Overview of the PantheaCon Gender Debate

Last updated on: January 26, 2015 at 9:38 pm By Cara Schulz

The discussion over the “Genetic women only” ritual by Z Budapest at PantheaCon is in full swing across the blogosphere, discussion groups, and in face to face conversations. Although I hesitate jumping into what is clearly an emotional and highly charged discussion, I’m hopeful that these observations may help move the discussion in a more productive direction. There are several different positions people are articulating that range from very narrow in focus to much more global in nature. I have... Read more

Role of a Pagan Leader

Last updated on: January 26, 2015 at 9:40 pm By pmccleary

As I am nearing the end of my third degree studies, I’ve been putting a lot of thought into what it means to be a High Priest. What the roles and responsibilities that come with assuming this mantle are. The result? A series of questions for leaders to constantly ask themselves. Who do we serve? How can we best serve? Are we making an unique contribution? Are we improving all the time? The first question has an easy answer, we... Read more

Druid Thoughts: In Search of a Feminist Goddess

Last updated on: January 7, 2015 at 8:21 pm By Nimue Brown

I should begin by explaining that I am not a Wiccan, but have had close contact with Wiccans and the wider pagan community for more than a decade. Wiccans and those who draw heavily on them for inspiration, still represent the majority of pagans. In my experience, many folk who identify as ‘eclectic’ or ‘on their own path’ turn out to be working with largely Wiccan derived concepts. Of these, by far the most prevalent are ideas about female divinity.... Read more

Dear Jasmine: Kitchen Witchery

Last updated on: January 7, 2015 at 8:28 pm By Jasmine LunaMadre

Dear Jasmine, I am new on my pagan path and I am interested in kitchen witchery or hedge witchery, I feel so overwhelmed by all the information out there that I just do not know where to start. What do you recommend? Sincerely, Dee Dear Dee, I have been a Kitchen Witch in my personal daily practice for about 7 or 8 years now. If I was to say there was a unifying principal between all kitchen and hedge witches... Read more

Leaving a Legacy

Last updated on: January 7, 2015 at 8:47 pm By Adrian Monogue

In Paganism honoring the legacy left to you by those who come before you is important. The legacy they impart to you while they are alive and after they pass on is a great one, and one that needs to be treated with honor and humility. As Paganism grows older and matures we will need to think about what each generation will leave behind for the next. The teachings must be preserved, archives prepared, etc. I was lucky enough to... Read more

What Was Lost: The Story of Spring

Last updated on: January 26, 2015 at 9:16 pm By amandathomas

I only had a single moment with her father, but it was enough. When I first knew that I was pregnant, I felt such joy at the thought of this small life growing inside of me. I felt her tiny kicks and stirrings. I found myself smiling with each push and stretch. When she was born, crying and bloody, I held her to my chest and felt my soul bind to hers. She was so beautiful, I never wanted to... Read more

Making Light: Hellenic Reconstructionism (sensu Judaica)

Last updated on: December 26, 2014 at 10:09 pm By Sunweaver

In a Pagan context, a Reconstructionist is one who wishes to re-create ancient practices as closely as possible to what they were prior to the rise of the Abrahamic religions. For most Hellenic polytheists, this means the practices of Classical Greece. Hellenics are very fortunate in that there is a mountain of source material from the writings that survived from that time period to secondary sources by classical scholars and beyond. We have a lot to work from and even... Read more

Setting the Table: The Importance of Deity in Ritual

Last updated on: December 26, 2014 at 10:08 pm By Jason Mankey

A little over a week ago I led my first public ritual in California, and received at lot of positive feedback from people I like and respect in my community. Most of the comments that I got ended up being about the energy present at the ritual (strong and good), and the recitations of the Charge of the Goddess and Charge of the God by my wife and I. These are not separate things, because it’s always a lot easier to raise energy if the gods... Read more

Dear Jasmine: Family Friendly Gatherings

Last updated on: January 7, 2015 at 8:28 pm By Jasmine LunaMadre

Dear Jasmine, I help run a local pagan group and we are wanting to make our events more child friendly. What can we do to as a group to be more welcoming to families. How many family friendly events verses the adults only events should be held a year? What about 12-17 year old age range? Can they participate in more adult functions? Old Pagan Man Dear Old Pagan Man, As a mother who loves to go to festivals and... Read more

Dear Jasmine: Ritual Robes

Last updated on: January 7, 2015 at 8:28 pm By Jasmine LunaMadre

Dear Jasmine, I am new to paganism and I am just starting on my path. I am starting to meet up with other pagans in my area and socialize. I am wanting to make my own ritual robe, but I am so confused about what to make, how to make it and what is best for me. Where is a newbie to start with this? Sincerely, New Pagan Woman Dear New Pagan Woman, I remember being in your position, and... Read more