James Bianchi 1949 – 2015

Last updated on: May 13, 2015 at 5:20 pm By John Beckett

James Bianchi was a good friend and a fine Druid who did great things for our community. He will be remembered. Read more

A Pagan Community Statement on the Environment

Last updated on: May 12, 2015 at 6:53 pm By John Beckett

I encourage you to read A Pagan Community Statement on the Environment and if you are in general agreement, to sign it. Over 3,600 Pagans have already signed the statement – the working group that put it together is trying to get 10,000 signatures by the Summer Solstice. Read more

Advice To A Young Pagan

Last updated on: May 10, 2015 at 4:01 pm By John Beckett

There will be days when your Paganism is beautiful, powerful, and magical. Keep practicing. There will be days when your Paganism seems empty and lifeless. Keep practicing. Paganism isn’t something you believe or something you have to qualify for. It’s something you do and something you are. Read more

Walking Between the Worlds

Last updated on: May 6, 2015 at 5:48 pm By John Beckett

Paganism is neither solely concerned with Gods and spirits, nor with social justice and other this-world concerns. A healthy, vibrant Paganism needs both. Read more

The Garland Shooting: Innocents Get Hurt

Last updated on: May 4, 2015 at 5:57 pm By John Beckett

The two men who attacked an anti-Islam gathering in Garland last night are dead and I can’t say I’m sorry. But I wonder if the organizers of the event understood that innocent people could also get hurt... or if they cared. Read more

Beltane: An Inclusive Ritual That Works

Last updated on: May 3, 2015 at 4:02 pm By John Beckett

Denton CUUPS Beltane was traditional and current, inclusive and polytheist. That’s not always easy, but it can be done. Read more

Beltane – A Holy Day

Last updated on: May 2, 2015 at 8:10 am By John Beckett

It’s good to reclaim sacred sexuality from the Neopuritans who preach abstinence and shame, and from the evil sorcerers of marketing who use sex to persuade us to buy stuff we neither want nor need. But Beltane is about a lot more than sex. Read more

Many Ways To Make A Good Marriage

Last updated on: April 28, 2015 at 5:44 pm By John Beckett

The real question isn’t who gets to decide, it’s whether we cling to the harmful idea that there’s only one right way or if we accept and embrace our differences. Read more

A Druid With a Camera

Last updated on: April 25, 2015 at 4:43 pm By John Beckett

The stereotypical tourist with a camera is a stereotype for a reason – it’s easy to get caught up in taking pictures and miss out on experiencing a new place or event. But photography has taught me a few things I might not have learned otherwise. Read more

Beltane – A Solitary Ritual

Last updated on: May 3, 2017 at 9:10 am By John Beckett

Beltane is without question the most difficult high day for a solitary celebration, but there are things that can be done and done well as a solitary. In this ritual we continue the tradition of passing between two fires for purification and protection. Read more