The images are stark, looting, vandalism and a few isolated incidents of violence in Baltimore.  As Americans ask themselves how this can happen it is worth taking a look at the dynamics of protest, the history of agitators taking advantage of peaceful protests and the dialectic that manifest when police engage protesters in a confrontive manor. Throughout history when police turn their total attention towards peaceful protests patrol officers are no longer engaged on their daily duties of preventing crime. ... Read more

Definition “Vicarious trauma (VT) is a transformation in the self of a trauma worker or helper that results from empathicengagement with traumatizedclients and their traumatic experiences. Its hallmark is disrupted spirituality, or a disruption in the trauma workers’ perceived meaning and hope.” Over the past few days a small group of Pagan responders and other colleagues have been experiencing some dramatic reactions to the situation in Nepal. These reactions are directly tied to their experiences in disaster zones in the past.... Read more

Over the years I became very frustrated with my Wiccan path.  I loved the people, yet our ritual structures had become static with dogma induced scripted formats that ignored advancements in social awareness.  This frustration eventually led me to leave the Wiccan fold and develop a more inclusive practice. Specifically my frustration surrounded the continual use of gender beaneries in ritual practice. Circle members would all acknowledge and support the developing culture of gender fluidity and at the same time... Read more

Wow it has been an intense year. My Face Book feed has been filled with disgusting images of violence, injustice and environmental degradation.  Many of my friends have expressed a growing sense that these images are harmful, promoting an ever-expanding morass of negative experiences and feelings driven by social media. It is worth considering, however, that these very images trigger our internal access to compassion in a world where it is sorely needed. Yes, I get enraged at all the... Read more

Profound spiritual experiences nourish my ability to connect with divinity.  Over the years as a Pagan I have belonged to many organizations, identified with multiple traditions and participated with a diverse group of Pagans.  Generally my spiritual cup has been overflowing over the years. Recently as I have engaged as a “new” CUUPS member my expectations have been exceeded.  Many have pontificated on CUUPS as “Pagan lite”, with no central belief system or required degree system they see CUUPS as... Read more

Over the past few days I have been working on my proposed presentation for the Parliament of the Worlds Religions titled “Sacred Regard, Confronting Hate with Love, Compassion and Education”.  This process has driven me to consider what it is that the Parliament stands for and how I can contribute to these organizational values and ethics. Simply stated my goal is to LISTEN!  This event provides a profound opportunity to engage with people of other faiths in respectful and compassion... Read more

With much discourse occurring in the community about ageism, Elders and young Pagan Leaders conversations can be divisive.  It is important to consider that our Elders are the first generation manifesting an “Elder ethic” in our community.  As a group they are expected to know when to transition to the status of “Wise Elder” and leave community leadership to a younger generation. These highly respected individuals are blazing a new trail, as the first generation to face these issues, en-mass;... Read more

Much has been written about the school to prison pipeline.  Incarceration rates in our nation establish America as one of least free nations in the world.  When crime happens people have to decide to call the police or not.  The question I wish to pose here is; should there not be other options?  Must we support a system that is destructive to our collective culture in order to respond to individuals breaking social norms? Story after story posted online over... Read more

Sir, As men of privilege confronting racism can be difficult, our attempts tend to be awkward, we perceive a wrong in the world and want to address it; yet our own experiences cloud our judgment as how to do so. Our President calls for a national conversation on race, yet when we attempt to participate we face criticism from both racists and progressive activists who perceive our actions as expressions of privilege. When such events occur it is tempting to... Read more

Yesterday I dropped by a donut shop and bought donuts for the staff I work with, no big deal, just being part of the group. Having time on my hands before work I also stopped to shop for a pair of boots for the coming season. As I got out of my car I noticed a group of 15 or so homeless individuals sitting under a shelter in a near by park. In the moment, I decided to take the... Read more