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De-Fluffing

"There once was a bunny named Fluff
Who just didn't research her stuff
Not once did she check
But she stuck out her neck
And spouted a load of old guff"

Starless
~*~

You may be aware of the term 'fluffy bunny' in the witchy/pagan community. It has encompassed a fair few meanings over the years, but speaking for myself, I like it as a term for the 'weekend witches'. Ones who maybe read a book or two and think they know it all (and aren't afraid to tell you - even if you don't ask). The ones who think that wearing black and setting off metal detectors with their jewellery makes them a 'witch'. The ones who think it's fashionable this season or are trying to freak out the relatives they don't like.
You know the kind.

However, I have seen it frequently being used for people who are new to witchcraft and pagan paths. And this is where I have issues with it.

By the very variety of paganism, there will be many people in transit - those seeking to find their own path amongst the many, discovering new things and ideas. Some will find the right path for them; others will have to seek in different places.
But no one who is genuinely looking for help and advice should be mocked for it. Here is how I see the difference:

The newbie or seeker is someone who doesn't have all the information, but is interested in getting it and learning from it.

The Fluffy is someone who doesn't want the information, in case it gets in the way of his/her own ideas - never mind the reality!

I know for a fact that when I was just beginning I hadn't got a clue what I was doing, but luckily I had supportive people around and access to various books & web sites through recommendation. Time and again I read things that seemed to contradict each other and it took a lot of working out on my part. I'd hazard a guess that this is what all newbies go through. Everyone has to start somewhere.

Contrast this to the Fluffy. They read something on a website about witches. Oh goodie, dressing up and scaring people! Let's threaten to hex anyone we don't like! People should fear our mysterious aura as we conduct our midnight rites! Let's call the corners of our circle! Etc.

Another branch of Fluff is the fundamentalist Fluffy. This is someone who has read a book on witchcraft/paganism, decided this is the 'one true way' (copyright, no doubt), yet usually fails to give any reasoning or explanations, or even actively practice what they preach. And boy, do they preach...

My hope from this little article would be that if you encounter someone - online or in the real world! - who is new to things and not sure, or only has part of the facts or seems confused, don't dismiss them as 'Fluffy' from that alone.
Make suggestions of books or web sites that you have found useful. Give them advice on networking with people who can answer their questions, talk about common interests and help them learn more.

If they make use of these resources, then that's great.
If they choose to stick to Fluffy-isms, that's fine too.
But don't waste any more of your time on those ones.

After all, newbies or seekers are there to learn. Fluff just gets up your nose.

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