Rant: I am sick and tired of the garbage from the RW "good Christians" because I am Wiccan.

It just NEVER seems to end. The latest bull-garbage is a complaint to the management of our development that I "cast spells", "hex people", "practice voodoo" and "worship the devil." I have a pentacle hanging on the door of my backyard and all this whoop is about that! My next door neighbor ~~ a Catholic ~~ is now sprinkling my yard with Holy Water and when I asked her what the heck she was doing, she called me, "Puta del diablo." (Translation: "Whore of the Devil.")

Just had to blow some steam ~~ but have to say it sure gets old. Not to blow my own horn, but when there is a problem, I am usually the first person there to offer help or to pitch in without being asked.

Why are some people just so plain bigoted, small minded and just plain hate filled???

Quick someone give me one of these, OK? :pals: I am so sad and upset over the constant harassment!

Most people like that don't have the faintest idea what Wiccan means. They just think devil worship and then freak themselves out.

Just be nicer than any of them. Sounds like that won't be too hard.

The latest from her was that she parked next to me at the grocery store about 2 weeks ago and when I came out, I caught her key scratching my car. Of course, she denies it. What a surprise.

She and her buddies sit across from my house and do the rosary and prayer things, too.

It is just constant harassment...just because I am Wiccan.

What in the hell do they have to fear??? She keeps spewing things at me like, "My god is stronger..." If that is so, then why not just go on her way and leave me be?

:shrug:

...where my car was keyed. He and I went to the store to ck on security cameras for the parking lot. The only filmed the immediate area by where patrons enter the store. He knows the car was not scratched before I left for the store. I did a file memo...he and I discussed that she would just deny what happened, but to take pictures and document the date and time and what she said to me.

Its odd when you meet religious people who are so full of hate. The two things just don't seem to go together and yet it happens a lot.

I know a man who is a "good Catholic" who was going on about observing Lent and in the next breath was talking about Britney Spears and Amy Winehouse being just trash. I don't for a minute think that is typical of Catholics. I know many Catholics who are just great people.

I think it happens with any religion. We lived in Salt Lake and I knew lots and lots of really nice Mormons. But the man across the street was an uber Mormon and he always gave us a bad time because we weren't. My dad used to put on his Shriner Fez and walk around outside just to make the guy crazy.

I know another man who is a fundamentalist preacher and he is just plain mean.

You just have to do what the Buddhists do - be compassionate. You never know what has happened to those people to make them the way they are.

...and I have observed that in three years only her one son has had anything to do with her. He was here for about 2 weeks last summer and there is definitely something very odd about him. Like he may have fried his brain ~~ not being mean, just trying to describe his demeanor. Not quite there, but a few moments of clarity now and then.

Those poor people are always afraid of something. And they can be really paranoid. She may be hearing voices coming thru the TV or something - that sounds funny but it really happens to them. That would be an absolutely awful place to be stuck.

...but not sure.

Long, long ago, I taught Continuation H.S. ~~ early 1970s ~~ when students with such problems were merely thought of as being behavior problems...so I ended up with them for a lack of diagnosis in the early school years. But I notice certain forms of behavior and this neighbor does things in the same vein.

My neighbor has a very odd habit of shutting down and shaking her hands ~~ like someone does who has just washed his/her hands and is holding them out in front and shaking them to rid them of water. Hands are aimed down and she shakes them from side to side. She also seems to space out at times when you speak to her. She just stares. At first, I thought maybe she spoke English as a 2nd Language and was just not understanding what I was saying to her. My Spanish is not that great anymore, decent, but not great. I taught in the barrio and some of my Hispanic students who were born in the U.S. were not really English speakers or just understood a very, very little. I spoke enough Spanish back then to get by and communicate and get them help with their language problems ~~ but I have lost most of my ability to speak Spanish at this point. So, I tried to find out if that was the problem and sent someone who speaks Spanish fluently to speak to her ~~ I learned she has a Tex-Mex accent and is from Texas. She speaks English very well.

So....I went back to thinking there is a glitch somewhere...but not sure what the heck it is. But there sure seems to be something very odd going on.

JMHO

But it was pretty funny.

maybe you can get a little giggle from that.

sorry that you are surrounded by morons

Here's your hug, Hepburn. :hug:

...I am really, really sad over this. A hug back....:pals:

Please don't give your neighbor the power to make you sad. You've done nothing to deserve mistreatment by your neighbor.

Sending you light, Hepburn. :hug: :hug: :hug:

....you are right and that is good advice. She does not have power over me to make me feel badly or to feel sad.

:hi:

:pals: And yes, I am A believer, just not part of the Beast.

And thank her for watering your lawn?

My suggestion -- go sprinkle some herbicide in the same place and then counter-complain that the holy water killed your grass.

...she already did that. When I complained about it to the management, the reply was that I needed to stop harassing the poor neighbor. They actually used those words.

I was stunned...but should not have been. You know how all those "good Christians" always do the right thing.

not a true Wiccan. Doing bad with come back threefold.

I'm a Christian, but if you were my neighbor I would love have you over for tea and learn more about Wicca. :hug:

Most people are so thick they think that's some sort of patriotic expression...or you're Jewish.

If people want to talk "religion" with you, don't do it--tell 'em it's against your religion.

...asking about where I went to church when I first moved to the development. I said told them I did not go to any local church because I did not believe in Christian things. One of the ladies, a true Christian in my book, was fascinated by what I was saying and she and I have had some very interesting conversations. We have even gone out for a meal or two and shopping and sat together and discussed different philosophies.

But...most have been totally evil to me. I had to get a restraining order against one of them and I also got a judgment for the damages which she did. She left the area because she got caught. One of her true Christian friends testified truthfully about what she had been doing and that was that. But now, I am the "bad" person because I did something about being being stalked, blocked and followed and bothered in every way you could imagine...and it is "game on."

one of those eight hour tapes in there, and fire the thing up every time you leave your house.

Doesn't need to be a fancy setup, just something that covers your property ... just in case. You might also want to carry one of those mini-recorders in the event that you get accosted by one of them.

It's probably better to just eschew religious discussions with neighbors, or to be overly friendly with them. Your home is your castle; it should be a refuge.

I have five neighbors who live within shouting distance of my house. Every single family has "turned over" at least once over the decades. Here's what I tell them when they move in--if you need ANYTHING, if you have any EMERGENCY, you can call on me. However, I'm not a "visitor" and we (my entire family) aren't the types who run back and forth to other people's homes and like to get "overly involved" with neighborhood business. I am a "good fences make good neighbors" type. I've had an opportunity to help out my neighbors on many occasions, both with minor stuff and serious emergencies, and I am very happy to do that. I wave and have brief chats. But I'm not up in their business, nor are they up in mine.

I look at it this way--if they wouldn't be my best pal if they lived ten miles away, why must they be my best pal just because they live next door?

When I came out of the store and she was key scratching my car, the damage had been done and she was putting her keys in her purse and turning away from the side of my car...smug smile on her face. Apparently she had followed me out of the development and waited until she thought I would be gone in the grocery store for a bit. She did not count on me having left my grocery list in the car and coming out of the store almost immediately after having entered it. She ran into the store like I was bothering her when she saw me ~~ yes, she acted like she was the victim and I was harassing her. Unbelievable!

Most of what I find are things like a fresh pile of feces being hurled over the fence (6' tall) when her car is gone and no one appears to be at her home. No way to identify anyone.

I have some pictures and my friend has a video camera running on the area immediately between us ~~ but most of it has been stuff like sprinking holy water. Nothing anyone is going to do about things like that.

So much of it is the atmosphere she has created ~~ sitting across the street with her pals and watching me and following me around. She does things like pull in front of me...and then claim "I" was the one following her. Just unbelievable nasty stuff. There are contant lies from her. If she believes what she is saying ~~ she is delusional to say the least. Scary.

I'd find a good UU church in the area and tell everyone you go there. Heck, the local UU church here hosts some of our sabbats. :)

...the gal ~~ IMO ~~ is a SAINT. She taught kindergarten for 36 years! And loved it!!!! This is where she and her long-time gentleman friend go. I should check it out.

Good idea! :hi:

Being Wiccan can be lonely at times, so always gather up whatever fellow travelers you can, says I. :) Besides, who knows when you'll need 50 or so UUers to come over and do a big ol' Pray-In in your yard. That'll take the wind out of her sails.

There's a lot of superstition involved with Catholicism in Mexico, and it sounds, from her Spanish imprecation at you, that your neighbor wasn't that long ago a member of small Catholic church in Mexico somewhere.

She's frightened of you and your pentacle. I doubt there's anything you can do, frankly. Even taking down the pentacle won't work, not that I'd recommend that, anyhow.

Keep an eye on her. If she escalates, notify the police department. Seriously. Such things can get out of hand, particularly if she is not well. Paranoia connected to religiosity can lead to bad things.

She is someone I consider a "religious nut." She has made statements that her priest told her that what I did was "devil worship." Well, I have a close friend who is also a Mexican and Catholic and goes to this same church and my pal checked it out ~~ no such thing happened according to her. One story is that the priest came out and blessed my neighbor's home and told her (according to the neighbor) to put up crosses directed at me. Again, my Mexican Catholic pal checked this out: Yes, the priest did bless the house ~~ but as usual, he put the cross above the front door where people enter.

I am afraid of her since everyone seems to feel that she is some sweet, nice thing, and I have seen her look straight at people and out and out lie about things. It is scary to me.

I would love to move, but with the housing market? I could never get what was paid for the home and I know on disclosure forms, I would have to reveal some of the conduct of the "lady" who lives next door.

Tell him about what's going on. Perhaps he'll talk to the woman and tell her to stop harassing you. Certainly, he doesn't know what's going on. Ask your friend to make an appointment and accompany you to the visit.

I suspect that he'll be able to tone down this woman's nonsense.

....I had thought of talking to the priest...but never thought of taking my Mexican Catholic pal with me ~~ who has known me for years ~~ with me. IMO, that would give me some credibility ~~ hopefully. She also attends church at this same place.

I am just wishing that this stops and that she leaves me along and stops riling up the neighbors with all her hatred of me.

Thank you....I am emailing my pal with this idea! :hi:

Can it hurt or make the situation worse? Could it help or make things better? If the answer to the first question is no...then the idea is worth a try.

I have nothing to lose and maybe the priest can explain to her that I live by the Rule of Three ~~ I can simply explain that to him.

:hi:

him to come to your house for a cup of tea at a time when your neighbor was sure to see :D

Priests can be kind of funny about stuff - especially stuff like being Wiccan. They have such an actibe belief in the devil - well, anyway the ones I've met and talked to. Its like Satan is everywhere. Hiding behind every tree ready to jump out and grab you. Wiccan is probably too far out there for them. But that is just my opinion. I'm sure there are some pretty with it priests out there too.

Bounce.

Many of them have really serious family problems and so they tend not to be very judgemental.

About 90% of the guests were Irish/Italian Catholics.

thanks for playing

Anything that conflicts with your world view is "fundie propaganda"? Don't be an idiot.

comment. I love ya, Hepburn. I wish you peace. Talk to the priest and find some help, honey.

...like I said in this thread, one of my pals is Mexican and Catholic and she is nothing like this. She is a sweetheart and when I was very, very sick and near death, she knew I did not believe like she did, but she got on the horn and got everyone she knew praying for me to get better.

I also have no problem with Hispanics or any ethnic group...so this is really puzzling to me why this woman next door literally hates me for not reason and she tries all day ever day to make others hate me.

What the heck did I do? :shrug:

I'd try to just ignore it, unless you find a crucifix with chicken blood or something. Yes, I did actually see that once on a public street. Complete with sacrified chicken underneath.

...that is a Catholic thing? (Not being smart mouthed...just curious and not meaning to be offensive in any way.)

My sister's Cuban mother-in-law was very heavily into it.

When I was a kid, I lived in an area where Santeria was pretty common. My dad was a building inspector, and he used to see all kinds of whacked out shit.

The Fundies need to learn how to read the Bible and quit distorting the shit out of it.

I have never seen such a worthless delusional heard of sheeple in all my life

...and the response was that I needed to stop harassing her. I have given up on this. There was a problem with a prior religious nut who was actually following me in and out of the development and blocking my way back into where I live by parking her car in my way in the middle of the entrance to the development. She sat outside my house all hours of the night watching me...and the management told me that they simply did not believe any of this. They were stunned when I got a restraining order against this garbage...but, of course...I was the bad person for going to court and making this stop.

The one next door to me is smart enough to not be out in the open like her former pal who I got the restraining order against...so there is NOTHING I can prove up that would have the same results.

The next door neighbor is sprinkling water, summoning her god to ward off evil spirits. She probably also lit a candle for protection. When will Christians learn their rituals are the same kind of rituals pagans use, just with different names and theology?

I is to ask them "Why do you hate Jesus? Why do you refuse His teachings?" And maybe you can add, "well, your religion supports child molesters and murderers", but the WDYHJ? Always gets 'em.

I just ask people like this, "Whom Would Jesus Hate?" Because the "correct" answer, of course, is no one...and certainly not his neighbor. :)

And, of course,:hug: :hug: :hug:


"Acting in accordance," you should document, with photos as necessary and possible, each and every incursion by the neighbor and any action/inaction by the management. Religious harassment is a hate crime in many jurisdictions and you are entitled to equal protection under the law. File as many complaints with the police as it takes to get action. Get sympathetic witnesses where you can. Find yourself a good attorney.

BB--
foxfeet

...I have been having a bad time with all the hatred and you have given me something positive to follow to see if I can end all the harassment.

Thank you...:hi:

I hope you have the support of like minded folks IRL. If not, go out and get ya some! Keep us posted on developments. Feel free to PM me if you're so inclined.:hi:

...such understanding of how bad this can be. It is so confusing to be hated because of a good faith belief.

It probably stems from the arrival of Christianity in the British Isles. The native Britons probably said "Christianity? No thanks, we've got our own belief system"

It probably took a lot of lies and demonization of Wiccans to get people to be "saved" by Christ.

Equating Wiccans to "Satanists" was probably the fastest route to societal rejection. Which is ridiculous because Wiccans don't even believe in concepts such as "The Devil" or "Hell".

and, yeah, believing in the devil and condemning people to hell? That is doing harm and not part of my system. Do I think people do harm? Well, yes! But then one does a spell of protection which is to keep harm away and not to do harm to the person who is doing bad things. Because one is a Wiccan, that does not mean becoming a doormat!

I believe in reincarnation...and I am wondering what I did in a past life to end up literally a prisoner in my own home because of the hatred that exists around me when I am outside.

:shrug:

Came into being in the 1950s or so.

It may have adopted some of the deities worshiped by the ancient Celts and Britons (much as Christianity adopted symbols and icons from Mithraism and the Egyptian religion), but Wicca's not a continuing tradition of worshipping those deities.

So please don't refer to the ancient Celts and Britons as Wiccans.

(Note: I'm assuming you're Wiccan.) By doing so, you're showing yourself not only ignorant about your own religion's history, but you're actually insulting your religion. Because, let's face it, the Celts and Britons were barbaric, and Wiccans aren't. I've never heard of Wiccans practicing human sacrifice.

devil ( I'm a non-believer) and I told them it doesn't work on me because the devil is a christian thing and I don't believe in him either. This sounds like harassment and I would call the police. She is over stepping her bounds IMO. This one's for you.....:hug:

:hug::grouphug::pals:

...you are a GREAT hugger! :hug:

The bastard in me would so have to mess with her...

Like buying a snuggie, spray painting it black, then walking around in my front yard with a staff of some kind...

...you made me laugh...and I really needed that today! I have been sad for so long over this!

:hi:

There are some crazy mo-fos in the world. Don't let them get ya down.

And lawns tend to enjoy being watered.

Wonder what the fundy neighbor hopes to accomplish with this? Does she think Jeebus will show up and give her a thumbs up or something?

it is water that has been charged with positive energy (prana/chi) by blessings and it also has a pinch of salt in it..to store and conduct a charge because that is what it is for..to manipulate energy.
It was used by Pagans/Shamans long before Christians in order to conduct an extra charge of energy.
So much of what is called "Christianity" today is stolen from the ancient Pagan ways..including most of the holidays.
For example, this holiday would be called Ostara by the Pagans..and Easter by the Christians. The Pagans colored eggs (fertility symbols) and gave them as gifts for fertility and abundance.. and now..the Christians hid colored eggs as well. The Pagans celebrate the gift of eternal life/return of the Light of the world/Sun..and the Christians celebrate the gift of eternal life/return of the Light of the world/Son.
oops..ment to write a note and wrote a page...

Oh well.

Not as much stolen as is it merely acculturation-- the concept that when two cultures bisect over a period of time, they tend to trade mores, customs, traditions, philosophies, religions, practices, etc. It;s simply one of those things that happen when people meet-- we tend to share ideas, and by saying that one religion stole from another is no different in form or content than in saying the Italian renaissance culture stole boiled pasta from the Chinese.

Every religion, every culture, ever philosophy is based not only on its own traditions, but those of other religions, cultures and philosophies. Each culture on this planet has within it bits and pieces of many other histories, many other traditions, many other religions, and many other cultures.

Sometimes its done consciously (rock and roll copying many of its basic concepts from southern jazz and dixie music), sometimes not (the introduction of European diseases into central America by the Spanish conquistadors). I'm sure there are links all over the Internets that go in-depth on this basic historical concept... I myself would recommend the book, 'Rituals of Childhood: Jewish Acculturation in Medieval Europe' by Ivan Marcus as it dedicates its first three chapters to explaining this most natural of historical phenomenon. :hi:

Record the time, place and actions as matter-of-factly as possible.

Include what you wrote here with as much detail as you can muster. If you don't remember the exact date then say "week of".

Don't speculate on her motives or include your emotional response. Just document empirically what she is doing.

Why?

Because she has shown she doesn't understand boundaries and is projecting her own psychological problems onto you. And if she has had friends over to pray "against" you, she might be emboldened. She might start doing worse.

She is using religious trappings for behavior that is not Spiritual but Psychism. She is basically doing Black Magic, ironic but still the case.

And since she is operating on a base level, she might escalate. If something unfortunate happens to her, she might blame you.

Document everything quietly.

If you go back to any authorities, show them your documentation and INCLUDE YOUR DISCUSSIONS WITH THEM TOO!

Make them understand her behavior has, on occasion, fallen outside the norm.

Privately, I would think you'd want to do a Banishing Ritual on a semi-regular basis, just to imprint the notion that you aren't interested in tit-for-tat and aren't welcoming any malevolent energy.

...I thank you...and blessed be.

Yes, a banishing ritual is a good idea. Right now, however, I feel so worn away, I am going to have to gather strength to go forward on this. I have done some protection ritual ~~ but this really is a case where it has become extreme and she simply does not know her boundaries. And..she has been allowed to cross them and encouraged by others to do so.

I have kept a journal, but I am going to be much, much more careful and complete with my efforts.

:hi: :hug:

I am a Qabalah student and not a Wiccan. There is certainly similarities in our world views.

Roses can help us build up our Will.

My own protective symbol against this person would probably be a nice little statue of the Virgin Mary surrounded by rose bushes. The Virgin doesn't belong to the Catholic Church. She embodies unconditional Love and Interconnectedness. She is the Undivided First Matter that all differentiate themselves from.

I like to think we can reclaim the Virgin from the Catholics the way Democrats and Left reclaimed the American Flag. :)

But really, if you are feeling defeated, put-upon, or run down... at least buy one cut Rose to keep you company for a few days.

...but I am allergic to ROSES! Can I use a different flower...like geraniums? They are about the only thing I can touch and not break out in welts!

:hi:

nt

And what witch isn't? ;)

I recommend doing the lesser banishing ritual of the pentagram at least nightly before you sleep. PM me if you need details.

...and plan to do this morning and evening. Thank you for your help. I felt "lighter" after my morning session. And...the friendship of all the wonderful people on the DU has most certainly helped. :hug:

I'd do that (write her name on paper and put her in the freezer). I'd also put some shielding stones around-- obsidian and perhaps grid my property, salt the boundaries etc. She is dumping on you in more ways than one. She has no honor so I have no respect for her-- what a coward. You should laugh at her with scorn and ridicule and prosecute her harassment. I would not care about her feelings.

I'm not a christian. I am a heathen, Asatru. I took a good look at the behavior of the people who follow middle eastern religions and decided that they are not for me, bloodthirsty and cruel without mercy for a "so-called" higher mission-- when in truth it is for money, land and power. I went back to the religion of my heritage/ancestors and could not be happier. It was a great release, born right the first time-- no more of that crap about original sin etc. I was a shitty Catholic anyway. It feels good to be home.

:hug:

Most people are unaware that the neo pagans have no devil or satan figure. That is a product of another tradition. Are there any others besides the Judeo Christian one that has a devil? Some of the earlier Mediterranean ones, I believe, had a dark figure. But the witches many Christians like to associate with Wiccans are in the Christian tradition, not the pagan. Some people understand that, but the ignorance of many is both appalling and seemingly willful. They are afraid of the unknown and need someone to point a finger at.

:grouphug:

...it is like they hate me because I am not like them and...they have NO clue what I am all about.

That's how it went down when I was living in a Latino Catholic neighborhood. Ironic, no?

Anyway, here's a hug. :hug:

Now there's a thought!

Hmmmmm...I guess I could get a red hood and some horns? Yes?

Thanks for giving me another smile! :hi:

That is what I would do.

Don

...that is doing evil and harm and I just cannot bring myself to do that. Besides, voodoo forces can get away from one and I do not wish to open that can of worms ~~ it could come back on me X 3! :scared:

:hug:

Now were it me, I think I'd be having some fun with the whole thing.

-Hoot

....but it is a daily, hateful thing...and it wears me down. It has gone on now for three years and I see no end in sight. This is my home and my sanctuary and I cannot any longer even go out in my backyard for fear of what she may do.

Last summer, she took my umbrella and destroyed it. It was found hidden in her yard. She claims the wind blew it over her house, to the opposite side, and showed in under the pine trees ~~ again on the opposite side ~~ where it was ripped to shred.

She called the park after it was discovered and...get this...complained that someone had placed it there and she did not know where it had come from. Well, for two summers it had sat directly in front of her kitchen window. No way to miss it ~~ a HUGE striped umbrella. So, she asked the management to trash my umbrella.

Yes, that is petty ~~ but it is the kind of stuff that goes on everyday. I not longer go outside in my yard, walk in the development for exercise, go to any of the social events, etc. It has gotten that bad. I am not in the best health and I just cannot take the stress of being followed by her or bothered by her and her "christian" pals.

Send a stream back to a machine in your house, I even think there are some that are motion activated.

Then leave some bait in your yard, maybe a cauldron? lol. When you go for the restraining order, the video will come in handy.

-Hoot

To cover what needs to be covered ~~ around $1,800!

Just a bit too rich for my blood right now. :hi:

I didn't think they were all that expensive. I'll have a look around.

-Hoot

Don't let the bastards get you down. :)

But don't overlook the opportunity to do a Mercury working to improve communication or a Jupiter one for justice. You know the drill, I'm sure. ;)

If your next door neighbor is in your yard harassing you, call the cops on her.

You've given me hugs when I've needed them before and I'm here to return the favor and the love behind them. :hug:

As a wedding officiant, I'm pleased to perform all sorts of ceremonies for all sorts of callings, paths, and faiths. I've never understood how if anyone's faith were really strong, quiet, and sure, how under the sun could it be threatened by any other faith. I figure I'm on the path I'm supposed to be on and they're on the path they're supposed to be on. If G'd is supposed to be great and if G'd is really any sort of a god at all, then SHe must be not only greater than we imagine -- SHe must be definition be greater than we can possibly imagine. If someone's god must fit into their own human definition and is therefore threatened by someone else's definition, then that must be a poor, rather barefoot sort of god indeed.

Hold your head up Dear One. Part of this journey is suffering, but therein lies part of the lessons we are to learn. Do we rise above them or do we carry burdens beyond? Your friends here send you warm energy to help you find your own strength.

thank you! Such kindness comes through in your words....:hug:

Your neighbor sounds truly ignorant (in the sense of not knowing). While it is tempting to wish for her to throw off her bloody rituals, better to ask for to become wiser.

maybe its time to show pagans worship the holiday also, in their own way...

be sure to have all the common parts on display.

you know, practically all of it.

seeing as christianity just walked in and took pagan holidays as their own to make conversion easier.

best advice tho would be just to ignore it, and/or call the police when you see people on your property.
i know i would, if some nut job came sprinking ANYTHING in my yard without talking to me first.

how do you know whats in that bottle, ya know?

to me it does seem like your being harrassed..

but the difficult part is, are you willing to stand out in order to stand up for yourself?

to hear about. (And I hope I can say this as someone raised Catholic) but the irony of your neighbor, hurrying to sprinkle your yard with holy water and calling you the strange one who casts spells...

:pals: if you still need it!

Place some small mirrors in inconspicuous places to turn her intentions away or back on her. It might help.

I know exactly how you feel. I haven't been able to keep a set of Tibetan prayer flags up for more than a week at a time. I don't know who the culprit it, but whoever's shoving fundie prayer tracts under door is probably involved.

So here's a hug, and Blessed Be.

I can relate to that. I had a nice sweat lodge that my younger son built for us, on an isolated section of my property. A new neighbor moved in down the road. Although the lodge was far from their house, it seemed to upset them. Now, we have had quite a few christians participate in the sweat lodge ceremony, and I can honestly say I've only eaten one.

Anyhow, the neighbor ended up making a "junk yard" as close to the lodge as possible. He also burns "trash" there -- illegally, I should note.

My sons built another lodge, far away, on the other side of my property.

from Michelle and I:grouphug:

I gotta say - when it comes to neighbors, bad crazy is bad crazy, and twisted religion is just gas on the fire!

Be serene and very polite, even when it eats you up inside - because it gets to bad people like nothing else! I'm a rather large gentleman, and I can inspire fear in many people with a sharp look - but some of my outlaw biker friends showed me that nothing projects menace to a dumb and fearful person than being elaborately polite and curteous to a fault.:evilgrin: I'm a nice guy - really just a big ol marshmallow - this seems to make the fools self-project into various forms of meltdown even faster.
And let your park management know, in a kind and polite way, that they are being enablers, and that, even if you were to vanish instantly, the problem will remain, and likely get worse. Hey, somebody like me could house- sit for a week or 3.

I have heard that in the Koran, it is said "there is one true light, but there are many lenses" I explained this to an old outlaw of my acquaintance, and he said "Watch out for the F*&% that say there's only one real lens - and the f'n things for rent..." (RIP, Wacky Willy:toast:)

Wiccans (and other non-Christians) tend to use disclaimers like "I'm not a Devil worshipper!" or "They treat me like I'm a Satanist!"

But... (and I'm none of the above) - that just feels like the same thing - degrees rather than absolute freedom of "religion"

What I'm saying is that this neighbor's problem is the same, even *if* you were actually worshipping the Devil. Namely, it's none of her business, either way. Defending yourself by claiming it's not satanic, is basically condoning her judgement - just trying to sway her in a slightly different direction.

No?

It's called 'educating with facts'.

Fact: Wiccans don't believen in Hell, or Satan, or "the Devil", so there is no way possible that they're "devil worshippers".

Calling a Wiccan a devil worshipper is as bad as calling a Christian a devil worshipper. "You're a Christian? You worship the devil?"

It's factually inaccurate, at the very least...


Peace,

Ghost

I came out of the broom closet myself back in the 80's...its not always easy.
I think we need to focus on education so people realize that real Pagans do NOT worship the Christian's Anti-god Satan...we have our own ideas of the divine and it doesn't include the Christian's devils either.
I think they are confused because the bent Christians (satanists) that worship their Anti-god call themselves "Witches" when they are NOT.
In the meantime...the big Himalayan blackberries grow very fast and high and if she is on the south side of your property..so much the better because they will all quickly grow into her yard..:) (just sharing the fruit is all :P ) Let me know...I can get seeds ;)
Also have you thought about stinging nettles? She can use them for a good spring tonic..:P
Hang in there because you are NOT alone.
Merry Part....and Merry Meet again

You have gone to her and spoken to her and she denies it.

The next thing is to talk with a few friends and talk with her with them. But, since you don't have any common friends, go with talking with her priest.

I think he'd find you interesting. Yes, as a prospect, but, take that as a compliment.

Remind him that God lets rain fall on the unbeliever as well as the believer, and if these people think they are being Christ-like(the basis of being Christian) they are not! EDIT: Although that's not your pervue to make that statement, certainly you would not want to be anything like her in this world or any next world.

You have no idea of how much power over her you are sitting on. The priest will not let you know this, so don't get riled with him. He's got a tough job ahead of him that he won't be looking forward to doing.

Wishing you well,
--Fes

I had to leave for a bit...and when I came back and saw all the wonderful kind messages, you all touched me so dearly. I love you all and thank you for the help. This has been a really tough burden and I have really gotten great support and wonderful ideas from all of you.

I love the DU...and here is a HUGE :hug: for each and everyone of you! :hi:

:hug: :hi:

Most of the Christians - not so much.

...but, yes, the religion that is suppose to follow Jesus and love everyone often has such hateful people in it.

I don't see how that hatefulness converts anyone to their thinking or to their beliefs ~~ it seems just to turn people off from them. I often think of how my gay friends are treated by Christians and that is so awful. They act like those who love someone of the same sex is dirty and evil. How sad and sick to view love like that.

So sad....

Buddhists have no creator God but their ethical system really is very similar to Christ. Not exactly the same but pretty close. They base their system on compassion and loving kindness. No eye for eye for them. They believe in forgiving even the worst offender.

...so I can see where that philosophy really plays out in them. Thanks for the info!

:hi:

what it is. But the philosophy is really wonderful. The Buddha was an amazing man. Where you really see the compassion in that religion is in the Tibetan Buddhists. They are incredible.

moon energy tonight should help make it stick. :)

...and added a bit of vinegar to the mix so that when she wishes to speak about me, she will not feel comfort!

:hi:

:hi: :hug:

;)

...:hi:

:hug:

Sending you light for this situation. Please remember to send her light--she sounds like she has more than her share of problems. Try to practice the compassion of Kuan Yin (hard, I know, when she's defacing your property and driving you up a wall)--and don't forget to put wards on your home and car, and put up that bubble of protection whenever you leave the house!

Hope things get better soon. :hug:

...so many wonderful people and so much support.

Smiles and tears of gladness thanks to my fellow DUers! :hug:

Her illness makes her faith go into hyperdrive and get all twisted and crazy, and she starts hearing and seeing Satan and his work everywhere. I'm just sayin', I'd bet her priest and her fellow church members probably would be horrified by what she's doing.

:hug: I'm sure she'd do the same stuff to me, and I'm Eastern Orthodox. I'd bet that my home altar would freak her out. Heh.

Me, I'd love to have a Wiccan neighbor. All the Wiccans I know are lovely, loving people. :hug:

In this country, if you need to remind them by posting it on there front door or leave a copy in their mail box, your FREE TO WORSHIP AS YOU WANT TO or NOT AT ALL. Its called FREEDOM OF RELIGION, not THIS IS A XTIAN THEOCRACY!!

on edit: they want you to react to their ignorance, but if you carry on by ignoring their stupidity, it might be better off. Just continue to be kind to them, it will slay'em.

:hug: :grouphug:

the Christian religion itself teaches a lot of good. Over the centuries it has been altered by church leaders (usually for their own benefit) into a intolerant religion that often is hateful toward other religions.

The members are sometimes taught that the particular brand of Christianity that they belong to is the only correct version. This is more common in the fundamentalist divisions of the Protestant faith. Therefore they often dislike or even hate other Christians of different denominations. Study of religious concepts is often discouraged.

So it's easy to understand how they can form misconceptions toward Wicca.

My experiences with Wiccans has been very positive.

I like their Wiccan Rede which teaches "do no harm and no harm will come to you" and the Threefold Law also known as the Law of Return which expresses "whatever you shall send out will come back to you threefold". Doing good is rewarded threefold as is doing bad punished.

I also find the fact that there is no required donations to Wicca, which protects the religion from corruption. Also Wicca would never be a religion that would attempt to convert other religions by force or warfare.

But very few people are familiar with this religion and their misconceptions are reinforced by stereotypes in movies and by the statements and the prejudices of their pastors and ministers.

That's such a maddening thing about "God Warriors" like your neighbor - like all people who are terrified of real freedom in whatever respect, they constantly project without self-awareness. She claims fear of your "spells" but SHE's the one trying to cast harmful spells on YOU!

A lot of good suggestions on this thread. I agree especially with the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram and talking to her priest with your Catholic friend in tow to back you up.

Shielding is so important. Mirrors are a very good idea - how about putting "pretty, decorative" stones in your garden that also have reflective properties? That's not generating any negative energy of your own, but it does help send the crap that comes from the outside back to where it belongs. I find I can't beat hematite for shielding - it's very reflective and very strong. It gives some people headaches, but if you can handle wearing a necklace or ring made of it, it couldn't hurt. And it has such a signature color--that shiny pewter-black--it's very useful for visualizing shields. And it's pretty.

When you ground and center, remember the oak. Your roots go deep and your branches lift high. You are strong and ancient. You can outlast this.

Have you read Dion Fortune's Psychic Self-Defense? That's a classic for a reason. It's full of good advice.

And of course, document, document, document. Tell everything to supportive friends and authorities. The more witnesses you have to this woman's abusive behavior, the better.

She's certainly mentally ill, and compassion is good - but compassion doesn't mean you have to lie back and take it.

Blessed be. The Lord and Lady will watch out for you. Have faith in that. I know it's hard when you're being drained like this, but try live so joyously your persecutors can't reach you. I find that the concept of "living well is the best revenge" is VERY in keeping with "an' it harm none, do as you will." :D

I think some of their sensibilities would be challenged by a Wiccan. If that didn't do it, then you
could write something controversial about their leader mohammed, allah or whomever she is.

Her neighbor is Catholic. I don't recall Muslims being mentioned. If a Muslim were harassing her, how would that be any different? Same problem, requiring the same solutions--documentation of the harassment and help from law enforcement.

:hug: I'm sorry to hear you're having this kind of difficulty.

(Note: I've got mental health issues. Remember that when considering my advice.)

You can't educate her and you can't reason with her. Getting the priest to talk to her won't help either. You could save her life and she'd spit in your face. Nasty little people like this don't give up unless you scare or hurt them.

Way I see it, you only have two or three options:

1. Wait for her to slip up like her friend did, thus giving you grounds for a restraining order.

2. Move.

3. Since you don't want to hurt her, (for which I can't blame you) I'd suggest scaring her. How do you feel about owning guns? Not using them, just owning them.

You could buy a used shotgun (I'd suggest 12 gauge) and spend an hour a day sitting out on your back porch, practicing disassembling, cleaning, and reassembling the gun, as well as loading and unloading it. (Make sure this won't break any local or state laws.) Completely ignore her while you're doing it. Basically, you want to intimidate her into leaving you alone, but you don't want her to think you'll come gunning for her.

harassing you. Stay safe.

Some people aren't happy unless they can put their beliefs on others and control them.

As long as you don't hurt anyone, do your thing without guilt or remorse.

Live and let live.

Lyrics actually

god is too big for just one religion.

From East to the West, by Michael Franti.

xo

FEAR ~ their little box of a belief system makes them feel safe.

nobody has called you a "Woo" yet or mocked your beliefs. It's the end of DU as I have come to know it (the hard way) and not a moment too soon.

I think you should ask your neighbor for more holy water...

and drinks his blood every Sunday?

I mean, that's perfectly normal and acceptable, but nature-centric beliefs are weird?

:wtf: