It's somewhat surprising, given the degree of theological and ritual innovation in the Pagan community, that we don't think very far outside the box when it comes to places of worship. We Pagans might benefit from shifting from church/community center model to a shrine model of public religiosity. Here are 3 ways Pagans can offer the experience of "churchless religion" to people. Read more
"Religion" is about symbol, myth, and ritual, while "church" is about community, morality/ethics, and ideology/politics. Here in the West, it seems we've gotten the church cart before the "horse" of religion. Potlucks and creeds are the outgrowth of religion, not the cause of it. Read more
The Sunday Assembly wants to be "all the best parts of church but without the religion", but I think they've got it backwards. What I am longing for is not "church without religion", but "religion without church". And I don't think it's just me. In fact, I wonder if maybe the growing numbers of "Nones" aren't looking for the same thing. Read more
Ever since leaving my Christian religion of origin, I have refused to kneel when I pray. This sign of submission still had power for me, even 15 years after I stopped believing in a God who demands submission. But last week, I was literally driven to my knees. Read more
The year should turn the Wheel, not the other way around. The problem with many of the Neo-Pagan Sabbaths is that we start with a name, then work out what the day should mean from its etymology and history, and then try to associate it with the season — which is completely backwards. Read more
If you don't like something about how the American Council of Witches operates, then by all means, raise your voice, petition for change. Even better, try to get involved in the organization and change it from within. But don't tell me it "doesn't speak for you". Because, like it or not, it can and it will. Read more
Whether you call yourself an “Atheist Pagan”, “Atheist Witch”, “Pagan Humanist”, “Druid Naturalist”, or none of the above -- if you have a love for the myth and ritual of Paganism, but not its supernatural or non-empirical aspects -- then we'd like to interview you. Read more
The PantyCon mock-up wasn’t describing a real workshop at Pantheacon, but it was describing a real event! One that happens all the time, everywhere. In happens in the minds of white people. It happens in social spaces shared with people of color. And it happens in physical reality. Read more
I don't even want to tally up how much Pantheacon cost this year, after plane tickets, hotel, food, and conference fees. Not to mention missed work. But it was a priceless experience for me. Read more
My 12-year old daughter came home from school yesterday and said she wanted to give up something for Lent. Her friend is Catholic and my daughter liked the idea of giving something up until Easter. I wanted to encourage this in my daughter, both because I want her to explore other religious practices and because I think she could benefit from leaning how to self-discipline. So I agreed to do it with her. We talked about various things we might... Read more
The Allergic Pagan
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