In the past, I've only very rarely mentioned the work that I've been doing with Wicca and shamanism. It's seemed, for the most part, like a very private thing that belongs in my pen-and-paper journal (and a few other places), not in my public journal, which is, after all, written more for my readers than for myself. But over the last year a lot has happened, and this part of my life has begun to have a definite influence on my writing. Things seem to be converging. There are days I couldn't say where the shamanism begins and the writing ends or
vice versa, for example. Yet, I tend not to mention even the more casual, mundane aspects of this part of my life. So, I thought, maybe I should begin to discuss
some of my magickal work/experiences in the LJ/blog. But this is essentially religion, and I'll certainly understand if the majority wouldn't be comfortable reading these things. It's just that it suddenly seems relevant. Therefore, this poll...
So, should I talk about Wicca and shamanism in the journal, or is that TMI?
Yes, you should.
169(97.1%)
No, you shouldn't.
5(2.9%)
Comments
This time my first thought was "these are topics in which I'm personally interested and I'm sure she has interesting things to say about them" and my second was "but she'd be risking all sorts of horrible troll attention." Having learned my lesson, I voted yes.
Like anything else: if you're comfortable and you want to, you should. I am particularly curious to hear how it's converging with your writing, but that's me.
Damn, does that sound as pompous to you as it does to me? Not intended.
It's very sweet of you to think of our feelings, but I think you should look to your own more. Putting the religious stuff out there will more than likely leave you open to criticism and mockery from some people. Not that you don't strike me as pretty fearless, but be careful, m'kay?
Or talk about them in one of the various communities which have shamanism listed as an interest.
But don't feel obligated because of your readers. If you have something interesting that you'd like to share with us, great...it you want to keep it for your pen & paper journal you most certainly are not required to post it for all to read.
Not only would it be an interesting read in-and-of-itself, you mentioned that is part of your writing...which you also mentioned that this blog is at least partially about. So, they go hand-in-hand it seems...
Also, I wondered about your shamanistic ways, like where do you get information about it? Is there any books you recommend or don't? I always liked and agreed with the research done in Silk before the Peyote trip.
In case you are wondering, probally not, starting Murder of Angels and I am already excited, pretty sure this book will blow by quickly. And is there a way to change the cursor color from grey.
I'd be very interested to read about your take on this.
Purely selfishly, I'd welcome these posts.
I don't mean to suggest that it wouldn't be captivating and engaging to read about, but that I figured that such discussions might lead to some serious friction in the LJ that was unwanted (or, really, undeserved). The nakedness issue was not really that big of a deal, were weren't talking about photography that belonged more in an issue of Club, and there was a general consensus that one should simply not comment if any offense was taken to it (and I don't think there was). However, if recent discussions of contemporary writers enmeshed in popular culture were any hint, then you may wish to dodge the piglard-coated bullet of addressing your magickal philosophy and practice on a public forum unless you really want the public to begin commenting and debating with you about it.
Or, alternatively, you should turn off comments for any post in which you are focusing on your philosophical/magickal/spiritual beliefs. While I and others might wish to question or discuss such topics, that's probably not what you want to bomb your journal with. That might be a decent topic over at the species of one community, or some other community normally associated with such esoteric topics.
Of course, I've taken no offense to any of the hints or minor discussions which have taken place so far in the journal and wouldn't object to them in the future. I just feel that given what I have seen as your "usual" reaction to offensive (as in both "derogatory" and "on-the-offensive") comments/posts and badgering on the part of the general public, I think you may set yourself up for some hurt feelings. And that would be the poop.
I think you need to ask yourself if it's a) something you feel comfortable with and b) how posting about it might change it for you personally. Only you can decide how much you are comfortable discussing in a public forum such as LJ. Good luck on a tough choice.