Haiti, my dreams are still filled with your suffering. Did I come away from being of service in Haiti irreparably scarred, with images permanently burned in my memory? When I speak of your continued suffering why do the eyes of others glaze over? Today, Haiti is lost to a never-ending cycle of unkept promises, continued suffering and the psychological process of dissociative amnesia. We as a society are unable to hold the reality of the continued crisis in our collective... Read more

Dark thoughts, gentle joys, regrets, gratitude and self-reflection are experiences that consume me as Samhain approaches. Not surprising given my journey in this life. Born in 1961, I came of age in the 1970’s, during the generation of Sex Drugs and Rock & Roll. Over the years my secret desire to be born into a more meaningful generation has always haunted me. Viewing the generation that preceded mine, the 60’s, love, peace and the idea that individuals can change the... Read more

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Recently our community was justifiably proud to see a Pagan Chaplain receiving an award for religious pluralism from the Hindu American Foundation. We have come a long way in gaining acceptance for earth-based traditions. This event was also an opportunity to view how another minority community organizes its activities in support of gaining religious tolerance and acceptance on a national scale. Hindus number around two million in the United States, roughly twice the number of the Neo Pagan community. In... Read more

There has been much said in the community in recent years about the emergence of solitary practice as the primary choice of individuals coming into our community. Recently a member of the Pagan press asked me how this affects the future of Wiccan and Pagan organizations. As a solitary who is involved with several Pagan organizations, it seemed a reasonable question, to which I had no answer. Over several months, it has been my intent to seek the insight needed... Read more

After 16 days operating a small neighborhood clinic in Haiti, I wish I could report that all is well. It is not. Devastation from January’s earthquake, malnutrition, lack of clean water, lack of sanitation, poverty and endemic corruption have combined to create a perfect storm of human misery. From the first day in Haiti, it was evident that this disaster would be a life-changing event. Daily exposure to extreme injuries among these children of despair created indelible images in the... Read more

1,000.000 Neo-Pagans, we are many, we are strong, we have a voice, we are ready to make a difference at the polls, vote with our dollars, and stand up to discrimination. We are not only out of the broom closet, we are at the table demanding our rights.Gratitude and compassion are the product of intent. To give and receive openly without expectation or agenda. Once civil rights are gained, it is incumbent on us to stand guard in their defense.... Read more

From rural Wisconsin to lower Manhattan Americans are mobilizing in opposition to the location of Islamic places of worship in their communities. With images of September 11th etched in it’s collective subconscious, our nation is once again traversing the slippery slope that leads to religious persecution, fear and outright bigotry. Islam has become the convenient target of defamation, hate, suspicion and direct verbal attacks. Americans in ever growing numbers freely tell anti Islamic jokes in public places. If these attacks... Read more

Directionally Challenged Pagans Some of us have had the experience of helping to set up a ritual site and the gentle amusement that comes with a group of directionally challenged Pagans debating witch direction is witch. It also seems that the larger the gathering the more vocal the debate. We, well known practitioners, unsure of the directions, each slightly embarrassed. While this situation has brought me much amusement, as a directionally challenged Pagan my self, it also serves as a... Read more

911 Ritual for Tolerance and Remembrance Many in our community have expressed shock and dismay at the trend towards religious intolerance that has developed as the anniversary of 911 approaches. As a response, the following short ritual is provided as a way that we can express our collective intent for a peaceful and tolerant world on September 11, 2010. In calling the quarters and inviting the Lord and the Lady care should be taken to summon deities and energies that... Read more