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I don’t shy away from topics that might seem controversial, and this is one of those topics that in my experience has sparked some lively conversation.

But, I’m a Gemini and we’re all about communication and sharing of ideas, right?

Why is ‘judgment’ considered such a dirty word? We all do it. It’s part of what marks us as intelligent creatures, to have the ability of discerning one thing from another and through that discernment, to make the best decision. I think too often that people confuse the words judge and condemn. Judging is not condemning. One happens first, the second happens after. The right to condemn someone for something is ambiguous and depends on many factors, but the right to judge someone for something is perfectly valid and should be expected. I am willing to listen and will do my best to understand and not condemn, but I will judge.

The only people afraid of judgment are those who are afraid of accepting personal responsibility.

I don’t necessarily know what’s going on inside each person’s head. So I can’t make an accurate judgment in that case unless I take the time to do my best observation, analysis, and maybe a bit of divination if things are still clouded before making a judgment call. But, based on their actions, their words, their motivations, and anything else that they DO make known to me, I have the ability and the responsibility to judge other people. I judge them for what becomes my safety or benefit, or the safety and benefit of those I’m responsible for. Do I want to continue speaking with this person? Is this someone worthy of my trust? How much should I be willing to confide in them? Are they someone I would want in my home? Would I take them on as a potential student or coven member? All of these and more are the result of making a judgment and I refuse to give up that right simply because some might feel that, 鈥淣o one has the right to judge me.鈥�

Because of this understanding, and not having an aversion to judging others, Witches have the responsibility to be careful and selective in whom we will teach. So, while not judging others may be understood as a guideline for some paths, judging others is the guideline for this path.

I have seen a lot of conflict arise over my time in the Craft as to whether or not it is, or should be, moving more into the mainstream. I believe that the beliefs and practices of Paganism and Witchcraft should be accepted and respected as individual choices, just as one should accept and respect any other practice, religion, or choice in life another makes (provided intentional harm is not caused — this isn’t a free pass to be stupid or unethical). But as to whether or not I think it should be promoted as being more mainstream, I don鈥檛 think it should be.

Witchcraft, as I see it, is not a practice for everyone, and it doesn鈥檛 claim to be. I certainly believe that the things it has brought to my life through being a Witch have been wonderful. I am happy. I have a great relationship with my husband. I am centered and certain of myself and my aspirations, boundaries, perspective, goals, and sense of self-esteem, self-awareness, and responsibility. These are all things I think everyone should have. But I don鈥檛 believe Witchcraft is meant as a universal belief or practice because I don’t think that Witchcraft is everyone’s path to achieve these things.

I鈥檝e often said and I give this as one of my nuggets of advice: Systems that don鈥檛 seek converts or recruits are not meant for public consumption.

There is a great deal of information and study materials available about the Craft for the public, more now than there was thirty, twenty, or even ten years ago. I will absolutely answer questions and give advice on reasonable and reliable information. But that doesn鈥檛 mean I think everyone who might approach me is a good fit as a student or member of my coven.

That鈥檚 a judgment call that I will make.

Along with this, I will put myself out there for scrutiny. Just as I have the right and ability to judge others, I know that such decisions will be made in judgment about me. That’s fine. I do my best to judge fairly, to take all things into consideration, and to come up with a reasonable, logical, and rational decision. I take into account how well I know the person/people in question and what set of circumstances they (or I) may be going through that could cloud my judgment. Sometimes I manage to reserve judgment until such has passed. I can only hope that others do the same where I am concerned. Unfortunately, I have little control over what they do or think so I have to take what decision they come to as their right. If I disagree with their judgment, only my actions will prove them wrong because words don’t carry much weight if a person has already decided.

So, don’t tell me not to judge you. I will judge. You will judge. We all will judge. That’s just the way of things. I will judge your words and your actions according to my own standards. I will make a decision, or several decisions about you based on what you demonstrate to me. I will be fair and willing to give you the benefit of the doubt in most cases, but it is not my religion’s commandment that I don’t judge others. My gods expect wisdom and discernment and I mean to have it.