Columns | Naturalistic Paganism

Sacred Springs, Part 2 by Anna Walther

Posted on June 4, 2016 by NaturalisticPaganism

In “Sacred Springs, Part 1,” I described my first visit to Barton Springs, the most famous limestone springs in Austin, and explored the role that Barton and other major Edwards Aquifer springs play in indigenous spirituality. But there are many other artesian springs along Austin-area limestone creeks, including a small, unnamed spring just a mile from my home, near the headwaters of Walnut Creek in Northwest Austin. Last summer I spent time there grounded and centered, with senses wide open.

Sacred Springs, Part 1 by Anna Walther

Posted on June 2, 2016 by NaturalisticPaganism

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Last summer I swam in Barton Springs, a spring-fed pool in the heart of downtown Austin. Native Americans have a vital, ritualistic relationship with the spring waters. The precise role the springs held in pre-Columbian indigenous spirituality is lost to time and conquest. I can take inspiration and guidance from Native American ways of relating to the Land, but must make my own practices and prayers.

The Naturalistic Pagan Toolbox: “Spiritual Naturalist Drumming” by DT Strain

Posted on May 24, 2016 by NaturalisticPaganism

As the famous jazz musician John Coltrane said, “All a musician can do is get closer to the sources of nature, and so feel that he is in communion with the natural laws”. Drumming, like any practice, may not be for everyone, but it is this very real and very natural enhanced perception that makes drumming a potential source of spiritual transformation.

[Rotting Silver] “Hymn to the Winds” by B. T. Newberg

Posted on May 23, 2016 by B. T. Newberg

Gentle wind, rough wind, our wind, no wind– Many are the winds that help us. One by one we sing a hymn to you, singing: Help us appreciate our home. Gentle wind, you massage the tree leaves, Lead the rope…