Not that there's anything wrong with that...

[Dear_Prudence]

I posted this as reply #8 to the General Discussion post: Vance to Appear with 'Prophet' Who Says Harris Is a Witch 

Harris is Baptist, but what if she were practicing witchcraft, so what? The military may now acknowledge Wiccan service members who have given their lives with the pentacle symbol on their grave markers. So, respect for veterans, please, Mr. Vance. "Practicing witchcraft" in this "prophet's" context implies practicing evil. However, some Wiccans and other pagans hold with the Three Fold Rule, which is that any energy you send out, positive or negative, returns three-fold. Those holding that belief are unlikely to wish political rivals harm! Instead, they would most likely hope, pray, and vote positive energy to protect women, people of color, Haitians, LBTQ+, immigrants, the childless, the poor, pagans, and the world from the cruelty, harm, bigotry, and deceit perpetrated by Vance, Trump, and their ilk. Could some people of faith, any faith, wish, pray, or cast spells to do harm? Well, sure, but all know that voting is the most efficacious way to mop up Repugs. (Please know I am trying to be respectful and I am not trying to speak for all witches or pagans or people of faith.)

https://www.aclu.org/press-releases/veterans-win-right-post-religious-symbol-headstones

[roscoeroscoe]

1. As a retired Soldier,

I very much appreciated the fact that the U.S. military is ecumenical. I was a Buddhist and had time granted to meditate on Sunday morning, even in basic training. So, here's Wikipedia's run down on Wiccans in the military:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiccans_and_pagans_in_the_United_States_military

Respect for all religions (even the misguided ones)!

[Dear_Prudence]

2. Thank you

For the info.. and for your service!

[slightlv]

3. It wasn't quite so open when I went into the Air Force in the early 70's,

but I did make use of any and all faiths. It was a good experience on my initial path as a Seeker. I actually got see the 3-fold law play out in my own life once. It was such an immediate happening, it took me back for a few minutes. Made a believer out of me!

Xtianists do their own kind of magic, they just don't acknowledge it as such. Their imprecatory prayers are as much a curse as a newbie witch could come up with. There normal prayers are very much in the vein of using the "As If" principle. But you're right, Pru... if it comes from any other religion it's automatically "evil"... especially if it can be traced back to paganism. Many, many decades ago, as a newbie, I asked what the word "pagan" meant. The answer I got wasn't precise at all, but it sure seemed to fit. The answer? Any religion that isn't christian! (LOL)

If their christ came back today, I think he'd fit right in with the pagans. We're much more aligned with his teachings than these christian nationalists (or what I call xtianists)... as a general rule, of course. Ask five pagans anything, and get about 20 answers! (LOL)

A blessed harvest season to one and all!

[Dear_Prudence]

4. A blessed harvest season to you too, slightlv. nt