[Main Blog Post] The Trouble with Authenticity

[jprussell]

I've been trying to write this one for months, but I didn't actually have anything new or useful to say, and then the other day, I read a book review, and it's way of defining a seemingly unrelated topic gave me the key I needed to put it all together.

So, what is the Trouble With Authenticity?

Read on to find out!

Comments

[randomactsofkarmasc]

I enjoyed your post very much. Parts of your story remind me of my path. I found JMG when I decided I wanted a deity (or deities) and I happened across an article of his that led me to the Druid Handbook. It took me a while to find my pantheon, but you are right... when it is right, you can feel it. And I have no interest in being a Reconstructionist. ;-)

Your post is a logical well-written explanation of things that I have felt but would struggle to express with words.

[jprussell]

Thank you, I'm glad you liked it! I had to kind of be dragged kicking and screaming into the Druid side of things precisely because it was so different from the mostly Reconstructionist tack I had been taking before, but I'm much better for it.

As for putting in words, thank you again - I had to struggle with this for a long time to be able to articulate it at all, and the editing for this post was a lot more involved than usual, so I'm thankful it had the desired effect.

Incidentally, I wanted to say that I enjoy reading the speculations and connections in your comments on the Doctrine and Ritual of High Magic book club posts, but I rarely have anything substantial to add, as I've barely studied Tarot or Cabala at all, I haven't engaged with the CosDoc as deeply as it deserves, and though I'm reasonably familiar with Greek mythology, I haven't ever meditated through it or taken a serious look at it since taking up esoteric study. All of which leaves me feeling like I've got nothing to contribute - but I still feel smarter having read your comments, so thank you, and please keep it up!

[randomactsofkarmasc]

Ha! Back at you! Your posts are always thoughtful and interesting, but usually about topics I have little background in (so I don't have anything to contribute, either!). :-)