Family Wiccan Traditions International, Inc.

A self-effacing diatribe by Redhawk

       To say that Witch Wars are petty and senseless would seem a bit obvious.  At first glance.  But to tell someone their opinion is senseless and petty is a pretty good way to pick a fight with that soul and I suspect it is how these so-called “wars” get/got started in the first place.  So that leads me to the conclusion that opinions are not the real culprit, but rather the nature of how they escalate and the ensuing consequence.  Observe below:

Newsflash: New Moore Island: What India and Bangladesh Failed to Do, Global Warming did it

By Kabir_Bedi – Wednesday, March 24th, 2010 3:05 pm

A dispute regarding the control over small rock named New Moore Island had been going on between India and Bangladesh for 30 years. It has been resolved by the nature through increasing Global Warming that could not be resolved by the two countries through talk.

OK fine that’s not a “Witch War” per se, but it demonstrates how disagreements have a way of resolving themselves to no one’s benefit, save Mother Nature’s (Go Mom!!), and remember, your Mother always has the RIGHT answer.  You might not like it, but it is seldom disputable, as is the case above.

One of the hardest things I’ve had to admit to myself as a newly inducted First Degree is I’m filled with the same sort of pettiness as everyone else.  The same fears (of the unfamiliar) same prejudices (whether I care to admit them or not), but what I’m also willing to be is a stand-up kind of girl and admit:

THEY ARE JUST AN EXCUSE!!!

This is all a part of personal growth but even those who are higher on the totem pole than me—I still see it in them as well.  And of course it’s there.  We’re all human, and all of the above still applies.

So I propose this…a rather simple set of solutions.

If only with yourself, rationalize WHY you feel the way you do.

What has this person done to aggrieve me?

Did they intend offense?

Did I bother to speak with this person and let them know how I feel?

If so, did I give them a chance to explain their side or give them the chance to apologize and did I accept that explanation as their personally held AND valid belief and/or accept their apology?

Can we agree or at least agree to disagree and settle this dispute?

This  not the PENULTIMATE solution, but isn’t it at least a good start?

In a lot of ways, I feel like an enormous hypocrite, because I am-without fail-as guilty as anyone of not at least giving the above a shot.  It’s much easier to go behind someone’s back and snicker and make fun of them, which I’ve actually done quite recently.  And that was wrong on my part.  And as a First Degree it is incumbent on me to set the example.  Which I fully intend to do.

Witch Wars are not solely and inter-coven phenomenon.  They occur WITHIN individual covens as well.  I’ve seen their destructive powers and that can turn an otherwise good thing into a burden overnight.  That’s something I’d hate to see in any Wiccan community, regardless of it’s size.

Now all of the above is usually part and parcel of joining FWTI and any coven therein. 

But realistically do we always practice it?  Like we should?

Let’s all resolve to do better.

Redhawk – LunaFyre FC