A Witch Hunt Among Witches?
Introduction
One sad spectacle within the pagan community has always been the Witch Wars. These often occur among individuals and groups, and it is never a win-win situation. It is something that happens in every religion to an extent, as the Baptists and the Catholics rarely agree, but somehow it gets more press and is gossiped about more when Witches are involved. While articles and books are written about this all too common phenomena, a much sadder situation is when there is a witch hunt among the non-Christians themselves.
Why does this happen? There could be some ego involved. Certainly, some people make money off their pagan-based businesses and so their livelihood may be affected. Everyone spends a lot of time studying and working and so each person may also actually believe that they have a better way. Both the left hand pathers and the right hand pathers are affected.
There is a difference that is becoming more obvious, however. At a time when more and more right hand path pagans are coming out and talking about their religious beliefs, the left hand pathers are still far more reticient. Why? We have a few theories on this to present to you.
Theories
Recently on the group list, a few members have discussed whether or not it is wise to "come out" as a Satanist. One member stated that because of his experiences he now simply identifies as pagan and describes his path as "private spirituality." Are Satanists becoming less proud of who they are or are they becoming more discriminating when it comes to sharing their personal beliefs? It may be a combination of both.
Theory #1 - Satanists are so different today.
This is a concern that we hear voiced often by members of the FCoS and other groups. They are less likely to come forward about their particular beliefs because there are so many different kinds of Satanists, and still the public considers all Satanists to be devil worshipping, cat killing criminals. When people are expecting a negative reaction from family, friends or professional acquaintances, there is no reason to want to start an argument with people who will not listen to reason.
Most people who have these feelings prefer to keep their thoughts to themselves, and play the societal game. The individual will feel more secure in his job and with his family, but then there is always the fear that someday someone will say something.
While this approach works for many people today, others are becoming more and more disheartened at living a less than authentic social life with others, and are figuring ways to integrate a bit more of themselves in non-threatening language and dialogue.
John feels that today's society is actually less open to alternative views in many ways than in the late 60s and early 70s. There were many left hand path people in the media at this time from Anton Lavey to Ayn Rand seen on the talk circuit. Today, due to the political climate, John feels that most people feel more repressed.
John feels there is a paradox here, since so many of our values are decidedly more Satanic, yet this is not addressed in any forum. Today, shock does not work as well. Even ribald talk show host Howard Stern was unable to fight for his freedom of speech. A subtle approach seems to be the way to make a difference and educate in today's world.
Theory #2 - Satanists can now call themselves by many other names.
In the beginning, there was the occult, then witchcraft and Satanism. Now you can pick a path from a plethora of philosophies.
Some individuals today are more comfortable using terms such as pagan, dark pagan, dark witch, and others that do successfully circumvent the dreaded "S" word. It works for many people because their beliefs are often philosophically Satanic, but often practice witchcraft or a form of paganism along with these beliefs. More and more people are seeing the dangers of runninng on the extreme edges of the fanatical right hand path or the maniacal left hand path, and learning to utilize balance in their mundane and magical lives.
One benefit of this witch hunt mentality has been for the majority of people to see that not all Christians and Muslims break laws to make their religious points, and that not all Satanists are serial killers. Slowly, people are realizing that individuals choose their path and it is a psychological as well as religious concern. Some will be attracted to a particular group or religion not just based on its beliefs but its actions as well. Others will simply be impressed with the trappings and look no deeper.
Fortunately, many people are seeing both the positives and negatives of various religious paths with an unjaundiced eye.
Theory #3 - Casper the Friendly Ghost
With the influx of witchcraft and paganism in the media, these paths are finally being seen as more benign than in the past. As a result, these groups are becoming more acceptable to the masses. "Witch" does not carry the stigma it once did. The use of the word "Wicca" has made this a gentler approach to witchcraft and with the help of the media, has allowed Witches some leeway in society.
John and Lillee refer to this as the "Casper the Friendly Ghost" phenomena. It is hard to be threatened by Sabrina the teenage witch or Samantha in her 60s format or her new reborn character played by Nicole Kidman. Dumb it down and make it friendly and you have a palatable situation for the masses to digest. Because of the cartoonish aspect that the media has played up, Witches have, in a way, benefitted. We will not see a benign Satanist or Muslim in the near future.
Walk up to your average Joe and say you are a Witch. The worst responses may range from a smirk to a biblical verse. Stating you are a Satanist even today will elicit a far more violent reaction.
In Practice
While our theories make sense, the truth is a little more startling. We continue to see a lack of acceptance within the pagan community and often see infighting in the Satanic community. Both are totally unnecessary and very regrettable.
It is sad that within a Satanic community (and use the word community very loosely) we cannot see respect between groups and individuals. Unfortunately, those who scream that they have a right to be their own god are often seeing it as only a privilege for themselves. Unfortunately, many have never left the Christian judgemental attitudes behind and instead choose to wrap it in a different paper.
Worse, some groups that refer to themselves as Satanic are simply putting other groups and individuals in danger by promoting hate crimes and the sacrificing of animals. These behaviors are not Satanic, not in the eyes of any of the major Satanic organizations. In fact, Anton Lavey, spoke directly against such behaviors in the Satanic Bible. The true Satanist looks sadly upon those who cause harm in the name of religion and does not wish to add to it.
We cannot state enough that the need for education and religous tolerance is needed today more than ever. We are thrilled to be invited to several Pagan Pride events this year, and will be speaking on balancing the two paths for a more effective magical and mundane life. However, it is disheartening to hear that many members of Pagan Pride committees across the country are still afraid to allow left hand path groups or individuals to be a part of their celebrations.
While concern is understandable, there is a difference between concern and consternation. Our questions to all those who have these fears are simply:
What does the left hand path signify to you?
Are you asking the middle path and left hand pathers in your community about their practices and ethics before making your decisions?
Do you look at the ethics of each so-called right hand path group in your community and examine their actions before you allow them entrance into such an important and significant community event?
What can the Left Hand Path offer to others?
Many people involved with runninng pagan conferences ask what including left hand path philosophies would add to their event. We offer this list for you:
1. Balance - people today more than ever need to find spirituality and comfort both from within themselves and outside themselves in the community. This is the perfect marriage of the left and right hand paths. Any psychologist will discuss the importance of self-discovery. In fact, Jung wrote much on the shadow side of ourselves, which is something that the left hand path helps an individual reconcile. If we do not accept ourselves totally, how can we expect others to? We must achieve a better level of self-knowledge. Even Socrates said "Know thyself."
2. Empowerment - more and more today we need to produce individuals with better self-esteem and self-respect. These are true gifts which come from the left hand path.
3. Responsibility - if there is one thing that is desperately needed in our society today, it is responsibility for one's self and actions. At some point, an individual needs to realize that in real life there is no get of jail free card, there is no free lunch, no one can kiss it and make it better, no one is going to save you except yourself. Redemption is best achieved by the individual in need of it.
The left hand path removes the fantasy and adds a necessary dose of self interest that is needed to live in the here and now. We can not live in the past, nor can we just sit around and wait for a heavenly future. Life is a gift and it is meant to be lived!
4. Positive actions produce positive results - far from being negative, which is a common complaint about some left hand philosophies, the fact is that we look at the Law of Cause and Effect. With this in mind, it is easy to understand why many middle and left hand pathers do follow a positive nature-based spirituality.
5. Achievement - when you are competing only with yourself, one can dismiss peer pressure and attend higher education or educate yourself on arcane topics as a matter of self-improvement. Education is seen as something beneficial to the individual. The left hand path puts a high value on intelligence and striving to be the best person that he or she possibly can.
6. Love - yes, love! It is a fact that one cannot love another completely until they are comfortable and in love with themselves. There is such a thing as a healthy ego and this is something that often is not looked at in other religions. Paganism has made great strides on this and with the addition of information from the left hand path we can continue to help people be better functioning, healthy adults.
We offer this information with pride - for pagans and for Satanists. We thank those pagan pride coordinators, committees, participants and supporters who have asked for balanced representation and for the inclusion of pagans from all paths. Support your local pagan pride day event - we hope to see you there!
copyright 2005 JDA/LCA First Church of Satan http://churchofsatan.org