Virtue
is defined as behavior showing good moral standards. The general public may think that pagan’s
have no virtue. This image from perceptionvsfact.com
shows a pretty good representation of that very thought process.
Recently I've seen posts on Facebook related to truth, which
in my opinion is indeed a virtue. I believe
that we should always tell the truth.
Many people retort with, it’s the truth to you. No, really I think the truth is the truth. No matter what your position, stealing is
wrong. Stealing to because you’re poor
and need food is just a migrating circumstance.
It doesn't change the fact that taking something that doesn't belong to
you is wrong.
So let’s examine what pagan virtues are. (Definitions are
from Merriam-webster.com)
Understanding
– a willingness to understand people’s behavior and forgive them
What it doesn't mean – It doesn't mean that someone has the
right to continue to do things to you over and over and one has to accept
it. It doesn't mean be a doormat. It means understand that person has the right
to believe how they believe, as long as they don’t force it on someone else. To me this also means that sometimes it is
necessary to give yourself a break. Be
understanding that you won’t always make the right decision. Sometimes mistakes are made.
Caring
– an effort made to do something correctly, safely or without causing damage
What it doesn't mean – It doesn't mean continue to support
someone when the continually engage in dangerous, abusive or negative
behavior. It doesn't mean letting people
use your resources be they financial or emotional without some sort of
reciprocation. That reciprocation could
be a monetary, emotional or just a nod.
To me this also means that they care about themselves as well. One cannot truly care for another if they do
not have the ability to care for themselves.
Giving
– to offer as appropriate to due, especially to something higher
What it doesn't mean – It doesn't mean that one be penniless
or a pauper. It doesn't mean that one
will always be on the giving end of either.
To me this means that they not only give to others but also to
themselves. Giving time and praise to
oneself is extremely important.
Honesty
– fairness and straightforwardness of conduct – adherence to the facts
What it doesn't mean is beating people up with the
truth. It doesn't mean attacking someone
with facts or hurting them just because the truth is on one’s side. To me, the key here is fairness, something I
care a great deal about. As a follower
of Hecate, I believe that justice is something she stands for. To me being fair in all I do and standing by
what I say I will do is absolute. There
are no other options for me.
It is easy in today’s world to hide behind a keyboard and
lash out at others. We see the world
around us falling apart it seems with violence and poverty all around us. We see people judge each other
constantly. There’s a lot of chatter but
not a great deal of actual talking.
I’d really like to see that change. I’d like to see us really care about each
other. Not just say “how are you” when
you don’t really care; actually start to connect to each other on a very basic
level. Take our virtues and share
them. Show the couple next door or the
guy across the street that as pagan people we are open to understanding what
each other has to give.
We will open our hearts and minds to others, while giving
ourselves the appropriate permission to protect ourselves.
Blessings
Sosanna
)O(
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