I'm known in the Pagan community as Seshen Wolfsong, my Craft/magickal name. My everyday name is Elizabeth Gutierrez. Openly Pagan "just short of having a flashing neon sign on my head." Someday that will be Photoshopped. :) The banner above is seasonal, and displayed on my YouTube channel. Here's a brief overview of my Craft name.
On Being Openly Pagan
Pagan since the early 1980s, Wiccan since 1988, here in the lovely south Texas city of San Antonio. I made a personal decision early on to live my life as simply "it's part of me" rather than making any sort of formal announcement or "coming out." My children have been raised in this mindset. Happily, family and friends have always been supportive. Negative reaction from the general public has been almost non-existent, and the few encounters I've had were pretty manageable. Just about everyone (family, friends, co-workers) knows about my religious preferences. They're pretty much live and let live, with the occasional question or teasing comment.
It’s all about attitude for me, whether it’s at work, kids’ school, or life in general. 20+ years ago, things were different. But times have changed in a very positive way, in my experience.
Unfortunately, many that are just now coming into Pagan society, who have read the classic books written during the times when active legal and social stigma about Wicca and paganism was still very much an issue, are very afraid of what they will face. They're waiting for the torches and pitchforks. But here in the 21st century, it's gotten SO much better out there!
Don't take that as meaning I advocate a "butterflies and rainbows" view. I'm well aware that there's still plenty of work to be done; plenty of social and legal problems out there. But we've spent too long focused on the negative anomolies rather than the good stuff that's becoming more prevalent. It's my hope that by sharing the positive side of things, being openly Pagan will be a pleasant and fulfilling experience.
A "Life in General" Overview
I live in a haunted house. Two resident spirits, and a few visitors here and there. They’ve all been very friendly and helpful, except for one early on that had to be evicted.
Hobbies include photography, reading, singing and avoiding housework. I can’t tell a joke to save my life, and cooking is an alien concept. I think it occurs in that nice-smelling room that begins with a "k."
Don’t follow modern astrology or read my horoscope. I don’t ask permission of flora before usage. If it’s between me and a bug, the bug loses.
Pet peeves include political correctness, PST (Pagan Standard Time) and anything that starts with "REAL Wiccans/pagans do/are/believe this...."
Wasn't that an exciting collection of random information? More to be added if I feel inspired.
On Being Openly Pagan
Pagan since the early 1980s, Wiccan since 1988, here in the lovely south Texas city of San Antonio. I made a personal decision early on to live my life as simply "it's part of me" rather than making any sort of formal announcement or "coming out." My children have been raised in this mindset. Happily, family and friends have always been supportive. Negative reaction from the general public has been almost non-existent, and the few encounters I've had were pretty manageable. Just about everyone (family, friends, co-workers) knows about my religious preferences. They're pretty much live and let live, with the occasional question or teasing comment.
It’s all about attitude for me, whether it’s at work, kids’ school, or life in general. 20+ years ago, things were different. But times have changed in a very positive way, in my experience.
Unfortunately, many that are just now coming into Pagan society, who have read the classic books written during the times when active legal and social stigma about Wicca and paganism was still very much an issue, are very afraid of what they will face. They're waiting for the torches and pitchforks. But here in the 21st century, it's gotten SO much better out there!
Don't take that as meaning I advocate a "butterflies and rainbows" view. I'm well aware that there's still plenty of work to be done; plenty of social and legal problems out there. But we've spent too long focused on the negative anomolies rather than the good stuff that's becoming more prevalent. It's my hope that by sharing the positive side of things, being openly Pagan will be a pleasant and fulfilling experience.
A "Life in General" Overview
I live in a haunted house. Two resident spirits, and a few visitors here and there. They’ve all been very friendly and helpful, except for one early on that had to be evicted.
Hobbies include photography, reading, singing and avoiding housework. I can’t tell a joke to save my life, and cooking is an alien concept. I think it occurs in that nice-smelling room that begins with a "k."
Don’t follow modern astrology or read my horoscope. I don’t ask permission of flora before usage. If it’s between me and a bug, the bug loses.
Pet peeves include political correctness, PST (Pagan Standard Time) and anything that starts with "REAL Wiccans/pagans do/are/believe this...."
Wasn't that an exciting collection of random information? More to be added if I feel inspired.