Setting the Rumors Straight!

I was faced with a very daunting task, how to respond to allegations brought by people in our pagan community without spreading negativity or hate. My major concern has always been when responding that is would promote more fighting and negativity on the group or forum that is was first brought forth. Then I would also have to take into account that people would believe what was being said if I did not step forward to "set the record straight".

Well, the answer was right before my eyes, this blog. It has no members to offend and will also let me present my side of any allegations.

I am not doing this to "protect my good name" that is intact. I am doing this to help people take a good look and ask questions about what is being said. You have to take a look at the person that is making the allegations against another, ask yourself why? Why here? What is he/she gaining from it? Is this a personal matter that should be handled in private? Does this have anything to do with spirituality? Is this something that should be handled by law enforcement? There are many questions you should ask. Being a member on an Egroup, msn group or Google group should not mean you are going to be brought into someone's personal vendetta every time one person gets upset at another. However that does happen.

If you would like more insight into why and what to do about situations like that or if you find yourself caught up in a similar situation, please visit the Witch Wars section of Arkansas Pagans it helps explain this type of behavior and how to combat it.

Now let me address some of the rumors going around about me as of late:

(1) I am a "self proclaimed leader" - False
I was elected to my position in The Green Ring (a religious non-profit organization) by unanimous vote.

(2) That I invited myself to a private ritual and was told I was not welcome. - False
I never asked to be at any private ritual. I never contacted anyone requesting such a thing. In fact, I was unaware that the ritual referred to in this allegation was even being held until it had already occurred. I didn't know anything about it until it was posted on an Egroup that I am a member of.

(3) I have been accused of infidelity against my wife. - False
This allegation is totally unfounded, untrue and does not have any bearing on the pagan community.

(4) I have been accused of black balling someone from progressing/obtaining their recognition (degrees) in their path out of spite. - False
This is a false statement, which could be easily checked by the student contacting their teacher.

(5) I have been accused of "outing" someone in the Pagan community - False

I have never outted anyone in the pagan community. (Outing is the divulging of an individuals religious identity to others not within the community). - False
I only congratulated this individual in a private newsletter.
Her magickal name was the only name used.
There was no photograph displayed.
The information I got was posted to a public Egroup I am a member of, and in fact the message itself stated that it was a "Public" announcement.
This individual signed up for this Newsletter requesting to use the email address it was sent to.
This individual for a number of years displayed a pentacle sticker in the rear window of her car.
This individual owned an operated a metaphysical store.
This individual is presently listed on The Witches Voice website.
This individual is presently listed on Arkansas Pagans Website as a clergy and public speaker.
This individual is known to the state of Arkansas as a formerly Named C.R.A (certified Religious Assistant) for Wicca in the Arkansas Department of Corrections.
The individual hosted a Pagan Pride Day Event (which you must state in order to put on an PPD that you are out of the broom closet before you can host one).
This event and individual was on the local TV station and newspaper as hosting this event.

This is all I will cover in this Posting, More to come….

Ever mind the rule of three, Merry Part and Blessed Be
Silver Crow