The Taboo

It is an oddity now to have such a large group of people in the world that is still shut down in society for the oddity of their beliefs. Did you know that within all of these social confinements there is a group of religions or lifestyles that people are still try steering clear of? What actually are these cultures and how are they as a people so different from us? Within all reality they're not. So here is a little lesson on what a few of these cultural taboos actually mean or follow. Now granted I don't know everything but this article is written in the hopes to share knowledge; not everyone goes by the methods and beliefs I am about to spout.

Pagan

It is literally every other religion that is not considered of a mainstream religious background. The word was originally used to degrade religions when Christianity was being spread as the one true religion. The word pagan was often thought of as an uncultured, uneducated person and it assisted in giving the church power. Since pagans were essentially just heathens during this time it justified the persecution and pilferage that was happening. Since these people were so ungodly or served the devils and demons that the mainstream religions were so against their people were believed to do inhumane rituals (not always true); and to be inhuman themselves. The people themselves are still people and have many diverse religions and beliefs and some even just choose it as a lifestyle choice due to the fact that they feel more in touch with nature or the world around them. Some even say it makes them feel more balanced. Whilst we have been desensitized to the thoughts of the people around us due to years of scrutiny, it has not yet opened up to an understanding for all people.

Wicca

Now this culture is personal to many of its followers and there are many different definitions of it as well. But the singular thing that all of the books and stories have in common is witches. Now not all witches are Wiccan and not all Wiccans are witches. There are males and females in this culture and religion, where most call themselves some type of witch. Some still are offended by these statements but they're are many subcultures and sub religions that take power in this term. These subcategories utilizes they're strongest traits and follow beliefs that grow closely with them so that they may in turn grow. Some believe in the traditional witch beliefs and covens even exist to this day. Now magic may be real and spiritual power may grow in these groups as well but some grasp sciences and wish to attain a higher level of knowledge so that they may accept and understand more of the unknown in the world. Although there has been a large growth in these followings recently in young adults and teens, we have yet to see what this will grow into.

Voodoo

Most actually just group this religion into witchcraft but it is a religion of magic based out of West Africa. The magic utilizes the spiritual energy that can be drawn into this world from the uses of plants, animals, and bodily accretions or parts. They have many spells and rituals that allow them to communicate and some have tried debunking and most disregard; but when it comes to creating the unknown this religion has a strong standing. Since this was originally passed down through families there's no real way to confirm or deny that it grows but as the growing curiosity for the unknown continues in this young generation I am sure it is alive and quite strong.

I'll post another article on a few more later. I hope you like it!

Also ALL photos used in my articles or poems are taken by me. This one is a cosplay model PhantomMiss; she is also a growing artist. Please show her love. She is a wonderful model.