Will someone help me with a word?

Question

I don't have a word for what I believe and practice. I am Pagan, but Pagan is just an umbrella term for many different paths. I want a specific word like the Wiccans and Druids have. OK, here is what I believe and practice:

God/dess is like a diamond. I don't think God/dess actually is a diamond, but the diamond analogy works the best. Each facet of the diamond represents a belief. Christianity has a facet, Wicca has a facet, Druidry has a facet, etc. Each facet is separate and unique, yet it's all part of the one diamond.

As for what I practice, I use my personal energy to travel dimensions, to access the ether, to form and use spiritual weapons and shields, and to walk in another's mind and inner worlds. I also use powers from my patron goddess, Bastet. I also follow your basic Pagan tenets, such as reincarnation and divination.

So, what is my word? Does my path have a word, or am I going to have to make one up? Suggestions?

Thank you!

I looked up pantheism, and that really doesn't fit me. I do believe in higher powers, in deities, but the website for pantheism said that pantheists don't believe in spiritual beings or powers, and I do.

Answer 1

Eclectic does seem like it might fit, but that's a bit vague too. You might want to look at panentheism - it's got some of the pantheistic view but still maintains a belief in transcendent deities.

Some people prefer the term "Seeker" for someone who doesn't really fit in any particular religion.

Answer 2

Dear you are a pantheist... You are confusing pantheism & the pantheist movement...they are different...here is a proper definition...
Pantheism
First published Tue Jun 4, 1996; substantive revision Tue Jan 31, 2006
Pantheism is a metaphysical and religious position. Broadly defined it is the view that (1) "God is everything and everything is God … the world is either identical with God or in some way a self-expression of his nature" (Owen 1971: 74). Similarly, it is the view that (2) everything that exists constitutes a "unity" and this all-inclusive unity is in some sense divine (MacIntyre 1967: 34). A slightly more specific definition is given by Owen (1971: 65) who says (3) "‘Pantheism’ … signifies the belief that every existing entity is, only one Being; and that all other forms of reality are either modes (or appearances) of it or identical with it." Even with these definitions there is dispute as to just how pantheism is to be understood and who is and is not a pantheist. Aside from Spinoza, other possible pantheists include some of the Presocratics; Plato; Lao Tzu; Plotinus; Schelling; Hegel; Bruno, Eriugena and Tillich. Possible pantheists among literary figures include Emerson, Walt Whitman, D.H. Lawrence, and Robinson Jeffers. Beethoven (Crabbe 1982) and Martha Graham (Kisselgoff 1987) have also been thought to be pantheistic in some of their work — if not pantheists.
The book recognized as containing the most complete attempt at explaining and defending pantheism from a philosophical perspective is Spinoza's Ethics, finished in 1675 two years before his death. In 1720 John Toland wrote the Pantheisticon: or The Form of Celebrating the Socratic-Society in Latin. He (possibly) coined the term "pantheist" and used it as a synonym for "Spinozist." However, aside from some interesting pantheistic sounding slogans (like "Every Thing is to All, as All is to Every Thing"), and despite promising "A short Dissertation upon a Two-fold philosophy of the Pantheists" Toland's work has little to do with pantheism

Answer 3

I suggest that your first paragraph answers your question. Pagan being an umbrella term for many different paths, which is what you proclaim to be following.

Other than that, there is no known term that is specific to a wide range of beliefs.

That in essence, is akin to the fact that we have many doctors that specialize in a particular practice. Then you have a term that defines a practitioner of many different practices, which I believe to be a DMD. So in essence, you are wanting to recreate the wheel to satisfy your own particular description of your believe system, which is multifaceted, much like a diamond, and I salute you in seeking a more focused and more defined description of your beliefs and practices.

I commend you on your obvious elevated level of IQ and knowledge pertaining to a vast expanse of beliefs and practices.

You truly think outside the bun and I like yourself, share a similar viewpoint and practice a multifaceted range of arts, from Tai Chi, and Chi Gung, to using my collective powers in manifesting and creating material possessions and predetermined events for the good of all mankind.

It was my humble pleasure in having the opportunity of communicating with you; albeit one way in providing an answer and I always prefer an interactive exchange as I never learn anything while talking.

My best approach, in providing a special word for you would be,

*FREE SPIRIT*


May the force be with you forever and always,

Darryl S.

Answer 4

I don't think you need a label. What you have described is the idea of a 'paradigm'. A paradigm is a useful way of thinking about something, or looking at something. In that context, scientific theories, for example, can be regarded as paradigms. Strive to eliminate 'beliefs' from your self-description. Beliefs are an insidious mind-killer... they cut one off from the open-minded consideration of alternative possibilities. Replace beliefs with paradigms.

I think that you need to reverse the way you are thinking about this... reverse your analogy. Rather than thinking of the different facets of your metaphorical diamond as different aspects of the same thing, think of yourself as being inside the diamond, and each facet representing a different window through which you can view reality... a different paradigm. The view from each window is different... none of them provide a complete picture... but each one shows you a different aspect of reality.

Good luck and happy searching.

Before I go, I'd like to share with you my personal definition of 'metaphysics': "The blind leading the stupid into the unknown, on a quest for the unfathomable." The point?... don't make the mistake of equating your interpretations of what you experience with 'truth'. It is the experience that matters.. not our interpretation of it. We are not equipped to experience fundamental reality directly... nor are we wired properly to interpret it.

Answer 5

I'm sorry that I don't have an actual answer for you, but I just want to say that I think it's really cool that you're following your own path and the other people on here who are judging you are just not as open minded as the rest of us. I really liked that analogy that you used, and I hope that you find the name that you are looking for. Or, just be unique, make up your own name. Good Luck!

Answer 6

There isn't enough detail for me to be able to fully discern your beliefs. You do sound Wiccan. The "diamond" analogy is discussed by Silver Ravenwolf, someone I recommend you stay away from (Raymond Buckland is much better, and when you're ready, look into Aleister Crowley...)

You're probably able to be referred to as an eclectic Wiccan. The fact that you travel through other dimensions and use weapons leads me to believe that the Fae/Faerie path might be yours.

Blessed be, daughter of the earth.

Answer 7

I think you don't need to account for the beliefs of others in your own, it just waters them down. As in all things, there are far more ways to be wrong than there are to be right. If you believe something, stand by it and don't be afraid to believe others incorrect.

As for a name, it sounds most like full on Witchcraft, but that has negative cannotations that you may prefer to avoid. What's wrong with Bastetation?

Answer 8

The word for that is eclectic pagan.
Eclectic pagans vary a lot in their beliefs. They like to study a lot of different paths and take what they find works.
I'm eclectic as well.

Answer 9

Read He Came to Set the Captives Free. She has the words in there that you need.

Answer 10

Call it "The cut diamond theroy".

But I must admit, I don't agree with it.

Chirstianity and Paganism are totally opposite in many aspects.