Eclectic Wicca: Encyclopedia - Eclectic Wicca

Eclectic Wicca

Eclectic Wicca is a widely accepted branch of Neopaganism, where followers include any aspects involved in the other traditions. This may include the belief in the Celtic deities as well as deities from other nations and cultures, and a strong belief in Buddhism. At the same time, followers worship the God and Goddess of Wicca. With these ideas, one can choose what they wish to follow, which they feel would be best for their heart, mind, body, and infinite spirit.

One can add and remove certain elements of rituals in this branch, although this is widely controversial within the Neopagan community. The main idea though is to follow whatever one feels will affirm their life, rather than to be locked into a tradition which may be overwhelming or to follow given rules or certain aspects of the tradition which may frighten the practitioner.

A main goal in any way of Eclecticism is balance. Followers aim to take that which was taught and use certain ideas in those teachings as tools toward their spirituality and higher purpose. A free spirit is considered to be a balanced spirit.

The main principle of Eclectic Wicca is that the best of something is what you bring to it; practitioners of Eclectic Wicca often draw on many different spiritualities and traditions, find what suits them, what makes sense to them, from each tradition, and amalgamates it into their belief and practice. An eclectic "witch" might use spells from traditional Gardnerian Wicca, while maintaining Buddhist principles. They might use eclectic witchcraft on a much less universal level, simply selecting spell craft, divinations, meditations, and herb craft to create a spiritual side of their life.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Eclectic Wicca", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki