Naturalistic Paganism
Category: Megan Manson
A Shinto Experience in New Zealand by Megan Manson
It may seem strange that one of the most profoundly Shinto experiences I’ve had was in New Zealand. The whole trip, from the cave’s entrance to the meditative atmosphere of the glowworm chamber, felt like a pilgrimage to a particularly powerful Shinto shrine. To me, this visit to Te Ana-Au Glowworm Caves demonstrated how universal the concept behind Shinto – the sense of respect and awe we feel in the face of Nature’s wonders – really is, and that the kami themselves truly are to be found everywhere.
Read MoreNeopaganism v. Shinto: Death and Darkness, by Megan Manson
Despite accepting that “light” and “dark” are not really polarised, Shinto in general tends to avoid images related to death and darkness. While black and other dark colours are commonly used by Western Pagans, Shinto is usually associated with white, as well as bright red, gold and green – black is avoided for the most part.
Read MoreVisions Part 2: Visions and Delusions, by Megan Manson
I think that it’s a bit of both. As I described in my post on skull symbolism, the human brain is remarkable and can be considered the means by which the Universe perceives itself – linking us all to the force that some call Gaia. Looking at it this way, we too are part of the divine – meaning that any experience in our minds can be interpreted as a spiritual one. Maybe where the gods come into this is how we interpret that experience.
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Pagan Coming Out Day – May 2nd
Naturalistic Paganism 