Articles

Traditions

How important is tradition to you? Most of us would not be here without some sort of tradition, as we would not know of this path. Does that mean that we must follow traditional paths?

I believe the importance of tradition is also one of its biggest flaws. Many people find tradition comforting to know others are like you, to know there is a place for you out there, whether you choose to fill it or not.

It begins to be a problem when finding a tradition equals labeling yourself. For many, especially the new breed of "eclectic solitaries" this is seen as too restricting and confining. After all, isn't that why many of us left mainstream religions.

 Here you are welcome to believe as you like, follow the path that you wish, whether that takes you down a traditional road or one of your own. I know that I very much enjoy being solitary, but I am considering taking classes with a local coven. I do not know if I will stay with them, and i possibly won't but it will allow me the opportunity to learn and grow.

Many people view traditions as a place to start. they give you an anchor-line by which you can begin to sort the ton of info out there. I think that they are valuable, but do not get so lost in traditions that you overlook other things.