Naturalistic Paganism
Winter Solstice
For Neo-Pagans in the Northern Hemisphere, the solstice is celebrated as Yule. This year, the date falls on December 21st. The precise date and time for the cross-quarter can be found at archaeoastronomy.com.
At the Winter Solstice, NaturalPantheist of the Nature is Sacred blog performs a ritual which begins with this prelude:
“As I stand here on this celebration of Yule, the sacred wheel of the year has turned once again and it is now midwinter. As my forebears did, I do now, and so may my descendants do in time to come. It is the Solstice, the longest night and shortest day. Today I celebrate the return of the Sun. Since the summer, it has gradually become colder and darker, but from this time forwards, the days shall get longer and lighter and warmer again. The Solar year has run its course and completed its cycle and a new year begins, bringing light, life and hope to the earth.”
[Mid-Month Meditation/De Natura Deorum] “What is a God?” by Jason Silva
Editor’s note: This month, we are combining our De Natura Deorum column with the Mid-Month Meditation. De Natura Deorum is a monthly column where we explore the beliefs of Naturalistic Pagans about the nature of deity. This month, we celebrate of the winter solstice and the return of the Sun from its apparent “descent” toward the southern hemisphere. In recognition of this astrological events and the symbolism of the winter solstice, HP offers this video by performance philosopher, Jason Silva, which proposes that the Sun is the closest thing we have to a god.
We encourage our readers to use these Mid-Month Meditations as an opportunity to take a short break from everything else. Rather than treating these posts the way you would any other post, set aside 10 minutes someplace quiet and semi-private to have an experience. Take a minute to relax first. After listening to the recording and/or reading the lyrics, take a few minutes to let the experience sink in. If it feels right, leave a comment.
[Starstuff, Contemplating] “Celebrating Meaning in our Lives through Family Holidays” by Heather and Jon Cleland Host
We are assemblages of ancient atoms forged in stars – atoms organized by history to the point of consciousness, now able to contemplate this sacred Universe of which we are a tiny, but wondrous, part.
A little over a month ago, we piled our kids into the car to go watch a partial eclipse of the Sun. Our oldest son created homemade viewing glasses from safety glasses and foil wrappers, as we drove with our eyes on the horizon. When we arrived, the Sun was hidden behind a patch of clouds, but there was an opening just beneath. The kids climbed up onto the roof of the car, and we waited faithfully for the event that terrified our Ancestors to unfold. We watched as the Moon took a bite out of the Sun, and instead of screaming and huddling in fear, our children pointed and grinned and exclaimed at the marvel before them.
It does not get much better than that. Meaning is something humans seek deep within our souls. It’s a powerful gift for our children and each other. Even more importantly, meaning that is real and true is priceless. Above all, this is one of the things that we strive to give our children. It is a daily practice, learning about the Universe in all its incredible power, meditating and practicing gratitude for our part in it, and connecting deeply with the Universe, our Ancestors, our community, and especially our future.
Geminids Meteor Shower peaks tonight, Dec. 13
The Geminids is the king of the meteor showers. It is considered by many to be the best shower in the heavens, producing up to 120 multicolored meteors per hour at its peak. It is produced by debris left behind by an asteroid known as 3200 Phaethon. The shower runs annually from December 7-17. It peaks this year on the night of the 13th and morning of the 14th. The waning gibbous moon will block out some of the meteors this year, but the Geminids are so bright and numerous that it should still be a good show. Best viewing will be from a dark location after midnight. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Gemini, but can appear anywhere in the sky.
What to get a Humanistic Pagan for … Christmas?
As Naturalists and as Pagans, we have twice the reason not to celebrate Christmas. But let’s face it. A lot of us Humanistic Pagans do celebrate Christmas in one form or another — either as a secular gift-exchange or with Christian family members. But many of us aren’t really into the traditional Pagan swag (herbs, candles, statues). So what do you give a Naturalistic Pagan for Christmas? Here are some ideas …
1. “Atheopaganism is Beyond Belief”
Atheopaganism has opened up a Zazzle store, which you should definitely check out. There’s mugs, T-shirts, and bumper stickers. In addition to getting some fun stuff, you will be supporting an emerging Naturalistic Pagan tradition. You can check out the new Atheopaganism website here. And you can give back by contributing to the Atheopagans Coming Out At Pantheacon 2015 campaign.
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Pagan Coming Out Day – May 2nd
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