Many of us Gen-Xer’s learned critical thinking and the need to look for rational explanations for supernatural claims from this lovable dog.
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On “coming out” to my Catholic Community, by Bart Everson [A Pedagogy of Gaia]
Mornings of Prayer When I saw the announcement about a Morning of Prayer for staff at the university where I work, with “persons of all faith traditions… encouraged to attend,” I was curious but also skeptical but also hopeful. I’d…
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What’s that Flopping Noise? Ancestors? Yes! Wishing you a Happy Samhain! by Starstuff, Contemplating
As Samhain draws near, our billions of Ancestors begin to visit us. Who are they? What can they offer you for your struggles today? They can help you anytime during the year – not just now – if you ask.
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Ways to Empower your Samhain Amid the Pandemic
Oh no! Covid-19 has put group rituals on hold, and what about the kids? There are plenty of good options to have a very sacred Samhain (and celebrate the rare Samhain Blue Moon!), while keeping yourself – and others- safe. Here are some of them, for both Rituals and Trick-or-Treating.
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One More Chance to see a Bright Mars, until 2035! by Starstuff, Contemplating
If you have clear skies Friday, Saturday, or Sunday night, consider celebrating as my family does – by seeing these wonders, just as our Ancestors have seen them for many thousands of years. Do you have a chance to share this sacred moment with a child?
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Samhain (The Fall Equitherm) Approaches!
Got your house decorated yet? Samhain (the Fall Equitherm) is less than a month away! For many of us (including me), this is one of the most sacred times of the year – a time when I feel my Ancestors…
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Autumn 2020: Responsibility and Wonder; by Starstuff, Contemplating
Wonder and responsibility speak to me as we enter fall. As Naturalistic Pagans, our focus is on this real world – giving us both the awe of the world we live in and the commitment to build a better world…
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Happy Fall Equinox!
Happy Fall Equinox, or Mabon! Of course, our spherical planet also gives us the beautiful symmetry of the Spring Equinox (& Ostara) being celebrated now by our Southern Hemisphere friends. The equinoctial moment, this year, is on September 22nd, at 5:31 pm…
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Animism for the Religious Naturalist
Animists see a world that is full of other-than-human persons, including salmon persons, tree persons, and even rock persons. It is difficult for many Westerners to understand the concept of other-than-human persons, especially when talking about (seemingly) “inanimate objects” like rocks. But for the animist, there is no such thing as inanimate matter, because it is all a part of the complex self-regulating living system called Gaia. Animism is not about the projection of consciousness or agency onto non-human things, but about respect and reciprocity within a more-than-human community that transcends the subject-object dichotomy.
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The Fall Equinox Approaches!
In the Northern Hemisphere, the Fall Equinox is celebrated in three weeks (it is September 22nd this year) as Mabon, also called Harvest Home. (Those in the Southern Hemisphere celebrate the Spring Equinox, Ostara, at this time.) While every year…
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