Pagan Standard Time

Week 32 - the letter "P" again

Pagan Standard Time.  You've heard of it, right?  It's this time system that many Pagans use and results in people showing up late, rituals not starting on time, and just a general clusterfuck.  Well, I hate it.

It is annoying and disrespectful.  Events are scheduled for a reason.  Start times are not just suggestions.  But we often accept it.  Heck, we even joke about it and laugh about it with our peers. 

Well, I'm done.  I will no longer run and/or function on Pagan Standard Time.  This includes actual Pagan events and non-Pagan events that Pagans are attending.  I'm taking a stand in my Pagan community and in my personal life.  I will not accept Pagan Standard Time as a reason or an excuse for tardiness. 

When I schedule events, I will have a gathering time and a start time.  The start time will be when the event begins.  This might be a class, or a ritual, or a meeting.  The gathering time is to chat and visit.  Consider the gathering time as the start and when your life is still ruled by Pagan Standard Time, you might be on time for the guts of the event.

If you let me know that you are running late, I appreciate it but I will still start on time.  If you call or text me at the start time, I probably will not answer and/or respond.  If it is a ritual, you may be asked to wait until it is done before joining.  If you enter a class or meeting late, do so causing the least amount of disruption as possible.  Don't ask or expect us to start over to accommodate your late arrival.  Also, I don't really need to know why you are late, and if you want to tell me, do so later. 

Many non-Pagans view Pagans as scatter-brained, lazy, hippie-like, flaky, or flighty.  Adopting our own "time" does nothing but feeds in to the negative assumptions.  I want to present a positive Pagan view to the mundane world.  That is why I'm involved with the Pagan Pride Project, Inc. and am in charge of Kearney Area Pagan Pride Day.  I am sick of the stereotypes and judgements and the ignorance.  Pagans need to show the world that we just have a different belief system and many more things in common than not in common. 

So, let's get it together and stop using Pagan Standard Time.  Let's treat those organizing events, meetings, classes, etc. with respect by making it a priority to show up on time.  Plan ahead, get organized, show the Pagan leaders and organizers that you are viewing what they do as important and that you are grateful.