Just because Obama is President....doesn't mean that racism doesn't exist. Just in case there was any confusion behind the concept that we live in a racially motivated society that has a systematic form of racism that has operated for years in the institutions of this country. It appears to be the non-minority's answer to societal problems, the fact that we have a Black president... must mean everyone has to stop worrying about whether or not we live in a racist society. Um, wrong.... one … [Read more...]

This week has been full of moments of reflection for me. You know those times when all the variables start displaying themselves, bringing things to light that create moments of confusion and clarity all at the same time. I have been thinking about Occupy Oakland and the incredible injustices that continue to happen here in the Bay Area and all over the United States. The struggle for equality continues to be a focal point of so many movements and yet we are not equal, we do not have the … [Read more...]

by K. Pythia Theocritos There comes a time in many African American lives where, by relaying something from their social narrative will have their statement tagged as “making it racial.” When I was younger, I was very quick to correct this assertion by reframing, or even apologizing for, my statement. Socially, minorities are taught that “making it racial” means blowing things out of proportion, or taking things out of context. At the very worst it is seen as obstructing an issue by … [Read more...]

There are moments that happen and I often wonder if it is the wrong place at the wrong time or the right place at just the right time to inspire my thoughts and remind me of my mission. This week has been full of those moments and although they are sometimes painful or disheartening, these moments are also a part of the building materials that have made me who I am. Having varied experiences that evoke emotion within me have pushed me to claim my Priestesshood, become a counselor, work in … [Read more...]

This guest post is from another talented writer, Flame Bridhesdottir.  I first met her in the Shades of Faith book process and came to really enjoy her writing and professionalism.  She wrote this piece for Daughters of Eve and for her personal blog.  Considering the incredible events this week with the Occupy movement, more voices are being heard.  Enjoy! An Open Letter to the Not-the-99-Percent by Flame Bridhesdottir Well well well, I see some of you out there don’t want to be … [Read more...]

Where do I start in verbalizing the pure disgust I feel after watching the institutionalized racism, sexism, classism and power issues of what I just saw before me? I don't know where to start so I will first start with a picture of the faces of Occupy Oakland. These are the faces of a community that showed up to represent the rights of those who have fallen into the traps of a money hungry, capitalistic society that takes away from the masses and forgets the poor. Oakland is such a place. … [Read more...]

This guest post is from K. Pythia Theocritos, a wonderful writer that writes for her own blog and is pretty powerful in her words.  She has written a guest post for Daughters of Eve and we hope to read more of her writing in the near future.  Enjoy!!  - Crystal That Angry, Polytheist, Black Woman by K. Pythia Theocritos This post is very raw. While writing it I seethed with emotion and yes, some of that emotion was anger. The current political and economic climate not withstanding; my mind … [Read more...]

Interestingly, I am a Black Wiccan. I have heard of others talk of being asked why they are Wiccan instead of a path “from their ancestry”. I have a lot I could say about this but that would side track this particular conversation. I have not had people ask me this directly but I know that I am not the stereotype of a Pagan. I am ok with that, really, but there is some pressure associated with being a bit different than the norm. Often times this pressure comes from all sides; the Pagan … [Read more...]

After a weekly conversation on a the Pagan Household yahoo group this week, it really pushed me to thinking about what I think is a part of the varying dynamics within the Pagan community with regards to the need for trained clergy and leaders. I am always quite confused by the resistance in the community around the “degree” system and the need for a system of information sharing that helps to ensure that passing of knowledge is outlined and organized. Let me start by saying I am … [Read more...]

How do you find the right words to describe the delicate fusion between who you are, who you have become and who you want to be? I think that most people are in a dance with themselves in finding out the answers to those very questions. Sometimes being a Black, Woman, Wiccan High Priestess feels like I am doing the jig to the DJ spinning techno and country music simultaneously. I waddled my way through my teen years as a alternative chick who hung out with a bunch of multi-racial, alternative … [Read more...]