Tolerance in the Craft

Sacred Meadow Circle Virtual Gathering Discussion Summary:

Thank you to those who were able to attend the Sacred Meadow Circle Virtual Gathering with the suggested topic of discussion: "Tolerance in the craft".

The meeting focused on the concept of tolerance within Wicca and witchcraft. Bryan explained that Wicca is built on personal development and non-interference, allowing for a wide spectrum of beliefs and lifestyles. He noted that while Wicca is internally tolerant, practitioners often face external intolerance from religious stigmas, workplace discrimination, and legal challenges. The group discussed the Threefold Law as a guideline for accountability, though a member noted that not all modern witches subscribe to it.

Bryan shared personal experiences of discrimination, including being fired from a job and facing digital censorship. The conversation also touched on the dangers of witchcraft accusations in other countries and the use of "broom closets" to avoid prejudice. The group briefly discussed the history of modern witchcraft and the use of craft names and symbols for protection.

We continued the discussion on tolerance in Wicca and witchcraft, highlighting how Wicca's foundational ethics support personal development and diverse interpretations over rigid belief systems. It was explained that Wicca's lack of central authority and emphasis on personal sovereignty foster an accepting environment where practitioners are encouraged to share their experiences without trying to convert others. Bryan noted that the "if it harm none, do what you will" principle further emphasizes personal autonomy and non-interference, contributing to a culture of tolerance within Wicca.

Bryan discussed how Wicca has become even more tolerant over the years, particularly regarding gender and sexuality, with modern traditions offering greater variety and acceptance compared to the traditional practices that stem from Gardnerian or Alexandrian approaches. The group explored the concept of the Threefold Law, with a member expressing her belief in it while noting that many modern Wiccans don't subscribe to this principle. Bryan explained that while Wicca itself is tolerant, the practice still faces external intolerance from religious stigmas and cultural stereotypes, particularly from dominant religions that misunderstand or misrepresent witchcraft.

Bryan discussed misconceptions about Satanism and Wicca, explaining that many Satanists see themselves as the supreme being rather than worshipping Satan. He shared personal experiences of discrimination in the workplace and legal system, including being fired for wearing pagan jewelry and having a book banned in the USA due to categorization. Bryan also highlighted challenges faced by witches in educational settings, noting that while Wicca is recognized as a religion in some places, practitioners still face stigma and discrimination.

Bryan discussed the challenges of categorizing witchcraft books in government systems, explaining how the classification has changed multiple times from religion to spirituality in order to become unbanned. He highlighted the ongoing intolerance and discrimination against witchcraft practices worldwide, including physical dangers faced by those labelled as witches in certain countries. Bryan also mentioned how many witches prefer to keep their practices secret due to prejudice, comparing this to other marginalized groups facing similar discrimination.

The group explored how some practitioners selectively share their beliefs with family and others, and discussed how modern witchcraft emerged from a collaboration of various belief systems in the 1950s and thereafter. The conversation also touched on how some individuals within the witchcraft community engage in gatekeeping and judgment of other traditions, with the participants noting that true spiritual growth involves accepting and tolerating different perspectives rather than judging them.

The group discussed personal beliefs and magickal practices, with a participant explaining why she prefers not to discuss her beliefs with certain family members who are deeply Christian. Another member shared his experience with someone who is trying to harm him magickally, leading to a discussion about protection and reversal magick techniques. Bryan suggested focusing on belief in oneself as the primary power against magickal influences and recommended checking his website askagreywitch.com for protection information, while the group agreed to make a future discussion about hex-breaking and magickal defense.

Bryan discussed his approach to helping people with curses and hexes, explaining that he typically provides guidance rather than performing magickal interventions himself, having learned the hard way through self-experimentation. He emphasized that most magical effects work through influence on existing vulnerabilities rather than forcing change, and shared insights about protective practices including craft names and covendom structure. The group agreed to discuss self-protection techniques in next week's meeting, with Bryan noting that while meetings aren't typically recorded, summaries will be posted online for those who miss it.

Please join us for the next Virtual Gathering of the Sacred Meadow Circle! More information is available at: https://www.askagreywitch.com/gatherings