Thread over on the "wiccan" community

[crowdog66]

Check out this thread:

http://community.livejournal.com/wiccan/1308072.html?thread=11018152

And tell me if I'm completely off base here...?

EDITED TO ADD: More discussion here,

http://community.livejournal.com/wiccan/1308072.html?thread=10996136

Comments

[eastpath.livejournal.com]

had to join to read that....

no, you are not off base, however some groups or covens are too close minded to want to deal with people who have mental illness instead of embracing and accepting them.

i'm glad we don't ascribe to such beliefs.

i had read that quote about "oars in the water" in the book I was reading actually and while I can see that side of the coin, I don't agree with it one bit. Again I think it is laziness on the part of those coveners to not learn to deal with the differences in people instead of just banning them all together... and the "Hard Gard" person, so annoying. They seem quite prejudice against people who are different.

Glad I don't know those people!

[crowdog66.livejournal.com]

"Hard Gard", and others on the thread, have a point -- BTW is NOT obligated to accept all comers. That is their privilege. However, I do feel that by refusing to deal with "mentally ill" people in a magical context they are missing out on certain opportunities (and I've done enough "deep" magical work to have at least some idea whereof I speak).

I am very pleased that the Full Moon inner court is accepting of those who have something to learn, and to teach, during the process of coven integration.

[crowdog66.livejournal.com]

I should also add that the "Hard Gard" discussion is leading me to consider putting forward a statement for the group's rules that specifically state our own position on mental illness.

[eastpath.livejournal.com]

That might be a good idea, some people may perhaps be shy about contacting us based on interactions and rejections they've had in the past.... if it's right up front they would be put more at ease...

[eastpath.livejournal.com]

Agreed! on both points...
At least the conversation stayed civil as it could, and did not turn into a degenerate flame war which often happens with sensitive topics... :)

[dinpik.livejournal.com]

I don't think "shoulds" work in these situations. Not every group can cope with every mentally ill person. There's degrees of mental illness and various types. A clinically depressed person is a far cry from a paranoid schizophrenic.

[metisbutterfly.livejournal.com]

you're not completely off base. I was a part of a coven that was very wary against people that were on anti depressants etc. Barring the fact that i am on Paxil, i would still be against it, as to me it is discrimination, pure and simple..i.e. "we don't take people that are diabetic/gay/american" etc.
I do, however, think that wiccan teachers etc should always make it clear that we are not treatment specialists/therapists, as some do seek other witches etc to get help that should be from a professional. I always say that I am here to listen and support, but not a professional in these areas.