Comments on: What is a Solitary Eclectic Wiccan?

By: Danielle

Danielle — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 01:14:55 +0000

Jerome thank you so much for posting this, I like others that have commented here am strongly drawn in this direction. Last night after I found various articles on the difference between Wicca and Paganism and then finding a term I’d never heard of “Eclectic Witch” I clicked on the link, read the article and knew I had found my new spiritual home. Strange but it was like the whole world lifted off of me, that’s a great feeling

I love it that you had mentioned twice about Scott Cunningham’s book ~ Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner. I had purchased that a couple yrs ago, I’ve read it about half way thru. I will Definitely finish it in the next few days. I know this is an old article but thanks again for posting it

By: Chelserrs

Chelserrs — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:50:08 +0000

Jerome,
Thank you so much for the information i will most certainly take your advice and follow my heart
-C-

By: Jerome M

Jerome M — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 02:35:15 +0000

Hi there, thanks for stopping by.

It sounds like you’re at an exciting point in your development. If I could offer one single piece of advice, it would be simply to follow your heart, and to trust where it leads you. Different people will recommend different paths/books etc. based on what has worked for them – but remember that what is valid and meaningful for someone else may not be for you.

That said, I’d like to again recommend Scott Cunningham’s book Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner.

May love light your path, in accordance with your free will.

Bright Blessings,

Jerome

By: Chelserrs

Chelserrs — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 19:55:04 +0000

Hello,
Iam extremely interested in becoming a solitary Eclectic witch but im not sure where to start, i don’t plan on practicing magik until i have learned everything i can about the history off it. i was also curious if anyone knew what books might help me in getting started, My grandparents are Verrrryyy christian and i don’t belive im going to tell them. i have always been interested in the craft even when i was very little; i have always felt a sort of calling towards its something thats always on my mind. Please if someone can give me any information on where to start i would appreciate it.

-C-

By: Lady Doria

Lady Doria — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 22:35:28 +0000

Blessings Jerome; Thankyou so much for your information. It was most helpful. I had the feeling that it would be something that I had to study, and create something for myself that felt really personal, and you only confirmed it for me! Thankyou again, and many blessings…Lady Doria

By: Jerome M

Jerome M — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 14:51:28 +0000

Lady Doria,

Your question is not silly at all, and thanks for giving me the opportunity to provide an answer.

Self-initiation is definitely possible, and has become more and more common during the Wiccan/Pagan revival of recent years (particularly for Solitaries). As this rite is very special and very personal to each of us, given our unique backgrounds and the beliefs/practices we’ve chosen to weave into our individual spiritual “tapestries,” I recommend spending several days thinking on what your self-initiation ritual could include in the way of wording, etc. to be most meaningful to you. If you’d like a framework to build on and make your own, I highly recommend picking up a used copy of Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner. Section 2, Chapter 12 gives an example of what he calls a “Self-Dedication” ritual.

I wish you all the best, and thanks for visiting.

By: Lady Doria

Lady Doria — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 04:29:54 +0000

Blessings Jerome; I found your site while scrolling around on various links, and came across your comment about being an Eclectic Wiccan. I was strongly drawn to it, and when I read it, it really hit me that, that is exactly what I beleive and choose to direct my path. I used to practice many years ago, but lost touch until about 4 months ago, and now I practice as much as I can, and truly found my RIGHT path. As Beth commented above, the Christian, Mormon {especially} and all the others dictate what you should and have to beleive in. I never followed that tradition. It was never for me.The magic I practice is candle and herbal magic, and I also, I am a solitary practioner. I do have a silly question though. Since I am solitary, is there such a thing as self-initiation? If so, what kind of ritual would I need to perform. If you know, kindly tell me.. Blessed be, Lady Doria

By: Jerome M

Jerome M — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 19:32:25 +0000

bloominglotus,

Agreed – though labels can be helpful in reaching common understanding, they can also be problematic due to the myriad of different meanings the same word can hold for different people.

Thank you very much for the resources mentioned – I plan to spend some time at Mr. Bonewits’ site.

By: bloominglotus

bloominglotus — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 21:26:25 +0000

I find the semantics to be quite challenging and perhaps also different when you’re trying to have a conversation with someone on a similar path, versus speaking with(sometimes explaining to) someone of a completely different background whose exposure to alternative religion/spirituality of any kind is limited. Even though I happily relate to the terms Pagan, Neo-Pagan, and Witch, but not Wiccan, I have sometimes said, “Yes, I am Wiccan or close to it,” to people who don’t quite understand (or need to) the subtleties and difference among them. I have found that, like it or not, “Wicca” and “Wiccan” are the most widely recognized words among mainstream non-Pagans.

For ourselves and those interested, I highly recommend Isaac Bonewits’ website and writings. His definitions of Pagan, Neo-Pagan, Meso-Pagan, etc., are widely considered to be academically accurate and practically efficient. http://www.neopagan.net/PaganDefs.html
He also has a section on defining witchcrafts: http://www.neopagan.net/Witchcraft-Classifying.html

By: Jerome M

Jerome M — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 23:39:07 +0000

Bethe,

You are different, and beautiful, and full of wisdom! Welcome to the rest of your life – a life you get to create, instead of one in which the limits of your joy are dictated by someone else.

I look forward to seeing more of you here.

Bright Blessings,

Jerome