I've been thinking about which direction to take my practice. I have always connected with eastern culture/religions. Since high school I have practiced yoga fairly regularly. Perhaps naturally I have felt connected with some of the Hindu gods/goddesses as well (particularly Kali).
However, I'm lily white and Scandinavian to the core, lol. I've looked into Norse theology as well, since my family history has a rich background in that culture, but I haven't felt the same connection. So my question for you all (and I'm sorry if I offend anyone), how can I make sure I'm avoiding disrespectful behavior or cultural appropriation if I explore some of the more Eastern theology? I'm also trying to look at some of the attributes I appreciate in the Hindu gods and see if I find correlating traits in the Norse pantheon. Furthermore, I know some eclectics will cross pantheons. I know opinions generally vary, but is there a general sense of whether this is accepted vs frowned upon in the pagan community?
Personally I feel if it's done with respect and because you have a spiritual connection with it I don't see why you can't follow a specific path. That said, it is a touchy subject thanks to the historical context. I feel for this you should seek out a Hindu temple [or failing that email a spiritual leader in the Hindu faith] and bring your question up to them directly. Explain how you've put a lot of thought into it, how it makes you feel, and ask what they feel.
I'm white [like 70% white 30% native, but I present very white unless it's the summer where I tan very easily and look more native. Thank you bone structure] I research many histories, mythologies, and religions from around the world, and while I know my ancestors faiths, I'm drawn to Egyptian pantheon [and I'm zero percent Egyptian] I stepped away for a number of years trying to lean more towards Celtic/Germanic faiths like my ancestors, but one of my Egyptian Goddesses I worked with for years came to me about 6 months ago. Should I deny a Goddess who says [rather forcefully mind you, I can be stubborn] "you're working with me, end of discussion" simply because we're from different cultures? I personally feel no, you are being respectful, you feel a deep connection to the path, and it gives you a spiritual fulfillment. I wouldn't run around claiming I'm an expert, I personally know the problems people of that culture face, or speak on behalf of that culture, but if you do yoga, have an altar set up to the specific God/Goddesses of the Hindu faith, observe the teaching and holidays, and go to religious celebrations, I see nothing wrong following that path. [granted, if memory serves there's two groups of thought in Hinduism, one claims the religion you're born in is the one you must say in]
