by Livy
Empathy (noun) 1. to understand another’s feelings. (Encarta Dictionary). Empath (you won't find this word in the dictionary): a person who is able to identify and understand another’s feelings.
The Wiccan path (this is not the only religion that recognizes Empaths, but for the purpose of this essay, I am explaining my experiences and my path) embraces a number of people who are extremely sensitive (to one degree or another) to other peoples emotions, pain and pleasures. These people are usually called Empaths. Everyone (with the exception of sociopaths) can usually empathize with someone else’s feelings but a true Empath actually feels what people are experiencing. Most of us spend years thinking we are crazy or just extremely good at reading people. We are also accused of reading minds (we don't, but sometimes the emotion is so strong that we can only express it in words). We usually learn to shield ourselves from others at a very early age and during our training discover that we have a gift (or curse) and learn to channel that gift in a conscious way.
I have heard over and over "gee it is like you know exactly how I feel", "so and so are really good listeners and really get it". Sometimes even "It's like you were reading my mind!" Yes – we do "get it" (sometimes more than we want to). The first thing an Empath needs to do is learn to really shield. I didn't, with disastrous consequences. I was picking up the emotions of even the neighbors upstairs – ALL the emotions (yep – even when they were fighting AND making up).
We are also drawn to amethyst in all its forms. This can cause problems. Amethyst is a great stone for enhancing empathy – not good if you don't have really good shields. I usually wear hematite unless I want to be able to “read” people.
Most Empaths I know don't like to be touched without warning. Just coming up and grabbing us makes us very uncomfortable. We aren't being snobby or standoffish. We are trying to protect ourselves and you. Touch can put us in direct link with your emotions and we will “read” you without meaning to. This poses a threat to our well being and an ethical problem. Frankly, I don't want to be a “lurker” in your mind and I’m sure you don't want me “snooping” either.
If you have an Empath in your group – ask before touching and be sure to give them Chocolate (ok, the last has nothing to do with being an Empath, but …..)
[Note from Alia -- I highly endorse this article; although I am not as sensitive to touch most of the time because of highly developed shields (years of practice with the Church), it really is common courtesy to anyone, empath or not, to ask before touching. And I echo the last sentence. Especially the Chocolate part.]
Back to Hearthstone's main page