Reading the linked article got my blood boiling. As do most articles about TSA.
I see a massive wrongful termination lawsuit coming from this woman. I just hope that she wises up and doesn't go back to TSA. She'd be happier as a screener in a courthouse or some other secure facility, where she can put her talents to work without groping people day in and day out.
Originally Posted by
Green Dragon
I am Wiccan, and have been for 20 years. This story obviously caught my eye!
I know plenty of Wiccans who profess faith in the religion, yet choose not to cast any spells. They consider the casting of spells to be the purview of the more dedicated of the religion, the priests and priestesses. Just like a Catholic would not try to say Mass or perform Transubstantiation, or take confession and give absolution. Spells are, by some, considered higher arts, and not for everyone.
When most Wiccans start out, they try spells. Then some decide that part of the religion is not for them. It's not something I would consider a red flag, but probably more along the lines of maturity and common sense. Spells aren't for everyone - just like Speaking in Tongues as a Pentacostal isn't for everyone. I tried when I started out, and realized it wasn't for me, either. I observe my holy days, and meditate. I honor the Mother as my religion dictates, and that is it - no more spells for me.
I do find it ridiculous that the person who actually believed a spell could hex her car heater is still considered mentally competent enough to work... but that's the TSA for you.
By the way, I'm pretty thick skinned about being Wiccan, and would be happy to answer any questions. Do keep in mind that there are about as many brands of Wicca and/or paganism as there are of Christianity - everyone follows their own beliefs. So my brand of Wicca may not be the same as anothers... but I will be happy to discuss. I've never felt any discrimination about my religion, and have been 'out of the broom closet' for over 20 years now. Even when I worked for a strongly Catholic boss in a small CPA firm, we just agreed that religion isn't a workplace topic - no problems.
It is a bitter irony that I've learned more about Wiccans from reading this thread than I did from the Wiccan woman I worked with for 10 years at my last employer. Everyone simply stayed away from the topic with her out of nervousness; she was a good friend whom we didn't want to take the chance of offending or hurting with our questions.
I was not in the same boat, however. People grilled me endlessly about my beliefs and practices (or, as they thought, lack thereof) as an Atheist.