There is a strange phenomenon occurring on YouTube (and therefore in real life). Pagans, which is to say mostly Wiccans (American “Wiccans”), are up in arms over some people who want to “mix Pantheons”; in particular, adding mystical Christianity into the mix.
Most of the people who are pissed off at the idea of “the Goddess” having to break bread with Jesus are naturally Wiccans, most of whom are women, most of whom are feminists, most of whom know nothing of their Wiccan roots, most of whom only picked Wicca because it was easier than Ceremonial Magick and because it gave them a sense of power.
As far as my own personal beliefs, I think “the Goddess” is merely a representation of the forces of Nature, as are most of the various beings in various pantheons. I do not believe she is a living, thinking being who gets pissed off at humans. See, we tend to create our Gods in our own image. We even give them our own weaknesses and shortcomings, such as envy and jealousy. Angry & vengeful Gods? Doesn’t THAT sound familiar?
They don’t realise that you need look no further than the Inner Order of the Golden Dawn to see mystical Christianity. The people battling out on YouTube feel that the various Gods and Goddesses in their Pantheons are real, living and breathing beings (not archetypes). They feel that their Gods reject the notion that a person can work with more than one pantheon and that you are somehow less of a “real” Pagan if you choose to draw from more than one ideology.
The various Pagan groups are now divided. Instead of being tolerant of one another, there is hatred, fear, loathing, bigotry and intolerance. Just like the Christians. After all, the Catholics dislike the Protestants, who dislike the Pentecostals, who think everyone else is going to Hell.
Paganism is becoming the new Christianity. And it’s not for this Magician.
Update: Apparently this article ruffled a few feathers. I’m not talking about dedicated Pagans, whether they are Wiccan or not. But to be fair, you see FAR more fluffy Wiccans than you see fluffy Goetic Magicians. And if a beginner (and not entirely serious) walks into a New Age shop, he is more likely to leave with a book on Wicca than a copy of the Goetia. Also, and we all have our definitions of what “fluff” is, the fluff is more likely to play with some crystals than to construct a Goetic circle and try to summon Demons.
As far as giving our Gods human characteristics: isn’t that exactly what you do? Gods who are angry, envious, jealous? Gods who get angry if you “mix pantheons”? Aren’t those our own human shortcomings? I thought the Gods were above such pettiness.
It doesn’t take long, when one is reading and researching, to see the common thread that is woven throughout the various stories of why we are who and how we are. To draw on a secular message that was profound in its simplicity (yeah, Rodney King): Can we all get along?
There is something wrong when every group that has been persecuted for failure to comply with “proper” beliefs turns around and attacks those who don’t comply with proper beliefs. Are memories that short? Or are these people that insecure?
It won’t kill anyone to think that, perhaps, they are not the final authorities in the ways of the world. Sure, the ego may take a hit when they realize they’re not divine, but the people they live with might benefit from it. We all might.
I have been thinking about this a lot myself and wondering if it is just human nature that as soon as a group reaches some critical mass, it grows a sense of entitlement and starts looking for ‘others’ to criticize.
But, OTOH, bashing all Wiccans as uneducated idiots is sort of in the same vein, isn’t it?
I would bet there are more fluffy bunnies involved in this crap than true Wiccans….or as those of us with a foot in more than one camp say… those following a Wiccan(ish) path.
I suppose the Wiccans I am bashing are the uneducated ones. For instance, in England, you cant even call yourself Wiccan unless you have been initiated. The idea of buying a pentacle and a book and proclaiming yourself a Wiccan simply doesn’t exist.
But it is an unfortunate fact that the most silly fluffs out there tend to be Wiccan. Now, I’m not saying all Wiccans are fluff, certainly NOT. I’ve learned MUCH from my Wiccan friends. But there are more fluffs in Wicca than in Ceremonial Magick, for instance.
Wicca is an easy place to hide, for the “fluff community”, I suppose, as are the catholic churches for pedophiles. It DOESNT mean that all Catholic Priests are pedophiles, but their system is convenient for hiding. Wiccans are not all fluff, but you couldnt ask for an easier niche to blend into. With no initiation necessary, anyone can claim what ever they want. SO, anyway, I do believe in human nature, and it will take its course. We are fools if we cannot see the future through the history. This does not require magick, soothsayers, or crystal balls….just a little knowledge. Religious wars have been waged since the beginning of time and we as humans will always have some who need rebellion to survive. Paganism is the root to ALL religions when you get right down to it. It is wrong to bash anyone who is devout in their faith, no matter what it is, so long as they harm none. Now- THAT to all Pagans should at the very least sound remotely familiar.
Do what thy will.
The Pagan community, for all the individuals out there holding up the “Pagan Pride” and “Pagan Alliance” banners, is splintered and fractioned. This was the downfall of Christianity. This was the downfall of the Golden Dawn.
Before we spout off about the Christians and others, we need to stop the inter fighting. I know it would be easier to heard a bunch of cats than have that happen. When did the “tolerant” religion become so intolerant?
I’ve seen what is going on over at YouTube. Funny how the “poor me, I’m being attacked” people seem to ALWAYS be fighting with someone, and everybody has to chime in. Some Pagans just need to grow up.
Somewhere there are a bunch of Discordians giggling their pants off.
“Somewhere there are a bunch of Discordians giggling their pants off.”
Fucking BRILLIANT Naufragio.
Hhhmmm, and I thought dear old Peter was off into the sunset. I am happily wrong, again.
Division among belief is the second nail, labeling is the first. Hell, I’m sure pride fits in between there someplace…
Fuck it, blame it all on ego!
Glad to see you posting again my friend, I was missing my occult intake….
Ha! My friend, you just can’t keep an insane Magician down. How are you? I totally dug your Willow post.
As well as one who is on the job hunt can be……thanks for the cudo’s on the Willow post. She is my crutch.
Also Asylum Letters self-imploded, as you probably can tell….
Best to you,
Unfortunately, Peter, the Wicca fluff craze is worldwide. It’s nice to see old Blighty viewed with such rose-tinted specs, but kiddies are just as wont to throw on a pent and declare themselves Wiccan as they are stateside.
Chaos Magick will be next. Just watch.
Chaos Magick? Next?? Don’t even JOKE.
The only way Chaos Magick could be next for infighting, would be if there were more than half a dozen or so people left who actually engaged in it.
Yes, you’ve got people who evoke Goku or Pikachu, or who wear the Ellis sigil spraypainted on the back of leather jackets at raves or Goth nightclubs in order to look cool, but I’m talking about actual Chaotes, here.