Trying to explain Paganism to those who judge every religion by Christian standards is difficult. But when someone is genuinely curious, we can help them understand religion is bigger than they think, and that Paganism can stand on its own merits. Read more
Occasionally, Heinrich Heine has been right. Those who burned books ended up burning people. We need not fear these people because they do not have the power to burn others, at least not in this country. We just need to make sure they never get it. Read more
These are the steps of Pagan religious life, a map to building and advancing your practice in a way that’s meaningful and helpful. It’s not the only way and it’s certainly not the One True Way, but it’s a way – and it’s a way that works. Read more
Third-rate preachers have been burning books for years. In an era of mass production, it’s an exercise in futility. But it’s also a warning. This preacher and his church are trying to destroy what they see as upsetting the proper order of things. Read more
An atheist blogger hopes that reincarnation is real. I believe it’s real, but I hold that belief rather loosely. I might be wrong, and even if I’m not I don’t want to get so caught up in the next life that I neglect to live this life as fully as I can. Read more
Is simpler always better in ritual? So much depends on the tradition, the group, and the goals of the ritual. But there are four elements I believe are always necessary in a group ritual. Read more
This is the 2000th post on Under the Ancient Oaks. Sometimes I’m a reporter, sometimes I’m a columnist, and sometimes I’m a teacher. Here are nine posts from 2008 through 2020 that are more important than perhaps any of us realized at the time. Read more
When you can’t find ordinary explanations it’s time to start looking for magical explanations – and sometimes we do. But if you feel like you’re being hexed, there’s an ordinary explanation you may be overlooking. Read more
Everything doesn’t have to have a deep meaning or purpose. There’s a place for mindless entertainment and for guilty pleasures for which we should feel absolutely no guilt. You like what you like and you don’t need anybody’s permission to enjoy it. Read more
If you’re called to help establish or re-establish the worship of a deity for whom there is little lore, you’ve got a lot of work in front of you. But it’s doable work. What an amazing opportunity to make a difference for the future. Read more
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