Guest Author - Amelia Tucker
I have found a new word for my spiritual vocabulary. The new word is only new to me apparently, because after doing research on it, I see that there have been conversations galore for at least two years at some wonderful boards.
Seeker: A person who is learning about their chosen spiritual path.
Example: I am learning about Wiccan ways, what religion am I? You are a Seeker.
This lovely little word will fulfill a need for so many to label what exactly it is that they are practicing. So often it feels important to be able to define your religion in order to feel as if your search for that special path has a destination. The trip may end in Green Witchery or Eclectic Pagan, heck you may find you are a hard core Babtist! The process of getting there actually has value and you can name that value Seeker.
The word Seeker also brings up something important that requires some thought. Why is human nature such that people have to search or seek until they fit someone else's ideas or laundry list of rules?
I find that gaining spiritual knowledge is a lifelong activity and remains fulfilling because it is always morphing into a new level of understanding myself. Could it be that the very act of learning about a less than mainstream way of thinking about the world makes us self conscious and being able to put a name to the process means that we are not the ONLY ones searching so it can't be all that bad? If you have ever considered these thoughts, it may be time to leave the path, any path and find what feels the most powerful to you. Find your own way and decide what give you fulfillment. It is not necessary to label yourself. It is also not necessary to explain why you feel as you do. Being able to defend and define your religion to anyone who asks, is not the point. I would not sway in my opinions of something simply because I was beaten in a verbal sparring match.
Self doubt and embarrassment about finding our own way smacks of religious dogma that is not only counterintuitive, but absolutely non productive to creating a tolerant and peaceful society.
