Yes, but what do we NEED from our Pagan leaders?

February 28, 2012 By
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The discussion around the post, What do we want from our Pagan leaders? was enlightening for me. Admittedly, I have a close, personal connection to the subject, as I'm seeking to discover what it might mean that I am, as a friend told me, "called to lead" in some way. This comment really stood out to me: I think that's one of the basic yardsticks of spiritual maturity: can what you offer to others be about what's needed rather than all about self-promotion? Or self-effacement, or … [Read more...]

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What do we want from our Pagan leaders?

February 27, 2012 By
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In this last week of post-Pantheacon decompression, I've discovered a few things about myself. First, as much as I am invested in my online work, either through blogging or social networking, nothing compares to real-life, skin and sweat, handshakes and hugs interaction. You can imagine all you want about how great it would feel to dance, but that isn't the same as dancing. And, I love to dance. Pantheacon, my first large Pagan gathering, provided me with the opportunity to embody my … [Read more...]

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The Action of Worship

February 24, 2012 By
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My religion is experienced in the doing. This became clear to me as I entered the sacred space of our ADF ritual at Pantheacon, lifted my voice to invoke the spirit of Inspiration, and, for a moment, left my mind behind. When I stepped in front of the altar and began to sing, I was performing a religious and magickal act. It was spontaneous and improvisational, and it originated from within my heart. It was the purest offering I could make. In that moment, I was not thinking about what … [Read more...]

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Witness to the Protest at Pantheacon 2012

February 22, 2012 By
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This is my witness of the silent meditation led by T. Thorn Coyle to protest the Z Budapest ritual at Pantheacon 2012. [Note: I use the term "cisgender women" or "cis woman" to distinguish from "transgender women" or "trans woman." Both groups may identity with the word "woman."] 8:33pm I arrive in the City Foyer, a long hallway on the main floor of the DoubleTree hotel, and make my way toward the San Martin room. I find a corner in which to sit. I feel the strong need to write down all … [Read more...]

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The Urgency to Understand Pantheacon

February 21, 2012 By
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I brought my little tin-can altar to Pantheacon, and set it up in my hotel room on the glass, circular end table next to the lounge chair. The conference program was rather stern about not burning incense or lighting candles anywhere in the hotel, but I chose to believe that the rules didn't include small tea lights and mini-tapers on end tables. Honestly, if I'm standing naked before an altar I can guarantee you that I'll be the first to notice if something catches on fire. Bringing my … [Read more...]

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Oh my Gods, I’m at #Pantheacon.

February 17, 2012 By
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I'm buzzing. Vibrating. I know that sounds New Age-y, but that's really what it feels like to be in my body at this moment. I'm sitting in the lobby of the San Jose DoubleTree Hotel, and Pantheacon is exploding all around me. There are men in skirts, women in top hats, people whose gender is a complete mystery, elders, newbies (like me), and a general spirit of something happening. This is the place to be, and I'm here. *grin* Oh, and did I mention that there is a strong corseted … [Read more...]

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Curses, Shame, and a High-Functioning Mexican

February 6, 2012 By
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I watched her shovel the snow in fits and starts with a 3-year-old boy trailing behind, and I felt sorry for her. She was at home during most days with the little one, while her husband, I presumed, was out at work. I never saw him shovel. Rarely did I see him at all, to be honest. I spent most of the morning laying out salt, waiting, then clearing our modest driveway and sidewalk. The snowfall took little pauses here and there, but it never completely stopped. We saw three feet come down in … [Read more...]

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I Keep Vigil to the Fire: Imbolc Poetry for a Goddess

February 1, 2012 By
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Today, pious Pagans around the globe are posting poetry online in honor of the Goddess, Brighid (otherwise known as Brigid, Brigit, or simply, "exalted one"). I join them here on Bishop In The Grove. Imbolc, as I wrote about yesterday, may have milky origins, but the day and the season speak to something much deeper than a single agricultural marker can convey. On Imbolc, we recognize the primal fire within us, and when we speak from that place with a clear, honest voice, beautiful … [Read more...]

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