Discernment is the ability to judge well. It keeps us from jumping to conclusions that are simple, pleasant, and wrong. It also keeps us from putting our experiences under glass and ignoring calls and messages that are important even if they’re also difficult and scary. Read more
There is no universal answer to the question of how to prepare for Pagan priesthood – or if you should prepare. Perhaps your calling is to priesthood. But perhaps it’s to do or be something else. Discernment is required. Read more
The warnings began seven years ago: “a storm is coming – get ready.” Did you think we were making it up? Did you think the Gods were lying to us? This isn’t what any of us wanted, but here we are. And so we will do what must be done. Read more
On June 29, 2008 a new blog entered the world – this one. My goal was to work through some spiritual issues, share what I found with others, and develop a deeper and more meaningful religious theory and practice. Ten years later I can honestly say that I’ve accomplished what I set out to do. Read more
Friday is the 10th anniversary of Under the Ancient Oaks. In celebration I want to review the best of the blog. Here are the Top 10 posts of all time on Under the Ancient Oaks. Read more
We all bear many burdens, neither fair nor just, for our world is none of these things. Together we preserve Ma’at, an eternal struggle, by nurturing truth and justice. Alone the burden is unbearable, but together our strength is unimaginable. Read more
If you want to be a hero, here’s your chance. But this is not a binary choice – there are more possibilities than hero or collaborator. If you’re not up to heroic deeds, then do what you can do. Find your place in the resistance, and find your place in the restoration. Read more
There is a hunger for the first-hand experience of the Gods. But in order to recognize and understand these experiences, we must build a polytheist context and develop our awareness of the Gods. Read more
Angelo Nasios argues that Hellenism is the culture of the Greeks. Does that mean that Paganism is the culture of Pagans? I’m sure of one thing: Paganism is a lot more than what Pagans believe. Read more
I would not throw the Masterpiece baker in jail. But neither would I tell the couple he refused to serve “it’s no big deal – just go somewhere else.” Because this is a big deal. We cannot allow bigotry and homophobia to go unchallenged. Read more
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