Bart Everson | Naturalistic Paganism

Spinning an Interview, by Bart Everson

Posted on September 13, 2016 by NaturalisticPaganism

Draw a circle to represent the year: one complete revolution around the sun. Make a mark at the top and the bottom, the left and the right, dividing the circle into four equal quarters. Let these represent the solstices and the equinoxes. Now rotate the whole thing about 45º and make the marks again. These marks fall midway between the others, dividing the circle into eighths. Call these the cross-quarter days. You’ve just sketched the Wheel of the Year……

Will This Congressman Reflect on our Earth? By Bart Everson

Posted on July 10, 2016 by NaturalisticPaganism

This was not an angry protest. This was something gentler and more contemplative. I’m inclined to think we need more such actions. Will Scalise listen? Will he reflect? Time will tell. I’m not holding my breath, but the stakes are too high not to try everything in our power. Meanwhile, I call on our local “young faith leaders” to step up, add their voices, and stage similar actions.

[A Pedagogy of Gaia] “The Surprising Results of Magical Thinking” by Bart Everson

Posted on May 10, 2016 by NaturalisticPaganism

3 Comments

Generally speaking, philosophical naturalists don’t believe in magic, so any invocation of the term is likely to be pejorative. For those with a naturalistic mindset, the phrase “magical thinking” is often a diss or a criticism, a suggestion of logical gaps or inconsistencies, similar to wishful thinking. But I think wholesale disavowal goes too far. So next time you’re down in New Orleans, come take a walk on this path made from dreams. See for yourself the glorious results that can come from magical thinking.

[A Pedagogy of Gaia] “Consecrating Our Compost Bin” by Bart Everson

Posted on January 9, 2016 by NaturalisticPaganism

2 Comments

O compost bin, o compost bin
How gentle is thy turning
O compost bin, o compost bin
How gentle is thy turning
We feed you wet greens and dry browns
You give us soil to spread around
O compost bin, o compost bin
How gentle is thy turning