Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Musings from a Pagan Nun


The other day I was leaving Berkeley when I saw her. She was standing on the corner waiting for the light to turn so that she could cross the street. She was short and just a little older than I am. She wore a gray skirt and shirt with a blue cardigan over it. She had on dark stockings and very sensible shoes. So why did she stand out, you might be asking yourself? What was it about this woman wearing a sensible, perhaps bland outfit that caught my attention? Well, it was the head covering she wore. She had on a habit, she was a nun.



I don't see a lot of nuns in my area. I don't see a lot of Christian/Catholic ministry in general. Part of that might be because I don't go to church, but it is not every day you see a nun strolling down the streets in my town. I was fascinated by this nun. I felt myself well up with pride and maybe a little bit of jealousy.

Anyone that looks at this woman (including me) knows that she has dedicated her life to her faith. She has made a commitment to her God to do His service. What a beautiful message. What a beautiful vocation.


I am a Pagan. I love the Earth and the Goddess. I consider myself a Priestess in service to the Goddess. I am dedicated to my faith. I have made a commitment to my Gods and I do Their service. But you don't know that by looking at me. I don't have a uniform, or a specific symbol or sign that makes me stand out a 'Pagan Clergy'.


So for a moment I felt jealous of this beautiful women dedicated to her God. Anyone that sees her sees her devotion. And for the most part people do not see my devotion at first glance. There is a part of me that feels sad about this. But when I let go of my jealousy I can see the situation in a different light. This nun, this woman on the street corner is my sister. We both serve the highest good in our own ways. I honor her for standing up for what she believes in and I honor myself for doing the same thing.