Questions

[lemurette]

Hello everyone! I'm new to this community and I have a few questions. I apologize if this sounds Newbie-ish but I've been wondering and I'm in dire need of opinions and this seemed like the right place to post.

I've been an on-and-off pagan for a few years now and I was raised Catholic (but while I have nothing against Christianity per se, it just

Comments

[lemurette]

Thank you! I do agree with your point about how otherwise everything would be "static and stagnant". =)

Good Question.

[elizabethtess]

I don't feel there are too many problems in mixing different practices. Especially if you can't find yourself fitting into one mold. I've been worrying over this thought lately, as well. :) So I'm not sure. It's all up to you, that's my vote.

Re: Good Question.

[lemurette]

Exactly. That's what I've been thinking about more and more lately, because I just don't fit completely with certain aspects of most practices (be it small details or bigger principles) and then feel awkward.

Re: Good Question.

[elizabethtess]

Yeah, I feel you. Recently I've been trying to reconcile the religion my parents gave me -- Catholicism -- and my witchy instincts and urges. It hasn't been working for me, no matter how hard I try. :/ It's hard to give up something you've had since infancy, even if it is wrong for you. /end sob story

So I hope you come to a positive conclusion. :)

[crystalpyramid]

Mixing practices isn't bad, but it must be done respectfully. For example, some deities play well with others, and will be happy in an inclusionist setting, and others... don't. I've heard stories about people doing eclectic Wiccan-style rituals where the goddess and god being called on were Diana and Odin. And just... no.

[sanglupa]

And this.

[lemurette]

Yes I agree with the 'respectfully'. I wouldn't do anything of the sort of mixing Ares with the Morrigan (as I heard someone mention once) in my practice. Goddesses/gods-wise, I'd probably stick mostly to the Greek pantheon. It's exactly the direspecting part that I'm afraid of accidentally doing. Thank you for your input!

[nacho_cheese]

LOL, yes, this. :)

[sanglupa]

I follow the Bruce Lee School of Paganism:

Do what works.

My own path incorporates ideals and practices from dozens of different spiritual and faith systems. I am dedicated to an Irish goddess and two Norse gods.

You will always encounter purists (or as I like to call them, anal-retentive snobs) who tell you you're a horrible person and doing EVERYTHING wrong by mixing things.

Well, if it works, it works. Just because it wouldn't work for them doesn't mean you should avoid experimenting and exploring.

As far as the Christian aspects in hoodoo, yes, if you were practicing Santeria, you WOULD be frequently mentioning saints. That's kinda what it is.

I would suggest you explore any and all paths and systems that interest you. Study them. Taste them. Experiment. Find what resonates with you. Find out what makes your heart and spirit go AHA!!!

And then go with it.

[lemurette]

Thank you! (I like what you name this school of paganism. I wonder what the "Chuck Norris School of Paganism" would be, eh). I'll definitely read and explore around (I've been doing it, but probably without the hitting a brick wall everytime I don't agree with a particular aspect, I'll be able to learn much more).

Re: the Christian aspects in hoodoo, I was under the impression that Santeria and hoodoo were different paths? I may be (and probably am) wrong, though.

[sanglupa]

They are different paths.

But I figured since you brought up the Christian thing, they had gotten confused. I've never met a hoodoo practitioner (not that I've met a whole lot of them) that insisted on Christian aspects in all hoodoo practices.

And you're welcome! I hope I was able to help a bit.

The Chuck Norris School of Paganism would be "Be one with the fist." Maybe a bit of Buddhism mixed with some heathenry. *grins*

Yes. Follow the Chuck Norris School when you come to a brick wall. Beat it down.

And just let the faith or system you're studying be what it is. Let it teach you about your own system and faith.

[lemurette]

Thank you! =) I was just reading around rootworkers and at some point (probably a bazillion entries back) someone mentioned that saints/Jesus/&c are a BIG part of hoodoo and in terms of protection, etc.

You did help a lot! Thank you SO much.

And, for the record, I like the Chuck Norris School approach to brick walls. Aha.

every path started from another path.

[lollya_lolita]

pagans witches etc. don't have the luxury of one right way. Some are very devoted to not crossing paths. But as people we evolve as does spirituality. Even the godfather of wicca had his hand in the O.T.O. and older practices. As people of different paths we get our sources and authority for truth from different places. Every path evolves as people do. What i say is do what works and if you get stuck try something new or outside of the box. Just my two cents.

Re: every path started from another path.

[lemurette]

Good points! That's very true. Thank you!! =D