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any more special than the next smuck...

Now I know a lot of people come into paganism or witchcraft (not mutually exclusive) with the idea that they are this unique snowflake and have all these "abilities" or "gifts" or "natural talents" and thus must be worshiped and recognized (well not worshiped but the recognized bit is correct) as such. I ran across a thread in PS (Paganspace.net) that revolved around this topic and the thread owner was very clear that she was "Not" normal (because of the old standby that "there is no such thing as normal") and that her "gifts" (fire scrying specifically) made her special because a normal person would not know what that was off the street.

I must say that this kind of behavior or rather this inflated ego thinking makes me laugh. Regardless if someone doesn't know what something is, that doesn't mean you are more special than they are for knowing it. I'm sure you don't know (you being the woman in question) how to do calculus or advanced math techniques, does that mean that person is now more special than you?

Perhaps I should have come back with "what is natural" to her "what is normal" question. It might have reversed the situation a little bit. What is a "natural" gift/talent and why is it that it must be innately psychic or to a "select" group of people who find themselves in the occult. I know several, several christian psychics - does that mean they are less christian for having these "abilities?" I know several non-pagans who can scry (because let's face it, you can learn the technique just like you can learn how to use tarot cards or palmistry).

Personally I believe every human on the planet has a "gift" (not just "a" but for the topic will limit it to just one). Regardless if they don't "use" it or "train it," that doesn't make them less special than someone who does, they still contain something. Even if it's not a "psychic" or "occult" ability. Since I include with "natural" -as talking about humans, all the things a human CAN do- abilities, I think they're missing the point and trying to inflate that ego.

"Yes, I am special because I fire scry." (like no one else does) "Yes, I am special because I'm celtic." (like no one else is?) "Yes, I am special because I'm practicing witchcraft." (Like no one else does?)

I look at what is abnormal as things that humans CANNOT do, but people claim to do.

For example, if anyone of either sex would suddenly sprout a new p***s on their forehead, then suddenly change into a rocket (p***s rocket for short) - I would consider this to be abnormal - thus "Not normal." This is the time where I would say, "Why yes, you are special and... Imma hide under my couch."

But as for the rest? No. You're doing things that people either -have done- for centuries or have been for centuries (granted not that I know how old celtic culture has existed). That means you are normal. And just because ONE other person is NOT the same as you are, doesn't make you any LESS normal or "average." Average might be the better word, rather than "normal."

Anyway, I thought I'd bring this up. Whether "gifts" make someone "less normal." What "gifts" are. And what "natural" is.

I only have one thing to say....


Tarot cards.

YES< many people can read them.

But how many can fail at it as badly as I can? razz

I think it makes someone feel good about themselves to say that they have this gift, to naturally be able to do something without needing to work at it, instead of saying they're weird or something.

But the point where things go wrong is when they not only say it to make themselves feel better, but to make them appear above someone else. "I'm too good for you" kinda thing.

Maybe it's like apples and oranges. That someone is gifted in being an apple, and someone else is gifted in being an orange. They're both fruit, but they're structured differently and contain different vitamins. Which is better?
If you hated orange juice, you'd say apples, right? But would you look at someone who orders orange juice and say "ew, orange juice is so gross, you should've ordered apple juice"? Some people would, others would accept that someone else likes oranges.

I don't think being an apple is any better than being an orange. They're both fruits. Just because you're gifted in scrying doesn't mean you're better than someone who's gifted in something else, or not gifted at all. It means you're a freaking orange, not an apple! (or an apple, not an orange, if you don't like being an orange)
It's just another part that makes you who you are. And it's part of what makes the other person who they are. Just some people have trouble seeing that.

I agree with the sentiments expressed.

I am not, of course, talking about those who are proud of their abilities but do not rub it in people's faces or use it as a one-up method for establishing specialness or betterness.

Watermelon > Apples and Oranges. Just sayin'. :B

That's fair.

It does get iritating to have peopel try to shove thier "specialness" down your throut. Haveing a talent at something dosn't make you better than someone. It just means your might be better than someone when it comes to that one thing. Take my sister for example. She is gifted in the kitchen. She can read a resipt once, make it once, and never have to look at the resipt again. Pluse the next time she makes those cookies again, they will tast better then the first time! Thankfully she doesn't put others down or say that she is special just becaue she can bake really good.

I have to agree with this. I thought it was a gift when I was able to see aura colors by adjusting my eye focus, but I later learned that it was a skill any one can learn. We all want to feel different and special.

Uh,,, sure. biggrin