Naturalistic Paganism
Happy Fall Equitherm (Samhain)!
Our Ancestors reach back in an unbroken chain billions of years long.
Celebrations
Death, the dead, and our Ancestors fill our minds today.
Some of the ways many of us are celebrating were published a few weeks ago, and at least for my family, celebrations have been building, with our CUUPS ritual last night, parties Saturday, etc. I feel the connection between life and death, and see the echo of my grandparents in my kids. And did you see the Edinburgh Samhuinn Fire Festival? Wow – thousands of people celebrating Samhain! I’d love to make it to that some year – it would be a spiritual pilgrimage. For some of us, the celebrations will be later this week – the actual midpoint between the Equinox and the Solstice is November 6th. However you are celebrating, may your be celebration be blessed.
[Rotting Silver] “Dearly Departed, O Vapor of Earth” by B. T. Newberg
Dearly departed, O vapor of earth,
Though briefly sprayed, arise now for thy rebirth;
And though thy mist shall roll beyond the veil,
O’er summery lands or listless oceans pale, Read More
Neopaganism v. Shinto: Death and Darkness, by Megan Manson
My Neopagan altar, decorated for Samhain. Naturally, it features symbols of death.
Samhain
Continuing with my exploration of some of the key differences between Western Neopaganism and Shinto in Japan, with Samhain on the way I thought I’d look at the attitudes towards the “darker” aspects of existence, especially death, in both religions. Read More
DNA Testing: Making Ancestor Worship a Science! by Renee Lehnen
As a mid-life gift to myself, I had my DNA tested by 23 and Me, one of several companies that give you personalized genetic reports in exchange for your money, saliva, and the privilege of using your DNA in scientific research. I found out that I’m short and freckled (wow… so that’s what those spots are…), and my blood may clot a little too easily, a useful trait if my arm should be hacked off in battle, but not so adaptive in this age of global air travel. Read More
“Is Anyone Else Getting Weird Vibes?”: On Confirmation Bias and Emotional States, by Lupa Greenwolf
“Has anyone else been feeling weird vibes lately?”
“Am I the only one feeling the energy shifting here?”
“Three other people I know have gotten bad news in the past week. It must be a sign!”
“The full moon must be making everyone crazy.”
“Flat tire? Opossum attack? Breakup? Collapsed souffle? Must be Mercury retrograde again.” Read More
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Pagan Coming Out Day – May 2nd
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