Pagan, Wiccan, Eclectic? I don't know what to call myself! (EDITED after sleep and reading comments, in green)

[Mrs.BAT]

It's not really that important to me to have a label. I hate labels, usually. It just bothers me when someone asks me what I am and I respond with, "Um, Eclectic Wiccan or Pagan, I'm not sure," because I sound ignorant! I do have Wiccan beliefs, but I don't think that the Rede is the absolute law or something. I believe in the Gods and Goddesses of all pantheons, though I tend to only work with one pantheon at a time. I think I've mixed once. I feel very drawn to Celtic and Egyptian mythology and at this time, Cerridwen is my matron Goddess that I've been working with (though not nearly as much as I feel I should have, to get to know her and learn from her). Before her, and sometimes since, I've worked with Bast(et), Luna/Selene, and someone else that's escaping my memory at this time. One of the reasons that I'm trying to figure this out is so that I can study more. I'm still reading my Wicca 101 and slightly more advanced books, but if there's an actual path that is more fitting, I'd like to look into that more. At times like these, as silly as this sounds, I tend to turn to quizzes for some guidance and suggestions. I know how that sounds, but hear me out! Taking the Belief-O-Matic quiz is what led me to where I am now. It really did help. There's just something about the quizzes (the ones that are made with actual knowledge, and not just for the hell of it by Fluff Bunnies and newbies who think they're the shit) that help me sort things out and clear my head. The problem, now? On one I scored Asatru (spelling?), on another Eclecitc Wiccan, and on another, almost a tie between Eclectic Pagan and Celtic Pagan. It's just bugging me for some reason today. Maybe I just woke up in a weird mood lol. Anyway, anyone out there able to shed some light or help out?! I'd really appreciate it. I'm not really a newbie, but I'm definitely not an expert on these things, either. I don't think anyone really is.

After reading some of the replies, and sleeping and thinking more about this, this is what I have to add: I also believe that there is one "greater" God and Goddess, but that there are "lesser" Gods and Goddesses that are the ones with names (Freya, Hermes, Bastet, Ra, Luna, etc.) that we work with and call upon. I do believe in other dimensions, but I'm not sure exactly what I think of them yet (still learning about that). I believe that there are other beings out there, such as demons, angels, fairies, gnomes, etc. I believe that it's ok to mix pantheons. I do practice witchcraft, as some of you already know. I believe that all religions are perfectly acceptable, because we all have to connect with the divine in our own ways. I think that we decide what kind of life we want to have before we are born, and that includes the spiritual path we will take, until we've experienced all-- or all that we need to in order to return to living with the divine. I sometimes incorporate other religious practices in with my own, or at least IMO I do.

I'm sure that there are tons of other things I could spout out that covers my beliefs and practices, but it would take days to sort all of that out. I think I figured out why it was bugging me, though. I'm posting that in another journal, since this is already so long.

[BabydollJenni]

Sep. 26, 2009 at 5:45 PM

the best way to deal with that is say I believe in GOd.. that sums it all up.. its not specifying  what God is or what your belief is its stating you believe in something!

[outstandingLove]

Sep. 27, 2009 at 2:07 AM

You sound like an Eclectic Pagan to me. ...But if you practice magick then i'd attach Witch onto the end of that.

Which is what i am. Eclectic Pagan Witch. You pick and choose from the paths that feel right to you. That makes you eclectic. You do not worship the God of Abraham. That makes you Pagan. And if you practice magick ...well, then that makes you a witch! lol

I am Eclectic Pagan Witch with a leaning towards Astura morals, and Buddhist ideologies. And the more i learn about Egypt (thanks to my Eclectic Pagan Witch husband of mine ...who is WAY different then i am) the more i am drawn to that as well.

Anyways. I hope i have helped you. PM if you feel the need. :) Add me as a friend too if you want.

[ecodani]

Sep. 27, 2009 at 10:24 AM

Have you read any of the books about the Golden Dawn? My SO is working through the degrees of initiation. It is a system of magic that encompasses much of what you have discussed here. I mention this because of your interest in pursuing Egyptian teachings. The Golden Dawn has people involved who identify as anything from Catholic to Druid. Members practice alchemy too! Since this system is well defined and has many members, we think this will be a great way to integrate a respect for divinity into rasing our baby.

[SabrinaMBowen]

Sep. 27, 2009 at 10:54 AM

To me you still sound Eclectic Wiccan, Eclectic Pagan works as well... But only you can really choose. My beliefs are very close to yours. I am a hard polytheist, and see the rede as a good rule, but not law...  I consider myself Eclectic Pagan more than Wiccan because of other beliefs that I hold...  I believe there are Great & Lesser Gods, I believe that all religions are valid and I believe that the underworld has levels...  I also believe in other dimensions- many that have translated in to "Heaven" & "Hell" by Christianity... I do believe in "Angels" and "Demons" just not in the Christian sense. Because of this, I classify better as Eclectic Pagan. As it seems the BULK of your beliefs align with Wicca, I would go with a title of Eclectic Wicca. But really it doesn't matter. Pick the one you are most comfortable with and use it. For many the word Pagan makes them sound evil to others and they feel that Wicca is more accepted... If you feel that way, use Wicca...