Nature vs. Natural

So, I've been thinking lately about the label for the general spiritual path I follow. To explain my American Eclectic Wiccan path to those completely unfamiliar with Wicca, I've always described it vaguely as a Nature religion... And while I do live in the "Garden State," I live off the infamously smelly and industrial exit 13 off of the NJ Turnpike (that's Route 95 to outta staters.) On the whole, more tar, concrete and brick than anything resembling a garden (unless of course you count that section of Home Depot.)

You can't go long without reading another article in some Pagan publication, discussing the appropriateness of Urbanites labeling their practice Nature Religion. Since we have air conditioned homes and obtain food with our weapon of choice (I use my Bank of America Visa Debit card, thank you very much,) that is no longer sharp and pointy, we have distanced ourselves from Nature and cannot truly profess to have a Nature Religion.

And I say this: Ugh. This is why I've detested Labels since childhood. And for religion? How ridiculous! First of all, words used to describe religion will ALWAYS fall short, as religion takes place in a different realm than language does. Language is very good for science, in an arena that values empirical evidence and the like, as language can act very much at times like quick-dry cement...

But anyway, I think the term "Natural Religion" may be something a little bit closer to what I practice everyday. My Wicca is of the American Eclectic strain, rather than the Traditional, Gardnerian British type. I've never professed to be the follower of An Olde Religion; Wicca is new, and I am part of the generation that has seen it's explosion into popular American culture and the mainstream. Wicca is growing exponentially right now, and I'd like to see it grow in a Natural way.

I'd hate for Wicca to get all caught up in silly empty rules, dogma, rites and institutions that are aritficially structured and less organic. My Wicca comes from the human experience, it doesn't fit it. Sexuality, pleasure, living, dying, pain, grief, humanity is sacred and holy and GOOD, not shameful. Our rites of passage stay true to the human experience and don't try to enforce arbitrary, archaic and despotic shackles.

We celebrate Nature's rhythms because Nature still exists in the city. Spring still happens, Winter still happens, birth and death are celebrated and mourned. People still fall in love, people still create things. Humanity is Nature, and there is plenty of humanity in the New York Metropolitan Area.

So my Nature Religion celebrates that. It holds sacred urban gardening, new nephews and nieces, loved ones who pass on to the Other Side, orgasms, amazing food, green tea, dancing, music, painting and poetry.