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ChainLightning
New Member
USA
62 Posts |
 Posted - August 29 2006 : 01:47:05 AM
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For a long time, there's been this debate over Eclecticism and traditional (specific) sects of belief.
So here's the idea;
I consider myself to be Eclectic. I even use the term witch on occasion (I do spellwork, but I don't ride a broom  ) but some people may disagree with my *label*.
Now, is *Eclectic* a valid name for one's religion? Especially in light of the fact that it *borrows* from several beliefs, instead of ONE. Would it be presumptuous to use *Heathen* if my eclecticism takes just one little thing from Norse beliefs?
And what about *witch*? I do my work with candles, herbs, incense (and oils) and pure energy. Many people are still suspicious of the word *witch*. It brings to mind TV shows and horror films, if not poseur wannabees that are just trying to grab attention. Is *witch* a bad word?
Then, of course, the umbrella term to beat all umbrella terms... Pagan. It can't really be used to define what a person IS. Nor what they believe. It's more accurate as a description of what the person is NOT or doesn't believe.
Should *Pagan* come with a qualifier? Eclectic Pagan witch? Eclectic Heathen? These still don't convey anything in particular, do they?
Thoughts?
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middleground
Middle Ground Administrator
USA
215 Posts |
Posted - August 29 2006 : 01:51:32 AM
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my personal thoughts are aligned with Pagan. I myself like being called a Pagan.
If I had to pick an identifier, my alignment with Ceremonial Magick would qualify me under the heading of Mage, or Ceremonial Magician. I'd prefer Mage, but that too comes with all sorts of misconceptions, the most of which arrive on the minds of gamers who grew up with Final Fantasy.
So, Pagan works for me. And I'm always careful as to how others who fall under that umbrella are termed as well.
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MiseryMadeBeautiful
Starting Member
USA
12 Posts |
Posted - August 29 2006 : 02:13:24 AM
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I actually think that calling oneself an Eclectic is perfectly acceptable. :-)
I guess, for the most part, I embrace the *label* of Pagan. Right now, I'm exploring mostly Wicca, so Wiccan is fine with me.
And I also have absolutely no problem with 'witch'... but I do understand the negative things associated with the term. I think it is really just a personal choice... whatever you are comfortable with.
"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." ~Eleanor Roosevelt |
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Vainamoinen
Paganism Forum Moderator
USA
232 Posts |
Posted - August 29 2006 : 09:48:37 AM
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I think Eclectic is a fine term to use, especially if your beliefs ARE. Spirituality, like everything, is an evolving, ongoing process, and it's good to have a term that doesn't pigeonhole too badly.
Pagan, I agree, has become a sort of banner for those with a particular interest and mindset, and while I agree it's being used VERY widely these days, I think it works out well. It can come with a qualifier for those who want to make themselves clear, but it also leaves a lot of room for interpretation- and that's good. Let's not box ourselves in, after all.
I had thought 'witch' in modern context to be referrent specifically to Wicca, but I could be missing out somewhere on this one.
...dabbling all the way down... |
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ChainLightning
New Member
USA
62 Posts |
Posted - August 30 2006 : 6:40:11 PM
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So, do you guys think people are over-reacting when they say *that's not what being a Pagan is*? Or *That's not Wiccan*
Along those same lines, is it oversimplification then? The *in-crowd* will know what you mean, but *outsiders* won't have a clue.
I'll let you in on this: the REASON that I bring up this debate is solely because of our non-pagan members. I have seen HEATED debates amongst panas alone about who does or does not *belong* to whatever (claimed) tradition. *Fluff bunnies*, anyone? It HAS to be hard for someone *not in the know* (ie, a non-pagan) to differentiate just what one means when they say *I'm an Eclectic* or *I'm a Norse witch* as opposed to any specific tradition; Asatru, Wiccan or whatever.
Further thoughts? |
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middleground
Middle Ground Administrator
USA
215 Posts |
Posted - August 30 2006 : 8:02:36 PM
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I think that oversimpification is oftentimes the best answer. I can say "I'm a Ceremonial Magician", but that then usually requires me to further explain what Ceremonial Magick is.
When I say "I'm a Pagan", and I'm asked "what does that mean?" I can usually get away with a much less exhaustive answer.
Just my thoughts.
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Vainamoinen
Paganism Forum Moderator
USA
232 Posts |
Posted - August 30 2006 : 8:16:24 PM
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I agree. Explaining Ceremonial Magick, or Discordianism, or Chaos Magick is awkward and time-consuming, and might not make sense to a lot of people.
...dabbling all the way down... |
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JADE
Junior Member
USA
184 Posts |
Posted - August 30 2006 : 8:32:13 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by middleground
I think that oversimpification is oftentimes the best answer. I can say "I'm a Ceremonial Magician", but that then usually requires me to further explain what Ceremonial Magick is.
When I say "I'm a Pagan", and I'm asked "what does that mean?" I can usually get away with a much less exhaustive answer.
Just my thoughts.
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Looks like you guys are stuck in pretty much the same predicament as we Christians are. It is easier to just say I am a Christian than to try to explain which sect and all their individual beliefs. It is also easy to see that many(more than likely also within Pagans) don't really know what they believe or why.
I think some just like Paganism because they got need pictures of skulls and things. Same as Christians that just like the Cross and many of the neat pictures we have.
Hopefully we all spend more time in understanding as much about other beliefs as we can without going into information overload. Then when we choose what we feel is the answer, we need to study deeper into our own choice to make sure we have made the right choice.
I will be looking forward to more indepth discussions by the Pagans here to understand more about their beliefs.
God bless,
JADE
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I question...Therefore I think...I think...Therefore I am...I think? |
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middleground
Middle Ground Administrator
USA
215 Posts |
Posted - August 30 2006 : 11:44:40 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by JADE
I will be looking forward to more indepth discussions by the Pagans here to understand more about their beliefs.
LOL. It won't be easy. Ask three Pagans what they believe, and you'll get four answers.
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JADE
Junior Member
USA
184 Posts |
Posted - August 31 2006 : 12:19:33 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by middleground
quote:
Originally posted by JADE
I will be looking forward to more indepth discussions by the Pagans here to understand more about their beliefs.
LOL. It won't be easy. Ask three Pagans what they believe, and you'll get four answers.
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Sounds more and more like Christians.  But that is due to us not understanding the operator manual. Do you guys actually have a "book" that you all look to as we do the Bible?
God bless,
JADE
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I question...Therefore I think...I think...Therefore I am...I think? |
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Vainamoinen
Paganism Forum Moderator
USA
232 Posts |
Posted - August 31 2006 : 12:24:00 AM
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There are a lot of VERY different types of Pagan out there, and while there are some specific religions who value certain books or stories, there is no all-encompassing book or set of laws that Pagans as a whole look to.
...dabbling all the way down... |
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Pagan, Heathen or witch?
