Why is it important to have pagan representation within our society today? This is something that we talk about as far as representation within our own communities on a daily basis. There are many forms of representation that we have progressed forward to that expands upon the world views. But is it enough? Over the years we have seen pagan resurgence begin to rise from the earth. Bringing upon new waves of thought and ideology that have progressed us forward in some cases. When it comes to public perception that is not in the realm of pagan communities and towards the general population. There are a few that have started to lead the forefront within our communities. One of these communities that has come towards the public eye more and more is the Norse pagan movement. Here in Ohio, you can't trip over a rock without hearing of the old Norse gods. From public events to new places of worship that are not only defined by nature but structural in form. Even the media has become influenced by the power of these old gods in return giving strength to them and their communities. Even I have felt the call of odins ravens beckoning to me. Which lead the way for me to honor his existence and the thirst for knowledge and truth within my path.
When it comes to representing of one's own spiritual path and the gods we work with we become a vessel for their legacy. Between stories shared with experiences that challenge our perception of our reality. Forging the way to learn the systems and customs of old traditions buried within the earth. These clans are starting to blaze a path into the lands of America, not by silent representation. But by being present and loud about the pride in the path they walk bestowing wisdom they have been given. Over the weekend when we discussed community outreach representation thru the action of giving. One posed the question of why we must be known when doing deeds to uplift our communities. I set back the last few days asking myself why would we need to be known within our towns and cities. What is the importance of knowing that some pagans did a drive to help those within their communities? Is it about ego or is it about representation? The more I set back and ponder to myself for perception the more I thought of our Norse brothers and sisters.
This leads me to this, Representation isn't needed to do good deeds. As many within our community do things without recognition and without public display of acknowledgment. But when we silence who we are to lend our resources to our community we unknowingly silence the names of the gods behind us. This feeds into the notions perpetuated by mainstream society that pagan voices and actions don't deserve to be acknowledged. For countless years we gave others the ability to dictate who we are and the values we have. We watched as other world religions intermingled within all parts of society. While we set back and watched the rights of those around us be stripped. The only time we are displayed in non-entertainment avenues is when the news is looking for a twist. Because pagan representation in public spaces and inside local communities is a rare representation. Yet over the years, we have seen a surge of people come forth with pride in who they are and their path. Some even forge connections within the representation of interfaith relations.
For many of us pagan representation helped guide us to this path, helping guide us to what we know to be true. Reputation is more than just giving, but conversations and actions not only in pagan spaces. In this life we will always be fearful of the things said or done, yet to live in fear is not a life I want to live. I want to start conversations inside of homes that expand on ideas of religious acceptance. I want to show the young pagans that it's okay to be seen and not fear the wearing of your necklace in public. I want the shops that have core values of paganism not to fear their shop being boycotted because pagans were presented. Because yes this to does happen more times than you think. Because pagan spaces are not just shops that sell metaphysical items sometimes they are the bakery at the corner. Pride in one's spiritual path should not be a weapon to lead to ruin. As many of us believe in inclusivity and can have conversations with differing views. Yet due to the lack of representation outside of our spaces, we have unknowingly perpetuated the misunderstanding.
Even events that represent the 70's movement of love and peace and understanding has closed its space to pagans. While paganism was one of the core fundamental parts of the hippy movement. All because the conversations and representation of paganism have been forgotten about the role it played to expand our minds and hearts. For years I have watched as biased plaques spaces that were once friendly to us. Even spaces within our community at times become corrupted with battles between us. How can we as a pagan community grow if we don't represent the conversations we have? How can we dismantle the ideology of fear when each of us displays unique ideas not found within our core community? As pagans, witches, shamans, healers, or whatever you wish to identify as. We are all a part of the representation put forth as society does not separate what type of pagan you are. As most of us don't separate the Christians we speak of. We are seen by the symbols and the association that they have been given as representation. Within each faith, there will be extremes, but it doesn't mean that those extremes define the individual. So as you go forth into your communities have conversations on representation. Is it happening? What is represented? What values do you and your community share? How do we start not only conversations but representation?
Before I end my blog I want to say thank you. Thank you to those who represent their communities. Thank you to those who dedicate time to help change minds within the communities you are a part of. Along with thank you to our Norse community for representing and leading the road for others.
The Devine Witch
Debbie Lewis
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