There is no single term that completely and accurately describes the religion I practice. Since last fall, I’ve occasionally described it as “ancestral, devotional, ecstatic, oracular, magical, public polytheism.” I think that’s worth exploring in more depth. Read more
There’s no need for a grand exit… or a grand entrance. Just decide to leave those eight cups behind and head for the edge of the map, as you know it. And when you get to the edge, keep going. Read more
When the Tuatha De Danann first came to Ireland they were oppressed by the Fomorians, who ruled the land. For a while they put up with it, for fear that those in power might make things even worse. But eventually, they decided to act. Read more
What happens after you find a God? Sometimes we’re called to priesthood. Sometimes they just want your devotion. And sometimes, the relationship is a constantly-changing journey. This is the story of my 13-year relationship with the Morrigan, Battle Goddess and Lady of Sovereignty. Read more
Rather than stacking up the similarities and differences between Cernunnos and Pashupati and trying to come to a conclusion, I think it would be more helpful to look at the questions behind this question, and at the implications of asking them. Read more
Perhaps one of the reasons more people don’t celebrate Lughnasadh is simply that they don’t know much about Lugh. Following last week’s post on his birth, here’s the story of the coming of Lugh to the court of the Tuatha De Danann. Read more
Jason Mankey asked all the Patheos Pagan bloggers to write on “How I Found Paganism.” I’ve already written multiple variations on this theme over the years. Instead, I want to explore the question of why I’m a Pagan. Is my Paganism is a question of nature, nurture, or choice? Read more
Let’s not be satisfied with feeling magical. Let’s not be satisfied with being amateur magicians. Let’s do the work necessary to become professional magicians. Let’s learn our craft and get really good at it. Read more
How old are the Gods? I don’t know. But I do know this: contemplating the age of the Gods helps us put them in proper perspective – a sacred perspective. Read more
Jason Mankey calls Lughnasadh “the ugly-duckling of sabbats.” I don’t like that, but Jason is telling the truth. Perhaps Pagans and polytheists would put more into celebrating Lughnasadh if they knew more about Lugh. This is the story of his birth. Read more
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