Since Sunday I had a blog banging around my head with no idea why. This evening it all came clear.

On Sunday I went to my first BIG Pagan event. As my friend Dan and I walked around there was this thought that kept building my heart and head. It is a simple thought and crosses all religions “There is no one path, all paths lead to the divine as long as you harm none.” I wasn’t thinking that in the morning, it did not come up in conversation on the way there, but it showed up shortly after arriving and by the time we left I had a wicked headache.

The Pagan Pride event would remind you of a church craft fair, but with a pagan twist. Now I admit to being in full on “kid on Christmas morning” mode. I greeted everyone with a huge smile and sparkling Irish baby blues. I managed to not erupt in to giggles or giddy jumping up and down. After a while though I noticed that there were certain tables where the response received was not in kind. Those tables where for the different pagan groups.

Instead of feeling welcomed I felt judged and found wanting by the “popular kids”. Maybe it was the shirt (plaid and cute) or the capris. Okay I probably looked like a soccer mom. That being said I was shocked, disappointed and amazed. Here is a community that sells itself as all-encompassing and yet it isn’t. You always hear that each path is up to the individual and that there are no “wrong” ones. As I walked around I realized that there wasn’t a lot of “mixing” between the different groups. It was a power play. The old “my God/Goddess is better than yours” routine. To say I am disappointed is a huge understatement.

There is an upside though and it comes in the form of some incredible women I have met whom I will call The Sisters. The Sisters are a coven in my area who walk the true path. Their door is open to all who want to be part of the community in freedom. No matter your way of communing with the Divine you are welcome. These women have made such an impact on me that walking my path is easier and more enjoyable. For that I can never express my thanks or love adequately.

This evening we learned The Sisters are coming under fire for being all-inclusive. For walking the true path. It turns out that two other groups wanted The Sisters to exclude people from the Witches Ball due to color, sexual orientation and possibly wearing Ed Hardy shoes. The Sisters have refused these suggestions and are now being maligned in the community.

**I have to take a moment for a “Freaking REALLY**

We live in a world where many people rely on money, power and using others to feel secure. They hoard more and more looking for that place of happiness while judging others and that peace never comes to them. I owe The Sisters many thanks for restoring my faith in humankind. To know that there are people who follow the true path of all religions, which ultimately is that you walk the your path with the Divine alone no matter your faith. Seeing The Sisters and those who they have welcomed gives me hope for the future.