The Religious Mutt
There have been Christians, Wiccans and Witches expressing their concern that any attempts to blend these paths could result in an eclectic mish-mash, or a watered down version of the original that would leave followers wandering with no clear direction or destination. If you are happy with the path you are on, and comfortable with the direction you are going, then following in the footsteps of others and holding tight to the old traditions may work best for you. But if your current path does not feel right to you and your heart is telling you there is more to discover, you should consider exploring other Divine teachings without fear that this is wrong.
Honestly, I agree with the statement that a Christian Witch is neither a real Christian (as defined by today's church) or a true Witch (as defined by the old traditions). Perhaps a more accurate label for those on this path would be a Religious Mutt, as this title better reflects the practice of blending and the idea that one is not a purebred.
In the animal world a good breeder works hard to develop the unique qualities of a breed and keep the line pure. For them it can be frustrating when others crossbreed and introduce traits that change the look and personality of something they've worked hard to preserve. So I do understand the concern, but at the same time I see a real need in our world for this new breed of religion.
Our inbox is full of e-mail from individuals who are frustrated by the total separation of these paths. Below are a few examples from today's mail:
***...my problem is convincing my husband there is more than one way to believe. He is a christian and to him nothing else exists. He does not have an open mind at all. To get him to understand is a losing battle for me.
***I come from a Christian background and the few (Pagans) I have been able to talk to have had a very judgmental view on Christianity which upsets me. I'd like to learn more about the Old Ways without cruel commentary on Christianity, as I still hold many Christian beliefs dearly to my heart.
***I am catholic and I am not ready to leave the church and I am trying to figure out how to balance both.
***It is words of wisdom like yours which will truly lead our world to peace; for lack of tolerance for other religions has been the biggest factor for violence throughout time.
I have no desire to pollute the current religions or traditions for those who are happy walking those paths. But there is a definite need to blaze a new trail that will allow those coming from the Christian path to let go of their fear and feel free to explore the beautiful traditions of Wicca or Witchcraft. I also believe that educating Christians about the original teachings of their religion will help them relax and be more tolerant or accepting of those who choose to walk another path. THIS is my true goal. Peace and health be with you all.
I grew up in a Christian faith but it never seemed to "fit" me. It took me a few years to come to realize that I was not comfortable with any one religion, but had in fact taken on a mish-mashed belief system. I then realized that the power does not come from a religion or faith, but in BELIEF. The power comes from believing what you feel is true in your soul. As long as you are true to yourself you will not have a water downed belief system.
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Kardia... I am so pleased that you are undertaking this issue and trying to be a beacon for those with such worries... Although I did not grow up in a "Christian" home, the church was always in my life from a very early age. I guess my one saving grace was that I attended several churches allowing a variety of denominations and beliefs to come my way... Throughout my life though I was always drawn to the old ways... It took several (apx. 44) years to accept the fact that it was ok for me to be able to believe as I do and yes I have accepted that there will always be those who do not agree with the manner in which I have blended my beliefs. Yet never in all my days have I felt more at home and more at peace.
Fortunately I have never been one who will just take ones statement for fact without examining and examining any questions I may have. I truly feel that this is one of the largest obstacles today in regards to this very issue. Spiritualism is a personal journey and the sooner that this is realized the sooner that acceptance for others may be seen... I can no more question anothers path then I would want them to question mine. There are times when I want so much to try and explain the beauty of self soul searching and the wonderful things that can possibly be found in doing so, yet I am always reminded that I also need to temper my views as to not appear overly pushy or pompish. It is a manner of acceptance...
Yet let me say that although I have bred pure breeds (labs)... some of the best dogs I have ever seen, are the pure and simple mutt.... I am proud to call myself the same...
Blessings & Peace
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The path of the Christian Witch for me is a truly Solitary path. I understand the concerns from all sides, but I look at it as an evolution of the two. I don't expect to convert anyone. I truly am taken by all of the Historical research and trying to make some things work, discarding what doesn't and moving on. Spiritually I feel more connected; Ritually I am more involved mentally, spiritually and emotionally and I must say in all humility that the results speak for themselves. Yes I had to get over some monumental humps in the road, like Is the Bible truly the word of God, The whole devil concept, my Catholic up bringing (the guilt trip) as well as looking for approval from others. I can't say it's all that easy but not once did I get hit with lighting,my head hasn't spun around and I have never vomited green.
I have friends who are strict Catholics and even a few Fundies who still try to catch me with something now and again some Pagan friends an Atheist or two New Agers and a few that study witchcraft of a variety of traditions. All of which afford plenty of discussion and debate. I find being a Christian Witch a fulfilling practice in so many ways, that I hope is making me a more involved and evolved person.
Peace and Bright Blessings
Shaun
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This was an awesome blog! My favorite so far. It makes you stop and think. Thank you for taking the time to write these! Blessed Be!
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I was raised in the Christian faith, but knew, even as a young child, that there was something wrong, and that there was more to the story than I was being told. I studied the Bible, the Torah and any other faith that I could, to find the "common thread". I found that "thread" in Wicca. I have been practicing for about 30 years. My extended family was never aware, and I have since stopped any contact with them. My daughters are the only family memebers that know, and one is studying the Craft. The other is still exploring her options.
In reading the Bible, there are many, many veses that confirm my Wiccan beliefs. I believe that it is an important part of our spiritual growth, no matter what path you follow, that you question "the teachings". That is the only way that you will know, "in spirit", what is right for you.
Trying to convince a person who is not open to finding the truth is a waste of energy. It is much easier to let someone tell you what is "true" than to let Spirit guide you to YOUR OWN TRUTH, whether you are Wiccan, Christian or a combination of both.
My "truth" changes constantly as I learn and grow as a human and a spiritual being. I cannot evolve spiritaully, if I am unteachable and not willing to learn.
In saying that, I cannot condemn another person for their beliefs. I cannot make another person believe what I do. Each must find their own path. If a person believes that Chrisianity is the only way, then so be it for them. Jesus said, and I am paraphrasing, "If someone doesn't want to listen, shake them off as you do the dust on your sandles". In other words, don't waste your time on someone who is unteachable. Who knows what Jesus was trying to teach? His words have been translated, rewritten, changed. You can only know by listening to spirit and letting spirit teach and interpret.
My truth is a combination of Wicca and Christianity.
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One of those e-mails was from me, and I thank you deeply for mentioning it.
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I am a practicing Wiccan who has found peace and centering with the Old Ways. I have, on several occasions, looked to various resources when in need of spiritual guidance. For instance, the Angels of the Nine Choirs, the vast array of deities/saints and my ancestors. I listen to the animals as well, they have so much to share.
I believe there was a Christ, a holy man, a healer who simply wished to promote peace and love in the world. This is not the one that the Catholic Church, the religion I was indoctrinated to as a child, has created and perpetuated since its beginnings.
I too have encountered others, Wiccans and non Wiccans, who have given me a puzzled look when they learn of my path, or as I like to call it, the tapestry of my faith. Just as I don't fit into any one category as a person, my faith does not simply slide into a particular mold either. I have adopted this approach: each of us has the right to practice as we see fit, according to our own belief system.
I do not internalize one's negativity about my religion or myself. Nor am I compelled to defend any aspect of me. It is what it is.
In my tradition, I have crossed into the Age of Crone, arriving at a place of completeness and quiet strength, a time of the Elders. My lessons in this life have been many, too many to count. One thing that remains a constant is I can't change people and it is not my responsibility to change them.
I will continue to live my life, being guided by the Great Spirit, doing the best I can for my highest good and all those in my life. I wish you peace and Heaven's blessings.
Namaste,
Marybeth
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One thing some may not have thought of is that the more we know about anothers path and what and how things are taught the more power we have over our fears and gives us a power that some closed minded people will never have.
Our fears can rule us or we can rule over our fears.
What we better understand about others paths makes it easier to speak with someone Spiritually about any topic by seeing their point of view. and in explaining ours to them in ways they ccan better understand
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READ FIRST KARMA no offense but to each there own is a rule inforcing your path or even trying to enlighten the non wiccan will come back. being myself atrue native american/wiccan you should no better then to dabble with others freewill thats a big no no just suggest a book to read but never enforce you path to anyone mother maiden crone, dont mess with free will of others. my husband is a non wiccan nor does he follow my native path but i asked him to read the choice is his ultimatley. Please head this warning read more before your karma debts come. DONT MESS WITH FREE WILL. Trust me I would love for every one in my life to embrace diana, the goddess, and god, but their free will and self aura will ultimatley choose thier path. further more running around screaming hey im wiccan and you should be to gives us a bad name. Im sure you dont want a catholic knockin on your door pushing their path and ways. I am not trying to be harsh I just think you should think of how hard my people native and wiccan have tried so hard not to be pursecuted and we stick to ourselfs to do so. Rammble on to a non follower could cause dangerous out comes. Please consider this in maine indians still cannot buy beer wiskey or any other beverage that has alcohol in it. It is still a law. Witch, redskin, voodoo lady are just some of the names my family has had thrown at us. Real true wiccans pagans and native americans dont yell at the top of a crowd hey im magical. Just recently has paganism and wicca been accepted in certain states as a religion. But their are still rallys against wiccans by the catholics and rallys against native americans by others please dont meddle too much. Here are 2 great writers i suggest picking up their books and reading them last name conway, and gravis. It will help you ubderstand their ae still witch trials and people who if given a way to will stop at nothing to start up a witch hunt. blessed be wolf fire whisper. You can email me at kermitfroggyman@aol.com I am being nice dont read this the wrong way my family has been in this for generations and sharing my wisdom, helping, and protecting others is what i do. email me i think i can help you on your path too at least encouraging you husband and how to plant a seed of an ideal and watch it grow to a path for someone else.-blessed be and please i am friend not foe
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Recently I started going back to church. I may not like everything about my faith, but I have learned how to blend my three practices into one. I tell people that I am more than a Catholic: I am Irish, Italian and American. And each of these three cultures sees being Catholic in a different way.
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