Pagan Soup: Lord Gothwen, Geocentrism and Hephaestus Anthology

Pagan Soup: Lord Gothwen, Geocentrism and Hephaestus Anthology July 7, 2011

I woke up this morning intending to write a rip-roaring post but instead I found sad news waiting for me.

Lord Gothwen Passes

I did not know Lord Gothwen but I know he spent decades in service to the Craft. He lived in California, worked at Apple Inc and expressed regret at not being able to attend Lady Sintana’s memorial. Beyond that his stories are gone forever, with the exception of memories of family and friends. He was only 52.

Lady Larina of RavenStone, my “spiritual grandmother”, knew Lord Gothwen and shared this with me.

“It is with a heavy heart that we share with you the passing of Lord Gothwen who was our brother and friend as well as Lady Sintana’s long time love, consort and soulmate. Lord Gothwen came to Ravenwood in the late 1980s from an eclectic path which began in California and worked its way across the country. He was accepted by the group as a second degree. Over time he became a teacher and elder in his own way and was initiated by Lady Sintana to the third degree within the Ravenwood Tradition. Known affectionately as Jyppie, Lord Gothwen challenged those around him with his unconventional perspectives and unique sense of humor. His love and laughter will be greatly missed. Although he was gravely ill, his last several years were dedicated to sharing as much of life as he possibly could with his young nephew Jordan whom he loved dearly.  He was deeply committed to the ideals of the House of RavenStone and was proud to consider us his spiritual home even though we were separated by great distance. He always freely offered Lord Gaelin and myself his support, friendship, counsel, and advice. Journey well, dear one, until we meet again and know one another and love one another again. And may you know comfort, peace, and joy in the arms of the Great Mother.”

I grieve at the passing of another elder. My Lord Gothwen find rest, reunion and rebirth.

The Sun Revolves Around The Earth?

Poor Galileo. I imagine he’s rolling over in his grave yet again thanks to this story in the Vancouver Sun:

“Heliocentrism becomes ‘dangerous’ if it is being propped up as the true system when, in fact, it is a false system,” said Robert Sungenis, leader of a budding movement to get scientists to reconsider. “False information leads to false ideas, and false ideas lead to illicit and immoral actions _ thus the state of the world today. . . . Prior to Galileo, the church was in full command of the world; and governments and academia were subservient to her.”

Apparently this group is some strange heretical sect of Catholics, that my Catholic buddy Max Lindenman tells me boasts Mel Gibson among it’s members. Is it weird that attaching his name makes it make a bit more sense? Like saying “Oh, it’s THAT kind of crazy…

Poor, poor Galileo…

A Devotional to Hephaestus

I am editing a devotional for Hephaestus for Neos Alexandria and we’re still taking submissions: poetry, stories (fiction or non-fiction), prayers, retellings of myths, etc…

He is a friend of Prometheus, husband to both Kharis (Aglaea) and Aphrodite, has complex family relationships and is a master craftsman. Did you know he created androids to help him? Who knows, maybe Data from Star Trek would have been a Hephaestus devotee!

I will be previewing some pieces from the devotional soon. To submit just shoot it to me via e-mail: sfoster@patheos.com. Don’t forget to check out the other great anthologies Neos Alexandria have created!


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