I had every intention of waxing eloquent on the AFA dedication of a Pagan chapel, but Rep. Simon has won my heart away. His entire speech was a “shame on you” to those who feel they must impose their religious values on the rest of us, and are not above compromising our legislative practices to do so. Those people will always be a threat to the virtuous and moral, and we will always need people like Steve Simon to call... Read more
The debate regarding Idris Elba playing Heimdall, “the whitest of Gods”, has me recollecting my first encounter with the Horned God of Wicca: He was not black as in African. Black was not so much a description of looks as it was of who he was. He was utter blackness: the extreme darkness of moonless nights, of empty space, of deep caverns, and dreamless sleep. While he had dark hair and eyes and black clothes, black was what he was... Read more
While I was recovering from Beltaine festivities one of the most wanted men in the world was killed. My reaction is decidedly lacking in oomph in either direction. I am neither celebrating nor mourning the loss of life. I don’t care which president gets credit. It’s taken us 10 years to find him and two wars. I feel as if Menelaus is suddenly expecting an ‘atta boy for finally defeating the Trojans. If you want to pat someone on the... Read more
Today (May 2nd) is International Pagan Coming Out Day. Having had a weekend of celebrating Beltane, I was thinking this morning about what being out as a Pagan means to me in light of that celebration. You see, for Beltane we had a phenomenal ritual. Seriously, a knock-your-socks-off fabulous ritual. It’s not something I can write about though. Not because it’s oathbound but because it would sound very dull and disappointing on paper. I can’t convey that experience via the... Read more
While part of the world may now be in Royal Wedding-mania, all I can say is, I grow a bit weary of all of the news and media coverage, especially of the fluff stories of the really tacky merchandise, or finding Kate’s face on a jelly-bean. Dear world media, really? Is that the best thing you can come up with by the dateline? I wish Wills & Katie the best, and I hope that all the problems that so plagued... Read more
I am now a 1-year veteran blogger here at Patheos, and since I already covered the holy tide of Walpurgis last year (for new readers, you can find it here to read: Wyrd Designs – Holy Tides – May Day & Walpurgis), I thought this year I’d add to what I started.The previous article had my own punch recipe that I call Summerday Delight in it, but this year for people looking for traditional German flare to add to your... Read more
I started doing a song playlist for Sabbats at Beltane last year and revisiting the old post made me realize that I needed to shake things up a bit. So here’s a few from the old list and a few new songs to to get you ready to leap bonfires! I made a vow not to include Merry May Folk for once. Just because I’m obsessed with the song doesn’t mean everyone is. I was really tempted to include a... Read more
You know, who knew there would come a day when there is too much going on regarding Paganism to effectively cover? Well, Jason Pitzl-Waters knew, that’s who! I am always amazed and impressed when he has Wild Hunt posts covering multiple issues, and even more amazed that I have too much to possibly write about before Beltaine. So here’s a smattering of cool things for you… Beltaine and Stuff on Patheos Beltaine is being featured on the home page of... Read more
Beltaine is the marriage of the Lord and Lady for many of us. I could express all the rich symbolism of union and creation of this time of year purely in song lyrics and poetry. We celebrate this conception and ripening into Parenthood, and continuation of the species, and continuity and familial joy with great mirth. Which can seem a bit odd considering how little support our communities provide for those Pagans who seek this out for themselves. Single Pagans... Read more
May 2nd is International Pagan Coming Out Day. A day when folks who choose to come out regarding their religion will find a whole network of folks to support and encourage them. I’m about as out as it gets but I know at least one person who is planning to come out to friends and family. I’m proud and honored to be acquainted with them. They have my support and I’m here if they need to talk. Maybe you’re thinking... Read more
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