Simply put, be proud to be a Pagan. You don't have to explain your beliefs to others. If someone is going to directly mock you for your beliefs, then don't waste any time on those people.
What I tend to do is leave religion out of my friendships until I've grown to trust individual people. Even then, I don'tmake a big deal about it.
" Hey are you [insert religion here] ?"
" Nope. I'm a Norse Pagan ."
" Okay. Cool ." That's how it usually goes for me. The only time I explain my beliefs is when someone genuinely asks me questions about it.
Like Fen, religion and spiritually, magical or religious practices and beliefs, don't really get brought up with people I am friends with or come in contact with. If I get close with a person I might talk about a few things but I usually don't bring it up and neither do they.
I practice for myself, my studies are for myself, my belief is mine. I don't feel the need to educate those around me unless they really, really want to know and even then I choose what I am willing to share.
Sadly we don't get to choose the way others take things or how they choose to treat us or others. We can be proud of ourselves, of our path all we want but that doesn't mean anyone else will have to. Be proud, if you choose to be open know not everyone will agree eith you. You cannot decide for them. You can however choose how you react to criticism from others.
I don't discuss my beliefs with people who are not open. You know the old saying "Do not cast pearls before swine" I know, that is a biblical saying, but so true.
Ignorant people will always scoff at your beliefs, so stay true to yourself. Like minded people will eventually find you and then you will have some true friends.
Unfortunately all you can really do is stand firm and not let others opinions bother you. Easier said than done. People in general tend to be biased against things theybdo not agree with or understand. I usually just try my best to show others to be accepting, and ignore the hate.
You'll meet Religious Discrimination wherever you go, essentially every religion faces it (Even the Christians - don't think they are not exempt).
You can be proud of it, tell people but their reactions are on them, not you - don't think that you need to do something to make them respect you.
If people start making a joke of it, you don't have to explain it because they won't actually listen. If people get offended by it - you can choose to explain it in short sentences.
If people are actually curious and want to know, you can explain it.
End of the story is, don't waste energy on people who don't actually care - you'll only be winding yourself up in the end.
There is a reason that the Witch's Pyramid reads as To Know, To Will, To Dare...To Keep Silent.
Your religious beliefs are personal to you and there is no need to, and a lot of good reasons not to, share then with others. You can be proud of being Pagan without telling all the world about it.
Hello, Jaxies here!
Yes, I know it can be hard trying to explain your beliefs to someone to is close minded and by that I mean doesn't believe in the stuff we believe.
But, as Weatherwax said every religion gets hate the best you can do is try and explain what your beliefs mean and how it's not really different from what they believe in.
Everyone has an opinion on the subject religion just try to not let it get to you. Stay strong!
Blessed Be. ~Jaxies~
Unless you desire public exposure (with the consequences it brings), I suggest keeping vulnerable information between yourself and your trusted friends.
Don't worry about what they have to say. If you truly beleive in what your doing then who cares what they think. Kid were always making fun of me for being a wiccan. But they will always be victims of fate, while i will always be in control of my ow destiny. Dont be afraid of what people thin. Take your path and let them take theirs. Only death will reveal the true path.
