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would constantly prattle on about the glory of God. This elevated into verbal attacks against me. It just so happened that these Christians sat with some of my friends who I occasionally visited during lunch. I remember the fear I had whenever I gained enough courage to venture up to where they sat. Often my visits ended in religious battles, in which both my beliefs and theirs (ashamedly so) were put under scrutiny, though I seemed to be on the receiving end most of the time. The situation grew to the point where their entire church was praying for my soul, which they readily admitted to me. Eventually, the friction wore away and ironically we became friends, and religion is no longer a topic of discussion between us. This is simply one of thousands of similar situations around the world today in which individuals are discriminated against because of spiritual persuasion. Yet, as my experience proves, reconciliation is a possible and valid pathway to solve the problems that arise between people.
    At other times, it is not necessarily the fear for the purity of your soul that causes people to feel they have the right to abuse you but also the mocking disbelief in Paganism and Witchcraft in terms of Magick and spells.
    Have you ever had an obnoxious moron approach you with a lop-sided grin? You stand there, innocently wondering what all the fuss is about, only to discover you’ve been on the receiving end of a horrible joke. In many cases, once you have outed yourself, you will be met by harsh laughter, which can break down your internal self-esteem.
    â€œCan you really cast spells?” “If you’re a Witch, then where’s your broom?” and “Go on, then, curse me. I dare you!” are all examples of the types of questions that are fired constantly from self-absorbed brats who have nothing better to do. It takes a strong-willed person to remain unaffected by comments such as these, and it is your right to feel angry and irritated. However, never allow them to see that you are annoyed or frustrated with them. Fight fire with fire; sarcasm is only ever quelled with sarcasm. Instead of wasting your time educating people who do not matter to you, use some of the following retorts:
    â€œOh gods, I’ve dropped my wand! Have you seen it?”
    â€œMy broom? Oh, we don’t use brooms anymore. I took the Hoover
to school.”
    â€œCurse you? Looks like someone else beat me to it.”
    Sarcasm can be taken to the extreme and beyond, and you’ll need to know when to drop the act and to don your educator’s cap, ready to regurgitate condensed versions of what you have learnt. Never give anyone an excuse to think they are right when they are obviously wrong, unless of course it’s at their own expense.
    Fighting for the right of fair treatment and equality is an ongoing battle for Pagans, but it is one that has proven successful in many respects. Though there are still those who view our spirituality as superstitious, we are also regarded as genuine spiritual people by many others.
    Honour yourself, others, your environment, and the universe with sincerity and humility, and swift comprehension will follow. Remember, it is not how we dress or what jewellery we wear that defines who we are but our thoughts and our words and how we compose them—and even then that leans dangerously close to the realm of egomania.
    Be mindful that anger and frustration are all negative emotions that will not only enrage your “opponents” but will also amplify their own feelings and increase stubbornness concerning changing their preconceived notions about you. Be firm with your words while ever remaining gentle and wise. Do not hate others simply because they believe differently than you, but understand and accept that these feelings are also human and entirely valid. Acting on your hatred with violence is weak and ultimately stupid. Know that it is better in the long run for you to choose