jaimethepooh
04-18-2004, 05:44 AM
Defending Fluffy Bunnies
by Morgan Willowmoon
Email: [email protected]
"Come, come to the dark side." That is a statement holding little appeal for many Pagans. In this controversial essay, I will argue that the term "fluffy bunny Wiccan" should be seen as a term of endearment, not one of disrespect, because they may have slightly altered views of Pagan concepts such as Nature, deity, negativity, and death. (Disclaimer: I am not referring to "weekend Pagans" who exhibit uncivilized behaviors and disregard rules at gatherings, having the immaturity to call themselves Pagan because it's cool.)
I don't intend to change any attitudes, but rather to raise questions and viewpoints for consideration. If you choose to read this, I politely request that you do so with an open mind until I have spoken. Afterwards, you are free to state your case, since we all have a right to our opinion.
Clarification of Terminology: Here are some words and the definitions I will use when referring to them...
Fluffy Bunny - Pagan, Wiccan, or Witch who chooses not to acknowledge, work with, or honor the darker aspects of their religion.
Negativity - Any situation or emotion that we don't enjoy experiencing.
Dark Side - Undesired self-discovery of our imperfections and challenges.
Perfection - The absence of negativity.
Bearing all this in mind, let's begin.
Paganism focuses on the balance between all things, and I believe this balance is maintained exclusively in Nature. There are seasonal changes, solar and lunar phases, wheel cycles, and other polarities. This is perfectly logical. However, I feel that even though all things are made up of spirit and energy, humans shouldn't be equated with Nature. Although humans symbolize Nature in many ways, there is an overlooked fundamental difference - humans have free will and choice, while Nature doesn't. Nature is a force unto itself, maintaining balance with no human assistance, although humans may establish a deep connection with it. The wind may slightly change direction by our influence, but we can't control it by making it come to a standstill.
There is speculation as to what happens after our last incarnation, implying humans have the ability to choose whether to repeat the infinite life cycle. Because the Wheel of the Year is eternal, Nature has no choice in the matter. The natural world must go through winter's darkness, which runs for a specific length of time. We are able to choose the depth of negativity, if we decide to endure it at all.
Nature's unpredictability is evident in natural disasters. Nature may have willpower, but it doesn't have free will to suddenly stop a hurricane in the midst of a community's destruction. We are responsible for our actions, unlike Nature or animals. If we let it, our conscience allows us to permanently change our behavior and attitudes.
I view deities as omniscient, flawless people who reside in different spiritual realms (Avalon, Valhalla, Olympus, etc.) with the personifications of Nature, Sun and Moon being reminders of their existence. They favor and protect their chosen ones. Example - Gwydion, Morgan, Rhiannon, and Brigid are inherently kind and gentle, but will harm others to ensure my protection. Out of millions of deities, I selected ones whom I felt were compatible with my personality (Morgan as opposed to the Morrigan.) Since deities are loving, they don't want us to have lives full of struggles and difficulties. As my friend said, "The deities love you and want only positive things for you, but you must choose that positive for yourself."
The deities wouldn't give us tasks we couldn't accomplish, and this is why I don't think living in balance was meant for humans. If it were, there would be a way to do it successfully. Fluffy Bunnies might not be interested in this concept unless they can do it correctly, so they choose to focus only on the positive side of this balance. In order to avoid mistakes and ensure guaranteed safety, Fluffy Bunnies make decisions with the least karmic backlash, assuming the deities and the Threefold Law will take care of everything. They may choose to literally follow the Wiccan Rede by not harming anyone physically, emotionally, magickally, etc. This means you don't hurt another person's feelings or self-esteem. I believe if the requirements of the Rede were unrealistic, we wouldn't be expected to follow them. The word "ideal" is found in the Charge of the Goddess, but not in the Rede.
I believe negativity happens as a result of human actions and is not the deities' way of specifically trying to get us to learn something. If you feel you need negativity for recognition, education, and appreciation purposes, that's what you'll get. It's true that you know what something is by knowing what it isn't, but I personally don't feel negativity is absolutely essential to my life. This is why Fluffy Bunnies might accept its general existence, but not honor it. As long as they are knowledgeable about their dark side, Fluffy Bunnies have a right to ignore it, but only after they've experienced it enough to know they want to avoid it in the future. Maybe they've incorporated it into their lives to make it work for them, not against them. Perhaps they've resolved lots of issues in past lives, so when they get to this lifetime, their dark side truly is nonexistent. Maybe it is merely our interpretation of things that makes them positive or negative. Caroline Myss has books and a website that speak of neutral forces and personality archetypes we choose to interpret as either positive or negative, depending on our life experiences.
Because Bunnies are constantly for the light, there is a misconception, best summed up in this quote I received from an internet group: "I called, and it answered. This path isn't as easy as you think." I do not believe one religion is easier than another, so the comment both insulted and hurt me deeply. Religion can be as simple or as difficult as you choose to make it, because similar concepts are said in multiple ways. In fact, if you are "called" by a particular faith, it is my belief that you shouldn't answer right away but explore faiths until one resonates with you. You may have chosen a path out of a subconscious bias, or it may sincerely have found you. An excellent book on the subject is Mary Pope Osborne's One World, Many Religions: The Ways We Worship. It gives the basic tenants of Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Confucianism, and Taoism.
I see death as a peaceful transition. Why is foliage so beautiful when the leaves are dying in autumn? Why death sometimes is referred to as sleep? Death scenes are my favorite in musicals - look at Faure's Requiem. I believe in the birth-death-rebirth cycle, but not in constant repetition. The most influential book I ever read was Life on the Other Side - A Psychic's View of the Afterlife by Sylvia Browne. I believe when I've achieve my chosen level of spiritual growth I'll reside in a paradise of perfection. Although a temporary, imperfect place called Earth might have been created for our human experience, I don't believe we wrote an extremely detailed chart of our personality characteristics, physical appearances and predetermined life situations. Though Earth is sacred, it isn't equal to paradise. If it were, spirits wouldn't care where they spent their time after death. According to Browne, ."..this is not our real home... there is no such thing as death." Unless I want to return for countless reincarnations, I won't reach level 7, where I'll be absorbed into the Cosmos with Deities.
Fluffy Bunnies have a can't-we-all-just-get-along mentality illustrated in Browne's quote, "We don't dislike anyone. We just like some people more than others." In order to do this, you must modify your personality characteristics to meet everyone's needs. You don't change the core of who you are, but you do bring out certain aspects and qualities of yourself when the need arises, using tact if necessary. I am a serious, sensitive conservative person who takes everything literally, and doesn't enjoy being teased because it's difficult for me to tell if someone is being genuine. I don't take criticism unless it's in an optimistic way so teachers would start with positive comments, give suggestions for improvement, and end with positive feedback. Though not a harshly blunt person, I find a way to gently tell the truth so as to spare another's feelings. Most people say, "You'll just have to accept me and if you don't like it, tough." Acceptance is one thing, but getting along with everyone is an art.
A beautiful thing about Paganism is that we respect everyone's belief systems, regardless of how right or wrong they seem to us. Isn't it contradictory to exclude Fluffy Bunnies from the Pagan community simply because they are honest enough to admit their preferences? If you say that one must embrace a certain precise worldview to be Pagan, you are speaking of dogma. Many Catholics don't attend church but are considered Christian. Are Fluffy Bunnies less Pagan for their positive-only approach? If disrespect is attached to the term, it is partially due to the people who placed it there, not the actual Bunnies themselves. I should know. I'm one of those Bunnies.
Your comments are always welcome. May the Lord and Lady bless you on your journey!
Morgan Willowmoon
Bio: Morgan is a Witch living in western MA. An accomplished musician in both voice and piano, she is a member of the Springfield Symphony Chorus. She holds a masters degree in music education and is currently studying flute. She enjoys reading about all things Celtic, as well as writing about her experiences in the Craft. Other hobbies include yoga, martial arts, and acting.
http://www.witchvox.com/words/words_2004/e_bunny04.html
by Morgan Willowmoon
Email: [email protected]
"Come, come to the dark side." That is a statement holding little appeal for many Pagans. In this controversial essay, I will argue that the term "fluffy bunny Wiccan" should be seen as a term of endearment, not one of disrespect, because they may have slightly altered views of Pagan concepts such as Nature, deity, negativity, and death. (Disclaimer: I am not referring to "weekend Pagans" who exhibit uncivilized behaviors and disregard rules at gatherings, having the immaturity to call themselves Pagan because it's cool.)
I don't intend to change any attitudes, but rather to raise questions and viewpoints for consideration. If you choose to read this, I politely request that you do so with an open mind until I have spoken. Afterwards, you are free to state your case, since we all have a right to our opinion.
Clarification of Terminology: Here are some words and the definitions I will use when referring to them...
Fluffy Bunny - Pagan, Wiccan, or Witch who chooses not to acknowledge, work with, or honor the darker aspects of their religion.
Negativity - Any situation or emotion that we don't enjoy experiencing.
Dark Side - Undesired self-discovery of our imperfections and challenges.
Perfection - The absence of negativity.
Bearing all this in mind, let's begin.
Paganism focuses on the balance between all things, and I believe this balance is maintained exclusively in Nature. There are seasonal changes, solar and lunar phases, wheel cycles, and other polarities. This is perfectly logical. However, I feel that even though all things are made up of spirit and energy, humans shouldn't be equated with Nature. Although humans symbolize Nature in many ways, there is an overlooked fundamental difference - humans have free will and choice, while Nature doesn't. Nature is a force unto itself, maintaining balance with no human assistance, although humans may establish a deep connection with it. The wind may slightly change direction by our influence, but we can't control it by making it come to a standstill.
There is speculation as to what happens after our last incarnation, implying humans have the ability to choose whether to repeat the infinite life cycle. Because the Wheel of the Year is eternal, Nature has no choice in the matter. The natural world must go through winter's darkness, which runs for a specific length of time. We are able to choose the depth of negativity, if we decide to endure it at all.
Nature's unpredictability is evident in natural disasters. Nature may have willpower, but it doesn't have free will to suddenly stop a hurricane in the midst of a community's destruction. We are responsible for our actions, unlike Nature or animals. If we let it, our conscience allows us to permanently change our behavior and attitudes.
I view deities as omniscient, flawless people who reside in different spiritual realms (Avalon, Valhalla, Olympus, etc.) with the personifications of Nature, Sun and Moon being reminders of their existence. They favor and protect their chosen ones. Example - Gwydion, Morgan, Rhiannon, and Brigid are inherently kind and gentle, but will harm others to ensure my protection. Out of millions of deities, I selected ones whom I felt were compatible with my personality (Morgan as opposed to the Morrigan.) Since deities are loving, they don't want us to have lives full of struggles and difficulties. As my friend said, "The deities love you and want only positive things for you, but you must choose that positive for yourself."
The deities wouldn't give us tasks we couldn't accomplish, and this is why I don't think living in balance was meant for humans. If it were, there would be a way to do it successfully. Fluffy Bunnies might not be interested in this concept unless they can do it correctly, so they choose to focus only on the positive side of this balance. In order to avoid mistakes and ensure guaranteed safety, Fluffy Bunnies make decisions with the least karmic backlash, assuming the deities and the Threefold Law will take care of everything. They may choose to literally follow the Wiccan Rede by not harming anyone physically, emotionally, magickally, etc. This means you don't hurt another person's feelings or self-esteem. I believe if the requirements of the Rede were unrealistic, we wouldn't be expected to follow them. The word "ideal" is found in the Charge of the Goddess, but not in the Rede.
I believe negativity happens as a result of human actions and is not the deities' way of specifically trying to get us to learn something. If you feel you need negativity for recognition, education, and appreciation purposes, that's what you'll get. It's true that you know what something is by knowing what it isn't, but I personally don't feel negativity is absolutely essential to my life. This is why Fluffy Bunnies might accept its general existence, but not honor it. As long as they are knowledgeable about their dark side, Fluffy Bunnies have a right to ignore it, but only after they've experienced it enough to know they want to avoid it in the future. Maybe they've incorporated it into their lives to make it work for them, not against them. Perhaps they've resolved lots of issues in past lives, so when they get to this lifetime, their dark side truly is nonexistent. Maybe it is merely our interpretation of things that makes them positive or negative. Caroline Myss has books and a website that speak of neutral forces and personality archetypes we choose to interpret as either positive or negative, depending on our life experiences.
Because Bunnies are constantly for the light, there is a misconception, best summed up in this quote I received from an internet group: "I called, and it answered. This path isn't as easy as you think." I do not believe one religion is easier than another, so the comment both insulted and hurt me deeply. Religion can be as simple or as difficult as you choose to make it, because similar concepts are said in multiple ways. In fact, if you are "called" by a particular faith, it is my belief that you shouldn't answer right away but explore faiths until one resonates with you. You may have chosen a path out of a subconscious bias, or it may sincerely have found you. An excellent book on the subject is Mary Pope Osborne's One World, Many Religions: The Ways We Worship. It gives the basic tenants of Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Confucianism, and Taoism.
I see death as a peaceful transition. Why is foliage so beautiful when the leaves are dying in autumn? Why death sometimes is referred to as sleep? Death scenes are my favorite in musicals - look at Faure's Requiem. I believe in the birth-death-rebirth cycle, but not in constant repetition. The most influential book I ever read was Life on the Other Side - A Psychic's View of the Afterlife by Sylvia Browne. I believe when I've achieve my chosen level of spiritual growth I'll reside in a paradise of perfection. Although a temporary, imperfect place called Earth might have been created for our human experience, I don't believe we wrote an extremely detailed chart of our personality characteristics, physical appearances and predetermined life situations. Though Earth is sacred, it isn't equal to paradise. If it were, spirits wouldn't care where they spent their time after death. According to Browne, ."..this is not our real home... there is no such thing as death." Unless I want to return for countless reincarnations, I won't reach level 7, where I'll be absorbed into the Cosmos with Deities.
Fluffy Bunnies have a can't-we-all-just-get-along mentality illustrated in Browne's quote, "We don't dislike anyone. We just like some people more than others." In order to do this, you must modify your personality characteristics to meet everyone's needs. You don't change the core of who you are, but you do bring out certain aspects and qualities of yourself when the need arises, using tact if necessary. I am a serious, sensitive conservative person who takes everything literally, and doesn't enjoy being teased because it's difficult for me to tell if someone is being genuine. I don't take criticism unless it's in an optimistic way so teachers would start with positive comments, give suggestions for improvement, and end with positive feedback. Though not a harshly blunt person, I find a way to gently tell the truth so as to spare another's feelings. Most people say, "You'll just have to accept me and if you don't like it, tough." Acceptance is one thing, but getting along with everyone is an art.
A beautiful thing about Paganism is that we respect everyone's belief systems, regardless of how right or wrong they seem to us. Isn't it contradictory to exclude Fluffy Bunnies from the Pagan community simply because they are honest enough to admit their preferences? If you say that one must embrace a certain precise worldview to be Pagan, you are speaking of dogma. Many Catholics don't attend church but are considered Christian. Are Fluffy Bunnies less Pagan for their positive-only approach? If disrespect is attached to the term, it is partially due to the people who placed it there, not the actual Bunnies themselves. I should know. I'm one of those Bunnies.
Your comments are always welcome. May the Lord and Lady bless you on your journey!
Morgan Willowmoon
Bio: Morgan is a Witch living in western MA. An accomplished musician in both voice and piano, she is a member of the Springfield Symphony Chorus. She holds a masters degree in music education and is currently studying flute. She enjoys reading about all things Celtic, as well as writing about her experiences in the Craft. Other hobbies include yoga, martial arts, and acting.
http://www.witchvox.com/words/words_2004/e_bunny04.html