Summer is almost over. We’ve just passed the Holy Tide of Lammas, our harvest festival and now we’re approaching the Autumnal Equinox. I love this time of year. As the heat gives way to the cool chill of fall, and the days begin to shorten, I always find myself rejuvenated. With this Equinox my favorite cycle of holy tides begins, culminating in Yule, perhaps the holiest of Heathen holy days. I love the dark time, the crispness, the push toward... Read more
After a metaphysical theory class yesterday I went on a quick shopping trip with some friends. All I was looking for was incense, but I fell head over heels in love with this statue. It’s Hephaistos (Hephaestus) forging thunderbolts at his anvil and it fills my heart with joy. When your patron is a Deity that’s not as popular as Aphrodite, Zeus or Apollo it’s really hard to find images of them for your altar. It captures his proud, workman... Read more
The analogy that springs to mind when pondering the future of paganism is sewing a quilt. Most of us were drawn to paganism because we relish diversity, question rigid dogmas and march to the tune of our own drummers. While this may make a sense of community cohesion a challenge at times, there is an incredible opportunity for varied and rich expression of the family of faiths that fall under the broader pagan umbrella. Let me take a second to... Read more
Among the random things in my news feed today was a trailer for a new horror film: “Trick of the Witch”. In the accompanying text it said the film was based on Stregheria. While all the trailer really reveals is a low-budget horror flick that’s short on substance and style, there are approximately 590 hits when you Google the name of the movie with “Stregheria”. So I’d love to hear from folks who practice Stregheria on their take on this:... Read more
Aug 23rd is when the Future of Paganism debuts on Patheos.com. We’ve got some really cool stuff lined up and it’s going to be fascinating. However, Paganism is endlessly diverse and I’d really like more diversity in our line-up. If you, or someone you know, can provide perspective on unique topics, like the ones below but not limited by that list, and would like to submit a single paragraph on your thoughts on the Future of Paganism, please send your... Read more
As is often the case, some symbols are more commonly known than others within the iconography of any religion or magical tradition, and in this regards the Northern Tradition is no different. The Vegvísir, is a magical symbol of navigation and may also be connected with actual compasses. The Vegvísir literally means in Icelandic ‘guidepost’ and is sometimes colloquially called today a Runic or Viking Compass. (more…) Read more
This morning Pagan elder Isaac Bonewits crossed over to the Summerlands. I never really knew Isaac but like many modern Pagans I certainly felt his influence. There is a lovely eulogy for Isaac on The Wild Hunt this morning that is far more eloquent than I am capable of today. Here is also a video tribute created by ADF Vice Archdruid Seamus: I honor Isaac for his contributions to Modern Paganism, for his tireless efforts on behalf of his spiritual... Read more
As a service to my readers, I thought there may be some interested to learn of a forthcoming large gathering of Heathens in the Midwest of the good ole U. S. of A. Please note that neither Patheos or myself are affiliated directly with this event. On September 24-26, Lightning Across the Plains will be held again at Gaea Retreat (a pagan campground) near McLouth, Kansas. Last year there were about 120 attendees, and the hosting Jotun’s Bane Kindred is already expecting... Read more
There are few issues more controversial in Paganism than if and how we should engage in interfaith work. Passionate voices debate the pros and cons. Some are wary, remembering a time when interfaith work, and being publicly Pagan, was far more dangerous than it is today. Others are determined that it is necessary for our survival. I’ve just had a day that has been illuminating, and as I rarely do so, I hope you’ll forgive me for tooting the horn... Read more
I’ve been busy gearing up for the Future of Paganism, part of Patheos’ Future of Religion series this summer. On August 23rd it’s all about us and it looks to be an exciting week. As I am about to catch a few hours sleep before I take off in a jet plane I wanted to mention two things about the Future of Paganism series: 1: Pagan Centered Podcast will be recording live this Friday evening and the topic is Future... Read more
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