I bought two books from Barnes and Noble yesterday--an almanac, and a small book on charms and spells. I bought both books because I needed the research for my novel (this has also been my "excuse" when I'm on the train reading and someone just "has to know.") as well as for my own personal use. I pulled out the almanac yesterday, and the guy sitting across from me said "Lord..." and said a few things under his breath. As he left, two stops later, he hissed at me!

Now, I do remember reading someone's post (I can't remember the person) who went to a restaurant, and the waitress/counterperson, upon seeing the pentacle that she wore, hissed at her!

What is the significance of a hiss? The hissing didn't bother me; I was actually quite amused.

My friends and I used to do it to each other, as a joke, when we were annoyed with each other. I don't know if it's supposed to resemble a cat or snake, but it's like an Audio Glare. That's how I've always known it. I don't know how else to explain it, or even if I'm right. I don't know the history behind it, or even where you'd start researching it.. Sorry..

Mara

lol...I just think it makes them SOUND ignorant.  Perhaps it has something to do with the story of the Serpent in the Garden of Genesis.  (Of course, the serpent represents Satan).  Many Xtians believe that all witches are Satan worshippers, which, as we all know, couldn't be further from the truth.  Unfortunately for them, they only go by what they've been told, rather than doing their own research...which makes them ignorant and gullible.  They react to Paganism and witchcraft in that way because of the fact that they feel "uncomfortable" when they encounter a seperate belief system from their own.  They think that all people on earth should believe the way they do, and it frustrates them to know that there are those of us who cannot be persuaded.  Therefore, we cannot be controlled.  So, his hissing at you, is his feeling of a lack of control.  Don't you love having that power...lol!

SM, I agree.  And you all know I am a Christian.  No one should pass judgment at anyone.  As far as he knew, she could have been buying those books for research, which she was.     It was none of his business!!  
Aaaaarrrrggggghhhhhhhh,  this makes me so angry!

  Someone 'hissed' at you....   Ok, I'd have not been able to control myself from laughing at him.  Gawds the ignorance of folks never ceases to amaze me.

A

Yeah, SeaMonster.. That's, umm, exactly what I meant.    Compared to your eloquent lanquage, mine is chicken-scratch, in't it?

Gosh, you should be embarassed.   :roll:

Obviously just kidding, and I agree with you wholeheartedly..

Mara

I would love to have someone do that to me. I would enjoy a good laugh. I work with a bunch of four year olds, and there is this one kid that, during naptime, if you shine a light near him he'll jump up and hiss at you. It's quite amusing when you're bored and on the edge of drifting off to sleep.    

That would be so funny to do.. I wonder why he does it?

Hehe, so that's where the boy-bat hybrid went to..?

Mara

 Lunos, thats kinda cute...wonder why he does it...

A

Maybe he thought you could speak "Parseltongue" (you know, from Harry Potter).  I would have hissed back  

If I thought that guy was actually trying to be nasty, I would have turned the whole situation right back at him.  I would have looked him straight in the eye, asked in a very loud voice, "Are you ok, sir", and tried to help as if I thought he was having a stroke or something.

LOL!  Marigold, I would LOVE to see that!

  Marigold *that* would have been something to see...I dont know which would be more amusing, his embarrassment, or him trying to get away from the 'evil pagan'  

Thanks for all the replies...they were hilarious...

I actually forgot about Parseltongue...I actually cried after reading the seventh HP book...I still haven't gotten over post-Harry Potter mode...

I'm looking forward to the next person who hisses at me!

 Yay, another HP fan!!    I actually didnt cry with the 7th book, but I did with the 5th.  I was shattered she had killed off Sirius.  I was a huge fan of his character *sighs*  Take heart - two more movies to go...HP fever can last for at least another 3 or so years  


A