Jason posted under the same title here and makes excellent points. I will let you read his statements on your own.
Basically, this is about the on-line wars and name calling between those of various traditions or various initiatory statuses versus the eclectic or sole practitioner that has not been trained within a tradition but calls themselves by names and titles that make it look like they have been.
I've participated in both sides of this argument. Frankly, the argument is misleading. This argument falls into my theory of true lies (aka Robert's poison logic). The argument goes like this. "We" are [insert initiatory tradition here]. We've been through hell and back. We have marks placed on our aura's that can be seen by those with the sight. We've ripped our hearts out for [insert God/Goddess name here]. We've earned our names/titles. These people have no idea what it means to be [insert trad here]" These are true statements.
The other side says, "My spirituality is just as valid as anyone else's. I've officiated public circles for years. I've formed groups. I have taught. How dare you say I can't call myself high priestess?" These are true statements.
The third side says, "I've read a book once, why can't I call my self high priestess?" This is um er well, um, that is, errrrr, okay, true to the speaker.
These true statements hide something else.
The Nature of the Real Problem
The problem isn't what it seems. Every side of this sees the other side as arrogant. This pretty much makes everyone correct but that isn't the real the real problem. The real problem is ignorance.
I spend a lot of time in Bakersfield, CA. They have a wonderful little community there. Everyone appears to be very respectful of everyone else. There are a lot of public working groups, eclectic covens and the like. However, I haven't seem much in the way of initiatory traditions there but there are a few Golden Dawn members. One of them went through some spectacular and public initiatory issues. As that was hashed out, others gained a bit of an understanding on the trials initiatory groups go through. As more of this happens over time, the Bakersfield folks will become more cognizant of the differences in types of practices. Unless someone goes all "trad" on them, they'll gain a level of respect for what various initiatory groups go through.
On the other hand, it is up the initiatory groups to learn what the eclectics and solitaries go through. Those paths are not without their bumps and bruises. This is especially true for their leadership. Magick always takes it toll. There are always lessons to be learned.
If we take some time to learn about each other and respect the various spiritual 'specialties' of the trads as well as respect the service provided to the gods by the devotionals, eclectics and witches of various stripes, we will all get along much better. This will afford us the opportunity to grow in accordance with our natures rather than spend energy on this useless topic.
1 comment:
This is one of the few instances where I can see the wisdom behind swearing an initiatory group to secrecy. It rather circumvents the urge to lash out with the "we are better than you because _____" statements. Other groups "getting it wrong" and claiming "false" titles, etc, stop being an issue because you completely remove yourself and your group from the situation. People who don't like it have to learn to deal with it, and there's value in learning when not to start meaningless sniping.
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