Comments on: Syncretism as Religion

By: Little City Witch

Little City Witch — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 00:19:15 +0000

Just wanted to say that I really love this post. A LOT. I’m a syncretic witch as well and I do agree, it’s one of those things that’s hard to “come out” about! Feel free to email me if you have the time, I’d love to engage in a dialogue about being a syncretic witch. Haven’t been able to find that many of us. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us! Blessings. xx

By: Mugami

Mugami — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 18:42:12 +0000

Hey. It’s been awhile. I thought I’d add another thought:
Every Necromancer that i’ve met that can katabase beyond the hells and heavens are syncretic afterwards. It is always their turning point, when they look back at The Veil. And I’ll tell you what people never change. The first time I saw a soapbox prophet in The Lands of The Ascended Dead (or whatever you want to call it) I was agasp at the very concept. Now I laugh as I realize that these Dead are just as zealotous and incredulous as they were while alive. I do find it odd that a lot of christians turn what appears to be some form a buhhdist after they’re done with their hells. I don’t understand why there. And I was talking to Raphael a while back and he showed me this whole island where The Dead are just wasting all their time praying. We had a chuckle after I figured out his point about it. Which brings me to Ariane. The “I” is “us” thing is a very hard concept for most people to understand. And even harder still to Know rather than just believe. What helps me is watching Souls reincarnate, so if you ever learn to katabase beyond The Veil and make it out the other side; just sit on some bench near the edge of an island and just watch them fly past. It’s very soothing. Sometimes it’s good to be a psychopomp.

By: Ariane

Ariane — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 21:51:56 +0000

I just stumbled upon your blog a few days ago, love reading it!

I think the reason a lot of people oppose syncretism is because they have also lost sight of what binds all humans together. You talk about things like seeing the sun rise, nature, well I’m a city dweller (sadly) and where I live there is no sunrise, sure it happens, but it is hard to see between all the buildings.
All humans are connected, but one has to experience this first to believe it, otherwise there is only the separate “I” and the “rest of the world”

Sometimes, our western society, being the way it is makes me sad because of this reason.

By: mugami

mugami — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 21:05:36 +0000

Also, though I’m guessing the question was largely rhetorical, the reason neopagans are mostly…vehement, is because they are immersed within the influence of christians, muslims, and jews. Whether through their parents or society, the closemindedness and incredulity is a carry over from them. Thus, their wankerish attitudes.
Sardonic, if you think about how hypocritical it is.

By: mugami

mugami — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 12:17:08 +0000

And here, you were worried for nothing.
I don’t dain to think this was because you read my blog, but if I did influence you, I’m glad.
Inner Strength is knowing one’s self and being able to hold onto that, express that, regardless of outside criticism and pressures.
I hope you feel a little more at ease in the skin you’re lining in. I’m glad you have such unincredulous attendees to your blog, by the way. I found that quite refreshing. A sweet bunch really.

By: Sarah

Sarah — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 18:15:29 +0000

Great response Amanda, hear hear!

By: Amanda

Amanda — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 04:01:38 +0000

Great post. And great topic to bring up. A friend here in Montreal did her MA thesis on syncretism and Paganism. I think she had no problem finding syncretic Pagans (is that even a term?!), and if I recall conversations correctly she seemed to find syncretism in many individual or group practices/beliefs, even if it wasn’t necessarily labeled that way by those engaged in it.

I think many Pagans forget that our roots are syncretic (as you pointed out). For example Wicca: Even if you believe Gardner was initiated into a traditional coven, he clearly drawed from many sources beyond that training when he passed along the lore and rituals he taught as Wicca. Some of his inspirations were influenced by theosophy, itself syncretic (if you ask me). Feri tradition from the Andersons…. hugely syncretic; and even very encouraging of syncretism. If it works use it.

I’m not convinced that syncretism must mean ‘reconciling’ multiple (usually 2) distinct philosophies though (although I’m no anthropologist). I believe it is more working with, following, or using them deeply in a meaningful way. Sometimes reconciling aspects of multiple philosophies is not possible. However, it may be possible to hold multiple, essentially conflicting beliefs and know them all to be True. (Ah, the blade of paradox.) In think in the west we have a tendency to want to reconcile ideas, or choose one over another. My observation is that in the east, people don’t appear to have this need as deeply (Hinduism anyone?). Same thing from my understanding of many indiginous traditions. What is, is.

I love this topic and could ramble its many tangents for hours. I wish you were in my living room with a cup of tea right now. We’d be having a wonderful discussion, I’m sure!

By: hidingplainsight

hidingplainsight — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 19:43:47 +0000

“I am a syncretist and an animist. ”

Oh, Huzzah! So very well and beautifully said. I’m so glad you ventured.

By: Carolina González

Carolina González — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 08:49:15 +0000

Slammed? This is a GORGEOUS post!!!

I know well what you mean though – I get regular insulting emails about not being a “true” santería practitioner because I do not follow the hierarchy or belong to a specific Santería church – and of course for being a very ecclectic practitioner too. Not that I care a bit! Syncretism is the response to those pagans who do not need to “belong” to anything to practise, teach and live a spiritual life.

By: Sarah

Sarah — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 00:17:48 +0000

Thanks for your response! I read through a few of the more recent posts on your blog and I definitely feel your pain. For years I was torn between traditional Scottish witchcraft, hoodoo & Vodou, and shamanism… thanks to syncretism and Vicia I managed to reconcile them all without cultural “mis”appropriation.

On another note, I think you will be able to reconcile your love of Druidry with your love of Hellenismos. You will find Hecate in the Celtic tradition, she is just harder to uncover because of all the lore of the Celts that was lost. My key to finding her was in the name of a little-known Scots goddess Nicnevin. Through her you will be able to find the Celtic Hecate in the Irish, Welsh and Scottish pantheons. Never forget her triple form… it makes it harder to uncover her ancient names.

Blessings on your path,
Slainte!
Sarah