Most Pagans and many polytheists cast circles, do house cleansings, and put up wards. We understand the necessity for purity, even if we don’t always take it as far as we should. But there are times when the concept of purity can be abused. Read more
This Fourth of July, give thanks to the Founding Fathers for establishing a secular republic where all are free to practice their religion. But do not worship them or their words. Any claim to sainthood they may have had was forfeited when they punted on the issue of slavery. Read more
Jealousy is not a virtue. Its roots are not in love and power, but in possessiveness and insecurity. It seeks a relationship of control and often abuse, not one of respect and reciprocity. Why would a God ever be jealous? Read more
Ordinary people are angry and frustrated and rightly so. But too many are blaming their problems on “them” and too many politicians are more than willing to exploit that anger and frustration for their own benefit. Read more
If you’re telling yourself you can’t afford to travel, my suggestion is to shut up and go somewhere. Forget the places your rich friends are bragging about that you really can’t afford. Cut back somewhere else and go where you can afford to go. Read more
The Summerland stone circle exists because of James Stevens and his vision of a lasting Pagan community in North Texas. It is a temple, and we are honored to tend it. Read more
Our common definition of mental illness is far too broad and our understanding of ordinary human emotions and behavior is far too narrow. Our mainstream society has too many expectations for conformity and not nearly enough respect for personal boundaries. Read more
Our mainstream society is the reverse of “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” Instead of claiming to see something that isn’t there so everyone will think we’re good and righteous, we pretend we don’t see things our senses tell us are there, so everyone will think we’re rational and sophisticated. Read more
If you yearn for a simple answer in the face of these tragedies, it means you’re human. If you believe you’ve found a simple answer, it means you’re wrong. The great problems of our world are complicated and deep seated. They defy simple solutions and they make liars of would-be saviors. Read more
Some of our ancient ancestors carved their Gods in stone, and much of the work of the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans has survived to our time. But the Celts were mostly different. Let us never forget we can see the Gods with the eye of reverence. Read more
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