F is
for Fluffy Bunny - Pagan Blog Project - Week 11
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| Apparently, you can buy these cloths on Zazzle. |
If
you haven’t heard the term “Fluffy Bunny” before, you've probably never been in
a pagan or Wiccan forum. Wikipedia describes the term as “a pejorative
expression used since at least 1987 in Wicca
(and in Neopaganism generally) to refer to adherents of the religion who are
thought to be superficial or faddish. They are considered to dislike darker
elements and emphasi[z]e goodness, light, eclecticism and elements taken from
the New Age movement, or follow it as a fad.”[1]
I've seen this term all over the place, mostly out of context, and I honestly think
it’s pretty darn disrespectful. More often than not, I've seen the label pasted
on individuals who are guilty of simply holding a differing opinion, or Goddess
forbid, asking a question. I lurked around a few forums in my witchling years,
but rarely joined in on the conversations for that very reason. I wanted to
learn everything I could, and in the beginning, I read more than I practiced. I
was a teenager with no connections, no teachers. The only books I had were D.J.
Conway’s Celtic Magic and a bit of
Mama Ravenwolf (yes, I can actually hear you snarling). My stint with the
forums ended rather quickly after I observed all the name calling and sheer
bitchiness.
Catherine
Noble Beyer’s website Wicca for the Rest of Us is dedicated to “Stop[ing] the Fluff”. She provides her own definition
of the term “one who refuses to learn, refuses to think, and refuses to consider
the possibility that they could possibly ever be wrong.”[2]
She goes on to point out that she does not mean “those who disagree with [her]”
and also excludes “newcomers”. Beyer brings attention to the fact that there is
a lot of “bad information” floating around out there and you can’t exactly
blame the practitioner for following it. Ignorance is only shameful when a person
refuses to pursue a resolution. To correct the issue, you must first be aware
that a problem even exists. People have a tendency to completely ignore new
ideas and stop seeking that resolution when they are presented with a snobbish,
mightier than thou attitude. I acknowledge the fact that there are fad supporters,
blind followers, those who extremely resistant to change, many who do not like
to go outside their own comfort zones, and a plethora of slow learners, but there
are plenty of seekers out there, some who are too scared to speak up or ask
questions for fear of ridicule.
Providing
Guidance
I’m
not too proud to admit that I once held those same lighthearted views about
spiritual concepts that so often “gift” newcomers with the fluffy bunny label. I
chased an imaginary goddess of “all that is good” for many years while ignoring
the fact that life is a balance and you will find that balance everywhere you
turn, even in the gods. I was not guided to this information (by a human being,
anyway); I eventually came to the conclusion on my own. Balance works for me,
but I honestly don’t see what the big deal is when it doesn't work for someone
else. My moment of “enlightenment” opened a lot of doors I never even knew
existed, but that doesn't mean John Doe’s spirituality is false simply because
his relationship with deity is all hearts and rainbows. I personally like it
when my life is going smoothly, and do everything within my power to maintain
it. I think that perhaps those who bash the concepts of peace and true love
must be lacking it in their own lives and are maybe a teensie bit jealous.
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| From SodaHead's article: "The Top 10 Weird Animal Kingdom Mating Rituals" |
If
you truly feel that someone is in need of guidance, try teaching instead of
bashing. People are more receptive to learning when you approach them
respectfully. Also keep in mind that spirituality is a journey. We are always
learning and evolving. You may have had an “ah-ha!” moment years ago, but John
Doe is still working toward his. Be receptive! While John may be a little
behind in one area, he could be ahead of the race in another. Remain open in
your own learning process.
I
pose a challenge to anyone who casually uses the term "fluffy bunny". The next
time you come across a person whose ideas do not fit your own, or who asks
what you think is a silly question, engage that person in a meaningful conversation.
Find out how and why that person has come to certain conclusions. Answer those
silly questions. Suggest new and inspiring material that may help that personal
along in their journey. Don’t stamp that person with a label; be a teacher.
[2] Beyer,
Catherine Noble. “Fluffy Bunnies.” Wicca
for the Rest of Us. n.p., n.d. Web 13 March 2013.
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