What is an Eclectic Pagan?

[Feridust]

I've had people ask me this before and all Eclectic Pagan means is one who doesn't follow any one particular tradition, but instead a variety of different traditions. To some people it may be confusing but to me, and other Eclectics, it fits perfectly into our lives. I suppose my predominant traditions are Celtic Paganism, Dianic Wicca, the Feri Tradition and even a little Buddhism and some Christian beliefs. But they aren't all lined up like ducks in a row; for me, these are traditions I'm drawn to but to me knowledge, enlightenment and the sacred transcends any label.

I was raised in the Catholic church and even though I felt a connection to some of the teachings and the sense of mystery involved in this faith, it never felt "right" to me. In fact, as I read and learned about other Judeo-Christian faiths, I began to realize that the concept of a patriarchal God and the polarities that are commonly taught in many of these faiths left me feeling empty inside. That's not to say that I think there's anything wrong with these faiths; it just wasn't who I was. In some ways, I think we're born with a certain spiritual DNA, so to speak, and perhaps part of our life lesson is to connect with that code within ourselves. Or it could be that each of us has certain Karmic lessons to learn, and this has been part of my lesson plan...I don't know. All I know is that from a very young age I've felt an underlying sense of awe and expectancy. To me there is so much beauty and wisdom going on around us that goes way beyond the material and the ego. For me, I feel that this beauty and wisdom is connected to a Creator/Goddess (I see them as interchangeable) and this energy is within us and all around us too rather than being separate. To me, the Creator/Goddess is about empowerment, positive self-transformation, enlightenment, community and compassion. So, as I've progressed along my path, I learned to break away from the parent/child mentality of a patriarchal God, to a better sense of connection and awareness.

But, being a pluralist, I know that my path in life isn't the only way. We all have our own paths to follow whether it's Pagan, Christian, Buddhist, Atheist or whatever. We're here to learn and to hopefully make this world a better place for our children.

Peace to all.

 

[sherriet]

Mar. 11, 2008 at 11:39 AM Well said. 

[clarewillow]

Mar. 11, 2008 at 11:40 AM I feel you! Have a great day. :)

[krisr169]

Mar. 11, 2008 at 3:49 PM Brilliantly stated woman, great post!

[theartsychik]

Mar. 17, 2008 at 12:51 PM Well said sister.