I have only had a couple of people comment on my necklace. Most people either ignore it or just don't see it as it is quite small and I normally keep it hidden. One time I was wearing it ouside my clothing a woman came up to me in the gardens and started to tell me about how I was a devil-worshipper and carried on despite my trying to explain what the pentacle really meant. Eventually she said '..and you're going to hell.' and I gave up trying and just said 'Well as long as you and I are headed in different directions I don't care where I'm going.' Maybe not the wisest thing to say, but I was annoyed!
Coyote
Date Added: 11-22-01

Merry Meet...I am a junior in high school in a small suburban town in Connecticut. I have been Wiccan for a couple years now, and yes I definetly wear my pentagram in public. I have a pentagram necklace and a matching silver ring, and i rarely ever take either off. I wear my necklace to school, to family gatherings, even the few times that my parents still forced me to go to church. I am proud of my belief and am proud to be a witch and do not care what anyone else thinks. For the most part, people are OK with it, but I have gotten a few comments like "are you jewish?" "are u a satanist?" and "whoa...are u a witch?" I usually just smile and correct them and if they ask any questions i will try to enlighten them, but when people get stupid and start telling me that i am evil or going to hell...i just give them a peice of my mind and walk away. There are a few other witches in my area that i practice with as well and wear their pentagrams. I am not ashamed of who I am, and proud to be a witch!

BB
Christina
Date Added: 11-22-01

I also started out a very devout Catholic. I even found myself trying to convert my friends, not because I feared for myself, but that it was what I was taught to do. However, I became more and more disillusioned with the faith I had trusted for so long. It was time for a change.

I found the Craft about three years ago. It was at the end of my tenth grade year. Coming from a small town, at first I tried to keep my faith, and my pentagram, hidden. The next year I met my husband, also a Wiccan, and together we "came out of the broom closet". We started slow at first, only telling our closest friends. He gathered the courage to tell his family. I, on the other hand, have still to do so. I'm sure I'll tell my family soon, but with both parents still very Catholic, I've found it hard to do.

After our marriage, we moved to the South. My husband proudly wears his pentagram on a cord around his neck. However, this has sometimes brought negative attention. Once, a higher ranking service member asked him if he realised that, if worn upside down, he would be wearing the sign of the devil. The gentleman then asked how he could wear that in public and proceeded to tell him that he was damned to hell. My husband calmly replied that the cross, worn upside down, is the sign of the anti-christ, and how dare he wear that in public. He then reported the gentleman on charges of discrimination. Since the military has a zero tolerance policy for this type of thing, the gentleman was reprimanded and demoted. As for myself, I frequently don my pentagram, and the worst I have seen thus far is the nasty glares from ignorant people. Fortunately, most people see this symbol as an opportunity to ask questions and become more enlightened in the ways of other beliefs. A good sign for all. :)
Lindsey
Date Added: 11-22-01

Merry Meet!

I have trouble with wearingmy Pentagram in public. I wear it all the time. People at school tell me to get away from them or take it off when I'm around them. I don't care, I respect my reigion. Anyway, they ask me if I'm a witch when I'm studying my Witchcraft, I mumble yes to them. Then they tell me that god doesn't want any kind of witchcraft in this world, the bible says so. I tried to explain people of the early ages that wanted to get rid o witches changed to words in the bible from prisoner to witch. I usually get interrupted and annoyed with their silly comments. But I listen to them. I try to tell them if the God/dess didn't want witchcraft to be on this Earth, then why is it here? They say because of Satan, I don't beleive in Satan, I stay away from evil. Something you beleive in grows stronger. They don't listen, I pity the people that try to prove their beleifs, I beleive in their beleifs, they just don't beleive in mine. These people need to learn respect, they could learn something if they listen.

Sincerly,
Nny

P.S. Feel free to e-mail me! I'll really appreciate your e-mails!
Date Added: 11-22-01

Blessings all~* I wear my pentagram all the time. I now have it on my drivers license picture, do any of you? smile... I went into a christian store to buy a gift for my sister, her baby died, and the male clerk turned beet red, and was shaky the whole time I was in there, and i just smiled. A few people knew what it meant, but most just stare at me, and I just smile. I have a pentagram with a clear crystal hanging below.I made myself, its cool. I sleep with it, its on me at all times..... Keep the Faith....Witchcraft/wicca forever....
*~Mistressofmagick~*
Date Added: 11-22-01

I have just started getting into wicca and have received a pentagram as a gift from my girl friend. I where it everywhere i go, except at work. I work in a pharmacy and dress code doesn't allow any necklaces that hang down past a certain length on the job so it's not a matter of fear but the fact that i don't have a choice. At home my mother doesn't really mind but my father at first asked if i knew what it meant, than tryed to tell me it was a symbol of jewish oppression. After some careful explaining he finally understood. As for public i get some stares but so far no comments.
risk74@yahoo.com
Date Added: 11-22-01

I don't own a pentacle--yet. I do however have an ankh necklace that I wear every day. When I do get a pentacle, I'm not going to be afraid of what people might say.

People already think that I am a "crazy, suicidal, devil worshipper". :: Grins :: Those were their exact words I believe. I am frequently dressed in black, only because it is one of the few colors that I look good in-- :: another grin :: But people take that as evil for some odd reason. Maybe it's just my attitude.

I can imagine how people at school would react. My peers probably wouldn't care less. But some of my teachers might have a few things to say about it.

My advice for all Wiccans/Pagans out there is don't bother yourself with what other people say. It's your life, and you can live it any way you want. If people have a problem with anything you do, don't worry.

Although I do have to express my surprise about a few things. In the U.S we are protected by the 1st amendment, but there are people who have said that they were asked to take their pents off. Tell them that you are exacting your 1st amendment rights and leave it at that.

Blessed Be
Christine
Date Added: 11-22-01

Merry Meet

I dedicated myself to the Wiccan religion 3 months ago and have worn my pentagram ever since. I am very proud of my belief. Judgment from others will always come from what they see not what they know. For as long as I conduct myself to project the positive energy from inside, the questions concerning my pentagram jewlery will become just as positive. Even though they may be misinformed ,the ones asking questions are also seeking wisdom.
Blessed Be,
Blazing Star
Date Added: 11-22-01

Merry Meet! I'm VirgoCat, and I am a solitary Witch. I am writing in answer to the question about wearing a pentagram in public. Well, my answer is yes, as a matter of fact, I do! The only times that I don't wear my pentacle are when I'm in bed, washing my hair or in the bathtub--otherwise, I have it on at all times. As far as people's reactions to it go, they are usually positive. I have had several people ask me if it was a piece of Eastern Star jewelry--I just tell them no, it's not. I have also had people ask me if I was Jewish or if I was wearing a Star of David, and I just tell them that I'm not--and that it's not a Star of David. I know there are some people who would go ballistic if I told them what it actually meant, but what do those people know--most of the people I know think it's cool--I've even had kids come up to me and tell me that they like my star--and I just tell them "thank you" and leave it at that. Most people don't even notice that I've got it on--even though I wear it outside of my clothes. I'm not afraid to wear it out--in fact, why should I have to hide it--if all the Christians who wear crosses can wear their necklaces on the outside, then I figure I've got just as much of a right to wear my pentacle necklace on the outside as well! The last time I checked, this was the United States of America--and since this is America, it is a free country--and one of our freedoms is that of religious freedom! I believe that's why our ancestors came over here in the first place! Well, I hope that I have given you a satisfactory answer to your question--I figured I might as well throw in my two cents' worth! :)
Goddess Bless,
VirgoCat
Date Added: 11-22-01

No, all though I wish with all my heart that surcumstances would allow me to.

I have told my family about my interest in the Craft, and am not so happy with my decision, in some areas. My father at first had the impression that I was 'following the crowd' and quickly told me I should get out of it because I had no clue what I was getting into, and that wicca was 'devil's work'. My mother's very understanding, and readily talks to me concerning the subject. My father just doesn't talk about it at all exept to tell me that it's really bad.

I'm also sad to say that if I 'came out of the broom closet' at school.............. I'd be a hated loner (almost, exept for my 2 best friends, they'd understand, especially since I got one interested in Wicca.

It would also bug me (and I'd probably lose my voice) to have to explain to all those people about my faith.

Ignorant people like that are everywhere.
Silver NightHawk
Date Added: 11-22-01

I wear mine. call me silly in this one-horse town we moved to just about a year and a half ago. but if the world can't handle that spirit over the elements is a symbol of goodness... then they are obviously honoring god in a way i'll never understand. i see the pentagram as the spirit (god/goddess ... source ... however one defines creation) as embracing all . i'm harassed twice a day every day at work. though i give my extra children's clothing to people ... sometimes i've simply bought new things for folks who needed it - or given hundreds of dollars to get people's phones reconnected or to get their kiddos something besides ravioli in a can to eat... they continue to call me names like "exorcist woman" and "head spinner." and if they STILL want to call me a devil worshipper and shove me into fire should i die today ... then they're obviously worshipping a diety i have no desire to know, and i wish them well and hope they turn their lives over to that of light and not nastiness.

wow, sorry to vent ... i guess i've had it up to hear w/ judgement this week. next week will be better though. it always is=) love and peace.

Blessed be,
Mary
Date Added: 11-22-01

I am a 26 yo male who has had a numerous variety of both jobs and friends. I have ;since I was about; 12 worn all silver jewelry including a silver pentagram even to church. By that experience in life I have come to realize the majority of society as we know it is very hipocritical. Then I made a decision in my life to have a celtic cross tatooed on my chest. I very rarely wear a shirt no matter where I am or what I am doing. And I have figured out that if someone cannot accept me for me what reason do I need to have them as a friend? I would rather have friends than enemies but I shall not force my beliefs on someone,nor shall I live my life atempting to explain my beliefs. If someone asks in inquiry I am very pleased to explain my beliefs and why I have chosen these beliefs. So for those of you hiding your beliefs don't be afraid of criticism but please pray for understanding. Be proud of whom you are and what you believe in. Only then will you trully know who your real friends are, and you will know whom you may not want to personally associate with. Remember your friends influence you in some way negative friends or family create a negative attitude or outlook on life.

Yours Trully
Kamilo Nunez
Date Added: 11-22-01

I come from a large town in England, It has your standard mix of people. I wear my pentacle all the time, the thing is you'd be surprised just how little people notice things like that... I even wear it in work and no one has ever said anything about it. If at some point anyone asks, it's usualy accompanied with questions like, "Oh, are you a goth?" I'd like to explain to everyone who asks the significance but most of the time it's just wasted energy, So mostly I find it easier just to nod and smile politely.
Kagorax@aol.com
Date Added: 11-22-01

I am an 18 year old girl who lives in a relativly vibrant neigborhood, Wicca concerning. At the high school I recently graduated from, there are several Wiccans, including myself, and I talk with all of them. A couple of us have said that sometimes we wish people wouldn't ask so many questions. I think the most question I get asked when I wear my pentagram is "Is that the Star of David?" I kindly answer no, and if time not constaints, proceed to tell them that I am Wiccan. A couple of us at school have hidden their religion, mainly because they are of the shy type, and don't like being confronted by hateful comments. Others, like myself, choose to be the educators of our religion. I wear my pentegram with pride, and out in public, for all to see. I know that there are arguments our there that suggest if you wear a pentegram, to keep it hidden under your clothes, for fear it will loose it's magickal value. My defense to this, in also respect for the other argument, is why should I HAVE to hide my religion? I should be free, just like any Christian wearing a cross, or a Jewish wearing a Star of David. I understand the fear of loosing magickal value argument, but if they are allowed (at least in America) to wear their religious symbols, why can't I? We should be proud of who we are. Blessed Be!
-Astrid Moonbow
Date Added: 1-22-01

Merry meet

I was reading the letters about wearing the pentacle. I wear my necklace and ring and bracelet all the time. I never take them off. I do not hide them, the only time that I put my nacklace in my shirt is when I have to talk to my mother-in-law. That is because I just can't handle her and her questions. When people see them the only thing that they say is that it is beautiful. I tell them thank you and that is that. I am proud of my ways and that's all that matters to me is how I feel about myself.Glad to see so many who are proud also.
Blessed Be
Amandra Moonwolf
Date Added: 1-22-01

Yes I do. The only times I don't wear it is when I'm asleep or having a shower or bumming around the house, doing the cleaning.... I also wear a Thor's hammer and a French rose icon. ALl three are obvious to those around me. I have gotten some questions from people, but generally, no-one has said anything untoward at all. The only time I'm wearing it that I do hide it is if I'm in a Christian religion situation, much like Lillith does, and that is very rarely.
Angelus
Date Added: 1-22-01

Yes I definetely wear my pentacle in public...the only problem with that is that I live in the South. So people come up to me all time saying that I am a devil-worshipper. But I would never dream of taking it off. Its a symbol of who I am and all that I want to be...Blessed Be!!
Shauna
Date Added: 1-22-01

Most of my friends think that i worship the devil and call me a "Devil Worshiper" everytime they see me in the halls of high school. Their always like, put that thing away or you condeming yourself to hell or whatever. The thing is that they are either catholics or Christians and they are told that pentagrams are evil and other crap like that because the movies from hollywood promote "Bad witches!" and there is no such thing as a good witch. That is like so bogus! Mostly all witches are good and if not then they're not really, reall witches. I have one Best friend that knows the truth about the pentagram and that it doesn't mean anarchy and destruction. Shes really cool and the weird part is that it always rains on the night that she does a spell. I follow after her for the most part and shes of Scotish religion and has her own Book of shadows from like generations ago. I'm in her Coven but i haven't really took the oath yet and i'm hoping to soon so i could be right next to her doing a spell.
Eric L.
Date Added: 1-22-01

I come from a family that does not hold religion tightly in their hands. When I began to express interest in Wicca and anything other then basic Christian beliefs, I became subject to my fathers scorn and my mothers disbelief that I would dream of researching anything that wasn't mentioned in our home. Now, almost a year later, my mother is beginning to understand and my father chooses not to acknowledge it. I began to wear a pentacle to school 3 months ago. I have been asked only 3 questions by the general student body; "Isn't that a Star of David?", "Are you some type of Satanist?" and "Hey, are you a witch or something?". The lack of knowledge upsets me, but I get excited when I see understanding in peoples eyes when I explain what I believe. Despite the fact that I have been forced to endure many cruel comments and jokes, I refuse to back down and hide my beliefs.
tilda_lee@hotmail.com
Date Added: 1-22-01

I began my path of one year and a day about a month ago. Since I make Jewelry, I made myself a small (one half inch) pentacle from copper wire which I wear in a small leather pouch. I live in a VERY small Christian town, and also work for a VERY devoted Christian business. (Its the only job I can get at this time, and I have been there for years.) If I dared wear it were it was shown, I would be tied up some night and have my 'feet toasted'. Honestly, I am not making this up! I am the only wiccan for as far as I can see. Its just not worth it to me to wear it were people can see it, so I keep my belief to myself. Blessed Be,
-Adahy
Date Added: 1-22-01

yes, why shouldnt i? i always wear it everywhere except to bed at which time it hangs next to me less than 2 feet away. now, do i display it? well....

when i'm not at work i display my pentacle everywhere except to one particular friends house because her parents would banish me from entering in their house if they saw it. the parents are hardcore catholic. the mother was very promiscuous prior to getting married and the dad is currently having an affair but its ok, someone that has a religious view other than catholic, not ok in their eyes. go figure... anyways, thats the only place i do not wear it because i dont want to stress out my friendship with this girl due to ignorant parents. my family and parents were ok with it once i explained its not satanic. girlfriend didnt like the whole wicca thing so she is now ex-girlfriend. any female witches out there in south florida looking for a nice male witch?? :-)

while at work i wear my pentacle but it is under my shirt. i work for a large corporation and i supervise a group of employees that are all old enough to be my parents. this situation causes alot of stress as it is. i dont want to bring religious differences into the picture and make things worse. while on lunch i may pull it out from under my shirt but for the most part it stays under wraps while on the clock. in my office i keep a few books and other items. no one has asked any questions yet. i'll deal with that when it happens.

my pentacle is rather large compared to most i have seen. its about the size of a half dollar and cast of solid silver. the chain is a rope weave made of silver as well. i like to wear black so the silver really stands out against a black shirt. it gets alot of looks and a few people have actually asked what it is. i have only had one negative confrontation and that was from a "born again" (other word for "god help me i really messed up!"). the guy was collecting money for his church on a street corner. as he walked past my car he stops and points at my pentacle and asks me if i knew what that stood for? i looked at him and said "i know what it stands for and i bet you THINK you know what it stands for". after a breife exchange he said he'd pray for me, i thanked him and told him he needs to go do some reading!
Zurvan (robert cruz)
miami fl
Date Added: 1-22-01

hello, My name is Robert. I am a 17 yr old Wiccan from Boise,Id. I have been wiccan for only 6 months. i wear a pentigram all the time and dont recieve many negetive comments. I'm quite happy that at my school , no one seems to really care :-) . I have 2 catholic parents (my dad dosnt know ) and a jahovahs witness girlfriend (her parents dont know). There are acctully 2 wiccan/pagan supplies stores in boise , plus a co-op. I tuck my pentagram in at work and around my dad. other than that , not many problems.
merry meet and blessed be,
Robert
Date Added: 1-22-01

Merry meet,
I am a public elementary teacher and in NO WAY could I wear my necklace at my job. I have to wear in under my dress/shirt. I have no problem with this. I know it's there. Funny, but I get annoyed at others wearing their big crosses and "I love Jesus" around their neck (for keys). Why can't I? Seems only fair right? Not really. I would end up being shunned and would have to spend the rest of my year explaining to fellow teachers (with closed minds) that I am not evil. Why in the world would I want to waste such energy on what they think? You could argue, "Educate them damn it! You're a teacher!" I would agree with you, but I am a very private person and do not care to involve or defend my religious beliefs with narrrow-minded fools who wouldn't care what I said. Sounds like I work with a bunch of winners huh? They aren't my friends. They are my co-workers and I don't share my very private life with anyone I don't consider a friend.

Yes, I do wear it in public when I am not working and am with friends. Also I do were a lot of silver rings which is the color for the Goddess at work. No one questions that.
Brightest Blessings.
Emerald
Date Added: 1-22-01

I wear my pentagram and other craft symbols depending on my mood and immediate needs. I have no fear of predjudice or criticism. It helps that I am a nurse who works the graveyard shift; I drive a big BlackCar with a Greatful Dead sticker on it, and I do not ask nor invite any questions. If you do not agree with my faith, save yourself the breath of expressing it to me. I refuse to get involved in conversations involving my craft.

At the same time, I project a positive, open, and kindly attitude to all I meet. I do believe in bringing my faith out into the community, in helping others, promoting the health and well-being of those who need my assistance. The image of Wicca must be maintained by the manner in which we conduct ourselves everyday, in every way. For we all know there are many 'Wiccans' out there who are, as we used to call them in high school, 'posers', who project the Wiccan image and don its trappings for attention and shock value.

As with many other faiths, it would seem that if one feels the spirit of it in one's heart, then good can only come of it. Feel the positive energy of what you possess, and project that into daily life. And be who you are.
Selenajade@aol.com
Date Added: 1-22-01

mm, yes i do wear my pentagram in public and have since i was 14. when i got my first one! it also depends on where you live . i spent a year in North Carolina and when i wore it i was hounded day and night by the family preacher.so i stoped wearing it even though they knew i didnt change, but at least they stoped hounding me, which was all i wanted.
inanna
Date Added: 1-22-01

Well, I don't wear a pentagram, but then neither am I Wiccan. I am Christian, but I don't wear a cross either. People have a right to do what they want as long as they are not harming others. Wearing a sign of one's religion doesn't harm anyone. I am a bit naive, good natured and open minded (okay, maybe a lot naive, et cetera, people have a tendency every now and then to stare at me in disbelief and say something like, "What planet have you been living on?"). Consequently, when a friend of mine was telling me a about people's reactions and she had to say something like, 'Hello, I wear a pentagram.' It didn't even occur to me that people would have a problem with it (see, I told you I am naive). I've seen people wearing pentagrams and I never thought anything of it. I don't believe in judging people, which is part of the Christian faith, actually (shame more Christians don't remember that). I know, there are a lot of narrow minded people out there, and people usually don't think the way I do, but I forget that. I don't live in a bubble and I can be as pessimistic about human nature as anyone else, but some how, I manage to find myself forgetting the lack of tolerance and spread of ignorance among others. I guess it's because I really don't understand the lack of tolerance and ignorance. I think this is one time it is good to fear(more accuratly not fear, but be concerned about) what one doesn't understand(as in prejudice and ignorance), because a lack of tolerance and ignorance have hurt, ruined and trampled the lives of so many people. People are really missing out, when they judge Wiccans, and Muslims, et cetera. I have a very nice diverse group of friends and if I made those kinds of snap judgements, I wouldn't have had the rich set of experiences I've had. Actually, that's one of the nice things about the Wiccan religion, Wiccans' aren't judgemental and trying to convince everyone else that they are wrong(at least from what I know). It's probably because I draw others who think more similarly to myself, to me that I don't normally deal with a lot of narrow minded thinking. Also, I live in California and when I went down South, I was alarmed by the difference in peoples' attitudes, so I can see how region makes a difference. Here on the West Coast, people are fairly diverse and there is prejudice, but it's not as obvious. People are more into live and let live around here, I guess. Probably the best thing to do, is to wear your pentagrams, et cetera, openly and with some pride. You cannot educate everyone, but explaining yourself concisely and standing up for what you believe in is good start. Yelling at some one or getting angry, engages emotions which then tend to erase logic, so it is best not to come across rude. I've never asked some one why they wear something, I figure they want to and it would not occur to me that someone should not wear something, because of something I felt or believed (unless it was say kiddie porn, that I wouldn't like to see anyone wearing). I don't care what people wear, either. Well, I wonder about how healthy it is for those people who actually wear rusty barbed wire, you'd think that would put their personal well being at risk, but then I don't go around asking, or telling them not to, either. I figure they know the risks and have their own reasons. Don't get the wrong idea, I don't think there are any health risks(besides ignorant and prejudiced people) to wearing pentagrams or that people who do are hellward bound. In fact those fire and brimstone types are funny when they are not harassing people and causing others pain and turning people away from the Christian religion-I would say I am not so much of the Christian religion as a practitioner of the Christian faith. If I don't like what some one is wearing, because it doesn't suit my aesthetic tastes, oh well, it's their business and my opinion. I thought maybe I could shed some light on the viewpoint of some one not Wiccan, here, but I guess I am far closer to understanding how it feels to be accosted and judged than I do the standpoint of one of these clueless people. I was once asked why I dressed the way I did. It had to do with some sort of plastic/leather stuff I had on. What I refered to as my water-proof warm comfy rain gear. It was a little wild, maybe some people would think it a lot wild. I explained, and am still a bit puzzled as to what it was that was on that person's mind. People generally judge me one way (a sweet naive, quiet little girl-though I am 21), sometimes I just cannot help amusing myself when some little thing, like leather pants, shocks them a little or makes them question their previous assumptions. On the up side, it does seem that something must be working in improving the Wiccan reputation, because more Wiccans seem to be out and about and not hiding it than when I was younger. There isn't anything to hide, so one shouldn't have to hide it. Ah, but it isn't a fair world, and it can certainly be easier or safer, I suppose to keep it mum. When you hide something, I think it sends the wrong message to people. Just like people have the wrong idea about sex, locking it up behind so many doors, just leads to gossip, suspician and this idea that there is something naughty about it, which there isn't. I'd rather face persecution and defend my beliefs then deny or hide them or in any way perpetuate the myth that what I believe in is wrong.
--- Kusanagi
Date Added: 1-22-01

I've worn my pentacle for 15 years. I am solidly settled into who and what I am, so anyone with an opinion is usually respectful or respectfully sent on their way. I delight in encountering other witchy-types and enjoy giving and recieving encouragement. We don't have to hide anymore!!
Julia Walkingfish
Date Added: 12-11-00

Coming from parents who where Wicca, I have always been tought that my religion is not wrong, and that no matter what others may say, that I should follow my heart. I do have a pentagram necklase, as I do a pentagram tatooed on either of my shoulders, and yes, I do wear it all of the time. When someone asks me to take off my pentagram, I simply look at them and ask them if they would kindly remove there cross then. This usually stops them cold, and they just walk away and leave me be. However, if it does go further than that, I am all prepared to defend/backup my religion. I usually start off like this, "If you can prove anymore than I can, that your god is any more real than my god/goddess, then I will happly take off my pentagram and never wear it again." Although this does work, I am currently attending highschool, and when I am called up to the office, I am always ending up with detention. My way around this was to goto the local school board and present my case. Now, I am never bothered with going to ISS for wearing my pentagram anymore. When someone questions my faith, I look at it as a spiritual quest and strengthing.

"Tis true, the fire of the ancient ones burns still. Do all with love in ye heart an mind, an ye shall find the crossroads of the four elements, an shall yeself, become the fifth element, spirit"
ShadowDancer
Date Added: 12-11-00

I have a couple pieces of Wiccan or Occult Jewlery. I am usually wearing at least on of them. You will most likely see me wearing my Pentacle but I also Have a ring with The Eagle symbol of The God (IT is also Silver symbolic of The Goddess) that I wear all the time. I go to high School all my Friends understand wear I'm comeing from others usually just Ignore it. You would be surprised at the amount of people wearing pentagrams or occult jewlery who do not even know what it means or stands for. I think that If your going to wear it at least look a little into what it represents.
ZenboneJoker@msn.com
Date Added: 12-11-00

I was very pleased to see the number of positive responses from others who have no shame in expressing their religion freely! I myself do not have my pentacle necklace any more (my ex-roomates stole a lot of my belongings) nor have I really had any means to replace it. However when I did have it I had no problem with wearing it in public because I did not care how others judged me, and judge me they did! my friends and I were called "The Black haired kids" in High School by one particular local church and they even dedicated one whole Sunday to "praying" for us and lecturing on the evils of witchcraft! Now I am faced with a similar problem. My future Brothers and mother-in-law are devout super-bible-banging-live-for-God-and-only-God Christians. One Brother in particular of my fiance's noticed I was wearing a shirt I bought on my trip to Salem and started lecturing me on witchcraft and he brought out the Bible and began to quote from it. I just ignored him for i did not want to spark any arguments. Then last night the same brother was over and my fiance showed him my deck of tarot cards. He would have thrown them away had My fiance not stopped him. I am just very happy that within a week we will be moving elsewhere closer to the other side of his (More open minded) family Because i am sick of being judged. ( on the plus side they already know about my religion and have clearly stated that the hold no objections!)
Blessed Be,
Eire
Date Added: 12-11-00

This is the first time I have checked out your website and so far I have really enjoyed reading other's opinions. I am like many other people who wear the pentagram in that there have been times when I have had to hide it at work, especially since I live in a very strong Mormon community. I don't like to hide who I am but luckily I don't always need a symbol to help me feel connected to what I bellieve because that is inside me and I understand my employer's concern about Christian people in powerful community positions. I do feel angry for the middle school students I know who constantly have to fight for their right for religious expression in school. These people are harrassed by the teachers and administration - they are experiencing the reality of what other people in power can do to your well being and peace of mind. The backlash of the Christian majority here is pretty strong but I have also found that there are more practitioners of wicca and magick that I realized at first. I think that whatever is in your heart, you will draw to yourself so others like you will find you if you are out there to be found.
Brandy
Date Added: 12-11-00

always do i have mine on.....you see it is tattooed on my right arm with the triple goddess symbol and horns above it...... :-)
blessed be
Ed
Date Added: 12-11-00

Thank you all for the many wonderful and strengthening tales! After being "out" as both a witch and a lesbian for over 20 years, I've developed the self confidence and warding abilities to provide a certain degree of safety, (or so the Goddess has granted so far...) in being out about all elements of my life in most every way.

I've not been out to my Mother (76 yrs old) about being a Warrior/Witch, as I think it would bring her unneeded sadness and concern... and I don't speak to her about my heavy involvement in the SM/BD community and lifestyle for the same reasons.

On the other hand, she knows I'm a Lesbian, and that I don't follow any "official" religions that she's aware of. For various reasons, I don't wear an actual Pentacle (the right one just really hasn't found its way to me yet), but I do wear both a small Star of David (Jewish by birth/culture, but not religious) and the Sign of the Beast, (Celtic).

Many people ask me about the star, and I explain that even though I'm a Pagan/Witch, I wear the Star out of a cultural and historic commitment, (they burned/gassed those that were Jewish whether they were religious or not). Then I explain that the "other" symbol is the Sign of the Beast, which represents for me, my Pagan roots and practices; and a specific spirit that I choose (as a Warrior/Witch) to help guide me and represent my commitment. Oddly enough, few people ever ASK about the Beast emblem... I usually have to bring it up AFTER they ask about the Star of David... [grin]

In reading through these many wonderful posts, I've been surprised with the number of tales about people who confuse Pentacles with the Star of David... but then, I'm often surprised with the lack of knowledge about MANY things that should be common knowledge... [oy!]

I'm very "out" both in regular life and work as bring Pagan, and fortunately, as I work in the Computer/Technical Support field, (where people are by nature often out of synch with the societal 'norm', and "diversity" is more than a buzz word), my beliefs are seldom questioned.

If nothing else, some people ARE confused with me talking about being "Jewish", (though I always qualify it as being a NON Religious Jew), and yet talking about being a Pagan or Witch... I also speak freely about my identify in the SM/BD lifestyle - always emphasizing the aspects of Safe, Sane, and Consensual. I've yet to experience any personal or career challenges based on any of these aspects of my life.

I believe that's largely because I feel, and project, the confidence, comfort, and determination in my beliefs that it instinctually tells potential critics that I will NOT be an easy target. That by itself, once one gets into the adult life of work and relationships, (and away from the school/peer/parental pressure that makes it really hard in early years), makes things much easier. Few people have the guts to try and take me on about any of these issues, simply because I project (by nature, growth, and help) the fact that I am NOT an easy target.

Bullies and Bigots are, by nature, cowards. While this philosophy by itself is not a guarantee, let me assure you that as you grow in your self confidence and strength, fewer people will tend to want to take you on. There will always be those exceptions unfortunately, but the more you believe strongly in yourself and your lifestyle, (no matter what those choices may be), the more you'll both deter such attacks to begin with, and be able to cope with those that DO occur.

When faced with those bigots that DO manage to bridge your initial shields and societal safeguards, (few people are willing to take on someone they KNOW to be prepared to defend themselves!). The best defense I've found is to remain confident in yourself and your beliefs, and not worry about the specifics of what you're going to say... simply know that you HAVE the rights (in SO many ways) to believe and practice what you will; but more importantly, to know that you're probably MUCH more familiar with the arguments than your "opponents" are. Most bigots only know a few simple lines or bits of dogma; and when confronted with a solid and firm defense of your rights; examination of facts vs. myths; and a refusal to be intimidated by the first show of force; these people usually back down.

The bottom line is: be safe and secure in your own power & beliefs, and that will, by itself, grant you a HUGE advantage over any that may seek to oppress you. I'd never suggest to anyone that they jeopardize their personal or professional lives unduly by being out of any given closet, but I DO firmly believe that MOST closets and concerns exist more in our own minds than in reality. I've had a few bad experiences with any of the aspects of my life at one time or another, yet in total, those problems have been FAR less than the pain of denial or fear that trying to hide things would have brought.

All I can suggest is that you make your own decisions - based on what's happening in your own life right now - and not be influenced by peer pressure, (from any peer group!). As your life progresses, you'll find that it may be fine to make changes in those positions, and you WILL do so as things are appropriate... simply listen to your own gut/heart; the guidance of the Goddess/Gods; and what your life experiences may bring you.

Blessed Be...
Sallee Mallard Huber
or Mallard (reflecting my Craft name and Totem)
Date Added: 12-11-00