So, when it comes to my magickal practices – witchcraft, animal guides, etc. – I draw heavily from Native American and Celtic traditions. But I was asked last night whether I leaned more Native American or Celtic. I froze up for a minute. It’s not like I didn’t know the answer.
My heritage is mostly Celtic/Nordic/Slovakian with a random dash of Filipino. No Native American as far as I can tell. But I lean more heavily towards Native American teachings. I’m not sure why – they just seem to resonate with me more.
It could be because it was one of the first traditions I studied when I started exploring my own spirituality. It could be because I was born in America, and, as such, have a connection to the spirituality of THIS land. It could be because Native Americans were always portrayed as somewhat ethereal when I was growing up. I don’t know. But it makes me wonder….
Who’m I to appropriate their beliefs? I see animal spirit guides and refer to Native American mythologies to learn what they are about. Shouldn’t I be referring to Celtic beliefs, since that’s my heritage? Or maybe I should be looking at the person’s heritage to whom the guide belongs?
Native American teachings have yet to steer me wrong – but I can’t help but wonder if I’m stealing something that isn’t mine. What do you think?
