Over the years I have taken some flack and good-natured kidding from many individuals about my shoes. From my friend Patrick McCollum saying I was displacing him as the only “wing tipped Pagan” to co-workers teasing that if I take my shoes off my socks would shine also! A 15 Year old pair of shoes These comments prompted me to explore this life long habit of taking excessive care of my footwear. At first I suspected that it was just... Read more

The Defense of Marriage Act, Virginia’s attempt to criminalize oral sex, the debate in Utah over same sex marriage, all reflect this countries obsession with religious principles and invasive interest in the private bedroom behavior of our citizens.  By participating in this debate society gives implied approval that the government has a legitimate interest in the private behavior of its citizens.  Left out are individuals who engage in plural marriage, the trans gendered community and those who just wish engage... Read more

You work where? Why?  These questions that I have been asked multiple times involve a complicated web of the need for service, meaning in life and the desire to make a difference in the world. Every year, in the off-season for the fire teams, I take a job. It has always been my guiding principle that I will only engage in employment that has a positive impact on the world. Several of my friends who are also Chief Officers on... Read more

As part of a year end review of this blog and its’ readership I took a glance at the statistics provided by the platform provider.  I was truly surprised to see that the countries listed below represent more than 25,000 reads. It is clear that the readership is more diverse and multinational than I had expected. In 2014 it will be my goal to engage in writing about subjects that address this amazing group of Pagan In Paradise readers. I... Read more

This years Top Ten post features individuals who quietly engage in making a meaningful difference in the world as well as those who have made very public contributions to the greater Pagan community. I believe this subjective list reflects that there are thousands of Pagans engaged in meaningful service around the world.  So here is my list, my question to my Pagan sisters and brothers is who would be on your list?  10 Jerrie Kishpaugh Hildebrand Having worked on several,... Read more

There are few figures in modern history that inspire the human spirit as completely as Nelson Mandela. For decades he has stood as the ultimate example of the struggle for human dignity in the face of oppression, confinement and political intrigue. For those of us in the U.S. his struggle represented an ideal.  In our deepest thoughts and desires we aspired to emulate this great man who was able to engage his oppressors with dignity, honor and true courage. Many... Read more

There are moments in history that prompt changes. Within our Pagan community I believe we are experiencing such a moment. The disaster in the Philippines has brought to the surface the desire of Pagans to engage more effectively in humanitarian response. Our community faces the same obstacles as everyone else in terms of discernment of the best course of action. As a minority faith group we would like to collectively focus our giving on organizations that reflect our values and... Read more

Hear is the challenge. I ask that every individual identifying as part of our community do the following things. 1.     Select a relief organization that is doing work in the Philippines and donate what you can. 2.     Post a link to the organization and call on everyone you know to take a similar action. 3.     When the disaster fades from the news show support for the idea of a Pagan lead disaster     ... Read more

Peace, it’s a word that has been redefined over the centuries to meet the needs of the cultures that seek it.  Peace through strength, peace through protest, peace through conquest, and peace through the struggle to compromise have each had multiple turns upon the world stage. Inner peace has been sought through retreat, meditation, visualization, the quest for insight and service. All worthy pursuits that add to the totality of the human experience. Peace in our time, however, depends on... Read more

During a recent Samhain I honored and spoke to an individual who I consider a mentor.  On a cool winter night I remember having a conversation with him where he expressed to me his joy in having been a part of one of his students spiritual journey.  He called this individual “My best student of Wicca”.  Interested, I asked why I had not met this individual. It was then that he said something very profound to me.  He went on... Read more