Hello,

I'm a 20 year old Wiccan and I'm in the US Air Force. I desperately want to get out under the CO Discharge because I am against all war, cruelty to animals, and destroying of Earth. However, one of the provisions for the military is to have letters written by the "religious" source. In Wicca, I practice solitary and unfortunately don't know anyone else in my area that does practice the religion. I'm a bit lost and overwhelmed and I would like any and all help I could get from this forum. I was once a member of MSN group way back in the day and now I'm coming back to this site for help. I understand if you don't want any part of this but I beg of you, my mind is now a prison while I'm in here, forced to do things and wear clothes and believe in things that aren't me. I feel like i'm losing myself, losing my ideals. Any help would be appreciated and thanks in advance.

Welcome sakotijir,

We all have times in our lives when what we feel we are doing is not "us." This is one of those times that you need tolook deep within and try to find out the true reason you joined the air force to begin with. There are many wonderful reasons to belong to miltary forces, and protection of our country is one of those things. It is noble, right and completely within the ways of life that we as Pagans look at things. Protecting and being part of an established group of individuals who are driven to succeed and provide security for our country, and all it stands for is not something that is wrong.

Please take time to look within, and why you desire so much to step down from the obligations and responsibilities that you signed up for.

There are also many different opportunities and people for you to speak to within the armed forces, your family and even counseling that the armed forces will provide for you....there are many things to aid you on your journey to self-discovery.

You may also try www.witchvox.com to find more Wiccans in your area. Our castle here not only has Wiccans but people from many diverse faiths, and you wil find it a treasure to behold....just be easy on yourself and take the time to look within yourself...the answer is there...jusy be willing to listen.

Blessings Bright and Dark,

Thank You,

I have been feeling this way for a long time now, over 8 months and at first I was just thinking I could beat it on my own and that everything would feel better. I joined the military because I thought it was something noble, something worth doing because it would lead my life in a positive direction. The influence the military has had on me is that it has opened my eyes to the deceit that runs rampant in our political arena and the only people that suffers for it is the military and the john doe citizen. I say John Doe citizen because there are certain organizations that would have you believe it affects everyone. This is not the case in that certain groups often are found thriving on the political decisions and have and will continue to do so for times to come.

I'm afraid to talk to anyone else about this at my work because, unfortunately, we still live in a day in age (although its better I guess) that people don't understand Wicca. Its hard enough to try and get out when your religious beliefs are those that coincide with Christianity or even Islamic beliefs but if you say you worship the Goddess and that cheery little smile the Chaplain gives you twists up in that all too cruel way. My faith is unquestioned, I love my religion. I love my Goddess and my God. I even take the Sacred Days off of work when they let me, although I can't really tell them why.

At the very least I just want to feel better. I took this test and it said that i'm in "Major Depression". I will be going to see a military psychiatrist and I hope that in the very least he can do something to make me feel better about my situation. Being in the millitary has dillusioned me about what the real war is, how our wars are fought, and who really profits from them. I joined to protect our way of life, not line the pockets of a few men in high places who are part of coroporations and certain boards.

I appreciate everything you've said Lady Elaine but I'm just getting everything off my chest. The people, at least in most respects, are having a veil pulled down over their eyes by a very crafty person who believes he knows whats best. I guess in the very least i'm just very unhappy. I often have crying spells, feel like a loser, feel isolated, out of place, feel that people are bad that I work with, and finally some of the things I used to love doing don't interest me anymore and when I sit down and try to do them, I just get very sad and end up putting them down.

Thanks for listening Lady Elaine, I'm sure you have better things to do but in the very leats you're allowing me to burn off some steam and I very much appreciate that. Its hard for me as it is and its just nice to know that there are people like me out there that I can bounce ideas and feelings off of. May you be blessed in all you do.

Woody