Hello internet people. I have an interesting dilemma, I have often given people on this site helpful advice and now I need support. At school I'm experiencing a problem. As a pagan I simply wear a necklace with a pentacle on it. People have been calling me "devil worshiper" and tell me I'm going to hell. Then the situation quickly worsened, soon I received death threats and degrading documents.
although I think people should be free to practice religion and show that they do by wearing a symbol on their neck perhaps it would be best if you hid your pentacle or stopped wearing it, I know you shouldn't have to but it may be the best option.
it's best to ignore them it will all blow over in a month or two I read a book with a pentacle on it so the thought I was a devil worshipper so ignore it's best to or just smile when they say it
death threats!!!! wow that is just a way of people showing how scared they are, "devil worshiper" ? haven't we seen enough about all this hate between religions, beliefs, etc... anyways just wear it just do not make it visible...Be blessed!!
well document these incidences, and report them to your parents, teachers, principal, even the cops depending on how bad they are. cast a protection spell to keep you safe, but for the most part, you're stuck with it. people who would call you a devil worshiper are normally closed minded, and won't listen even if you do provide facts. be nice, and calmly explain yourself if you can, otherwise, walk away and ignore them. as i said, protect yourself, and keep evidence of these threats so you can defend yourself legally if things turn sour, but otherwise, ignore and move on.
The problem with the pentacle versus pentagram, is that people cannot tell which is which. To be honest, if you can educate anyone who would be willing to listen, then you may have an easier time with things. I taught my grandmother (who, oddly enough, thought the same thing) the differences in the religious values of the pentacle, and now she's ok with me wearing it.
Will, first, let me say that I am sorry for the trouble you are experiencing. Although our society should have overcome religious oppression long long ago. It will continue to persist until the vast majority of humans have become enlightened (we're not even close). Unfortunately, you have encountered people who mistake your jewelry for your value system. They have decided who you are, and what you represent, according to their emotional response to a piece of metal you've adorned your body with.
Two elements in play:
1) Your self-expression
2) Their closed-mindedness.
The result is Conflict.
You have 4 choices:
1) Be the Earth. Do nothing. Accept the Conflict. Ignore and outlast them. Suffer their attacks, and grow stronger through your own acceptance of the situation, and personal acceptance of their own limitations.
2) Be the Water. Adapt, Change your course. Hide your jewelry/identity. Flow around them. Allow their behaviors to modify your own path.
3) Be the Wind. Take the opportunity to bring the social problem out into public forums. Try to educate them on the differences between a pentacle and a pentagram. Start a campaign against intolerance at your school. Start a Movement to address this conflict. Contact your school newspaper, educators council, administration. Create dialog to end this problem for everyone. Channel the wind to invoke greater understanding, acceptance for everyone.
4) Be the Fire. Take action directly against them. Bring "heat" down on them by petitioning the school's authorities to censure them for religious intolerance and/or local law enforcement authorities for harassment.
Any action you choose should be done after careful consideration of the situation, the people involved, and possible repercussions.
