Responsible Eclecticism

In exploring the net, one comes across a lot of slights against this group or that one. Some people struggle to understand those who only work within one culture, others struggle with the idea of dealing with more than one culture. Some are even on the warpath at times to prove just how wrong everyone else is for doing what they don't do.

I have been fairly eclectic in my experiences on my path, and as such I usually get to hear about the "horrors" of "cafeteria style paganism." (fyi, I am not a Wiccan, I am a Witch and a Mystic.)
But not all eclectics are operating from that kind of perspective. Some of us practice what is called Responsible Eclecticism.

This is a lot of work - you have to research not just the rites, but parse out precisely what the point of this ritual or symbol was in all its glory, and dissect whether that will apply viably to your path. Responsible Eclecticism does not go about lifting things because of whims, nor is it based on a lack of meaning in the path.

When multiple cultures interact, there is always a certain amount of blending, and responsible eclectics choose to be cautious and considerate with how their own beliefs blend with others. They do their best not to steal from extant cultures, and try to walk a balanced road between reconstruction, invention and UPG (Unverified Personal Gnosis). It's hard.

Most of us don't want to be looked at as being in the same class as those who try to progress aimlessly.
And some of us are not in this position by choice - some of us were tagged by Gods who have origins in differing nations/cultures/etc, and when called by someone like that, what can you do, but learn a bit and commune to see if its the right way to go.

Thanks to all, and Blessings.

Sources for more information:
Cultural Appropriation and Responsible Eclecticism
http://www.ecauldron.com/eclecticism.php
http://www.wildhunt.org/2007/12/danger-of-wannabes.html
http://www.wildideas.net/cathbad/exnemeton/tradition.html

Tags: appropriation, cultures, eclecticism, gods, responsibility

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Wicket Icons on February 24, 2008 at 6:37pm: :) Exactly
At the same time, to walk any path, eclectic or not, is a lot of work if it is pursued seriously, no?

No matter how nice it'd be for our egos, spirituality is a challenging thing - with great rewards, but to really pursue one's path is tough to do.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Lady Serenity, The Witch In The City on February 24, 2008 at 4:37pm: I enjoyed this article very much -- quite informative and absolutely true.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Wicket Icons on February 24, 2008 at 6:37pm: Thank you, hon. :); ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by d'Arqstar on February 24, 2008 at 6:47pm: If my bloodlines were pure and my ancestry a straight line, I could understand having only ONE dedicated tradition...but I'm the descendant of MANY various cultures and beliefs and I figure its my duty and responsibility to learn about the ways of ALL of my peoples, as well as those cultures who influenced them. I make no apologies for being eclectic, I figure that makes me more well-rounded and open minded...and MOSTLY what I've seen in the various traditions I've researched is the SIMILARITIES. Different Gods and Goddesses have different but closely related names and aspects. But...as they say, (one of my FAVORITE sayings btw) The DEVIL is in the DETAILS! LOL! Its those details that lead to acrimony. Hey, if folks want to, there's ALWAYS something for them to be upset about and if I cared, maybe I'd be upset too...but I have better things to do.
I figure the ONLY way we are ALL going to come together as a people and as a force for the betterment of mankind is to stop getting caught up in the ego of "titles" and just be happy to be open to share and work together. Call me a witch, call me eclectic, call me a crone with an atiitude...heck, call me a refrigerator for all I care. Ultimately it means nothing...I am MUCH more than any title could convey and I assume others are equally MORE than what they call themselves. Behind each "title" is a person with valid opinions and insights, wonderful, likely diverse, experiences and points of view. I'd rather get to know the PERSON than qualify them by what they call themselves. Call me a Pollyanna but I figured everyone thought that way...perhaps I was wrong. (sigh!) (note to self...begin pigeon-holing IMMEDIATELY, lest we get left behind! LOL!)
BB
d'Arqstar; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by darklyfey on February 24, 2008 at 8:23pm: For some, there is a desire for a depth and a dedication to the spiritual path of our choosing, and for others, the desire is for fun and celebration. There's nothing wrong with either choice. It's human (and somewhat dysfunctional) to want to feel set apart, special, and holier than thou, but as spiritual beings, we're obligated to rise above that dysfunction. Those that haven't figured that out yet are wrapped up in judging the paths of their brothers and sisters, which is a dumb ass waste of time, if you ask me, but we all all slip into that at one time or another...

You know where you're at, and that's all you need to know, right? Your relationship to the Gods is no one's business but your own.

I loved reading this. It resonates with me. Thanks for sharing.

DarklyFey; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Wicket Icons on February 24, 2008 at 10:22pm: precisely!

May I also add that sometime as we grow, the things that resonate with us change. We find that a ritual action no longer "works", and that's okay.

My best friend and I have an agreement that if one's faith doesn't grow and change with us, there's something rotten in the garden.
Thank you Selene.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by darklyfey on February 24, 2008 at 10:41pm: sometime as we grow, the things that resonate with us change.

Hell yes! And if we aren't growing and changing, we're stagnant. Stagnation is yucky. :); ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Wicket Icons on February 24, 2008 at 10:46pm: precisely!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by d'Arqstar on February 24, 2008 at 11:32pm: Stagnation is yucky! LMAO! I LOVE it! LOL!
You have a KEEN grasp of the obvious, darkfey! LOL!
BB
d'Arqstar; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by darklyfey on February 24, 2008 at 11:35pm: I'm a great fan of keeping it simple, d'Arqstar. :D; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by d'Arqstar on February 24, 2008 at 11:39pm: I WHOLE HEARTEDLY agree, darkfey! LOL!
(btw...you think we should get together and start our own DARK group? LOL!)
BB
d'Arqstar; ▶ Reply to This