Since tonight is a full moon, I will be performing some spells. I have been experimenting with a spell lately and want to try combining this spell with a spell from another path. Mostly, I identify with Latin spells, Native American paths, and African paths. The spell that I am experimenting with is in Latin, but I want to enhance its power by combining it with another spell and ritual (one that would produce a similar outcome, of course) from one of these paths. Has anyone combined different paths before? What were your results? And is it safe?
In my personal opinion, one can combine paths to an extent.
If a path is closed, one should respect that and either be initiated or not practice it. It's my understanding that there are some Native and African practices that are closed, so make sure you aren't borrowing from those, as it could be disrespectful. Also, different traditions have different rules, so make sure you don't blend paths that have rules against that.
In addition (especially when it comes to already marginalized groups like people of color, but it's something one should do with any set tradition), make sure you're going about it respectfully. Reach out to others who practice, research the cultures behind the traditions, understand the history of the society the tradition stemmed from, make sure you aren't imposing anything disrespectful upon the tradition, etc. I'm not discouraging you from practicing what appeals to you, to be clear. I just want to point out that it's important to understand a tradition before practicing it, especially traditions that have been watered down and misunderstood a lot already.
As long as you're properly following, respecting, and understanding the traditions involved, I think it's okay to mix them as a general rule. This will likely require a decent amount of research, however (but so does any path).
As a side note, if you don't speak Latin fluently, just say the spell in a language you do speak. There's nothing inherently magickal about Latin. It's fine to change spells to suit you.
Thank you for the advice. I'm half Nigerian. I try not to be disrespectful, but, at the same time, I practice what I'm being called towards. People should travel the paths they feel are calling them in order to reach their highest spiritual potential, not what society says they can and can't practice.
