John Beckett - Page 5 of 144 - Musings of a Druid, Pagan, and Unitarian Universalist.

Integrity is Complicated: Breaking a Promise From Your Old Religion

January 21, 2018 By John Beckett

In the realm of religion we frequently find ourselves in situations where integrity makes conflicting demands, where there is no clear and clean choice. Do we break a promise, or do we stay in a situation that is unsatisfying or even harmful? Read more

Conversations Under the Oaks: January Q&A

January 18, 2018 By John Beckett

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Here are the questions and answers for this month’s Conversations Under the Oaks, a new monthly Q&A feature. Topics include divination ethics, prayer, syncretism, and ritual. Read more

No More Crayon Drawings on the Refrigerators of Mount Olympus

January 16, 2018 By John Beckett

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Early on the Gods seem happy we’re acknowledging Them and reaching out to Them. But as we learn and grow, more is expected of us. Errors and shortcomings are no longer glossed over – they’re pointed out so they can be corrected and we can get better at our sacred work. Read more

Cults of Personality Must Die

January 14, 2018 By John Beckett

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If someone insists you treat them like a celebrity, that’s their fault. If you do it, that’s on you. The person you’re putting on a pedestal is an ordinary human just like you. Read more

Unpopular Pagan Opinions: I Don’t Believe in the Three Worlds

January 11, 2018 By John Beckett

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Last week Devin Hunter talked about Heaven and Hell in the sense of “the Overworld and the Underworld.” That me realize it’s not just Heaven and Hell I don’t believe in, it’s also the concept of an Upper World, Middle World, and Lower World. Read more

Meditation: A Pagan Approach to a Universal Practice

January 9, 2018 By John Beckett

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Meditation is most commonly associated with Buddhism, but it is practiced in every religion and occasionally by people with no religion. Its regular practice has demonstrable benefits, and it builds the skills necessary for many spiritual experiences. Read more

Under the Ancient Oaks: A Season of Contemplation

January 7, 2018 By John Beckett

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Under the Ancient Oaks, the video series. January and the season leading up to Imbolc is the perfect time to begin a contemplative practice. Read more

The Ethics of Praying For Others

January 4, 2018 By John Beckett

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Praying for others is a good thing, but doing it ethically requires that we do it respectfully, mindfully, and humbly. Read more

2018: A New Year’s Divination

January 2, 2018 By John Beckett

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Here’s a look into 2018. For me, divination is less prediction and more like turning on your headlights when you’re driving at night: it shows you where you’re going. Don’t like what you see? Hit the brakes and take that left turn at Albuquerque. Read more

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Integrity is Complicated: Breaking a Promise From Your Old Religion

Conversations Under the Oaks: January Q&A

No More Crayon Drawings on the Refrigerators of Mount Olympus

Cults of Personality Must Die

Unpopular Pagan Opinions: I Don’t Believe in the Three Worlds

Meditation: A Pagan Approach to a Universal Practice

Under the Ancient Oaks: A Season of Contemplation

The Ethics of Praying For Others

2018: A New Year’s Divination

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