A group of Boy Scouts doing a graveyard cleanup as a service project got a little surprise when they visited Greenwood Cemetery in St. Petersburg, FL. The boys discovered a collection of "voodoo dolls" pinned to a tree, which one little boy described as "ugly creatures that [looked like they] would eat you alive." Scoutmaster Marty Robinson said some of the boys were "freaked out," but that others thought it was a pretty neat discovery.

Interestingly, at least one Scout was inspired to do a bit of research after the incident. Thomas Bulu, 13, did some investigating and told reporters that although the dolls could be used to curse someone, poppets can be used for healing as well. Props to Thomas for using his noodle to learn about something he had never encountered before.

Local experts have confirmed that the dolls are of the style used in various Afro-Caribbean religions, such as Vodun and Santeria. The cemetery's groundskeeper actually spotted the dolls last winter, but left them in place. No word on whether they've been taken down following the freaking of the scouts.

Blog reader Ross needs your advice, folks. He says, "I'm currently living at home with my grandmother and younger sister, who are both Christians. Lately they've been putting a lot of pressure on me to help them lead a service at their church and to join them in their daily devotions. Outside of coming out of the broom closet (which would have disastrous consequences) or going ahead and joining them (which would cause me to not be true to myself), I'm not sure what to do. It's starting to drive me nuts!"

I can see how that would become a bit irritating after a while. You don't say how old you are, but clearly if you're living in a house with people who have beliefs opposed to your own, come considerations have to be made. I think it's important to find a way to be honest without causing dissent in the family. Years ago I had a friend -- a very good friend -- who constantly asked me to attend Bible study with her. This was before I was "out", because I was just discovering Paganism and testing the waters a bit. I made all kinds of excuses, but she persevered, because she genuinely enjoyed my company and thought that doing Bible fellowshippy-stuff together would be a great way for us to spend time together. I got tired of being less than honest with her, so I told her, "You know, I appreciate that you want to share this with me, because I really do value our friendship... but because this isn't where my spirituality lies, I'd feel like a hypocrite if I participated with you."

It was an honest answer, although not an entirely complete one. It made her understand that just because I didn't go to Bible study with her didn't mean I didn't love her, and it got me off the hook from having to make up reasons not to go each week. Nearly twenty years later, we are still good friends -- and she's a Southern Baptist and I'm a Pagan. I was fortunate in that our friendship trumped any oppositional dogma. However, I understand that this isn't an option for everyone -- and you don't get to pick your relatives. Readers, what suggestions or personal experiences can you share with Ross?