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! Our communities are made up of a majority of converts from other traditions. Is this a problem? A blessing? Should there be more emphasis on passing on our traditions to the children in our lives? Cara Schulz responds: I think, in some ways, the growth and... Read more
So I’ve been doing this interfaith series talking about what I like about different religious traditions, from the silly to the sacred, and I still have a lot of religious traditions to cover: Hinduism, Buddhism, and maybe even Scientology. Instead of moving on to one of these, I’d rather focus on what I love about my faith community. 13. Eat, Drink and Be Merry! Pagans are jolly, and other things that end in “olly”. We are the closest things to... 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! There are a lot of different ways pride is viewed in our communities: pride of self, pride of tribe, pride of ancestry, pride of country. What place does pride have in your spirituality? Candice McBride responds: Speaking as an American, we don’t have a great deal... Read more
It is Winter. Life is busy. Introspection and life examination is in full gear. I have a busy day. So today I just want to toss some shout outs for things I think are groovy. This Youtube channel is fascinating. If Illiezeulette lived near me I would totally buy her a hot chocolate. She has interesting insights into Pagan religions. The Pagan Centered Podcast is awesome. They are funny and insightful, and they respond really well to their listeners. The... 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! If you could pick out just one virtue, quality, concept or tradition that you feel makes Paganism stand out among the faith traditions of the world, what would you pick as an example? Kathy Nance responds: When Doreen Valiente wrote these beautiful words in the Charge... Read more
Most folks have heard of bonfires as part of solstice celebrations, in the Northern Tradition we also have traditions concerning the yule log, as well as the ashen faggot which was a collection of bundled branches that were burned instead. We see in the Christian practice of Saint Lucy’s Day, what I feel is a pre-Christian practice of bringing light on the darkest and longest of nights. Among English sources, we know that remnants of the previous years yule log,... Read more
I am what hardcore gamers refer to with a shudder as a “casual gamer”. I don’t have a regular gaming schedule or even any desire to achieve specific gaming goals within a certain time frame. In the past two years of playing I still don’t have a max level character. Yet I’m very attached to the game. It’s a haven away from whatever issues I have in my life. In World of Warcraft there is no problem that can’t be... Read more
I have nothing brilliant or meaningful or rant-like to say today. But life is short, so I hope you dance! Read more
Today, Saturday November 27, is for most people in the U.S. the “day after Black Friday,” a non-descript day at one side of the “biggest shopping day of the year” in the lead-up to Christmas. That happens to be the case this year, 2010; depending on when November 27 falls, it can be Thanksgiving itself, or one of the days before or after it. Even to the majority of Pagans, it’s just another day. For myself, it’s a far more... Read more
A couple of weeks ago I was fortunate enough to attend the “Changing Times, Changing Worlds” conference in Northampton, MA. It was, without a doubt, the best conference I have ever attended. There were many fascinating classes taught by wonderful teachers and such a variety of topics taught by people from diverse backgrounds. There was something there for everyone, and the conversation and sharing of ideas carried from the classrooms to the hallways, restaurants and bars. It was inspiring. During... Read more
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