I don't know how many of you subscribe to the About.com Pagan/Wiccan Newsletter. If you don't, I highly recommend it. Just Google "Patti Wigington - About.com Paganism / Wiccan Guide" and hit subscribe and follow the instructions. It is very informative and enjoyable to read.

Yesterday as I read the latest newsletter "British Shop Shuts Down After Protests" I was infuriated by the article. It is about a small Occult shop in England which is struggling to stay in business due to harsh protests and lack of business from the Pagan community. Reading this really made me think about myself as a Pagan Witch and about the people who were attacking the shop. I felt sadness, sad for the owners because when any shop closes it isn't just a building folding; it is someone's hopes and dreams dying. I felt sad for the people in the area who are losing a place they can go that represents them. I felt anger towards the people who were protesting and putting flyers in the books in the shop that spoke against what the store stood for - they were even throwing bibles at the store. How crude and ignorant, not to mention disrespectful to their own religion.

As my anger subsided and I began to think more clearly, I realized that the people attacking the store are a small part of the problem. I have befriended a few store owners and love these places of business. I also find the more Witchy the store the harder time they have staying open. Where are the patrons of these businesses? Are we all just sitting at home hiding in our electronic worlds, fellowshipping online and ordering supplies from the Internet (Paying shipping!)? Now don't get me wrong, I love Internet shopping and will continue to shop online. However, I am going to start supporting my local Occult shops more. I buy things; I buy herbs, candles, incense, books, etc. It is just as convenient to go to my local Witchy shop as it is to go to the nearest Whole Foods or health food store. If enough people each make a small difference it can mean a HUGE change for our world!

And no shop should have to deal with protests, but until people find the source of their fears and try to understand what they have no knowledge of, it is something that will continue to happen. Where are we when there is a protest like the one that happened at that little shop? I wonder what would happen if a lot of us showed up at an Occult store to shop every time a protest was going on? I feel it would make a big statement and a difference. I just think we could all work a bit harder to keep our stores alive and to offer to be there if ever a protest is happening or time of need arises. Can you imagine if the shop owners had a long list of volunteers they could call in those times of trouble and if people just started showing up every time that happened? Not with sharp words or to fight, just to be kind and shop and ignore those who are... um... uneducated and just plain mean. How alone does a shop owner feel when someone invades their space and attacks them verbally and throws things at their store?

When I picture this little store in England it makes me think of my favorite store in Austin, Texas called Ancient Mysteries. It is run by a woman named Midnight and every time I am in Austin I try to go in there and buy something. It is a store for Witches! She has everything, clothes, conical hats, cauldrons, everything a witch could want or need. The space is really small but there's lots of stuff in there. She also sells online so I am sure she has a good clientele there. However, the first time I was in her store Midnight mentioned that she was struggling. She did not say anything about protests but said sometimes people would come in, freak out and leave. But the reason she was having a hard time was because people were not coming in to buy. Her prices are great, the store is incredible. It is advertised because I found it online. Austin is a community that is full of all kinds of people and I have to think there are many Witches. Where are they to support this shop? I think we need our stores. I know for myself, I feel so good going into a store like Ancient Mysteries, knowing I belong there. It is a place of fellowship and friendship. But as much as I need to have a place like this to shop, I also need to buy things so that it will be there for me.

I am going to make a commitment to go to my local stores first. I live in Dallas and we have some great stores like Labyrinth and Silver Pyramid. I would be so sad to see them close. So, when I need something I am going to go there first or to the shop in Austin. Each one of us can make a real difference in our acceptance as a group in this world.

Blessed Be