This came up as a result of something I posted on Mystic Wicks.
Eclectic Wicca is an outgrowth of Traditional Wicca, meaning “BTW” trads such as Gardnerianism, Alexandrianism, etc. A lot of Traditionalists believe that they have sole and exclusive rights to the word, that if you practice in an eclectic, non-initiatory manner, you’re not a Wiccan. Well, THAT linguistic horse is WAY out of the barn and frankly, the thing to do is to hold the barn door open in a cheerful manner as if we wanted the horse to get out all along.
There is nothing wrong with being an Eclectic Wiccan, it’s a totally legitimate path from which a lot of people get a great deal of value. But if you really want to learn about the meat and potatoes of Wicca, the stuff that underlies the pretty rituals and herbs, then you need to read books published by Traditionalists, or that are 15 or more years old and come from a point of view that Traditionalism is the standard. These books simply have more information.
Of course, keep in mind that these books ALSO have misinformation about things like the etymology of the word Wicca and the true history of the “Burning Times.” That’s just something that comes hand in hand with the fact that the books are older.
Again, I’m not saying anyone should be oriented towards Traditional practice. I’m saying that learning about Traditionalism will enhance anyone’s practice. Try checking out my Recommended Reading page to get you started.
the current term online for non traditionalist/non lineaged wiccans is now Neo-Wicca, some folks like it , some see it as a term of derision
I’ve heard that…but I have to agree with those who say that Wicca is simply too young to have earned a “Neo” prefix. It’s like “Neo-Internet” y’know? I’ll stick with “Eclectic” which everyone understands and no one takes umbrage at.
I’ve ran across some traditionalists that were very hard on the ‘having to be initiated by someone who was initiated by Gerald himself in order to be called a Wiccan’. It’s like saying owls own the word “who”, snakes own the word “hiss”, dogs own the word “rough”. LOL. Just my miserable example. When I was told this I asked them, “well then what does a person who practices the craft call themself if they have not been initiated by Garder’s trad?” Their answer was “call yourself a witch.” I believe we get into the politics of the craft now. And that’s no place I am going. 😀 BB, Mod
Greeting to All!
I too was, at one time, very concerned with how I would be percieved,esp. as far as what tradition fit me best. Like a woman at an after Holiday sale, I tried them all on, looked in the mirror, and just didn’t fit the mold!
Now, I am almost to the point where it no longer matters! As far as being an on line retailer, to not include the words of my trade would be suicide, but personally, I practice such a mix, that it seems not to do it justice to try and pidgeon-hole it into a title. No matter which I try ot choose, or which few I try ot squeeze together, something is always hanging out the side of the sandwich!
When asked, I always refer to my Spirituality as my “Path”. And, just where does my Path lead? It wends through the old ways of the Wise One, the Witch, Herbology, Knit-Witchery, and through many a tree bowerred grove. Divinity knows me as Her child, by any name I choose!
I too was, at one time, very concerned with how I would be percieved,esp. as far as what tradition fit me best.
It’s interesting that you say “I too”, Christine, because I don’t think anyone else said it first! I do see a lot of beginners with that concern; “What am I?” is a common question. I don’t think it’s nearly as important question as the ones asking believe. Who am I is much more important; if you’re happy with yourself, the “what” will follow.