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Would you and/or do you practice any closed system practices in your paganism? I mean incorporating other religions and practices into your beliefs and practices? I have heard from some more pc people that this is cultural appropriation. Others do whatever works, ie taking bits and pieces from everything and anything that works.
I personally am eclectic but try to stay away from closed practices if I know what I am doing (I should say). I would say this topic is not controversial to me but some might find it to be. For instance I in addition to being an eclectic witch I go to services at a Unitarian Universalist church. One of the "ministers" or should I say a board member in the past made us take down our traditional day of the dead altar and put it in a side room to not offend anyone. The last I knew most of the congregation where white liberal folk who did participate in the day of the dead altar by putting pictures of deceased loved ones on the altar.
Another example is a friend who incorporates voodoo into her witchery. I guess I personally don't have a problem with it but I thought that was a closed practice as well.
Anyway I like to come to this page and was wondering if anyone had an opinion on this topic.
Interesting question. I do like to learn the ways of thinking of other cultures that resonate with me, but I think I try to be sensitive to acting as if I'm part of that culture.
I agree TMS. I find it disturbing that suddenly people can't explore other cultures and/or utilize what works in their culture, particularly when it comes to spiritual practice. There's nothing new under the sun, and in spirituality it all leads back to a creator, whatever we perceive that creator to be. In spirituality, people usually believe in some sort of creator. It's foolish to claim ownership of something just because it's attributed to a race or a culture.
I also agree with MQ that it's wise to avoid acting as if I'm part of that culture. But that doesn't preclude me utilizing what I might find in that particular culture or religion.
Most people on this forum are older and we remember a time when we didn't have to deal with being accused of cultural appropriation. I find it insulting, entitled and frankly, annoying. That doesn't mean that I don't respect that race or culture it just means that I believe they don't own it. (I know there are many who disagree.)
I think it depends on respect and appreciation for the culture. As an example, think of dreamcatchers, an item with a spiritual meaning to some indigenous people. If a non-indigenous person feels drawn to the idea of the dreamcatcher and wants to keep one, that is one thing.
If somebody buys one at a craft fair to hang from their car rear-view mirror because they think it makes them look cool, it's another.
Good example. It seems like decades ago dreamcatchers became popular. I remember that the nicer ones, even the small ones, were rather expensive. I can remember wanting to buy them for my kids or friends. Back then it wasn't considered cultural appropriation. Perhaps it was outwardly a pleasing visual, and inwardly (subconsciously) a connection with the sacred.
Good example. It seems like decades ago dreamcatchers became popular. I remember that the nicer ones, even the small ones, were rather expensive. I can remember wanting to buy them for my kids or friends. Back then it wasn't considered cultural appropriation. Perhaps it was outwardly a pleasing visual, and inwardly (subconsciously) a connection with the sacred.
A friend of mine, knowing my bf liked indigenous spirituality even though he was not indigenous himself, once sent along a cheesy, made-in-China plastic dreamcatcher she saw in the dollar store. It was wrong on so many levels, but I brought it to him and we had a good laugh over it. Her intentions were good.
LOL yes, she meant well. I remember 40 years ago when my daughter was an infant I wanted a really nice one for her bedroom. They were so expensive I didn't buy one. Kind of wish I had done because they do age well.
I think it depends on respect and appreciation for the culture. As an example, think of dreamcatchers, an item with a spiritual meaning to some indigenous people. If a non-indigenous person feels drawn to the idea of the dreamcatcher and wants to keep one, that is one thing.
If somebody buys one at a craft fair to hang from their car rear-view mirror because they think it makes them look cool, it's another.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mightyqueen801
A friend of mine, knowing my bf liked indigenous spirituality even though he was not indigenous himself, once sent along a cheesy, made-in-China plastic dreamcatcher she saw in the dollar store. It was wrong on so many levels, but I brought it to him and we had a good laugh over it. Her intentions were good.
Quote:
Originally Posted by pathrunner
LOL yes, she meant well. I remember 40 years ago when my daughter was an infant I wanted a really nice one for her bedroom. They were so expensive I didn't buy one. Kind of wish I had done because they do age well.
Although I have not done so, I would imagine crafting your own dreamcatcher would bring one closer to an understanding of this indigenous functional art form. It would also make the most personalized "hands on" dreamcatcher one could hope for, maybe the best at functioning for that person's dreams.
Loads of "how to" instructional pages and videos out there, some actually made by indigenous people, tribal members, etc. with more "natural" products.
One video that caught my eye is on Youtube by the "Indigenous, Family Literacy Circle"
Thats a great idea. Especially nowadays with more resources of various kinds available.
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