“Wiccans are being oppressed. There’s a reason why many of us stay in the broom closet,” my friend Aaron said. “What about the people who denied Wiccans the right to place a pentacle on their tombstone?”

What can we do about oppression? Speak up!

As I write this, women have come forward to speak the truth about sexual harassment and to identify those who have abused them.

I celebrate women standing up and speaking out.

I also realize that many women and girls have been pushed by society to shut up and take abuse. Over the years, I have even found that I tended to shut up because I didn’t want to “be a bitch.” (It’s hard to admit that I had fallen for society’s lie about “who is a bitch.”)

There Is a Horrible Myth about “Being a Bitch” When One Is Really Being Assertive

From the time I was a child through my teen years, I saw how assertive female individuals were harassed for standing up for themselves.

But it is worse. I’ve read about how people tend to internalize the authority figures’ voices—in their own minds. If I spoke up, I would be called a bitch. I even said to friends, “I don’t want to be a bitch.”

My own husband says, “You’re not doing that. Instead, you’re being assertive. Assertive is NOT the same thing as aggressive.”

Let’s pay attention to this point: Using the “bitch” label is how many people try to keep women “in line.” Enough of that!

Currently, I’m in the middle of a dispute with an online retailer. I just wanted my money back, and the online retailer denied my request. So, I went to the payment vendor and asked them to resolve it.

The payment vendor sided with the online retailer.

I was furious. And, I even felt like giving up.

Have you ever felt like a company was too big and you were too small to get any form of justice? If so, you can probably relate to this situation.

On the edge of giving up, I talked the situation over with a family member. That’s when I resolved to speak up. I looked at the payment vendor’s website and found the “Appeal” button. I clicked it and typed up my comment.

Will I prevail in this dispute with the online retailer? I don’t know.

What counts is that I’m proud of myself for not giving up and for speaking up.

I realize that this may be a smaller issue—just about some money.

But in the recent two days, I realized the important point: We had better get used to speaking up.

As I write this, the current man in the White House has been caught admitting to being a sexual abuser.

Still, at this time, at least six men have been identified as sexual abusers. Some of them have lost their lucrative money-making deals and careers.

People are standing up and saying: We will NOT tolerate such abuse and oppression.

Wiccans Honor the Goddess

One of the reasons I like Wicca is: It gives women the power to run and lead their own lives—to be assertive and strong without any fear of ridicule or shaming.

In our community, we are strong Priestesses, and we have compassion and love for all. We are equally valued with the Priests of our spiritual path.

Wiccans Living In Society

I realize that many of us will not wear our faith out for all to see. (If you met me on the street, you would likely see my pentacle necklace.)

However, we, Wiccans, can support women who speak up.

When the powerful take advantage of the vulnerable, sometimes it is hard to fight and stand up to them. The solution is to stand together.

We Need to Stand Up with the Women Who Call Out the Abuse

Have you noticed the systematic oppression of women? Think about it. If a woman reports abuse she is likely to lose her job and future opportunities. Some individuals say, “What are you talking about?” Consider this: How many employers want to hire a whistleblower?

If a man gets punched in the mouth, and he stands up, he is applauded.

If a woman gets sexually harassed, a number of individuals do what they can to shame her. They say, “You should have known better. You brought it on yourself.”

We have been hearing in the news lately about the men who took advantage of women working for them. This really angers me. I was sexually assaulted when I was young. I was afraid of being shamed. I was also afraid of being called a slut—and other forms of bullying perpetrated by my peers and society.

If you are a woman, you know what systematic oppression means—and how it feels to be harmed by it.

Progress Can Be Achieved

It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness. — Eleanor Roosevelt

Women created their own movement and worked for 72 years until women were granted their right to vote in the USA. The 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified by the states on August 18, 1920.

In April 2007, Wiccan U.S. soldiers gained the right to have a pentacle on their tombstones. This required a lawsuit. A plaintiff was Selena Fox, a Wiccan high priestess with Circle Sanctuary in Barneveld, Wisconsin.

During April 2007, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs settled with Wiccans so the pentacle was added to the list of 38 “emblems of belief” allowed on VA grave markers.

Progress Begins with You Today

Remember: Standing together we are more powerful than alone.

What small step can you do today to stand up against oppression?

Blessed Be,
Moonwater

Looking for gifts?

See my designs at Redbubble. For more of Moonwater SilverClaw, consider some of her books:

Goddess Style Weight Loss: Wiccans — Happy, Healthy and Confident

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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

Beyond the Law of Attraction to Real Magic: How You Can Remove Blocks to Prosperity, Happiness and Inner Peace

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.

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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

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The Hidden Children of the Goddess Embrace Wicca, Become Strong, Be at Peace with Yourself and the World Around You

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

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