Editor's Letter
Merry Meet Dear Pagan Friends, and Open minds alike!!
I was in the Pagan Chat Room not long ago on America On Line, listening to all of the questions and conversations, and watching as misinformed people intruded on heartfelt ideals. It came to me that it was time to start making waves, to start informing all that would listen about the true beliefs and ideas of Paganism and Witchcraft. This newsletter is the product of that calling...it is my way of making waves.
There are so many people that have been raised to believe that Pagans are evil, and that they should be shunned because of different beliefs about divinity and our origins. I myself, raised a Catholic, started out thinking that Paganism was the worship of Satan. People attempted to make me believe that Witches and Pagans killed babies and animals. They told me that Witches danced around in the moonlight calling up demonic spirits to let loose on the world. I grew up, and met my Best Friend and Soul Mate. I knew him for about 6 years when I started asking questions about his religion of Paganism. You see, I knew him as a good person, someone that I thought highly of. I knew that if he was Pagan, it couldn't be what so many had told me it was. I read all I could find on the subject of Paganism and Wicca. Afterall, knowledge is power.
I had no trouble getting into the subject matter. All my life, I had been a Catholic that never really "Liked" my religion. I never understood the philosophies, and didn't agree with so much of the things I had been told. I made quite a few older relatives angry with the things that I disagreed with as far as Catholicism went. After researching Paganism, I had finally found a name for all of the things that I believed. I came to know that the common belief that Paganism was evil, was based on fear and classic stereotypes. Knowing what I now know...I took a leap of faith and placed myself in the able hands of the Goddess.
It is now about a year and a half later, I am still learning and the process is slow. With work, family and life in general, I still have so much more to take in. I have my faith and beliefs, and I am secure in the knowledge that I follow a religion that is right for me. My Path is set and I am not afraid.
Not everyone will agree with the things that are written in this newsletter, even though most of it will be written by it's readers. I do feel we can get along, if we keep an open mind and realize that others will not always have the same ideas as we do. The purpose of "Grimoire' De' Enlightenment" is not to fuel hatred and animosity. It is here to enlighten, and to promote religious tolerance. So, as you read the words in this newsletter, keep an open mind. Sit back, smile, and remember that everyone has differing opinions and that as this is only a human trait, there is nothing wrong with this. It is when those opinions speak with misconceptions and become stagnant that we must combat them with our only defense...knowledge.
Blessed Be...may the Goddess and Her Consort keep you all safe from harm.
Written by the Editor of "Grimoire' De' Enlightenment"
PaganRose
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Grimoire' De' Enlightenment" is a Pagan/Wiccan Publication. It is available in this home page and also in snail mail form. We are accepting articles and poetry, and other topics on Paganism. Readers can e-mail or write to submit Letters to the Editor. If you are interested in getting copies of this newsletter by snail mail, or if you want to submit something with Pagan topics, or if you would like to request information of submission guidelines...please e-mail me or write to... Jennifer A. Lauterbach, C/O English American Tailoring Company, 411 N. Cranberry Road, Westminster Maryland, 21157. Please send SASE for any information, and do not send originals if you wish them returned, unless you include appropriate postage and an envelope big enough to accomodate your work. Enjoy the rest of this issue, and e-mail me with all comments on this letter or if you have any suggestions. Merry Part for now.
***This Newsletter is updated constantly so please return every so often to check out our newest articles. :)
