Naturalistic Paganism
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Do Trees Have Rights? (the short version), by John Halstead
General acceptance of the phrase, “the rights of nature”, could trigger a paradigm shift in Western consciousness, a shift from viewing nature instrumentally–as having value only for humans–to viewing nature as inherently valuable–as having value in its own right. And that could have profound consequences for human behavior and our impact on the more-than-human world.
Read MoreConfessions of a Naturalistic Witch, by Anna Walther
The goal of my naturalistic practice is not to project my will onto the world, but instead to harmonize my will with reality, which is Nature. In other words, I want to fully inhabit my life in this one world just as it is. I have no evidence for an otherworld, but belief in an otherworld is not required, for the meaningful practice of magic.
Read MoreCritiquing “Naturalism”, by John Halstead
As Naturalistic Pagans, I think we are uniquely positioned to transcend the limitations of both reductionist science and superstitious forms of Paganism. We can can elucidate the distinction between subjective nature and objective nature, without denigrating the former. We can valorize human experience, without confusing experience with objects. This is how we re-enchant the world, not by looking for gods or fairies in the space between atoms or in strands of DNA, but by imbuing both–gods and atoms, fairies and DNA–with human meaning.
Read MoreEight Ways Pagans Can Celebrate Earth Day
For many contemporary Pagans, Paganism takes the form of a nature religion or earth-centered spirituality. According to Religious Studies scholar, Michael York, a nature religion is one that has “a this-worldly focus and deep reverence for the earth as something sacred and something to be cherished.” Not surprisingly then, Earth Day (April 22 this year) is a holy day for many Pagans. Here are some ways that we Pagans can celebrate Earth Day.
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Pagan Coming Out Day – May 2nd
