American Gods and the Growth of Devotional Polytheism, Part 1: Fantasy and Inspiration

Last updated on: March 19, 2016 at 10:32 am By John Halstead

There has always been a close relationship between fantasy and contemporary Paganism, and for the most part, we Pagans are unashamed of it. A work of fiction may open a person up to having a very real experience to which they were not open before. For example, a person might read American Gods and develop an interest in devotional polytheism, from which they proceed to learn more and seek out a direct encounter with the gods. But saying that works of fiction played an important role in the Pagan revival does not deny that it was inspired by powers which transcend the minds of the authors of those works of fiction. Read more

“How Do You Like Them Apples?” On Gods and Metaphors

Last updated on: March 18, 2016 at 12:03 pm By John Halstead

I have noticed -- especially recently -- that rigidity of definitions tends to correspond to other forms of rigidity. As a result, hard polytheistic communities seem to be more prone to fracturing than other polytheistic communities. The gods we choose tend to be reflections of ourselves in some ways. If we see the gods as "separate" and "individual," like billiard balls, then we may well find ourselves smashing against the hard edges of those around us. But if we see the gods as part of us and us as part of them, inseparable and interpenetrating, then we may find ourselves experiencing a deeper sense of communion with one another. Read more

From a Flatland Metaphysics to the Ecology of the Gods

Last updated on: March 11, 2016 at 4:23 pm By John Halstead

Let's acknowledge that all of us are talking about gods, but we're talking about them on different levels. That all of our gods are "real" on some level, and not "real" on other levels. And that all of us are poly/theists on some level, and none of us are poly/theists on other levels. And that none of the levels is better or more right than any of the others. Let's abandon this one-dimensional flatland metaphysics, and embrace a tropical rainforest ontology. Let's stop talking like there is only one level to reality or that there is any set of definitions can possibly encompass all of those levels at once. There's room enough in the ecology of the gods for all of our beliefs and ways of honoring them. Read more

The Dictionary Is Not A Holy Book

Last updated on: March 4, 2016 at 12:53 pm By John Halstead

Language is a living thing -- especially religious language. It is supple and flowing, and that can be exasperating, especially to those who carry a deep unconscious fear of life. I know that fear. I have to resist it all the time. But I also know that real meaning is not to be found between the covers of a book -- especially not the dictionary. Read more

Bursting the White Bubble of Colorblindness

Last updated on: February 23, 2016 at 11:00 am By John Halstead

My “colorblindness” actually contributes to the perpetuation of this racist system. Being “colorblind” renders me blind to the role of race in the scenario described above and a thousand other micro-systems like it. Read more

Want To Be A Pagan?: “Climb a Fucking Tree!”

Last updated on: February 16, 2016 at 4:11 pm By John Halstead

"If you want to worship nature, you don’t need a sunwheel, pentacle, or a goddess to do so – go out and climb a fucking tree, sit in its branches, learn ecology, listen to the wind rustling the leaves through the branches, watch the squirrels, strip naked and swim in the river as the sun sets. Then do whatever it takes to stop those fuckers who wanna cut that tree cause all they see is dollar signs. You don’t need a European god or goddess to tell you life is sacred." Read more

In Religious Matters, Truth Is Overrated

Last updated on: February 16, 2016 at 12:59 pm By John Halstead

There are things that matter as much as truth. Things like beauty and compassion, a sense of meaning and a feeling of connectedness. And I think concern for the truth needs to be balanced with these things or in order to live a fully human life. Read more

Become a Shaper of Earthseed

Last updated on: February 4, 2016 at 12:51 pm By John Halstead

Earthseed is a new Neo-Pagan path currently being Shaped. Earthseed’s three main tenets are: God is Change. Shape God. The Destiny of Earthseed is to take root among the stars. If you would like to learn more about becoming a Shaper of Earthseed, click here to read more. Read more

An Eclectic Mid-Winter Ritual

Last updated on: February 1, 2016 at 7:11 pm By John Halstead

Here in the Midwest, February is the coldest time of the year on average. There might be snow on the ground still, or it might have melted, but it's likely we still have more snow to come. But since it's the peak (or should I say the trough) of cold temperatures, I can look forward to the beginning of warming (or at least less freezing) temperatures. So, for me, Mid-Winter is the end of the Great Freezing and the beginning of the Great Melting. Read more

How to Construct a Morning Ritual

Last updated on: January 22, 2016 at 1:27 pm By John Halstead

Having a morning ritual has been very important for me. A morning ritual sets the tone for the day. And I definitely feel a difference when I skip it. A morning ritual doesn't have to be complicated, or even difficult. If you don't have a morning ritual, these elements may help you construct one, or if you have one already, this may help you refine yours. Read more