Eclecticism

The word "eclectic" seems to have been taken over by the "eclectic" Wiccans who exist. Some of the ways these "Wiccans" use the word is ridiculous to me.....especially since some Wiccans "eclecticize" their path to the point that they are no longer honestly following a Wiccan path. Wicca has boundaries within it's belief system and magickal practise, so one has to be careful when calling oneself an "eclectic" Wiccan. This is true when following any established tradition of religion. Be careful with the label you put on your "eclectic" path. If you are so eclectic, are you really still a Wiccan?

I'm a solitary Pagan. I don't follow a particular path. I follow my own, draw from many traditions, as well as create my own beliefs and practises. That's why I use the word "eclectic" to describe my beliefs.

I have actually been told by a few people, and have read elsewhere, that being an eclectic Pagan is insulting to our ancestors, to cultural traditions, and also to the powers of the universe. I've also been told that an extreme eclectic's path is meaningless because it isn't honoring cultural history and practises. Such interesting accusations. I, certainly, don't believe these statements and I find them moronic. I believe that only you can decide what is an acceptable path for you. Who- other than you- can say for certain what is good for you, what is right for you? That would be my first question. My second question would be: who truly knows what spiritual path is acceptable to the universal powers?

I stand behind each eclectic Pagan one-hundred percent. No one can decide for you what religion is "acceptable to the ancestors" or worthy of acceptance by the universe. No one can tell you whether or not your beliefs are meaningless or insulting to the powers that be. No one can tell you what amount of eclecticism is acceptable. Our ancestors established many different spiritual paths, true. But does this mean that we must stop searching ourselves and be satisfied with the spiritual discoveries of people of the past? What an incredible limit that places on us- on our spirits and our powers.
Learning what you can about every religion and practise is wise. But restricting yourself to one path and believing that spiritual innovation is meaningless- that is pure ignorance, in my opinion. The path to spiritual enlightenment is not defined by our ancestors or any established cultural traditions. Your path to spiritual enlightenment passes through you, and ultimately, you must define that path by searching within, as well as without.

I'm not saying that anyone following a particular, specific religion is stupid or won't ever reach spiritual enlightenment. And I'm not saying that following an "established" religion can't be fulfulling or that I don't respect those people who follow specific religions and traditions. I absolutely DO respect those people. I'm saying that only you can define your path, and you are not limited only to the discoveries and understanding of others. You can establish your own path in whatever way satisfies your spirit. For you, that might mean choosing to create your own path.