Crisp winds gently flow, ruffling the leaves, manifesting whispers.  The words are the gentle encouraging messages of my ancestors.  This season calls me to recognize that, as a Pagan, I believe the dead are among us, ever present, standing silent witness to their legacy. As my father’s son, I hold a responsibility to honor my ancestor’s efforts to instill in me a sense of responsibility to Gaia, humanity and social justice. In the wind powered leaves I hear their expressions... Read more

Sometimes in our culture simple concepts or words are so important to social justice and change that they begin to conjure images that transcend their simple and direct meaning. The term “mutual-aid” is a great example. Those that follow social justice issues are awash in very emotional images of the powerful and successful application of this principle. From the Occupy Sandy response to the incredible strides made in some of our more progressive cities this simple concept has become a... Read more

Angst, that is the only word I can come up with for the overriding feeling from reading the multitude of posts about Columbus Day!  From every corner of the internet well intentioned writers post about the criminal and genocidal actions of this historical figure. As with most Internet explosions, I see much outrage being expressed, the collective awareness of our society being focused with plenty of expressions of indignation. What occurs to me is the complete absence of any calls... Read more

Those of us who are old enough remember the days when obtaining information about Paganism featured a vigil, day after day; the excitement grew as we waited for our favorite publication to arrive. When the day arrived we would sit and drink from the cup of the blessed community; entranced by the sense that we were not alone in following our path. While I have great respect for printed publications,  I am also an information addict. Within our community we... Read more

It is supposed to be packing day. The fridge is cleaned out and I am eating at fast food joints to allay my need for protein.  With the fantasy that I will just have a salad, I arrived at the local Mc Donalds on my scooter and went to use the restroom. As I entered the men’s room I was confronted with an ignorant brute that had another individual against a wall, confused I slowly backed out. As the yelling... Read more

For decades I have witnessed the slow erosion of American patriotism. This once great nation has morphed its view of what is patriotic into a narrow-minded definition that features ignorance, bigotry, corporate dominance, and a culture of violence. Across America individuals are flying the flag, declaring that: “Real Patriots” are reclaiming our “Christian nation”. That “real patriots” support unrestricted access to the guns that are killing our children. That “real patriots” support unregulated capitalism That “real patriots” oppose marriage equality.... Read more

It is a question that has been asked of me many times over the years. The question has taken a number of situational forms to include. You’re a man, why do you think God is a woman? How can you take a leadership role in the Covenant of the Goddess, you’re a man? Is it emasculating to worship a female Goddess? The questions never abate and my answer keeps evolving. First and foremost, I know deep inside that all the... Read more

My recent journey through the southern states in our RV was an eye opening experience. Nightly we were seeking a place to park the RV that afforded some semblance of safety, quiet and nearby facilities. These searches lead me to speak to individuals that worked in the areas where we wanted to park. Over the course of the week I spoke to a Wal-Mart security person, a rest stop employee and a local gas station clerk. While I was greeted... Read more

It was never my plan to reside in Florida. When we lost our renter at a home we own in Port St. Lucie Florida we simply moved in on a temporary basis. As we prepare to move on, I have a sense of deep appreciation for the Florida Pagan Community and the way they embraced these wayward travelers. It has been my honor to attend rituals in homes, festivals around the state and engage in social justice actions in support... Read more

Quiet, it’s dark out This is my magical time of day. In the distance warm lights of a multitude of colors manifest the dawn. To the south a storm is brewing, flashes of light and the grumbling of the sky Gods invigorate my senses. In the coming light I can perceive a plethora of possibilities for this young day. Born of the everlasting cycle, in the silence and approaching balance of darkness and light opportunities abound. This is the morning... Read more