A "Simple Misunderstanding"

Today I feel like divulging a little something about myself that some people may not know. I am a Pagan, more specifically I follow the Wiccan traditions. I don't like to tell a lot of people about this because it often causes what I like to call "simple misunderstandings" or when people are too ignorant or set in their own ways to accept someone elses beliefs. For the record Wiccans (yes we often refer to ourselves as witches) don't sacrifice kittens, or put curses on our neighbors for trampling our rose bushes. We are kind and heartfelt people, we worship nature, the Goddess and God not the Christian deity of Satan. In fact unless someone chooses to worship that said deity we don't believe in the concept of "Hell" or "The Devil". And if they did choose to worship that deity they would not be considered Wiccan.

We also don't wish harm on anyone or any living thing. We can't turn people in sex craved maniacs, or make a man leave his wife for you, so don't ask. We worship nature and all the creatures that inhabit it, even the plants rocks and trees. Oh, and we aren't hundreds of years old either, because that would defeat the purpose of reincarnation. Yes, witches believe in reincarnation, and we reincarnate "up" meaning that once we obtain what we are meant to in that life time we die and our souls are released to next level of life. Now, whether that means we become humans after animals or plants after human I don't know, I don't really think anyone does.

Now this doesn't mean that my entire life revolves around being a witch, yes it is a big part of who I am and who I identify myself as but its not my entire life. I do have other interests outside my religion, just like everyone else. Nor does it mean that I am a constantly black wearing, mysterious creature of the night who attends black masses. No, I prefer jeans and t-shirts and my trusty generic converse sneakers. I am a nature conservationist in that I want to save our Mother Earth for myself and future generations by doing my part and asking others to do theirs. I mean we all live on this planet and we should take care of her ya know?! I'm also not a vegetarian, I like meat and eat it on almost a daily basis. Is this wrong? Maybe, but I have to be who I have to be and who I am is someone who likes meat.

Well now that the facts and "setting straight" is over I feel that I must pose a fear that I've had as of late. My daughter when she gets older will begin to have friends (as is normal) outside mine and my husbands religious beliefs. I'm afraid that if word gets out that Mommy and Daddy are Pagans then Evangeline's "friends" (and parents of said friends) will begin to shun my baby girl for something she is probably too young to understand. I know how people can be when it comes to the unknown, and lets face it Wicca is a very secretive religion. Although, there are ways around this... The internet. Anyways, I don't want my baby girl to feel like its her fault that her "friends" don't want to play with her anymore. Nor do I want her to feel resentment toward her father and I for what we believe. What do you think I should do to remedy this? I could really use some help so if anyone out there would be so kind as to lend some advice I would be very grateful. Thanks.

Blessed Be
Amanda