“He’s in a Better Place” and Other Things Not to Say

Last updated on: April 26, 2021 at 3:53 pm By John Beckett

As a young but attentive child, I learned that too often “words of comfort” serve to reinforce orthodox beliefs but fail to provide any real comfort to the grieving. We can do better. Read more

Under the Ancient Oaks Online Beltane Ritual: May 1

Last updated on: April 20, 2021 at 2:12 pm By John Beckett

The Under the Ancient Oaks Online Beltane Ritual will be Saturday, May 1 at 8:00 PM CDT on YouTube. Read more

The Roaring 20s Are Starting Now – For Better or For Worse

Last updated on: April 20, 2021 at 3:32 pm By John Beckett

The economy is booming and many people are making party plans for when the Covid-19 pandemic is over. Only they’re not waiting for the pandemic to be over. Season 2 of the Roaring 20s is starting now, for better or for worse. Read more

Ancestor Work

Last updated on: April 14, 2021 at 1:47 pm By John Beckett

I’ve seen a lot of talk about ancestors and ancestor work recently, including some truly ridiculous statements. I tried to come up with a response and it kept going nowhere. So I threw my outline away and just wrote what’s on my mind. Read more

Paying Attention to Changes Between the Worlds

Last updated on: April 15, 2021 at 10:38 am By John Beckett

I have a theory (that’s more like informed speculation) of what’s going on between the worlds, but I don’t have all the answers. I don’t even have all the questions. Paying attention is how we’ll learn more. Read more

Vaccines and Seat Belts: Playing the Odds

Last updated on: April 13, 2021 at 1:14 pm By John Beckett

I got my second Covid vaccination today because like wearing seat belts, it's a good bet. Read more

What Do We Teach the Children? A Question for Pagans and Others

Last updated on: April 9, 2021 at 1:10 pm By John Beckett

Religion is more than beliefs. It’s culture, it’s values, it’s what you do and why you do it. And you will teach your religion to your children, whether you intend to or not. Be careful what you’re teaching them. Read more

Voter Suppression Bills: Intent Matters, Impact Matters More

Last updated on: April 6, 2021 at 7:12 am By John Beckett

I was legally entitled to vote absentee when I was away from home in college, but it was so much trouble I didn’t. If Republicans can make it harder for people they don’t like to vote, some of them won’t. And that may be enough to keep them in power. Read more

To Those Proselytizing Out Of Love: You Aren’t

Last updated on: April 5, 2021 at 7:02 pm By John Beckett

I have something to say to those who are trying to convert me to their religion because they say they love me: that’s not love. That’s arrogance, disrespect, fear, ego, and a lot more. Read more

The Irregulars

Last updated on: April 1, 2021 at 6:01 pm By John Beckett

The Irregulars grabbed me. It’s not great, but it is good. The 8-episode series dropped last Friday on Netflix, I finished it on Tuesday, and I’m still thinking about it. Read more