Whether you celebrate in the path of totality, far from it, or at some other time, may your celebrations be blessed.
Spirituality Without Politics Is Lame
A politics without spirituality is blind, but a spirituality without politics is lame. And that is why I worry about an apolitical spirituality. I worry that individual spiritual practice in isolation from engagement with the world will never lead to real personal development and thus never lead to positive social change. And I worry about an apolitical spirituality which tells us that we need to accept the world as it is because we are powerless to change it. Finally, sitting back and practicing equanimity and a contemplative attitude is a privilege that many people do not have. It is not a option for many people of color. It is not a option for many gay, lesbian, queer or transgendered people have. It is not an option for many poor people or for many women.
Potok and the Hundred-Thousand Year Fire—A Campfire Tale, by Mark Green [an Atheopagan Life]
One night, meat was plentiful. A man named Potok had killed a cave bear after a fierce battle. Our bellies were full and grease hissed in the fire, and when we had eaten, Potok stood and told his tale: how he had lured the bear and crept upon it, how his spear went deep, and then he leapt upon the bear with his flint knife. The bear’s fangs hung, fresh and bloody, from a thong about his neck.
Book Review Special: Malala Yousafzai and Maajid Nawaz by Megan Manson
“Extremists have shown what frightens them the most: a girl with a book.” – Malala Yousafzai On May 22nd, Salman Ramadan Abedi bombed the Manchester Arena following a concert by Ariana Grande. He used a nail bomb, designed to maim and mutilate….
This Historic Moment (Part I), by [Starstuff, Contemplating]
As so many people, of all ages and in all areas of the country, flee a literal Bible, they will still have many of the very human needs supplied by traditional religions. How many of them will work to build naturalistic religions of various kinds? As Naturalistic Paganism and other naturalistic approaches to religion grow, I hope that they find fulfilling spiritualities that enhance their lives and build a better world for all.
Happy Summer Thermstice/Lammas!
Celebrations Heat! Summer! Productivity! Growing Darkness! These and many other themes join with the baking of bread and early harvest celebrations of Lunasa. Some of the ways many of us are celebrating were published a few weeks ago. For…
A New Contraceptive for Pagan Men
Sex and health are important topics for anyone, but maybe more so for us Pagans. Being an earth-based belief system, we tend to favor and embrace a more natural and holistic approach to our health; steering away from chemicals that can harm the Earth and us, and pills that may contain multiple side effects. And when it comes to sex, we don’t usually attach cultural taboos, and restrictions like other religions do but encourage that which gives our bodies pleasure when performed in mutual enjoyment. We don’t always wish to produce more children, however, so we use contraceptives to prevent this from happening.
Fasting for Naturalistic Pagans, by Renee Lehnen
In early August, many Pagans will celebrate Lammas or Lughnasadh. As I type these words, raspberries are ripening on canes, sweet peas rest in their pods, the first tomatoes are blushing, and bees are buzzing in the lavender. There is so much goodness in our gardens, orchards, and farms. Fasting is a time-tested, spiritual practice that can help Pagans to receive these summer gifts in health, joy, appreciation, and thanks.
Can we derive a secular spirituality from the seasons? by Bart Everson, in Standing Room Only
Bart Everson, author of “Spinning in Place,” speaks at the Venue Fine Arts and Gifts on July 9, 2017. On July 7, Bart Everson spoke about eco-spiritual practices at The Venue in Bloomington. A longtime atheist, Everson emphasized the celebration…
Naturalistic Pagan Pilgrimage – [Stardust, Contemplating]
Wherever you go, whatever you do, may this practice be as powerful for you as it is for me. In addition to all the details here, I’m interested to hear some of your stories.