How can I change my Wiccan path?

QUESTION - My mother (and almost every woman in my family) follow a certain Wiccan tradition. I was, in a way, born into it and have followed in their footsteps. But, now, I want to branch out on my own and I feel more comfortable and sort of more drawn to being an Eclectic Witch. I'm not sure how to tell them. Do you have any advice for someone who comes from a Wiccan family who wants to change her Wiccan path? And how would I go about it? Thank you and Blessed Be.


ANSWER - I think the most important thing is to open up the lines of communication and be honest that the path you are following isn’t working for you at the moment. Don’t criticise the path itself as this will get their backs up, instead explain that while you respect who they are and what they do you want to follow a different path for a while, one that fits more with who you are as a person and as a witch.  I really believe the important thing is getting over the message that you are not rejecting Wicca because you believe it is flawed in any way, just that it isn’t the best fit for you personally at this stage of your life. If you can get this over with sincerity I think they will be on your side.

In terms of moving onto that new path I think you need to be wary for a while of putting any labels on yourself (except the term eclectic which leaves you open to all influences and possibilities and doesn’t close any doors while your journey is still new to you). Research rather than adopt different traditions, talk to other witches about what works for them and start to learn about other ideas and ways of working which you may wish to adapt into your own framework.

Wicca is a very structured faith (observation not a criticism) and the main challenge for you in branching out as a solitary will be listening to your own voice instead of following the guidance laid down to you by Wicca. I personally feel this will have a beneficial effect on your craft as you will be working more closely with your own intuition and what feels right to you. I’ve seen many a Wiccan witch complain she can’t complete a working due to not having x,y and z at her disposal. Craft at its most fundamental is the art of improvisation, the ability to use what is provided for you by the natural world to influence and change in the direction of your own intentions.

So keep an open mind, learn as much as you can and take the time to learn what works for you. You may find you gravitate toward a tradition that feels right, you equally may find that you adopt an entirely original path drawing on the influences you have come across in your reading and talking to others. The best advice I can give you is not to underestimate the power of your own intuition. It is your path, be guided by what feels right for you.
 
Image http://www.deviantart.com/art/Wicca-61810037

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