Yes, I am

Last updated on: March 30, 2011 at 3:43 am by Crystal Blanton

Yes, I am 2011-03-30T03:43:35-04:00 Crystal Blanton

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

I find it so restricting that Black culture pigeon holes us into roles and does not always allow for individuality and differences. This is a challenging thing to say when thinking about all the many wonderful things about Black culture, it almost feels as if I am complaining. It is not a complaint of the culture of Black people, but it is a realization that being Black does not always make sense to Wiccans and being Wiccan does not always make sense to Black people.

I am quite proud of being Black and being Wiccan. I wish that I could talk more openly with others about that incredible combination but because of ignorance about what that means, I cannot always share who I am because there is such a lack of understanding within the Black community. I remember telling my dad for the first time and his question in response. He sincerely looked at me and asked, “you still go to church though, right?” It took years for him to understand that I did not go to church and I am not sure that he totally understands now.

I also recall his wife having some conversation with him and a discussion we had later about how the bible indicates that I am going to hell. I think he was trying to save me; that is what I would like to believe at least. Today my dad is much better at understanding the concepts of my beliefs and for that I am grateful, but he is only one example of what I am talking about and I have a whole family down south without a understanding for what it means to be me spiritually.

When my mother died many of my family from her side flew to California to be here. It was so great to have them around, especially since I needed to have a family presence to remind me that I still belonged somewhere now that she was gone. What I found amazing was the amount of anxiety I felt in sharing with them, for the first time, that I was Wiccan and my mother respected (and often participated) in my religious choices. I know they did not understand and thankfully we were dealing with so much, I didn’t have to explain a lot. I pushed through that anxiety and (along with my covenmates) did a working at the memorial that was Wiccan. I felt good for honoring her that way but conscious of the lack of understanding.

Today I have found myself skating the line between being myself and not having to tell too much. Since I work in a professional counseling environment, it is acceptable practice not to share much about yourself. I wear my pentacle though and it evokes questions. To compound that, I work in a predominantly Black areas, at a 98% Black school. It is inevitable that I have to answer some questions without answering too much.

I often wonder how many others of different cultures find this type of subtle judgmental or uncomfortable situations in their lives. I think it says something for the lack of Black Wiccans that are “out” and even though that number is increasing, there are more in the closet than out. Black people have had a history of self loathing and internal discrimination against one another; much of this dynamic goes back to the slave days where some qualities would dictate which slaves got better treatment than others. Today it equates in trying to figure out what “being Black” is and who is blacker than others. This type of internal discriminatory beliefs continue to divide our community and religion is just another characteristic that falls into this dynamic.

The more chances Black Wiccans have to share and let our voices be heard, the more we have a chance at cultivating understanding and tolerance within both our communities. I look forward to the many possibilities that will allow me to just be who I am without explanation. So, for today, I continue to stand up to those who ask and respectfully say “Yes, I am…. a Black Wiccan”.

Uncategorized

Previous Post

March 28, 2011

Time, Soul, and Transformation: African Diaspora's Black Butterfly

Next Post

April 1, 2011 Noir’s Spiritual Round-Up: The History of the Yorubas

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Ancestors Culture goddess justice Magical work Natural hair Paganism parenting ritual service Spiritual Growth Uncategorized Wicca

Select a Month April 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 September 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 September 2011 August 2011 July 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What does "Hoshea" mean in Hebrew?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Salvation The Lord is Holy God's Messenger Chosen One