(no subject)
So if you're not aware of the issues surrounding a particular incident at Pantheacon, this should get you up to speed: http://wildhunt.org/blog/2011/03/transgender-inclusion-issue-intensifies.html
My very brief, immediate thoughts:
I can understand creating ritual to honor the sacred aspects of a particular lived, shared experience, and I recognize that by its nature such ritual can and will be exclusionary. I can also understand a theology and mystery tradition that provides context and meaning for those rituals, and that experience. The value of Dianic Wicca is not something I question.
But perhaps this is an opportunity for Dianic traditions to grow into something more than they currently are. Every religion or religious tradition faces this kind of fundamental criticism at some point in its evolution, something that shakes up its very foundations. The choice after that is: do you insist on orthodoxy/orthopraxy and encourage a splintering off? Or do you allow yourself to be transformed - or rather ACT to transform yourself?
I empathize with the first instinct, and the second is often far more difficult to do. But....we're Witches. Transformation is what we DO.
So I was sad to read this in the comment section of the entry linked above, courtesy of theconsciencevote:
"I attempted to contact Z Budapest about the words attributed to her. Although she didn't respond personally, I received a message from Bobbie Grennier. I re-post them here (both were public) without comment.
My message: 'There are words attributed to you regarding an issue at Pantheacon involving transfolk and Dianic Wicca. As someone with a deep respect for the Dianic tradition, I would really like to know if you did say/write those words, or if someone appropriated your name for their own purposes. A lot of rumour is flying around, but no one seems to want to ask the alleged source. Please let us know if those are your feelings, or if someone is trying to put words into your mouth.'
Bobbie's response: 'At the moment, Z is very focused on Merlin Stone's passing. There are other Dianics who can answer your questions. I'm sure they are engaged in discussions we aren't aware of. The Dianic Tradition has been very clear that they are a woman-born-woman tradition only and that's not going to change. The Dianics are very clear on their tradition and no amount of bullying will change their minds. We're not interested in the rumor mills and have no interest in addressing them. The Dianics have gifted the Pagan community with a great deal over the years, and that's what should be focused on.'"
That contrasts very sharply with the earlier response from Rabbit of COYA: http://wildhunt.org/blog/2011/03/statement-from-caya-coven-on-rite-of-lilith-at-pantheacon.html
My very brief, immediate thoughts:
I can understand creating ritual to honor the sacred aspects of a particular lived, shared experience, and I recognize that by its nature such ritual can and will be exclusionary. I can also understand a theology and mystery tradition that provides context and meaning for those rituals, and that experience. The value of Dianic Wicca is not something I question.
But perhaps this is an opportunity for Dianic traditions to grow into something more than they currently are. Every religion or religious tradition faces this kind of fundamental criticism at some point in its evolution, something that shakes up its very foundations. The choice after that is: do you insist on orthodoxy/orthopraxy and encourage a splintering off? Or do you allow yourself to be transformed - or rather ACT to transform yourself?
I empathize with the first instinct, and the second is often far more difficult to do. But....we're Witches. Transformation is what we DO.
So I was sad to read this in the comment section of the entry linked above, courtesy of theconsciencevote:
"I attempted to contact Z Budapest about the words attributed to her. Although she didn't respond personally, I received a message from Bobbie Grennier. I re-post them here (both were public) without comment.
My message: 'There are words attributed to you regarding an issue at Pantheacon involving transfolk and Dianic Wicca. As someone with a deep respect for the Dianic tradition, I would really like to know if you did say/write those words, or if someone appropriated your name for their own purposes. A lot of rumour is flying around, but no one seems to want to ask the alleged source. Please let us know if those are your feelings, or if someone is trying to put words into your mouth.'
Bobbie's response: 'At the moment, Z is very focused on Merlin Stone's passing. There are other Dianics who can answer your questions. I'm sure they are engaged in discussions we aren't aware of. The Dianic Tradition has been very clear that they are a woman-born-woman tradition only and that's not going to change. The Dianics are very clear on their tradition and no amount of bullying will change their minds. We're not interested in the rumor mills and have no interest in addressing them. The Dianics have gifted the Pagan community with a great deal over the years, and that's what should be focused on.'"
That contrasts very sharply with the earlier response from Rabbit of COYA: http://wildhunt.org/blog/2011/03/statement-from-caya-coven-on-rite-of-lilith-at-pantheacon.html