Pagan Thoughts

What would you recommend to young children and teens (even if you are still one yourself) about how to handle religious discrimination in school? Would you recommend that they stay “in the broomcloset?” Would you encourage them to stand for their right to wear a religious symbol as they see fit? How do you think the current school system and peer pressure could affect a child’s outlook on their pagan faith?

I’ve thought a bit about this recently, as my "god" daughter approaches. I kept my Pagan studies to myself, mostly, in high school. Though, now that I think about it, I’m pretty sure I did wear a pentagram pin on my bookbag for a lil while there. With absolutely no problems. I know that certain religions are far from tolerant of religions different than theirs, and that’s a reason to stay in the broom closet. However, I feel that if you’re a nice enough person & believe strongly enough in yourself, there’s no reason not to display it on your exterior. Though, doing it for attention is a whole other story. Anyway, my "god" daughter is getting baptised, & her grandparents on her mothers’ side are pretty darn religious. However, I plan to teach Bianca other ideas as well, and incorporate her into some pagan sabbat traditions…if that’s ok with her mother, that is. So, I’d recommend that teens who feel strongly enough about their chosen path be open about it, and try to educate others on what their path entails. I feel that if any religious jewelrey, clothing, etc is allowable in the school, the kid should feel free to take advantage if they feel necessary. It almost makes me wish I’d started a counterpart to the christian club in my high school, just to prove a point. I went to a few christian club meetings while I was dating a christian, but never really participated in any of their activities or prayers. I think I even told the group members why, too, hehe.

The main function is to clean the house, both physically and spiritually of all unwanted energy or beings, to seal portals to the outside world, and to make it a sacred and personal space.

The entire ritual should be performed in one day, rather than room by room over a period of time, and renewed four times a year at the changing of the seasons.

working from the center of the home outwards moving widdershins (counter-clockwise) driving out negativity as you go; then moving deosil (clockwise) from the outside of the house to the center of the home setting up wards and psychic sheilds.

this rite draws upon the power of the elements in the form of a lit candle (fire), salt (earth), air (sage smoke), water (holy water) and spirit (music, the peel of the bell)