Difference between revisions of "Postmodern Wicca"

Latest revision as of 23:01, 7 February 2015

Postmodern Wicca^[1][2] is a postmodern religion, ideology, philosophy, way of living and being inspired by a diverse range of ancient and modern^[3] cultural beliefs and practices and societies. Postmodernism is an ideology that has strongly influenced neo-Paganism in the Western world. Postmodern thought is personal, syncretic and emphasises the importance of the individual over external authorities and this philosophy is clearly reflected in Wicca and the Goddess movement^[4]. People who interpret religion from a postmodern perspective may have and eclectic approach and draw from the values and beliefs of many different religions^[5], for example, Eclectic Wiccans draw from religious beliefs from many different societies and cultures including ancient Egypt^[6], ancient Greece^[7], Asian, Hebrew, Saxon, Anglo-Saxon and Celtic^[8] civilisations^[9]. Postmodern Wicca interprets Wicca, which is an earth-centred religion^[10], by using postmodern theories to critically analyse and adapt, and develop a personal ideology that is underpinned by an eclectic array of values and beliefs shared by many Pagan, Wicca, Witchcraft and polytheistic cultures and traditions.^[11], examples of the eclectic influences in Wicca that may be incorporated into a postmodern interpretation include Shintoism, Buddhism^[12]Shamanism, Hawaiian Religion^[13] Polynesian religions, Celtic Wicca, Dianic Wicca and Eclectic Wicca. Postmodern Wicca reflects and incorporates a postmodern philosophical and metaphysical belief system that focuses on eclecticism, self-empowerment, self-actualization, Jungian archetypes^[14] and Karma.

Postmodern thinking and influences[edit]

Postmodern Wicca is an outlook that is underpinned by the philosophy of postmodernism, which views realities as plural, diverse and relative. A postmodern approach to Wicca offers many different versions of truth and rejects the notion of a universal and singular version of reality. Postmodern Wicca avoids sharp classifications and mainstream metanarratives and instead focuses on pluralism, diversity and difference. Followers of this religious and philosophical path develop individual and eclectic beliefs systems, rituals and philosophies based on a multiplicity of different religious systems. Postmodern Wicca emphasises the key point that religious truth is highly individualistic,^[15] subjective and resides within the individual^[16]. A postmodern religious outlook^[17] involves using the theories of postmodern philosophy to critically analyse, question, challenge, reclaim, transform and adapt a range of different ideas and practices and reinvent and reinterpret their religion and philosophy according to their own personal beliefs. According to postmodern theory, the individual's worldview is a central influence their approach to Postmodern Wicca.

Historical bias and versions of truth[edit]

According to postmodern philosophy, history may be written by powerful groups in society, who may marginalise, silence or misrepresent other, less powerful or oppressed groups. Postmodern Wicca is a philosophy that openly acknowledges and accepts that rituals, beliefs and practices are invented, transformed, created and reworked based on constantly shifting and changing realities, individual preference, myths, legends, archetypes, rituals and cultural values and beliefs. A postmodern approach to Wicca acknowledges that history is frequently represented in an inherently biased way, reinforcing the mainstream ideologies of those in power. Individuals who follow a postmodern approach may draw from the histories of various cultures to inform their religious beliefs - they may questions, challenge and critique representations of history based on the theories of postmodernism, which acknowledge that realities are diverse, subjective and depend on the individuals interests and interpretations.

Eclecticism, self-actualisation, archetypes, visualisation[edit]

Many people who interpret Wicca from a postmodern perspective are eclectic in their rituals, practices and beliefs.^[18] Eclectic Wicca is currently the most popular and widely adapted form of Wicca in the United States^[19]. A postmodern approach to Wicca may involve drawing on techniques and beliefs that are common to many different religions^[20], including meditation, visualisation, divination, karmic thought, reincarnation, communication with Deity and symbolic rituals and spells. Symbolic thinking and representation, for example through the use of archetypes, movement, visual symbols, herbs, candles and incense are used eclectically to achieve specific goals, to connect with Deity and to live in a positive way. Wiccans and Pagans who create a belief system use the core theories of postmodern philosophy, which assert that there is no one truth, reality is subjective and controlled by the individual and that there are many versions of religious truth that may be valid or challenged depending on the individual's world view^[21]. An example of a postmodern approach and eclectic approach to Wicca is reclaiming, this movement was launched by Starhawk, a Wiccan expert of Jewish descent^[22]. Starhawk emphasises her postmodernist approach to Wicca as an alternative to a modernist approach to Wicca "to reclaim ‘Witch’ is to reclaim the image of a powerful woman, the whole constellation of ideas about reality and imagination and energy that have been labeled ‘out of bounds’ by Western modernism"^[23]

Appeal of Postmodern Wicca to Marginalised Groups[edit]

Members of groups in society who face discrimination or who are marginalised, may be drawn to postmodern religious thinking. For example, in Semitic neopaganism, a postmodern approach to this tradition of Wicca may provide followers with the ability to challenge mainstream versions of reality and truth^[24]. Minority groups, throughout the world and the socially or economically disadvantaged are often drawn to follow a postmodern approach to religion, because of the way that postmodern philosophy empowers the individual to challenge mainstream ideologies or dominant power structures. The Witches' Voice, which is perhaps the most notable, credible and well known Pagan and Wiccan news and community site, includes many article contributions from members of the Wicca and Pagan Community every month from Wiccans and Pagans who express a postmodernist approach to Wicca^[25].

See also[edit]

• Postmodern religion
• Postmodern neopaganism (Wikipedia)

References[edit]

External links[edit]

• - Wicca Magazine - an independent, edited epub with a postmodern take on Pagan and Wicca philosophy
• The Witches Voice - the most notable Pagan and Wicca news and network site