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
Imbolc is the Promise of Spring. It reminds us that no matter how cold it is right now, warmer days are coming. The snow will melt. The trees will bud and begin to produce new fruit. This year I need Imbolc. This year I need the Promise of Spring. Read more
I’m convinced that almost everyone can experience the reality of Gods, spirits, and magic. It takes time and effort, but mainly it takes knowing what to look for. Make sure you’re not missing real experiences because you’re looking for fictional ones. Read more
Worshipping and working with deities from different pantheons isn’t as simple as filling your plate from different sections of the super buffet. It requires mindfulness and care, and a lot of work – sometimes double the work. But it can be done. Read more
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