Young and Old Pagans... RANT!

Recently, I've come across a fair amount of resistance towards me because of my age... not in this group, I hasten to add, but on another online group who shall remain nameless.

Basically, it winds me up that because of my age, (I'm 22) my views as a pagan are not seen are being as serious, or as valid as someone who has been doing this longer. And I hate that. Who on earth are you to tell me that your opinions are more valid and more right than mine purely because you are older?

Older pagans that are particularly set in their ways are my main concern, and I despise the fact that they look *down* on me, and therefore discount my opinions. My opinions are just as valid as any other pagans, why should I be discriminated against because of my age?

I will gladly admit that I have a lot to learn, but these older pagans that are huffing and puffing down their noses at me would do well to remember that we're the future of paganism. You're supposed to help us, not tell us we're wrong when we want to try something another way, a new way, with a modern twist. It's not neccessarily wrong, just because it's new to you.

I am 22, at the moment, I have three jobs and as of Monday will have two jobs, one of them being a live-in nanny looking after three kids aged 5 years, 2 years and 4 months. So you know what? No, sometimes I *don't* have time to do ritual. Sometimes, I'm way too swamped with research to remember a sabbat. But I'm a pagan living in the modern world. I've had people tell me that I'm a "part-time pagan", because I don't celebrate every Sabbat.

Bollocks
to
that

Three important things...
1. I am a pagan
2. I have a life
3. Sometimes they don't overlap very well

The wound-up oldies need to realise that whilst we, as younger pagans, can learn an immense amount from them, *they* can also learn from *us*.

Rant over.

Oh dear!

Well speaking as a 37 year old pagan who frequently doesn't have the time to do things the way she'd like to I'd have to say that missing sabbats or not performing ritual has nothing to do with age and more to do with free time!

You're right though Emma, there's entirely too much judgement in many pagans and not enough willingness to listen and teach rather than preach! Glad that you haven't experienced it in this group, I do cherish the members here for their opinions and willingness to share them no matter what their age or experience.

Heck my biggest teacher in life right now is 17 months old!

Strangely I have always found that is the younger generations who are more preoccupied with rituals etc. They are the ones who are usually still full of those books that insist that you should draw a circle and call the quarters at the drop of a hat, most of those who have been around a while have realised that it is all totally unnecessary

'ecky thump....not much hope for me then ! always thought a ritual was going to bed.....TO SLEEP !

Speaking as an outsider on the edge, the main attraction to a pagan belief is the idea of structure and tolerance without rigidity and fundementalism, a craft that can be practised whenever and however the individual feels most comfortable with ? That said, I think there might be times when choice doesn't enter into it, more a case of prioritising life and belief, I'm thinking here of the Druids and their midsummer or midwinter things as an example. Ok so 'things' isn't the correct term, I'm old and forgetful and words often escape me...ahhh for the clear mind of youth once more.

Heck my biggest teacher in life right now is 17 months old!

I know exactly what you mean! The girls I nanny for now are constantly reminding me of how beautiful simple things in life are!

x

Well Emma,
I'm new to this group, but as i'm younger than you at the tender age of 19 lol
i'm sure i will learn what your sayin, when i joined i wondered how old the people in this
group were, wondering if people wound be funny about me been young.
It's quite off putting when somone looks down at you because of your age..
somthing i hope not to experience with this group..
I want to listen and learn and not to be preeched at :)