On Religion

Those of you who know me or have been reading in recent times know that I call myself religiously, what is known as Wicca. One of the things I appriciate about tis label is that it allows me to believe what makes sense to me, and I have to say that my faith runs deep. It is complicated to explain, and it is not really all that inportant to this post, but basically, although I am polytheistic, it is because I recognise that The energy we refer to as God appears to people in many different way so that we can better understand the multifacited thing that is the universal energy that drives life. If you look at all religions, there is a common thread. Although I imagine that I will have some argument as to my theories, I believe that a person's faith is so integral to who they are, and so private, that any discussion will likely diminish the true meaning of what they are feeling. Not to say that I will not discuss it, I enjoy and intelligent conversation, I just feel as though words cannot describe the personal connection I have with that universal energy.
I choose, for various reasons, now that I am older (I needed to tell everyone when I first discovered Wicca. It's been about 12 years since then. I've learned to keep quiet unless asked), not to dicuss my religion with most people, and although Wicca is a religious practice that has gatherings, I choose to remain solitary. One reason for this I have outlined above. My faith is deeply personal and cannot be explained without some frustration on my part, just as I cannot explain how it feels to love, or laugh. it just is.
The other reason is this; I think I am a snob. I think I am a snob because I don't tend to like most witchy folk I run into. Don't get me wrong, I don't feel this way about all, I am a regular reader at a couple of Wiccan sites and I feel connected to the community. I enjoy wiccan authors (usually). I am all for pagan rights. But I have no interest in joining up with a Coven. I don't generally reveal myself to others, and I get cranky when they start in with ritual talk.
Yesterday there were a couple of men discussing how many lives they had been here and how one of them didn't think he was coming back. And how many eons/lives they had alreday been here. Good for them. The need to discuss it tells me they need a few more to get humble. But, it is not my place to voice this. I merely pointed out that the length of a life is negotiable. I did not point out that some learn quicker than others.
One of them felt the need to "teach" me the uses of a broom. (I always set them on thier handle so the bristles don't get bent and he noticed this) Brooms are wonderful tools. And yes, they have their use in ritual, and no, I don't generally do the ritual thing, but I do respect my broom. and other people's brooms. a good broom is a wonderful thing to have. Bad brooms piss me off. I recognise their symbology. I am amused by and embrace the popular vision of a witch on her broom. I don't see the need to teach everyone what you know. There is a reason magical knowlage was once referred to as "mysteries".
I know it isn't the faith but the people I meet. And there was a time that I sought people of my faith. Perhaps that is my lesson. To be tolerant. I have already learned To be Silent.