Thank you to the contributors of this image.
“How do I become less prejudiced?” one of my readers asked.
That’s a powerful question.
As I was thinking about replying to the reader, I had some conversations with my sweetheart; he is a person of color. He noted, “Many of us feel that we’re free of prejudice. But if you observe closely: A person who intellectually tries to be free of prejudice can still exhibit a physical ‘flinch.’ A big flinch can be when an older woman pulls her purse closer to herself when a person of a different race sits in an adjoining chair. A smaller flinch can be when a person’s face shows a wince when that person sees two people of a different race approach.”
I have a number of friends who consider themselves to be free of prejudice. Still, when certain topics come up they become angry, and they have a lot of judgments and grievances against certain individuals.
“It’s hard to be tolerant of people who are not tolerant of you.” – Marianne Williamson
We, Wiccans, find that we face intolerance from people who have been told by their religious leaders that witches are less than (or worse) than others. I admit it. In the past when someone has spouted off about witches and said truly ignorant things, I had some judgments about that person.
As Wiccans, we work with the Shadow-Self (the dark side of oneself that one does NOT want to look at). We can bring light to the Shadow-Self, and I’m going to share Three Steps to Free Yourself of Prejudice.
“It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
The following Three Steps help you shine light on the Shadow-Self, understand yourself a bit more, and, perhaps, change in positive ways.
Three Steps to Free Yourself of Prejudice
1. Have good experiences with people who are different from you.
Many times, our prejudices manifest because of having bad experiences or just hearing about bad experiences. Often, people form prejudices when they have had NO experiences with other people who seem so different.
Many Wiccans complain about those people who show contempt for witches without knowing what Wicca really is.
We, Wiccans, can stretch and make a neutral space so we can learn about those people who seem so different from us.
The question is: How does one have good experiences with people unlike ourselves?
Perhaps, you might get involved with a group centered on one of your interests. You might strike up a casual conversation with another group member who seems different from you. Many of us find that it helps when we get out and learn about other cultures/creeds/orientations for ourselves. We learn to avoid letting stereotypes box in our thoughts and feelings.
2. Begin genuine friendships with people different from you.
I have a Caucasian friend who grew up in the South (in a southern state of the USA).
It bothered her that she grew up surrounded by certain Caucasian individuals who daily spouted disparaging remarks about African Americans.
My friend took action. She joined the NAACP; she was often the only Caucasian person in the room. She later moved to California, and continued developing more friendships with African American people. She says, “People are people.”
Getting to know people is a good start. This will give you a deeper appreciation for others with differences.
3. Study another culture’s positive aspects and let go of stereotypes.
It is sometimes amazing how fast people are quick to judge on little fragments of information. One of my friends told me about how some workaholics deride cultures that have an afternoon siesta. Then, this friend worked in a particular bank that had a lounge area where employees could take a nap during their noon break. These employees came back to work with more energy. They proved to be more productive.
Here’s the point. One can look into the history of the siesta. It’s reported that the siesta began as a way to help people in a hot climate avoid two hours of the hottest weather. This was a wise practice to protect the health of local people. Additionally, it was a way to reclaim energy before one went back to work.
So, it’s true that if one knows more, one may avoid being quick to judge.
In summary, you can use the above Three Steps to help free yourself of negative prejudicial thoughts.
Still, the real solution can be found in my friend’s example. She went out of her way to have friends of a different racial background.
So, I invite you to be a candle in the darkness.
Blessed Be,
Moonwater
Looking for gifts?
See my designs at Redbubble. For more of Moonwater SilverClaw, consider some of her books:
Be a Wiccan Badass: Become More Confident and Unleash Your Inner Power
As a Wiccan I found this an inspiring read. Written in a way that makes it accessible to everyone irrespective of their current knowledge. – Shona Cathro
Goddess Reveals Your Enchanted Light: Peace, Prosperity, Possibility Along Your Wiccan Path
I don’t generally write reviews on books I’ve read…but this time i feel lead to. This book spoke volumes to me, as if the author knew exactly where I’m coming from and what I’m struggling with. It’s not often a book can make me cry, but this one did by making me see the many blocks I’ve put up in my life. I knew they were there, but I’ve gotten skilled at pretending they’re not. Thank you for helping me see I’m not some freak because of circumstances throughout my life that have caused the blocks, and that i need to stop hiding from or burying them and face them one step at a time. – Crystal Sparks
This book is a must have for all of those starting out on the spiritual path of Wicca and for all of those who are just looking for some light and love in their life. MoonWater SilverClaw uses her knowledge of Wicca and her personal experiences to not only teach the Law of Attraction in a clear manner but to help you use the Law of Attraction to better your life.
Through simple guided meditations and tips on living a happy healthy life this book takes you on a journey that will teach you how to love yourself, better your self image, and rid yourself of the negative energies that prevent you from reaching your goals.
This book covers many wonderful topics that will teach you basic magical practices as well as the theory and idea of “like attracts like” From setting up an alter to casting a circle and how to perform and find the magick that you are seeing in your life this book has so much to offer.
MoonWater SilverClaw is truly an inspirational writer for a newer generation of Wiccans and those seeking to use the natural energies of the earth to make changes in their life. Her writing style speaks from the heart because she has been where the reader is, she has used these techniques and steps to better her own life and now she is helping the reader use the Law of Attraction to better theirs – Amazon Customer
Goddess Has Your Back: How Wicca Can Help You Raise Your Self-Esteem and Make Your Life Magickal
This is an absolute gem for the witch with issues. Rituals for things like self-esteem are something i have never seen before. Moonwater’s writing is engrossing and draws the reader in. I am a witch with PTSD M.S. and other issues and this book made me feel hopeful and capable. – t’air
Ms. SilverClaw has written a book that is really great for the beginner wanting to learn about Wiccan or wants to start practicing the art of Wicca. I found this book wonderful, easy to read, and extremely helpful and informative. It covers everything from what Wicca is, the history of Wicca and how Wicca became misassociated with evil, along with how Wicca can help/save people’s lives. Ms. SilverClaw also discusses practicing Wicca either in a Coven or Solo, and all the things you need in order to have in order to perform your ceremony, and she explains what each item means. She explains how to create spells and gives examples to use, and explains the pitfalls of creating certain types of spells. Ms. SilverClaw has truly created a book that is a cast all net the seems to cover everything that I needed to know to begin practicing Wicca. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is searching for their first book on the topic and wants to start practicing the art of Wicca or is just curious about the topic. This is truly a Must Have book. – Tamra L. Shipman
Goddess Walks Beside You: How You Can Listen, Learn and Enjoy the Wiccan Path
This is a terrific book! It is like talking to the author over a cup of tea like one of the bloggers says. – Kitri
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