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i find it hard to explain to people why i am into wicca...personally i get told on an average of at least three times a week im going to hell...lol i say ive been there and back....or flippantly say hell is my home....my question is how do you cope with closed minded people? granted i dont care what others say...but how do you cope?

Just take what they say and as dad would say*You let it go in one ear and out the other*....

Yeah.
Pretty much.
Just dont listen.

I actually get the same thing.
Except I'm ragged on constantly for being Catholic.

just be yourself and don't listen what other people say, that's wo you are and if they realy care about you and love you they should accept you and if not just push away people who hurts you

i live in the heart of the bible belt! tell me! i have been black listed from the mormons and the jehovas(?) witnesses! i just shrug them off, and go on with my life. i do always bless them as they run!

That is the best way.. just try and not let it bother you, there are many many closed minded people out in this world and most others have misunderstandings on those of us who are practicing witches. Prejudice is just part of life. The best thing that I can do is send you a copy of an article that is posted on witchvox.com that may or may not help depending on the level of stubborness of the person... if you want, just message me and I will get it to you.

Depends what mood I'm in as to how I deal with closed minds.

Good mood....I try to engage in adult debate.

Not so good mood........I smile and walk away.

Hmm....i hav a big temper so that doesn't help. But usually, have a list of comebacks or....just walk away.

They just don't understand how utterly amazing some of us are, but when we come out on top, they'll realise their mistakes

I actually 'cope' by finding friends that are 'in to' the same things as I.... OK, it may take some time to find them.. because I am unique in most ways.

But Once you find them.. it is like a breath of fresh air, BOTH ways.
For the narrow-minded.. Unless they are family.. I come to terms that I can't talk to them about things I can talk to with my 'Soul, friends'.

I am attracted to people that are 'unusual'...
I find they open up to me.. and I them..

I still haven't told my Mum about some parts of my spirituality.. But she knows I am different, because she pointed it out. And this was due to my phenomenol memory capability of remembering situations of when I was just 18 months old.
And my healing Hands...

Some think I am weird, some think I am special, some think I am just different.. Those that don't understand, that's cool... I won't force them to understand.. I respect some people just don't 'get it'.

which is why they wear Burberry!! LMAO

Remember that you are what you make yourself,not everyone is the same and people judge what they don't understand.Let them judge,because in the end,they aren't happy with themselves.

With full respect, perhaps you should take these comment more cooly, and not tell them that you have been to hell, or that it is your home. I could just be guessing, but maybe there are closedminded people to ask you these questions, because there at those that will give snarky replys back. Try not to give them fuel for their fire of misunderstanding.

Dont listen to ther stupid asses. If they dont like wat u do or like u at all. U dont have to change to plzz their ass.

if their path is so right, and enlightened - why are they such deeply unhappy individuals?

Honestly, why should you care what others think? Everyone is free to have their own beliefs, so just accept that there will always be people who disagree with your beliefs. the best you can to is be accepting of everyone else and pay no mind to those who would try to bash you for your beliefs.

they are closed minded people

I wouldnt worry about the closemindedness of others. If they ask then just tell them "its the life i choose", smile & walk away. That way if theyve got something rude to say, you wont have to hear it because youve already walked away. By saying "ive been to hell & back" only gives them more reason to stay more closeminded & stay away from people or things they cant seem to understand. They are looking for comments like that so they can run back to their friends & say "i was right about people like that." Dont give them the chance to have anything to say, just walk away.

The best way to deal with those with closed minds is to not deal with them. I fell that, very much like a flower, a mind can not be forced open. Nor should it. If you want to enlighten the masses you must do so one individual at a time. Find one that is willing to both learn and understand and teach them.

When the student is ready the master will appear...

I have been misunderstood, ridiculed, threatened, ignored, and/or persecuted at one time or another for something I stated I believed in…I believe in things beyond what we can merely experience with our physical senses…wiccan, pagen, a believer in the quantum basis for this illusion….perhaps. I am disgusted by those who judge others…I by all accounts have been in positions from which I could easily cast judgments…it is not my place to do so even privately…the energy that exists will exist….unless you and I have shared our deepest thoughts, you can not differentiate me from the background…your judgment of who or what I am has no substance….you judgment merely serves as a tether beyond which you cannot extend…………

Most people that I meet on a daily basis try to avoid me, the reason for this is the fact that I am proud to wear my pentacle. Just this fact makes many just avoid me for they don't understand what it means.. to most it is either a evil symbol or the star of david... grr.. hate that question... but even then, it gives me a chance to teach them what it means.

i've found that the best way to deal with a closed mind is to open it. try teaching one and if they understand you will not have to teach the rest, for they will.

I'm a Satanist, but most people don't have any idea. I don't really have to deal with it.
I do, on occasion, get strange, disaproving, or ammused looks for my clothing. I always just smile at the people and sometimes they smile back.

I just let it go in one ear and out the other . If I'm pissed all scare them or rowdy them up a bit just b/c it gives me pleasure . *grins* Me I get ragged on for by Baptists for being a Jehovah's Witness . My friend and I get constant remarks from our Jehovah's Witnesses brother and sisters for liking Vampires and Heavy Metal and just for being different .

like most let it go in one ear and out the other...it's just plain ignorance...you are who you are cause you choose that and you have that right, whatever your beliefs may be it should be respected whether one is different or not...

I get ragged on like that for just being me. I dont listen. I let them voice their opinion and then forget it. I am who i am whether they like it or not. I am not going to change for someone else. I am happy just as i am.

I dont care what people think, so i just look at them like they are stupid then walk away, but i havent really had to many problems with people saying things to me...

i normally avoid people and just talk about my practices with those too close to me... a couple of friends to be honest... but just imagine if they knew I drink blood... lol
Don't pay attention to them... you must stand for what you believe...

Oh honey, I feel your pain. My parents are Catholic. I am a Wiccan as well. Going on six years. I told my parents about my religon three years ago, I even showed them my BoS (Book of Shadows) and they told me I couldn't practice while under their roof. You must stick to your beliefs no matter what. It's not so bad now. But you cannot back down and change to make others feel better. The longer you stick it out the easier it will get. No one can tell you what you believe or what god to worship. It's all up to you. Best of luck.

there is no easy way to deal with close minded ppl. just let thim have their opinion and continue down the road u were traveling.

I just ignore them and I don't let their unwillingness to understand effect how I live my life...it's not worth it and it wastes too much energy.

I know how you feel. I try and just smile and remind them that it's not their right or place to make a judgment on the fate of my soul. That I've got a great personal relationship with God (Goddess) and I appreciate their concern. Then just walk away.

i personally laugh at their closemindedness... if they can't accept what you are then that's thier problem...

"Yes, I'm going to Hell but that's OK;
I have an uncle that runs the place."

Been using that quote for forty years. Never had anyone give me another word after it. Feel free to use it. It's mine.

Other than that, remember Bruce Lee's words about "be like water." It's a personal mantra of mine.

Those people are ignorant and you shouldn't waste your time with them. They just want to bring you down for being different.

I do what Minx suggested and try to surround myself with others like myself. My family is tolerant. And, my daughter loves me no matter what.

And what is listed above is what keeps me sane when someone tries to force their beliefes on me. I remind them that I could force my beliefs on them if they wanted. LOL

chuckles softly oohh this is one of my favorite things to do to CHristians.. as they seem to be the only ones I have a problem doing this to me.. hhmm liveing in Oklahoma could be why.

I have two different ways to deal with it.

If they are being civil.. I do something along these lines. I do not say your views are wrong so lease do not do so to me. I point out that I never said I di dnot believe in Christ ( cause I truely do.. just not as they do) but that in my opnion he was ONE face of the God.. not the only.

And if they are being idiots ( by far the majoriy here) chuckles I just smile as sweetly as I can and say.. its your hell.... you burn in it.

I personally prefer to ignore them but I can have alot of fun with it though and say thank you

when i meet closed minded ppl and they say i'm going to hell i just tell look i've been there and it is a nice place or i just ignor them i don't really care for them and i don't try to wast my time trying to let them see things from my point a veiw

I say thanks for your opinion but no one really asked for it.
and when they say go to hell or you're going to hell. I pretty much say the same thing you do. My fav is oh cool, im going back? wow. and Sorry to late, i've already been there and back, i was born there to. lol.
but yeah i just ignore them, cause i know they don't get it.

I usually do not explain or discuss my belief to just anyone. I choose never to allow other to put me on the defense. I no longer feel the need to prove myself to anyone. When talking about my beliefs I confide my friends, who all have open minds. As for other people, I usually tell them I am a spiritual and not a religious person. That usually ends that. I also had a strict Catholic upbringing that it took time to overcome. Moreover, I have survived the religion of my parents, and feel good about my convictions today….

well, if they say I'm going to hell, I tell em I'll save a spot :p other wise I usually ignore them

true ive have educated those who truly want to know...others as i said still dont get it when i do try to explain it all to them. but i am glad to see so many of us who really do want to take the time to open the closeminded ones....i was much older than most when i became wiccan...i didnt practice under my parents roof as a sign of respect...being catholic i wasnt happy...so when i moved out i became wiccan...lol i think i knew that my family accepted it was the day i wore my pentagram up to my mothers...her response was when did i convert to being jewish...trust me i rolled....but i explained it to her and shes so ok with it...my younger sister gave me spell books for christmas so it all turned out well.....and as for my children they know it makes me happy and therefore as long as my famiy accepts me thats great...

One thing I've learned is that you have to deal with a close minded person the way they deal with us and that is to just realize they are lost and can not be found...LOL... but it's how I deal with most of it....

It's hard i lived in a really small town and i was told if and when they found out that i was going to hell and daming my soul for ever. My mother wont bleave me and gets all worked up yet she has had tarro cards doesnt the bible say that's a no no? My father doesnt care as long as i dont kill somthing . i have lost a lot a people who i thought were my friends. i still havent told some of them because i know what they'll say.

well, there are reasons why a person is closed minded. it can be lack of information or just stubborness.

i can try and explain this tings to them and if it doesn't work, well ill just let it be. some people are justborn stubborn, no matter how ilogical, they just cant understand.

just ignore them.

how to cope wiht the closed minded is what i do best first you learn what they are believing find queastions about it they cnat answer and they leave you alone

just take it as advice, there is a saying that goes" the best way you can kill an enemy is with kind, so kill them with kindness

I just love it when people tell you that you are going to hell. How do they know? Just because you believe in something other than they do does not justify wether or not a person is going to hell or not. I usually just tell them thank you and look at the confused look on their face.
When I was like ten, my aunt told me I was going to hell because I had a poster of Motley Crue on my bedroom wall. I was confused at that aga and asked my mom what it all meant. And she told me to just tell her thank you and that she had no right to judge me or anyone else for what we liked. It was up to the higher being to decide our judgement.

I am there with ya..i hate it too....i try to explain to people and if that doesnt work..then i write them off....they arnt worth my explaing to

i wouldnt even worry about what people say or think... let them say what theywant to think what they want there the ones looking stuped

Personally it's like I wrote in my profile. I have two sides to myself my dark side and my light side being DJ havoc and people dont question what they dont know. and for thoses that do they accept me

Why even bother telling them anything in the first place?
And as far as closemindedness or ridicule,I think we all might be guilty of that is some respect.
Take for instance,what this person has written in their profile.Go look at that, and then take a look at how you feel about it.
I also think that what they have written could pretain to the God-hood thread too.What is really going on there? Are they fighting a duelality there as far as an Archetype?Are they insane?Have they dabbled in majick to the point of insanity?Or are they really possessed? I have chosen to use that profile because I feel what is there, covers questions asked and dissciussed in the three threads.Or at least in part,and could.
I hope I do not get into trouble for this, but I just think it would be a good ref. for the three topics.
Jehovahreturned is the profile I refer to.

people often get wicca confused with occult/satanic witchcraft.thats the ignorance born from society.because the pentagraph is the same.try explaining the difference.a wiccan uses the elements for good /self preservation.an occult worshipper would only be interested in the destructive forces of the elements.and the dark arts carry a heavy price.

Yes,they do carry a heavy price.
Yet as you say SV,many do not know the difference between the two.But then again,many people also believe that Jehovah is Christ,when in fact from what I have been able to learn,they are not the same at all.

I won't say that it's something you should deny if asked directly, but I have to ask - do you go around announcing it to people that they know? I only ask because while it's rude and (typically) not true, in some instances, people really are sheep-minded and tend to believe, no matter WHAT you look like, you still believe exactly as they believe. Untill you express an opinion different than theirs.

I believe it best to just keep religion and political beliefs to oneself to avoid confrontation and ridicule. Let's be honest; the majority of us aren't going around telling people we don't know that we drink blood or gather energy from external sources, are we? So why would we discuss something just as personal as our religious choices?

If, however, you DO choose to discuss your religious choices and then get ridiculed...well, either turn the cheek or be prepared with logic. Smart-assed comments are only going to make you look immature and idiotic. Intelligence might make people understand why you chose the path you did, but "I live in Hell" sure won't.

Shoot! Sorry about the lecture! You just wanted people to wag their head and agree with you, possibly saying "Bah"...didn't you? Sorry...no sheep here!

I agree with you on this BS. I dont know why one would go around announcing it to the world anyway.

Ewww,forgive me my typos in my first post.Sorry.

Well try not to let them got to you .. I knowits hard week after week.. As long as your happy with the choices you have made the to hell with what anyone else thinks .. Its there right to speak freeling .. its your right to ignore the week minded

Well , keeping what you are or what you are into to, to yourself is a good way not to have to deal with the comments from the non-receptive , closed minded types , face it they will NEVER understand! Limit those who you reveal yourself too , to those who you know will be accepting to your beliefs and or way of life.

i just dont let it get to me and just dont try to push my belief on others. and expect the same from them

The question isn't so much how I cope or how I coped but how will you cope. It seems that sarcasm will work well for you and does for many. It's obvious that while the frequency of the 'persecution' may bother you, the beliefs of the people making the statements isn't something you share so it's unlikely to wear you down. Let's face it, your problem is not that you feel you're actually going to hell for your beliefs...your problem is there is an abundance of really stupid and judgmental people out there and there far too quick to open their mouths. It's an annoyance but mostly just that...annoying.

I'm like u. I don't care what they say. I just look at it as their poor judgement. When they tell me either I'm going to hell or go to hell I tell them that I've already been there and got sent back because Satan was scared I would over rule him or something stupid like that. It's just their stupid minds.

What's that line? "Heaven doesn't want me and Hell's afraid I'll take over"?

Be yourself. Don't let what other people say or think about you get to you. That is what most try to do is get to you so you will retaliate... Dont let them get what they want.

I agree with everyone..be true to your inner feelings....

I just tend to ethier ignore, or dont discuss such things with close minded people, however there are always going to be close minded people, if you come across some, just dont sociate with them or dont discuss things like religon.

I also agree, just go with what you believe in, do whats right for you

ignore ... thats the answer you usually cant change peoples minds. they are gonna think snd believe what they want. so live your life with your beliefs and ignore what other people think

I moved to someplace where I don't get those kind of comments anymore. Not for everyone but I a much happier where I am now and find more like minded individuals.

forget em
thats the best way i can think to cope
someone small minded enough to not even listen to wat ur sayin arent worth ur time
they'll see wen the world goes down the tubes if their belifes hold tru

oh yeah...i get that...people just stereotype automatically and theyre stupid for doing it...i just keep telling myself that they are close minded and dont understand the world and that they need the help not me...

Personally, while I don't believe that Wicca is in any way evil (my mother is a Wiccan, and she says that the primary rule is, "Do what you will, but harm no one."), I believe it can be somewhat dangerous, as can anything that deals with the supernatural. Just an opinion.

I personally am very interested in wicca and we cannot stop ppls beliefs for that is wut usaully starts wars. Where I live I can't find much about it and I want to learn about it so much.

I spend a good deal of my time hoping to find people that are like me or understand me or are at least willing to try. Sadly I am surrounded by back woods retards....sorry if anyone found that offensive....and they cant or wont understand and there is NOTHING that I can do about that....so its just time to "keep on keepin on".....water off a ducks back as they say

I have tried to find people who are wiccan in our area but it is really not easy. It is like even if they are they hide it because they don't want to hear what others have to say about them. I say who cares, think what you will about me. It is my right to choose my own beliefs.

in response to xkagex.its only dangerous if you start going down a darker path,binding spells on people etc.like in life itself,you,ll reap what you so.what you unleash is payed back a thousand fould.and isnt it funny how the bad stuff comes quickest in life.with the supernatural realms even more so.i,m proud to be a wiccan.i feel more whole and more at peace with the world around me since i started on my path.

Had a run in with three cops last night...beside having my chest and ass stared at...I was questioned over a bag of white sage smudge sticks, and a small bag of dragon’s blood resin it was then said "hey it looks like we got ourselves a “witch”…”you got a broom in there HONEY”.... what level of don't understand are they at???

I often get asked "why do you dress the way you dress?" and "whats so interesting & normal about these things?" i simply turn round and say "what..you want me to dress more like you...no thanks..i like dressing the way i do because its part of who i am...not what type of social group i can fit into...and as for my interests & hobbies, well if you thought outside the box, then you'd understand...but your an inside box thinker, which means your close minded and stupid..." so there you go...that shuts them up right out!!! lmfao...its funny sometimes, seeing their faces...not knowing what to say next...usually they just walk away...lol

there are so many people that hate others or are mean to others just because they don't understand/take the time to understand. in cases like this i just don't listen to the person, just like everyone else has said.

well there will always be people who knock other religions and beliefs that they do not understand, it is being closed minded to facts and information on things that they do not know or understand.

I am wiccan and I was raised to respect all beliefs, just because I do not have the same as someone does not make me better or worse then them, just diffent and alot of people are afraid of different.

so just take it in stride as to there are alot of uninformed people out there and the sad thing is they CHOOSE to be that way. Don't sweat it. find people that are the same as you are and that is how I cope... As long as I know I am not doing anything wrong why worry.?...

I know how that is for what i have on my page, tis my choice to put what i wish and sorry if it offends ppl..truly understands..again narrowminded ppl

To be fair though I live in a small town i dont really get faced with it, folks round here are really easy going and accept most things.
Though in the past I have faced narrow mindedness....I will admit i did not handle the situation with much grace, I think i made things worse lol I lost my temper and start screeching at folks it was not my finest hour.

WOW.. that is weird to hear that you get people giving you crap about that. I live in a very small town and they could care less what I believe in as long as I have been practicing, I have never had anyone question me or my intentions. But I do get a bunch of people that try to throw God on me. But they know I only take so much and then I mass email them. I don't look at any religon other than mine. We all believe, isn't that the point?

well, i used to be one of the closed minded, but people who had patience opened my eyes. sound familiar? i believe that you should show patience. maybe they are not ready to see the world for what it is. i am in no position to speed up or slow down their progress, their walk on the " devils road" ( yes, i know, how cliche.....but a fitting cliche here). they may not become enlightened in this lifetime. we were not born enlightened either. all the wiccans here i think can feel me on that. it is like a child. you tell them it is hot, once, twice and finally they have to be burned. you can explain the world, but till THEY make the move, it is a waste of breath.

it may be mean but i tell people that if i'm going to hell, then so are they for judging me.

that is not mean. At least I don't think so.

Well I am Wiccan and to me if people do not know something or familiar with a certain religion they tend to bash it, so just blow it off and know that it is your belief and they do not have to believe.

well said.. People tend to fear and reject the unknown.

thank you - I know people do not understand many different beliefs. Myself I feel if I am not shoving it down their throats then just ignore the ones whom are ignorant and not interested in LEARNING - about any belief.

Exactly, I don't shove my beliefs at others and then ridicule them for not believing the way that I do... But I just ignore what others say.

I'd just ignore them. If my beliefs were different than others and they didn't like my beliefs, i would just ignore them. Or, I'd tell them that my beliefs are my beliefs and that I don't criticize them for their beliefs.

I would ignore them as the post above says Your beliefs are Your Beliefs and if they are that small minded they feel they have to force there belief system on you then they are not worth a moments thought. If it is any help people like that i just picture them naked on a toilet and ranting i have a giggle to myself and move on.

just sayif its a girl there was a party last night u didnt cum but ur boyfriend did twice thats why im going to hell =] my excuse xxx

i say....just ignore them...i think theyre just there to cause trouble...

I've lost a few friends....lol for my beliefs,But It's like I tell everyone I meet.I don't edit anything out of my life you don't like .I am who I am.I don't do it 4 my family and I'm not doing it for my suppose 2 be friends.

I agree with gothic princess, don't listen to them and just ignore them

oh I just had to tell you guys about this.

I just got home from buying snacks and stuff. A lady saw my Pent earring and went off six ways to sunday.. I was awhore.. worshiped satan.. gonna burn in hell.. and said I should be run out of town. Now she is all bu screaming this as I stood there blinking calmly waiting for her to shut up. HER preacher walks up and quietly points out I was the one that had been at the church to help take care of the kids after we had a minor town emergency .. the one that all the kids are asking for to help with wathcing them. And that I was the one that was cooking the food ( with help) for all the people doing clean up and etc. She stood there looking shocked as her preacher defended ME. He knows I am wiccan and flat out told the woman that judgeing our actions.. I am the beter Christian of the two of us.

I about died laffing.

Especially if they're Christian and want to tell you you're going to hell, I just think to myself "Judge not lest ye be judged". If they want to forget one of their own core beliefs, it wont fare well for them when their lives are over.

I am somewhat sentimental for my hope that people are essentially good and if I can get a good conversation going with them and try to convince them, I will. But once I walk away from the situation it leaves my mind.

Just laugh at people like that.

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