Ashley Thompson Social Health 21 April 2014

Faith by numbers

Assisting those in the Non-Christian religions of Utah has been equally rewarding, challenging, and mindaltering. Because Utah has such a strong dichotomy of power concerning so many sub-cultures, I felt one of the most oppressed was those of different faith besides that of the LDS church. By showing support to these minorities, it welcomes tolerance. For my volunteer work, I first contacted a synagogue and two buddhist temples, but was unable to arrange it. After some discouragement, I was able to attend a Wiccan Mooncraft ceremony. I also worked with the Hindu Temple of Spanish Fork to help them prepare the temple grounds for the huge annual gathering for the annual Festival of Colors. It was exhausting, but well worth the effort. I loved meeting so many people from different countries and socioeconomic backgrounds coming together to pull the festival out in a few days. And a few days after, I attended the festival itself to show further support and increase awareness of religious tolerance. But for this paper, I wish to focus on my experience with the Church of the Sacred Circle with those of the Wiccan faith. When I attended The Church of the Sacred Circle in south Salt Lake service right away I met the Air Priestess who showed me into the curious alice in wonderland kind of tent outside in her own backyard. It reminded me almost of an Native American sweat lodge, but feminized. I had expected austere, black-cladden women with mystique demeanors waiting for me. But my preconceived notions were wrong. Smiling and welcoming, conventional-looking families were gathered in a circle waiting to begin the Mooncraft. This Mooncraft was dedicated to the Pagan holiday centered around Valentines day celebrating Venus. The focus element was of fire due to the retrograde of Mercury and its fiery nature. I found it fascinating hearing some of the members, even as young as ten years old, complaining of the effects that retrograde had on their daily activities. The little girl stood up and cutely chimed in with the adults, I know! Ever since Mercury passed into shadow everything has been just crazy. Ed, the presiding priest for the meeting, explained to me, Retrograde affects your emotions creating a more chaotic world. People make poor choices. So like, for example, dont go buying a house or applying for a loan! It probably wont work or worse, youll go bankrupt. He continued to explain even ones immune system is lessened during this time and we lack positive energy. And compared what Wiccans believe in to modern day astrology.

What was truly unique about this gathering was how eclectic it was. I expected all Wiccans, but instead met a mother with her three young blonde-headed children who were Nordic followers. Complete with children named after her gods like the mighty Odin, the god of wisdom, who ironically was a curious and naughty toddler. And some classic Pagans were there and one Druid. The Mooncraft showcased all of their interests and their union of devotion to Mother Earth. Many of the songs enacted were centered about the elements and their cycles Air feeds the fire, water wash it away, become new earth, wind wash it away. My boyfriend accompanied me to the ceremony, but some of the chants and dances threw him off such as Earth my body that required to bend, stretch, and clap all the while chanting and honing in his aurora. He jokingly said it, ...felt like Captain Planets theme song. But he still remained open enough to try it out and respect the circle. What I found interesting about this sacred chant is what each movement represented. The squat position equated to sending negative feelings to the earth, rubbing your stomach symbolized water and blood, reaching our hands to the sky to show air, and clapping created more fire in the overall spirit of the group. I knew prior that the four elements were a focal point in Wicca, but had no idea what sanctity it truly held. Heron, the founder of the circle, explained, Chanting creates more positive energy in the group and you can literally feel that glowing ball of energy growing inside you as you focus on someone you want to send love to. And the focusing on the elements helps to get us there. Another interesting thing I noticed were some of the religious statues found all around the Sacred Circles meeting room. I had not expected to see the Buddha or Hindu gods like Ganesha present! I discovered that several members were Buddhist Wiccan that recognize both beautiful traditions. After attending the Moon Craft for The Church of the Sacred Circle, I feel I understand the world of Wicca so much more. Before, it was this foreign, ancient ritualistic sub-culture I had been socialized to believe was beyond bizarre. Pagans and Wiccans are black-labeled in society thanks to the perpetual cycle of the social deterrents we are brought up in that create these obviously negative images of Wiccans. Green-painted faces with grotesque noses, cackling over a bubbling cauldron is what the average child would think of when they hear witch. Not say Sallys mom, who lives next door and is an accountant that is nothing of the sort, but would be known to society as a witch because of her beliefs. To know the elements, is to know the heart of Wicca, Heron explained to me. Holding the pentagram in her hand, she stated, And thats why we wear these... to always remember. As a whole working with Hindus and Wiccans, as opened my horizons to those of the non-christian faiths. I didnt realize how diverse Utah truly was. I loved seeing people of different faiths participating in the Holi Festival of Colors simply enjoying the unique culture and the beginning of Spring. This assignment has taught me how to be more understanding and accepting of minority religions. I feel more brave to speak out about non-christian faiths in classes now, after experiencing first hand some ceremonies. And just for curiosity's sake, next week my boyfriend and I are attending a Scientology meeting with friends. Not to join their religion or poke fun at their philosophies, but to learn and grow. If more of us could branch out and embrace people of every faith, not by number, our community can be strengthened through tolerance and appreciation for this diversity.