So, it is here that the major problems lie - we emulate our teachers (remember that for the most of us, that would be a good number of books and not an actual teacher at all. On top of that, the majority of teachers out there were either self taught using books, or, were taught themselves by someone who was book educated.). We take to heart what our favorite authors and teachers say, and act out what they say and do because we feel that we harmonize with their beliefs.
...and this is ok, if you dont mind the fact that what you are choosing to believe is probably based a whole lot on what someone else chooses to believe rather than anything factual.
In other words "actuality" is the big picture, the ultimate truth. It is not open for interpretation, or based on anyones point of view. It is ultimate, pure, truth. "Reality", on the other hand, is based on someones subjective analysis of the big picture or ultimate truth (think of it as being only able to see one facet of a complete diamond - what we choose to see). When this happens, our interpretations are clouded by how we choose to see the big picture because of our inherent prejudices and preconceived notions.
#1. Lack Of Cerditable Information - When a book or person claims that "wicca is a thousand year old mystery tradition.." they need to be able to substiante their claim. They need to offer proof to make this a valid statement (BTW, wicca is only about 60 yrs old). Again, there are very few books or teachers out there that can substiante their information. According to scholars, there is very little that we do know about Pagans of Old and what they did / how they worshiped. Most of the material offered out there today is simply made up. It is based on rites and practices of new-age and non-pagan origin, dressed in the clothes of an ancient sounding Pagan theme.
#2. Lack Of Creditable Resources - There is no place or entity that steps up to bat and really does the job of supporting a real pagan community. There is no place that offers scholarly information or classes to support a vibrant Pagan community, teaching and resources for the teachers of the community, etc.. .
#3. Lack Of Creditable Traditions - There are no Pagan Traditions that have survived until modern day. There are old Neo-Pagan traditions (Gardnerian Wicca for example), but no tradition that can be traced with validity back to ancient times. We are left with a gaping wound when it comes to providing a historically factual tradition to base our practices on.
#4. Lack Of Creditable Teachers - Simply, we have very few teachers that can teach (though we have no shortage of those who REALLY REALLY want to try). We have even fewer teachers that teach relevant material - again, based on factual and scholarly information. This is because there are no teachers who have received real traditional training. Most teachers today are book taught, or, are taught by someone who was. Furthermore, most teachers today were never brought up in a traditional Pagan setting.
#5. Lack Of A Cohesive Foundation - Because we, they pagan community, emulates our teachers, we are all gulity of doing a fairly poor job of being a community. There are a few, driven by who knows what, to try and establish some sort of cohesion. The rest of us sit around and complain that there is really nothing to do. BULL.
The Real lack of cohesion is because there is no common ground. Because there are no traditions, because there are no groups - because we are taught not to seek them out. You cannot be a solitaire and expect a strong community.
Do the math - Solitaire = 1, Community = many.
