We hear a lot about “Family Values” in the media. Most often the phrase is coming out of the mouth of some politician running for election, or being spouted by religious fundamentalist. So, just what are “Family Values?” I asked that question on an email list not too long ago, and received a number of interesting, and well thought replies. What follows is not so much a summation of those replies, but more my own thoughts on this subject.
“Pagan Family Values” fall into three section, Responsibility, Respect, and Honor.
Responsibility
Responsibility for your actions
Responsibility to your family
Responsibility to your path (Craft teachings)
Respect
Respect for yourself
Respect for your Elders (parents and Craft)
Respect for your environment (the land and those around you)
Honor
Honor yourself (act with honor)
Honor your teachers (both school and Craft Elders)
Honor the gods
There was a crooked man,
Who walked a crooked mile,
He found a crooked sixpence
Upon a crooked stile...