Author’s Note: Due to the growing length of this piece, it will be subdivided into further posts detailing this topic.  Consider this ‘part one’, with more Heathen-specific interests forthcoming.   This entry deals with one of the most contentious topics of religious identity as it is approached by reconstructionist polytheistic paganism, especially Heathendom and reconstructionist Germanic practices – the issue of syncretism.  As Contemporary Paganism and the reconstructionist polytheisms establish their own identity, grow, and eventually diversify with regards to internal developments a discussion as to what is and what is not syncretism and whether it is allowable within ‘Heathenry’ will invariably occur with greater frequency.  Indeed, questions regarding the role and appropriateness of syncretism in the face of what is considered “traditional” approaches…