Eclecticism


"Do you feel eclecticism serves a good greater than yourself or is the focus of your eclectic path “because it feels right for me”? If you do feel it serves a greater good, what greater good do you think it serves? If you feel it is a path you follow for your own spiritual path exclusively, is this a reason why you like eclecticism over other paths?"

I haven't had much free time lately, but at juliaki's suggestion I have been looking at pagan eclecticism. I've had to do it at weird times on the web, so the results are definitely skewed towards the flakey.

I don't have permission to quote, so you are going to have to settle for my impressions.

Somewhere eclecticism got confused with freedom with no consequences. I have no idea where or when that happened, but it did.

Here's my take.

I'm eclectic because so far I haven't run any into any tradition that approaches the relationship I have with my Gods.

For years I did try to live as a solitary Wiccan, but I kept running into situations where a strict interpretation of the Wiccan Rede pretty much precluded any action at all. Also, in my early days I leaned more towards a left hand path, which excites the Wiccan Crusaders.

Although Coyote isn't technically one of my Gods, I do have a bond with him. That can make me chaotic under certain circumstances.

The point is, inflicting harm is sometimes the only way to prevent greater harm. That's a no-no to most Wiccans.

I'll admit it, I am argumentative even with Gods. I need reasons for the things that I do, and "just because" doesn't usually cut it.

Do I serve a "greater good?" Well, that is a good question. I believe I serve the Gods through the magick, among other things. I believe that magick is the essence of change and evolution. I believe that changes are sometimes necessary, although not always "good." I know that sometimes my Gods have asked things of me that I would not have done, but turned out for the best when I followed their wishes.

Usually arguing along the way.

I believe that my Gods chose me for a reason, even if I don't know exactly what the reason is.

Does it "feel right" for me?

Since I have come to terms with my path, my mood swings aren't nearly as bad. I don't have suicidal depressions anymore. It's been years since I had a panic attack, and I haven't sliced myself in even longer. I've found ways to grow as a person. I've a new way of looking at the Universe, one that I never would have considered before.

But these things came because I put others before my own needs and desires. Sort of fringe benefits.

Is it an exclusive path? As far as I know, yes. I'm certainly not qualified to teach it. Maybe when I am, there will be someone ready to learn.

Posted: Tue - November 14, 2006 at 08:02 PM
 ◊ 
 ◊  ◊  ◊  ◊ 

Random selections from NeoWayland's library


Technopagan Yearnings
© 2005 - 2010   All Rights Reserved