I loved John Beckett’s post on purity, even if I did flinch uncomfortably on at the phrase “Purity is overrated.” I pretty much agree with most of his post, but I want to emphasize an aspect of this discussion I feel is missing from his post: safe space. I believe in all things in moderation, so I absolutely agree that isolationism can be dangerous, but so can overexposure. While there is value in having difficult discussions, constantly being the person... Read more
Back in 2012 I wrote about a fundamentalist aspect of Pagan religious culture that I dubbed Pagan Calvinism.We tend to think of fundamentalism as springing from separatist groups, not universalist groups that espouse inclusivity as a core value. But really isn’t fundamentalism any insistence that you are right, others must accept your perspective as true, and there is no possible alternative to your view? I was part of a heated conversation at a social gathering of Pagans and Pagan-like folk.... Read more
Looking back over decades spent contemplating religion is a curious thing. With few exceptions, the bulk of the modern Pagan and polytheist movement is made up of converts. There are many different types of converts. Some hear the base message of a movement and hop on board without further thought. Some have an epiphany, wherein the mysteries of life are opened to them. Some eventually settle in happily to their new faith and never view themselves as converts. Some struggle... Read more
I get called an elitist, a snob, a fascist and filth by the very people who feel I should support and attend their events. It isn’t even worth writing about anymore. I feel as though I’ve been a broken record since 2011. Part of me wants to keep writing, but I don’t know who I’m writing for or why anymore. And I’m just angry at still running into this wall over and over. A good part of me is angry... Read more
My mom died last Sunday. Over the past few days I have inhabited a whole spectrum of emotions in coming to terms with this fact. It was unexpected, sudden, and heartbreaking. So my mother is now with the ancestors, with the beloved dead who have gone before. She is a new ancestor and for the first time I’m really thinking deeply about what ancestor worship and veneration means. My mother and I have not been close for years. There are... Read more
There is a fascinating trend among the conversations I have had with other polytheists lately. We all move in circles dominated by “naturals.” People who hear the voices of the Gods and ancestors without effort. People who know the Gods exist with a certainty from experience. People who can just turn it on, like a light switch. And then there are the rest of us. See, the rest of us don’t really get to talk about how difficult it is... Read more
I make it a rule not to write under the influence, but tonight I am making an exception. I have had a religious problem, over 10 years old, and lately it came to a head. A God who I have been reluctant to acknowledge has wanted my worship since, oh, about 2003. But I had what I felt were good reasons to mistrust this God, and some of the devotees of this particular Deity did not help me feel at... Read more
I have been insanely busy. It makes me feel guilty. I think I should be praying, meditating, pouring libations, burning barley, refreshing my kathiskos, writing, and studying my faith. But in a way, that misses the point. I’m watching tv with a depressed friend. This is religion, too. I’m listening to epic stories while sitting calmly in traffic. This is religion, too. I’m unraveling years of chaos at work. This is religion, too. I’m playing a board game with a kid. This is... Read more
Consider your honour, as a gentleman, of more weight than an oath. Put more trust in nobility of character than in an oath. Trust good character more than promises. – various translations of Solon the Athenian’s first counsel An’ I don’t give a damn ’bout my bad reputation. – Joan Jett I am blessed with friends who speak about things like honor when discussing the daily dilemmas we all face. When I consider my friends, they all have reputations that... Read more
When no one but the Gods are looking and your soul is on the line, who do you turn to? What is your plea? Do you revert to the faith of your childhood? Do you abandon faith and embrace nothingness? Do you embrace conversion to a new religion? Do you dig deep into the faith you have been devoted to? Read more
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