I have a question or two regarding interest in other cultures.
I am a practicing traditional witch. For a while I have been studying as much as I can about Eastern paths, specifically those of China and Japan. I've looked into Buddhism, onmyodo, and have begun to look into Taoism.
Yesterday I went for a local thrift trip and found a book on the I- Ching and a little statuette of a Chinese couple pulling a large basket and a couple small baskets from ropes extended from a large board carried across their shoulders.
My question mainly is that I am in no way descended from China. I am a mix of Scottish and French born in the United States, and I have a great interest in Chinese culture.
Is it alright to mix some Eastern philosophy into my witchcraft?
Or am I crossing a line here?
Mostly by mixing Eastern philosophy I essentially incorporate feng shui into a lot of my practice and am studying as much as I can of it. Like I said I've looked a little into onmyodo, Chinese charms, the five elements and other things.
I am not trying to appropriate any culture. But I do like to utilize its philosophies alongside my own traditional folk magic based largely on my current local- a US State.
I don't think your crossing any line. As someone that does have Chinese blood running through me I think it's great that you want to add some eastern paths into yours. You may also want to do shadow work for yourself and try to work out why, you feel as if you're crossing a line.
Eastern paths may be calling out to you because it has teachings or healing to offer you. Not to mention their have been others that followed those paths whom don't have eastern blood in them. There's also past lives to consider here as well. You may not have any deceased from that side of the world right now, maybe in a past life you did.
In other words I say go for it. You can always ask an elder that represents the paths that you wish to aid to yours for permission if you feel as if that is needed. Just go about with it respect and research, mediated if you wish and reflect if this is really something you want to do.
I've been interested in eastern philosophy for a while. I wasn't sure how those more versed in these philosophies would view the interest of an outsider whom has not grown with these philosophies using them in accordance with craft work.
As long as you are respectful about it, I don't think there should be an issue.
The main thing is to read/research thoroughly so you understand the background behind the beliefs you are looking to integrate, and know you aren't crossing any lines. As mentioned you can always reach out to a spiritual leader in those beliefs specifically if you have concerns.
As usual be cognizant about how you are using these practices and if you integrate them respectfully that should be fine
I agree with everything that has been said... it's ironic when put into words but the idea of cultural appropriation really has been, well, mis-appropriated. It is rapidly becoming one of those words that lose any meaning in favor of being thrown out by people who just want to sound justified in their societal angers.
Properly defined and used, it is when certain aspects or practices of a culture are taken on by an individual for personal profit at the expense and negligence of that culture. (IE; claiming yourself to be the originator and using it to profit through exploitation.)
So if you are learning from a culture, recognizing where those ideas come from, and use them to become a better person, then you're fine. I am a long-time spiritual mutt myself- so when I mention ideas I have learned and adopted I just try to include where I got those ideas from. Or at least the inspiration behind them.
