Several years ago a friend of mine decided to explore her spirituality and she was attracted to learning more about the Craft. Her travels led her to a New Age store in the city where she lived which was run by 2 ladies. She got chatting and was telling them how she felt particularly called to witchcraft. Then she was delivered the news… if she wanted to be a witch she’d have to be a Wiccan and give up her existing belief system.
That sent her into a panic. She hadn’t realised that being a witch meant giving up her faith and turning her back on the belief system which was the foundation of her life. She was born a Jew, raised a Jew, married a Jew and her whole family life revolved around Judaism.
Leaving this part of her life behind wasn’t an option.
One aspect of Paganism which I really enjoy is not being locked into a particular belief system and having the option to blend ideas as I see fit. I know there are some hardcore witches out there who have very set ways and rules as to what makes a witch. This isn’t exclusive to Paganism – all religions have their fanatics.
But I’ve seen first hand how religions and belief systems, seemingly from opposite ends of the spectrum, can work together quite nicely.
You see, what you probably don’t know about me is that I’m a Pastor’s wife.
My husband who wears his pentagram with pride, astral travels like it’s going out of fashion, debates with me on whether the Gods are ancient aliens or not and is equally obsessed as I am with Tarot studied Theology at a Christian university, is an ordained Baptist Minister and had his own church back in the States.
He just thinks of Christianity as another pantheon to add to his Pagan way of looking at the world.
He’s never felt the need to be in an either/or position. And it really doesn’t bother me if there are Bibles amongst our magick books. Each to their own path.
It would have saved my Jewish friend a lot of angst if the shop owners hadn’t been so black and white with their advice.
How do you feel about pick and mix witchery? Do you believe the blending of mainstream religions with Paganism to be a good thing or something that should be avoided? Are you a pick and mixer yourself?
Wow- blown away by the thought of your husband being a Baptist minister! I went to a Baptist private school and I assumed pretty much all Baptists were rabid fundamentalists- at least they seemed to be in my neck of the woods. Did he come up against much opposition in the church?
Sorry- I know it's off the subject of your blog.
I think all faith is gonna have an element of pic and mix to it, I think the *big three* just don't talk about it as much, like the parishioners would nod and privately disagree with the pastor, rabbi or whatever. I think pagans are more vocal about it because we don't have a book to thump and point to make our points like the others do.
On the one hand I think everyone should be able to fashion their faith as they see fit, but on the other hand I *do* get kinda pissed off with newbies (for want of a better word) that spout what I feel is a load of bollocks, which I'm sure you're more than aware happens in the pagan world. Yep. That's me. Hypocrite.
Hi Elle,
I didn't know him back in the days when he had a church but from the stories it seems he's always been an non-traditionalist. He preferred to encourage free thinking and personal interpretations of scripture which is probably why his church career wasn't destined to be a life-long
Blessings
Lyn
Fantastic post. To be honest, this is the first time I've heard of a situation where one was told she'd have to give up her existing belief system to become a Witch (or Wiccan.) Maybe it's because I have been a solitary witch most of my life and when involved in a group situation, it wasn't "formal" as in initiation.
To be completely honest, while I don't like the idea of anyone insisting one give up anything to be part of a religion (too cult-ish for me) I think that in most cases, some changes in beliefs has to happen – but it all depends on how rigid one is in their beliefs. Ok, for instance, let's suppose a Christian moves towards Paganism but wants to keep some of his Christian beliefs. I do think that if the Christian is flexible and open minded enough (like your husband) and is, at heart a polytheist, then he would be happy to add Jesus to the "mix." (by the way, this is why so many Catholics make an easy transition – you know, because of the saints – not to mention the Holy Mother)
But a hard-core Christian who sees Jesus as the only true God and all others impostors would have a very hard time with Paganism. In my own research comparing the different Pagan gods/goddesses from various cultures I find such similarities in the deities and the belief systems that it's rather easy to pick and mix them – but if you come from and want to retain a more rigid belief system I wonder if it would be possible to really be true to either belief system? Again, your husband seems much looser in his beliefs and also seems to have a love of theology so he is open to considering many options – that is rather rare in Christian circles.
I agree with you Aine. Although probably a hardcore Christian (or hardcore anything for that matter) wouldn't even entertain the idea of exploring other paths.
Witchcraft is a practice, not a belief. There are Wiccan witches, Christian witches, Jew witches (Jewitch!), Buddhist witches, etc. Think of all those horrendous witch killings in Africa – they aren't Wiccans, they are tribal people practicing their own form of witchcraft and/or Christian witches (or just innocents being labeled such for nefarious purposes).
As for "Pick and Mix" as you call it, to me that implies mixing religions. No one can tell you right or wrong with that, that has to come from your heart. (I do like to offer a warning though when one wants to mix pantheons, to know the Goddesses/Gods they are invoking, since not everyone plays well together. LOL)
As for people who are Jewitches, there are MANY out there who have no problem – think of the famous author and founder of Reclaiming, Starhawk.
Topaz I love your advice about mixing pantheons. Something everyone should consider when doing their 'pick and mixing'!
As far as I'm concerned, "pick and mix" is the way to go! We are all responsible for finding what "fits" us spiritually and I think, by definition, that means something different for everyone. How can you go wrong taking the best from whatever spiritual tradition resonates with you? There is truth to be found everywhere.
Exactly! We share the same sentiments Debra
I feel badly for your Jewish friend who was told she had to give up everything she believed to be a Witch. There are hard=nosed pagans around, just as in all religious practices. I am a solitary WIccan. I have elements from a broad range of beliefs that I include in my practice. Some things maybe other Wiccans would not agree with, especially Coven Wiccans who traditionally have structured guidelines. One thing I like about being a solitary Wiccan is that I am not obligated to follow a particular structured way, that I can choose how I practice my Witchcraft, how I practice my religion. I may not do things the way some witches do, but as long as I follow the basics of the Wiccan faith: harm none, I feel I am as legitimate a Witch as the next. I do not think Pagans can claim ownership of any one practice, or call others Fluffy Bunnies, or state, "you arent a witch unless you do this or that. I love the God and the Goddess, and my life is about honoring them, this Earth of ours, and all upon it. And I respect all others who follow their paths, and their hearts, whatever their choices are. For me that is the Wiccan Way and if others feel the need to bring in elements from their prior religions, if it works for them, go for it. Sometimes I think there is too much judgement of others amongs Pagans.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Robin. I also agree with you about there beign too much judgement amongst Pagans – wish we could all live and let live *sigh* x
I posted recently about combining Judaism and being a pagan. Sue from "Pieces of Fate" told me there's such a thing as a "Jewitch", lol…The same patriarchal, dogmatic b.s. was cast on your friend as the major religions seem to do. I'm very much of an eclectic witch and when I first started consciously on my path I might have been upset and dismayed too that I had to worship in a certain way. Although, I never have been a faithful Jew. I think if this path is really meant for her, she'll find a way to combine the two faiths or three faiths, etc…She's blessed to have a friend and a guide like you to show her that it's not just black or white and that there are gray witch's ; )
I found out about Jewitchery when my friend was told it was either Judaism or Wicca. I didn't have a clue until then! There are some fantastic blogs out there on Jewitchery – which just goes to show what can be done when the lines become blurred
I personally am a mixer, since I didn't have a lot of info when I began, I really just read tons and picked out what I felt fit with me. It was not until later that I discovered that this was actually how most pagan/wiccans actually build their own faith, I figured I could believe whatever I wanted and I did, I just figured I was one of the few rather than one of the many. I am glad to know that things did work out for your friend, I hope I can save someone from such a black and white belief structure as well.
Blessings
I am a pick and mixer because I have way too many interests not to be! First, I am part American Indian – Cherokee and am interested in the "old ways" of my ancestors. I am very proud of this. I also am very attracted to VooDoo (pick your spelling) as it is a very balanced practice. I am also from a Scotch/Irish background and well you can't get away from all kinds of cool witchy-ness, pagan-ness, etc. I am learning about all things. I am also fond of Buddhism as it is very peaceful and I read Buddhist books or articles or quotes when I feel the need for some peace. I could never be Buddhist as it would be too difficult. But I do like a lot of the different facets of several religions and/or practices. I'm also attracted to Catholicism because I am interested in Angels and Saints. But also throw in the fairies and Cherokee Little People and I'm a happy camper! I welcome it all! You can never learn too much. I choose to mix my interests/beliefs and do not claim any one specific religion. I usually just tell people who may ask that "Yes I believe in God, but I also believe in Mother Nature!" That pretty much covers it! LOL
T-Dear (Bandhura)
When you think about it, mixing the "established" religions in with your Pagan/Witchy believes is not that strange after all… I know witches who work with Maria and different Saints, and it seems to work, so – why not?
Everyone who says, "Of course you can find spiritual fullfilment, but you will have to follow our way (and ours alone)" is nothing better than those who burnt the witches some centuries ago…
Taking the good things about a religion or belief system and leaving out the bad is a good thing. Especially if it makes you feel good and makes you a better person, I would say go for it!
PS: I am listening to some pick-and-mix Christmas music right now: Chinese instruments playing some Christmas ditty or other. Quite… ehm…. strange!
It is so refreshing and empowering to find a discussion without the usual "you must do it this way or you are not a (insert title/belief system here). I've been rather disenchanted (no pun intended) by so many pagan blogs and websites that are more about "tearing down" and criticism that edifying people and supporting their particular path of spirituality.
I was raised in the deep South, and was surrounded by people who – and this is no joke – thought others were "going to Hell" simply because they didn't go to the SAME DENOMINATION. Meaning, they were Church of Christ and they were certain the Methodists were bound for the Fiery Pit. I'm not trying to denigrate Christians, or the Church of Christ denomination, but this illustrates the point of rigidity in all faiths, and speaks to how fortunate you are to have found a partner that thinks more Universally than specifically. The Baptists here in the USA are just about as rigid as they come.
Thanks for the wonderful blog. I'm going to become a frequent visitor, I'm sure.
I am definitely a Pick & Mix Witch. I don't follow a specific path or tradition, I like to mix up the energies and make my practices completely personal. I honor Freyja, Aradia and Brigid and I go with my intuition when it comes to their worship. My husband is Catholic. We've been told a hundred times over that our marriage will fail because of our different religions but it's never been a problem. He jumps head first into rituals with me and helps with the Sabbats and I go to Church with him and all of that.