Last year the BBC ran a fabulous humanist/atheist holiday special. I think this is pretty awesome. While obviously the language, views and humor might offend religious people, I think this is a fabulous tribute to science and a rather funny look at religions and the holiday season. It’s nice to see another belief system get a holiday special! Read more
As we are all sleeping in and filling our fists with mugs of java a little holiday controversy to browse as our grey matter rearranges itself is in order. Jason Pitzl-Waters (author of The Wild Hunt) made the case that secular Christmas celebration are just people doin’ what comes natural: So all those non-Christians celebrating “Christmas” are simply doing what comes naturally, and the insistence by some Christian pundits and activists that December and its merriment somehow belongs only to... Read more
We’re kicking off A Very Merry Mithras with a Festivus party! Many of you know what Festivus is, and if you don’t, then you missed out on an important part of the 90’s! Here’s a refresher on what Festivus (the festival for the rest of us) is all about: So let’s get the party rolling! First we need a Festivus pole. No tinsel. Tinsel is distracting. Now get yourself some snacks and grub. You’ll need your energy for the activities... Read more
Over the past few days I’ve come to realize that I’m not the only Pagan not celebrating Christmas tonight and tomorrow. Many of us won’t be able to work and shopping isn’t going to happen. Many of our Christian friends will be too busy to hang out and some of our Pagan friends are spending time with their families. While I personally am actually looking forward to spending the day in my pj’s and consuming mass quantities of sugary breakfast... Read more
Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday in December we will be asking people questions about Paganism and Pagan religions and culture. Want to weigh in? Find the next question at the bottom of this post! A Mormon friend introduced me to the concept of “holy envy”: admiring a religion, or an aspect of a religion, without desire for conversion. Do you ever find yourself in holy envy over something from a non-Pagan religious tradition? Cora Post responds: I have holy envy... Read more
I celebrate the Solstice. My family celebrates Christmas. My friends celebrate everything else you could name. I got no problem with the religious aspects of it all, my quandary was always more practical – how do I celebrate the holidays with them, respecting their traditions while honoring mine? Keeping the social ‘rules’ of Christian Christmas, Jewish Hanukkah, Pagan Yule or Winter Nights, Atheist Giftmas, etc straight can be challenging. What are the traditions? What is done when? What will give... Read more
Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday in December we will be asking people questions about Paganism and Pagan religions and culture. Want to weigh in? Find the next question at the bottom of this post! What important experience would you have never had, if you had not become Pagan? Sarenth responds: I would not be who I am today. I would not be a Priest or a Shaman, and I would not know Odin as my Father, but some mythological one-eyed... Read more
Just as our pagan cousins celebrate the eight major sabbats that comprise the Wheel of the Year, for those of us in the Northern Tradition we too have somewhat similar key celebrations that we call holy tides (from the Old Norse hátíðir). Some of these celebrations are more significant and special than others, and these especially important holy-days are known as high holy tides: such as Ostara, Winter Nights, and Yule which is now upon us. Of these three documented... Read more
Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday in December we will be asking people questions about Paganism and Pagan religions and culture. Want to weigh in? Find the next question at the bottom of this post! Pagans are continually seeking the Light of Knowledge. What is the mystery that you are currently trying to unravel in your heart? Where is your search for truth taking you right now? Galina Krasskova responds: Surprisingly for me, the last few months have taken me into... Read more
The Winter Solstice is around the corner. Some of us have already celebrated Yule with our friends, family and faith community. This year we have a unique eclipse joining the Solstice to make for a magical night. For those of you celebrating alone you might consider watching the webcast of the solstice sunrise at Newgrange. Maybe you plan to watch Hogfather or Nine Lessons and Carols for Godless People. 13. Santa Claus is Pagan Too By Emerald Rose If you... Read more
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