One of the ideals often found in the Pagan community is that the consensus process avoids much of the “power over” issues related to other forms of decision-making. During a recent Pagan gathering there were examples of the functionality of the process as a system that gives voice to all, honoring individual truths, while allowing for organizational momentum to continue.  Unfortunately, there were also examples of the system leading to inertia.  As a system of governance, consensus is both a... Read more

A number of months ago some friends and myself established the  “Old White Guys Confronting Privilege in America Face book page in response to the shooting of Trayvon Martin. Across America “old white guys” put on a Hoodie and took a stand opposing racism. The idea behind this action was two fold and simple. First as individuals of privilege we have a responsibility to stand for justice and make our voices heard. Second, Historically ,it is often when those of... Read more

Awakened by warm sunlight, morning coffee was the order of the day.  Coffee in hand, I stepped out side to enjoy the dawning of a new day at Cheyenne Mountain State Park. As I gazed at the mountain I began contemplating its history. For decades the mountain has housed a military facility critical to our nations defense strategy.  Here, officers of our military have maintained a watch on the world’s nuclear capacity. It seemed strangely appropriate that there was a... Read more

This is reposted in it’s entirety from http://melaniecrutchfield.com/2012/07/15/i-cant-even-imagine-linnea-lomax/ in an effort to help locate this close friend of someone I admire very much, my friend Heidi who responded with me to the disaster in Haiti. What if this were your child? I’ve written before about how parenting is really, really hard. Part of the reason it’s so hard is because you’re forced to love people a whole lot. You don’t have a choice. Whatever your kids do, you still freaking love them.... Read more

Profound experiences are few and far between in my daily life.  Recent events, on my Pagan path, however have had an effect on the very foundations of my beliefs. My recent withdrawal from Pagan service positions gave me time to contemplate what the Goddess had peppered my future path with. This was a great time for me, I have always been solitary and introspection has allowed me to perceive that my role is as a “Solitary Leader” not a community... Read more

I AM – a transgendered American,             when I walk down the streets of my              home town I fear              being murdered * I am Not Free I AM – a black American,              when I enter office buildings security              staff sometimes ask me if I am lost * I am Not Free I AM... Read more

As I surf from one post waving the flag to another I can not help but be slightly uncomfortable with all the nationalism when our country is clearly in a time of great challenges that test the American resolve to truly be the land of the free. Nationally America incarcerates more people than any other country on earth. One in 18 American males are in prison or on court supervision. This rate of punitive legal restrictions has led us to... Read more

Pagans Lead The Way on Civil Rights Recent events at Pagan Spirit Gathering have created a sense that the Pagan community is moving forward in the arena of inclusiveness at large public rituals. These discussions have set the scene for a new thread to be woven into the tapestry of Pagan diversity. Each of the individuals involved in these discussions conducted themselves with wisdom, grace and a focus on a positive result. This approach has been well documented in multiple... Read more

Yes, this morning at PSG a member of the Pagan community shared her pain at being excluded from the main woman’s ritual. Yet this should not spark the kind of firestorm that resulted from the same issue at Pantheacon.  Frankly PSG is different, this brave woman’s actions were different and the communities’ reception was clearly different. PSG is a family atmosphere where individual community members are regarded with love and respect, a low-key event where individuals feel free to express... Read more

Tired, there is not a better word for how I feel sitting at the airport in Texas waiting for a flight that will whisk me in the direction of the Pagan Spirit Gathering. After days of dealing with a wildfire in New Mexico my personal ability to think, act or remain aware of my surroundings is spent. This was a difficult assignment, many homes were lost in the early hours. Remaining focused on actions I needed to take to accomplish the mission... Read more