If I found a label that fit me, I’d have no problem going by it. I’d be excited even. And I have no problem with others’ labels as long as they aren’t appropriative. I do think some people, beginners mostly, get caught up in the aesthetics of labels, but who am I to decide who is doing that and that it’s not just part of their growth process. It’s harmless.
Your upload timing is absolutely perfect. I’ve not been feeling too happy recently because of family health issues. I’ve struggled for a while but your videos are such a light thank you ❤
Hi I totally have to agree with you these videos are great and a fantastic resource for getting a different perspective on things while growing an doing my own research
For a while I was in an occult community who both rejected labels and sorted the forum based on a practice's primary label(s).... well, that was the least of the issues with it but I'm no longer participating in that group. Now I think that general labels like "witch", "chaos magician", "herbalist" can be useful; even some more specific labels like "hedge witch" (which is the traditional witchcraft equivalent of "shaman", as much as I dislike using the term "shaman") or "kitchen witch" are traditional for people who have a primary focus. But I also feel that some people try extremely hard to have their practice be different form the rest by adopting labels that are either too vague or specific. The appropriative aspect is also an issue; I've literally seen people call themselves "Haitian voodoo sorcerers" or "self initiated voodoo priests" (run from that. In Haiti, the proper terms are bokor and houngan for male practitioners, caplata and mambo for female practitioners, and they all need to be initiated by another person. Other forms of vodou will have different terms. People who are actually initiated will explain everything they are allowed to, and outsiders who are knowledgeable will use layman language to define terms, but be wary.) If I have to summarize my practice in one word, I usually opt for "magician". I practice witchcraft and I accept the label of "witch" but to me witchcraft is specifically my spirit-working and nature-based side. Everything else is either rooted in chaos magic, based on older Greek, Arab or Egyptian magic, or adopted from Hindu and Mexican practices (as long as you're willing to learn, both cultures are quite accepting of people learning about their open spiritual practices. There's also the fact my mother was a physical yoga teacher who also practiced the philosophical yoga, so Hinduism was a part of my childhood. I'm not initiated in a Hindu or Mexican magical practice but I'm also open to that). Labels are quite messy at times and there is validity in using them to explain what you do or who you are, but at some point it's too much. Same for the LGBT+ community, some people think the fact I use "pansexual" to define my sexuality is unnecessary when in reality many people have different definitions of "bisexual" and I think specifying that gender is not a major factor in my attraction to others is useful. But at the same time, I don't think defining my gender and feelings towards that is important for most people; I usually opt for "demigirl" or use feminine terms and most people are okay with that, even when I'm more masculine on a particular day. Sorry for the long comment, I get really passionate about this discussion because I feel like people tend to be too dismissive about the fact labels are a natural way that people talk about themselves, while I also see a lot of issues with specific labels that no one really wants to address because it's seen as an attack sometimes and others times there is problematic enabling. People are complex and labels won't fix that, much less cool down the conversation. That being said, it's good to have a discussion about labels at times. TL;DR: My thoughts and experiences agree with you wholeheartedly.
I dig your level of authenticity related to when you feel comfortable applying a certain label to yourself based upon your actual practical experience. It communicates an important level of respect to the craft. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Many years ago, I was brought into a spiritual practice of a culture with a very different skin color than mine. I don't claim the titles and labels of that practice because people always want to challenge me about it or tell me I'm not authentic. That used to bother me until I realized it's the cultural label (and the marketing potential embedded in it) that makes people gatekeep. I use a slightly different word to describe myself now and go about my business. When it comes to the gods, your spiritual work, or your role as a spiritual person in your neighborhood or community, what you do matters--what you claim is less important overall.
Honestly if somebody asked me about my practice or belief, I normally just say pagan. That can cover wide umbrella of different things. But I just if asked specifically as eclectic solitary traditional witch. I pulled bits and pieces from different things to suit me I don't run around saying that to everybody.
❤Labels...I have a love/hate relationship with them. Whereas in the past they were used as an adjective to describe and give further details of a subject...they have been evolving into an actual nouns, (Person, place or thing). I think it may be a dangerous road we are going down because it can cause division and misunderstandings. This is just my opinion right now. I am currently on the journey of undoing the multiple years of brainwashing I have had received over the years, it may change. 😊😊😊
As I always say, labels are here to guide us, not to limit us. Labels are useful to help us figure out what we would like to explore in the world of magic, as well as to find community. It only becomes problematic when 1. labels we use to define our practices start restricting us; 2. we appropriate labels, like claiming to be a Ngakpa when not properly initiated into tibetan buddhism, and so on. On the 2º subject that I have mentioned, I would love to know your opinion on initation, self-initiation and priesthood! What do you think? Can people call themselves a priest if they have been self-initiated? Or can they call themselves a priest only when they have been formerly initiated? Perhaps are both valid?
I generally prefer witch, but do lean towards seidkona for people who have a clue what it actually means. Though if I was going to be really accurate, the only mentor I've had that wasn't books or youtube videos practices trolldom.
Lables are great for communication, but not at all necessary for personal identification. You know what you do, labels dont define you they are applied to the things you do.
The only downside to adopting labels is then feeling “trapped” by them. We evolve both as people, and in our spiritual practices. At previous points in my path I have identified by various things like green/crystal/hearth/eclectic/elemental/Druidic/Celtic witch… these are all still parts of my practice, but over nearly three decades of practicing; I’ve grown less concerned with the labels and now identify myself as vaguely as possible. Pagan. Queer (I guess you could pigeon hole that label “accurately” by saying I am a polyamorous pansexual who is currently in a monogamous heterosexual relationship. 😂) labels are IMO vastly overrated, because you will grow and change and what you’re doing now isn’t the whole of who you are, or who you will be. If it’s important enough to explain the essential aspects of “me” to someone, I will make the time I… and everyone else can just get a super general label that could really mean practically anything.
I find labels to be questionable. It’s never all encompassing. I do label my essential Oil blends so I can easily identify them, but I don’t have a label for my practice. I can see labels from both sides.
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If I found a label that fit me, I’d have no problem going by it. I’d be excited even. And I have no problem with others’ labels as long as they aren’t appropriative. I do think some people, beginners mostly, get caught up in the aesthetics of labels, but who am I to decide who is doing that and that it’s not just part of their growth process. It’s harmless.
The best one I saw was loud and proud on Facebook: "I'm a Christian and I practice shamanism."
Your upload timing is absolutely perfect. I’ve not been feeling too happy recently because of family health issues. I’ve struggled for a while but your videos are such a light thank you ❤
Hi I totally have to agree with you these videos are great and a fantastic resource for getting a different perspective on things while growing an doing my own research
💜🙏🏼💜
For a while I was in an occult community who both rejected labels and sorted the forum based on a practice's primary label(s).... well, that was the least of the issues with it but I'm no longer participating in that group. Now I think that general labels like "witch", "chaos magician", "herbalist" can be useful; even some more specific labels like "hedge witch" (which is the traditional witchcraft equivalent of "shaman", as much as I dislike using the term "shaman") or "kitchen witch" are traditional for people who have a primary focus. But I also feel that some people try extremely hard to have their practice be different form the rest by adopting labels that are either too vague or specific. The appropriative aspect is also an issue; I've literally seen people call themselves "Haitian voodoo sorcerers" or "self initiated voodoo priests" (run from that. In Haiti, the proper terms are bokor and houngan for male practitioners, caplata and mambo for female practitioners, and they all need to be initiated by another person. Other forms of vodou will have different terms. People who are actually initiated will explain everything they are allowed to, and outsiders who are knowledgeable will use layman language to define terms, but be wary.)
If I have to summarize my practice in one word, I usually opt for "magician". I practice witchcraft and I accept the label of "witch" but to me witchcraft is specifically my spirit-working and nature-based side. Everything else is either rooted in chaos magic, based on older Greek, Arab or Egyptian magic, or adopted from Hindu and Mexican practices (as long as you're willing to learn, both cultures are quite accepting of people learning about their open spiritual practices. There's also the fact my mother was a physical yoga teacher who also practiced the philosophical yoga, so Hinduism was a part of my childhood. I'm not initiated in a Hindu or Mexican magical practice but I'm also open to that). Labels are quite messy at times and there is validity in using them to explain what you do or who you are, but at some point it's too much. Same for the LGBT+ community, some people think the fact I use "pansexual" to define my sexuality is unnecessary when in reality many people have different definitions of "bisexual" and I think specifying that gender is not a major factor in my attraction to others is useful. But at the same time, I don't think defining my gender and feelings towards that is important for most people; I usually opt for "demigirl" or use feminine terms and most people are okay with that, even when I'm more masculine on a particular day.
Sorry for the long comment, I get really passionate about this discussion because I feel like people tend to be too dismissive about the fact labels are a natural way that people talk about themselves, while I also see a lot of issues with specific labels that no one really wants to address because it's seen as an attack sometimes and others times there is problematic enabling. People are complex and labels won't fix that, much less cool down the conversation. That being said, it's good to have a discussion about labels at times. TL;DR: My thoughts and experiences agree with you wholeheartedly.
You and Scotty are matching. 😊 Hope I spelled his name right.
Damn, friend, you talk a lot of good sense. Thank you. My shorthand label is witchy hedge druid.
I dig your level of authenticity related to when you feel comfortable applying a certain label to yourself based upon your actual practical experience. It communicates an important level of respect to the craft. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
I'm grabing a cup of Coffee ☕️ I cant wait to get comfortable and watch! 😊 hehehe yippee
Many years ago, I was brought into a spiritual practice of a culture with a very different skin color than mine. I don't claim the titles and labels of that practice because people always want to challenge me about it or tell me I'm not authentic. That used to bother me until I realized it's the cultural label (and the marketing potential embedded in it) that makes people gatekeep. I use a slightly different word to describe myself now and go about my business. When it comes to the gods, your spiritual work, or your role as a spiritual person in your neighborhood or community, what you do matters--what you claim is less important overall.
Honestly if somebody asked me about my practice or belief, I normally just say pagan. That can cover wide umbrella of different things. But I just if asked specifically as eclectic solitary traditional witch. I pulled bits and pieces from different things to suit me I don't run around saying that to everybody.
❤Labels...I have a love/hate relationship with them. Whereas in the past they were used as an adjective to describe and give further details of a subject...they have been evolving into an actual nouns, (Person, place or thing). I think it may be a dangerous road we are going down because it can cause division and misunderstandings. This is just my opinion right now. I am currently on the journey of undoing the multiple years of brainwashing I have had received over the years, it may change. 😊😊😊
As I always say, labels are here to guide us, not to limit us. Labels are useful to help us figure out what we would like to explore in the world of magic, as well as to find community. It only becomes problematic when 1. labels we use to define our practices start restricting us; 2. we appropriate labels, like claiming to be a Ngakpa when not properly initiated into tibetan buddhism, and so on.
On the 2º subject that I have mentioned, I would love to know your opinion on initation, self-initiation and priesthood! What do you think? Can people call themselves a priest if they have been self-initiated? Or can they call themselves a priest only when they have been formerly initiated? Perhaps are both valid?
An excellent simplification on a complicated topic.
🕸Love🕷it!🕸
I generally prefer witch, but do lean towards seidkona for people who have a clue what it actually means. Though if I was going to be really accurate, the only mentor I've had that wasn't books or youtube videos practices trolldom.
Awww baby kitty!!❤
Absolutely loved this video content. On POINT!!!!
Thank you so much 🥰🥰
Where did you get your mug? 😍
Lables are great for communication, but not at all necessary for personal identification. You know what you do, labels dont define you they are applied to the things you do.
Totally agreed!! ☺️
The only downside to adopting labels is then feeling “trapped” by them. We evolve both as people, and in our spiritual practices. At previous points in my path I have identified by various things like green/crystal/hearth/eclectic/elemental/Druidic/Celtic witch… these are all still parts of my practice, but over nearly three decades of practicing; I’ve grown less concerned with the labels and now identify myself as vaguely as possible. Pagan. Queer (I guess you could pigeon hole that label “accurately” by saying I am a polyamorous pansexual who is currently in a monogamous heterosexual relationship. 😂) labels are IMO vastly overrated, because you will grow and change and what you’re doing now isn’t the whole of who you are, or who you will be. If it’s important enough to explain the essential aspects of “me” to someone, I will make the time I… and everyone else can just get a super general label that could really mean practically anything.
Hi Skadi from me and my cat also named Skadi!
I find labels to be questionable. It’s never all encompassing. I do label my essential
Oil blends so I can easily identify them, but I don’t have a label for my practice. I can see labels from both sides.