Eclectic Pagans
A true eclectic Pagan is usually well-read and well-versed in the different
traditions and has chosen to make their own path using what they have
learned. I have discovered that true Eclectic Pagans are usually the
most open-minded where other beliefs are concerned, as they have
studied and exposed themselves to these different beliefs already and
therefore understand more about the mindset of these paths. It is possible
to call the Hindi Goddess of Love, Diana, Hecate, Aphrodite and Cerridwynn
all to the same rite. Eclectics will do just that, and make their rite of love just
that much stronger, as they have not limited themselves to one set pantheon
nor one set path, but rather they have chosen all paths to enrich their Magick
and their lives.
Eclectics..e-clec-tic; adj.
1. Selecting or employing individual elements from a variety of sources, systems, or styles.
2. Made up of or combining elements from a variety of sources.
Eclectics do not subscribe to the solipsism of the Christians, in that they widely vary in
belief systems, range, devotion and styles. They, typically, have studied many paths,
read voraciously, and have picked and chosen from which paths to glean what information.
We, as human beings, are eclectic by nature. No matter how we are taught and trained
as a child, we pick and choose which traits to embrace and on which ones to turn our backs.
For example...a child of an abusive alcoholic father may, because his father was abusive, become
abusive himself; not knowing any other way, or having any other example. Whereas, another boy in that
same situation may be anything BUT abusive, due to the example proffered by his father. The
child did not like the behavior of the parent and refuses to perpetuate such traits.
Because of the area in which I was raised, I was heavily exposed to Southern Baptist traditions and doctrines as a child. My mother, bless
her soul, saw to it that I received a highly Catholicized balance to what she felt were the ludicrous teachings
of the Baptists. I was taught that ritual was important, colors had meaning, chalices were used for a reason,
robes worn, candles lit, Latin spoken, graven images paid homage to, and that to worship as a group were all important
and powerful elements of worship...and so on.
My point is, that I picked and chose what it is I am. The world didn't "make" Me the way I am.
I did. The things I allowed to influence My life, and the people I chose to allow to influence My
life...have. Otherwise, I have found if extremely useful to disregard everything and everyone else.
We, as people are naturally eclectic. We aren't clones of our parents, though sometimes
when we look in the mirror, we may see our mother/father. *soft laugh* So why be cardboard,
cookie cutter cutouts of our parents in our religious choices? Religion IS a choice, by the way.
It's not like being gay, or being a specific race. It IS a choice.
I had the misfortune of meeting two very sad little girls about a year ago. They were frowning at a couple
of pagans-obvious, representing pagans-and whispering up at the counter of the store where I was. They
looked at Me for validation and I leaned in and quietly said..."Not all people believe the same way. There
are many religions who don't believe like the Christians do." Sadly, the eldest of the two looked at Me
and said sincerely..."too bad they're all going to go to hell." I smiled a sad smile and sighed. What
else could I do? They weren't MY children...thankfully. *soft laugh*
Point was, that we do not HAVE to walk in our parents' footsteps. There comes a time when
we can no longer blame or credit what and who we are, on our parents. There comes a time
when we have to claim responsibility for the choices we make. I am proud to stand up and say...
"I AM PAGAN!"
"I am an eclectic Pagan" means...The path I choose...is My own.
