Many different people come into Paganism for many different reasons. That doesn’t mean all of them are good reasons. Some people come into Paganism for bad reasons. In doing so, they set themselves up for disappointment, and they distract our movement from its higher goals. Read more
“What does the Morrigan want with me? I’m not a warrior.” Read more
Here are the questions and answers for this month’s Conversations Under the Oaks, a new monthly Q&A feature. Topics include personal gnosis, science and religion, priesthood, and the place of politics in ancient Pagan religions. Read more
I admire Billy Graham’s dedication and devotion. But I cannot minimize the problems of what he was dedicated and devoted to. His sermons sent people into a hell of fear over the fear of hell. And he refused to engage the most important questions of his religion. Read more
Ronald Hutton said “we are the only society that both believes in witchcraft and doesn’t believe in it, and I’d like to keep it that way.” Is it inevitable that a common belief in magic would result in the prosecution of certain magic users? It’s possible, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Read more
There’s been a lot of garbage written about fear over the years. People claim fear is only an illusion and they attempt to shame others who are afraid. Sometimes fear is rational. Other times it’s not. Most times it’s a little of both, and that makes it really complicated. Read more
There is no question Michael Harner was highly influential in the Pagan community and beyond. Many people benefitted from his work. But he ignored the importance of cultural context. He set the table for a seven course dinner and then served only soup and salad. Read more
When I was seven years old I didn’t have enough friends. Or really, any friends. I still don’t have enough friends. Certainly not enough to throw them away over disagreements, misunderstandings, and differing priorities. But even I have limits and boundaries. Read more
There’s a secondary point in this story: about the power of symbols and how we use them, a point that’s relevant in our wider society and especially relevant in our magic. The power of symbols is great. Make sure your knowledge and wisdom are equally great. Read more
Let’s accept people for who and what they are, even if they’re weird – and even if they’re not. Read more
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