Naturalistic Paganism
Many modern scholars seem to think that Medusa petrified only men. For example, Jean-Pierre Vernant1 writes that he knows of no occasion when Medusa engages with a female figure. However, in Pindar, Perseus, through the Medusa-head, turned all of the inhabitants of the island of Seriphus, men and women alike, into stone. Later, Lucan, in the Pharsalia, tells us that whole tribes of Ethiopians turned to statues upon beholding Medusa. Although we have not heard from ancient female authors on the subject of Medusa, it is likely that both ancient women and men feared Medusa, whereas many modern women seem to identify with her. Hélène Cixous echoes this belief that the Gorgon does not petrify women; she says “You only have to look at the Medusa straight on to see her. And she’s not deadly. She’s beautiful, and she’s laughing.”2
Naturalistic Pagan Pilgrimage – [Stardust, Contemplating]
But how could it feel safely enclosed, with so many missing stones and open spaces? I wondered as I looked out from within Stonehenge. The ancient stones gave a clear feeling of sacred space, of a timeless, dimensionless spot, an enchanted circle rooted in the land of the Salisbury plain, from which the wider Universe could be observed. Even with most of the stones gone, and many of those that remained felled by time, the Romans, or others – the feeling was still there, with both enclosed protection and a feeling of expanded vision and clarity outward. That vision grew with the growing light, and suddenly, someone called out. I don’t remember what was said, but all eyes turned to the Southeast, from where the first orange rays of light came as the Sun now peeked over the horizon. The Sun’s position was Read More
Naturalistic Pagan Toolbox: Worship
This column was conceived by Rua Lupa, who proposed gathering practical resources for Naturalistic Pagans in one place. It is dedicated to sharing ideas for religious technologies which we might use or adapt to deepen our Naturalistic Pagan practices. It includes the ideas and experiences of others, as well as some of my own, and I welcome you to send me your ideas for sharing in future posts. If you have discovered a ritual technique which works for you that you would like to add to the Naturalistic Pagan Toolbox, click here to send me an email.
A Call to Humility
I was having dinner with a friend recently who attends the same Unitarian congregation I attend. He remarked that something is missing from Unitarian Universalist “worship” that is present in Christian worship: humility. The Seven Principles of Unitarian Universalism do not call UUs to humility in the same way the Christian creed does. And the UU style of worship does not usually express or evoke humility.
This is no accident. Many people come to Unitarianism because they are tired of the “bowing and scraping” of traditional religion. Simply put, Unitarians don’t kneel. (They also can’t dance, but that’s a subject for another post.) And the same could be said of many, if not most, Religious Naturalists, including Humanistic Pagans. We share an aversion to anything resembling humbling oneself before a higher power.
It is for this same reason that many Religious Naturalists don’t use the word “worship” when referring to their own spiritual practice. “Worship” usually refers to some kind of act of religious devotion, and devotional practice is not usually found naturalistic contexts. Some Religious Naturalists might even go so far as to say that naturalistic practice is defined by its non-devotional nature.
Yet, devotionalism is an increasingly popular form of practice among Pagans in general. Is it possible for a Religious Naturalist to have a devotional practice? If so, what is to be the object of the devotion? And what offerings would a naturalistic devotion make? Read More
The Summer Cross-Quarter (Summer Thermstice) Approaches!
In the Northern Hemisphere, the Autumn cross-quarter or “Summer Thermstice” is celebrated on August 1 as Lughnasadh/Lammas/Lunasa. How will you be celebrating it? Astronomically, the event occurs on August 6th or 7th this year. You also might want to incorporate the impending Great American Eclipse into your celebrations! Just as the dark is now growing more quickly, the eclipse shows us that power of that darkness, a foreshadowing of the winter to come. Perhaps it is fitting that totality will only be observable from the Northern hemisphere. Read More
If You Break The Law To Stop Free Expression, You’re Just Being Lazy by Megan Manson
The Gothic and Pagan shop Spellbound in Gloucester, which has allegedly been subject to abuse and criminal damage for two years. Photo: Google Streetview
Case in point: a shop called Spellbound in Gloucester.
For the most part, the United Kingdom is a very tolerant and liberal place that embraces freedom of speech, expression and religion. For the most part, I feel relatively safe practising my religion openly here and personally I’ve yet to encounter any issues of discrimination or abuse due to my religion. Most people I meet are very respectful, positive and curious about my Pagan path.
But every now and then, something happens that acts as a sad reminder that there’s a minority of people who do not accept my religion, and want to go out of their way to see it crushed. And sometimes, they’ll resort to illegal actions to achieve this.
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Pagan Coming Out Day – May 2nd
Naturalistic Paganism 