Pagan Forest Magazine July/August 2014 | Page 6

For hundreds of years, many earth based followers, heathens and other god and goddess followers alike would meet together. These Tribes, Clans etc. would talk about many things. Sharing with each other knowledge. The differences they had that set them apart from each other also brought them together. They were able to expand their own knowledge and grow as leaders, wise persons, common folks with new ways of looking at things.

As the world changed, so did society and the way communities gathered and associated with each other. It seems that in many ways people started to fight and argue with not seeing that each of the ways were right and that there is not just one way of seeing things .This has changed how we as people come together.

I am writing this because I see many things that are having negative effects of the pagan community for the new and wise. We have stopped to really see that all the differences we have are actually strengths and new ways for all to learn and grow. Too many times we forget the brutal history of “pagans”. We need to stop sabotaging each other. I want to see us come together and stop the power struggles, backstabbing etc. Look at our Great Mother Earth and how she teaches us all about working together. The elements of Earth, Air, Fire and Water all need each other for growth.

We all have so much to offer each other especially with personal experiences to relate to. Its about the realization that we all hold the truth within each of us. That all ways are right . Not one spirituality or practice is the right way. That we hold the truth of what resonates within us.

Teaching each other what is possible if we all just have the confidence of following and trusting in ourselves. Saying to one another that we support them, even when we do not share their same views. We all carry all of the elements within each of us.

Let us come together as a community. Setting aside our differences, quarrels, negativities about each other. We have the privilege to be able to come out in the public today to celebrate. We can support many that need help in our community, with such expansion of knowledge that has come out to learn and grow from. Showing each other a helping hand in all ways, is what a community is.

I want to thank many of the great pagan leaders today, for sharing such insight and love to all. Opening your arms as you travel to many communities, sharing your knowledge with us all. Thank you for the Pagan Forest Magazine for being part of this as well. Bringing us all together to learn and grow. May this be the beginning of great and wonderful things in the future.

Community

By Willow Woods

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