Gatherings of the Teachers, and even Reiki shares (30-100 attendees):
If there's a need for silence, focus, etc., put that right in the textual event description beforehand (web, email, fliers, whatever). Make sure beforehand that everyone knows the tone, timeframe, and expectations of the event.
Right before the event begins, verbally review what it is you're doing, remind people to turn off their cellphones, that this is "quiet time," whatever --- takes all of two or three minutes.
Have one or two senior participants designated beforehand as helpers (to go with someone for assistance if they have to leave Circle without warning, to help give pointers or be a page-turner for people with spoken lines --- "maidening," essentially).
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