Pagans- How do we move past the fluff movement?

Question

Okay, so we've established that it's likely that most of us went through that "fluffy bunny" stage when we started out- most of us as adolescents. So how do we move past that? For myself, personally, I find it hard to answer this question when a younger person who's been practicing all of about two years comes to me and presents me with this question. Anyone have any suggestions for advanced reading? (And if I see one more Silver Ravenwolf advocate, I'm going to scream...)

I certainly agree with both of you... it's difficult because they think that if it's not in a book then it's not real. and it's kinda like their missing the whole point of the craft...

Mana- I agree. I have the entire Element Book collection (well worth the $130). But some complain it's too hard to read... i think they're just being lazy

Answer 1

by fluffy bunnies - i guess you mean happy-happy rainbows and white lights and butterfly fairies - LOL - I think we all know and sense the dark mystery of the magickal path, and some of us, originally were lured by its scent, its mystique....

TO THE NEOPHYTES AND SEEKERS

I believe its an intrical part of the journey as a witch to understand the light work, and because it is the softest, it is the easiest for us to intergrate. also, it opens up the portals for you to begin advancing if the path ahead of you, continues to feel right for you.



THE GODDESS....will call upon you when it is your time to learn the dark or grey work of the veil that is yourself - And dark does not mean dangerous, or forbidden....it means, the hidden, or the unseen, that which is not perceivable with the eyes or any of the physical sense.

Work towards understanding the true nature of a witch, our history before christianity, and the deeper meanings of our practises - Once you can understand the deeper meaning, you will know you are already there!

Seek the mystery in all, and the connection of everything, every moment and every thought. Dark and Light are shadows of each other, one does not exist without the other, they are polarities.....

When you have learned the teachings of light(bunnies) - you will be equipted with many powerful torches that will guide you through the dark when your journey meets it!

)o( BLSSD B )o(

Answer 2

Scott Cunningham's books are good to start with, but I think he oversimplifies a few things, downplays the power of ritual, tools, and initiations a bit too much, and doesn't get into modern Neopagan history, which I feel is one of the essentials. He's not quite as bad as some, and an author I often recommend. But there is a difference in my mind between "Zen Wicca" and "Fluff Bunnie Wicca." The one boils the Craft down to its essentials while maintaining its sincerity and integrity. The other pretty much makes up whatever it feels like with no underlying basis to it, and calls it "Wicca." I would consider Cunningham more on the Zen side than the Fluffy side. But the biggest problem with Fluffy Wiccans is that they've never gotten past their Old Aeon ideas about religion in the first place. Most of them are still so deeply mired in Dualism, they can't get past the ideas of Good/Evil, Light/Dark, Positive/Negative, and they're afraid to do any real magick, or read any author that challenges these notions. I could probably, if I put my mind to it, write a good basic "Zen Wicca" book -- a simple, accessible version, without being Fluff. Tahuti, I accept your challenge!

Answer 3

The Fluffy Bunnies, Whoopie Witches, etc. are always with
us. Some are just starry-eyed, "I think I'm a Witch" types, who
will flounce around for a couple of months or years, and then
want to "be" someone else. They've seen TV or movies,
where objects are moved with the mind, there's always a
handsome hunk of either sex hanging about, and evil is
conquered by a wave of the hand and un unintelligible chant.
Once they find out that the Craft involves study, work,
doing, working more, studying more......well, you get the
idea, they either roll up their sleeves, get busy, and get
real---- or they go eeeeeeiiiiiyyyyyuuuuu! and trot off to
the next thing.
So, I would guess we'll see them always. And may they
either get it together, or stay out of the like, y'know, man,
way. (As I heard one of them say, ad nauseum)
And I just love Scott Cunningham; his Solitary Practitioner
teaches me something more every time I read it.
Blessed Be.

Answer 4

Advanced reading is hard to find......
But I suggest The Elements Book of 5000 spells I discovered so much in that book.....
It has some introduction stuff but also has some advanced things with in..
I still find myself turning to the book when I become stumped.

Answer 5

If you're referring to craft, you'll either need to do a lot of self-study, or you'll have to find someone willing to teach you. [Or the sort of people you are referring to]

The reading material is out there.

And most old timers aren't interest in taking the responsibility that comes with teaching craft.

Edited in:

OG has spoken serious wisdom and truth below my post. Makes me want to duck and cover.

Answer 6

I dont think the fluffy age group has the attention span to carry out such complex philosophies and energy work. When they realize they cant throw magic fire balls and what truly intense work it is, I believe they will lose interest and move on to something less mentally stimulating like what color lipstick to wear on Friday night. Peace

Answer 7

Well, stop posting our questions in mythology and come to R&S like the rest of us for one thing. ;)
Scott Cunningham is great place to deprogram Ravenwolf. That woman is a menace.

Answer 8

It is just a matter of maturing spiritually. The time will eventually come when the realization that goodness and light is good as an ideal but life in the real world does require us from time to time one must do something to harm one for your own protection. And to realize that there is no such thing as white magic and black magic, it is just magic which is merely the manipulating of energy.

Answer 9

If you are truly committed to your lifestyle as a legitimate religion and not just as a way for adolescent "fluffy bunnies" to get even with mom and dad why isn't this question in religion and spirituality instead of mythology and folklore?

Answer 10

I as a Teen Witch have to admit i went through the "Fluff moment" as well, it actually 'cause me not to be able to cast EFFECTIVE spells i was like grounded, but ...i actually overcame it by casting a healing spell on someone and it just felt so , cant explain but i felt like it really worked. it felt very strong