So how will you be celebrating? There are less than three weeks left before Yule (the Winter Solstice)! This is going out a week early because for many of us, this is a Sabbat that takes a little more preparation…
The Spirituality of Protest
“There is nothing more radically activist than a truly spiritual life, and there is nothing more truly spiritual than a radically activist life.”
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.
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.
Spring Tonic for the Spirit by Renee Lehnen
A trail following the creek leads to an Aboriginal sweat lodge. In addition, I found a “living” shelter woven from willow, hidden in a copse. Inside was a log pew for the weary spiritual seeker. Posted throughout the property are small signs bearing quotations from ecologists, First Nations leaders, and theologians such as Thomas Berry. There is much for a Pagan to explore.
A Call to Action – by Lupa
These are dangerous times, and it’s going to be hard to not feel despair. (I recommend the writings of Joanna Macy as a good antidote.) Engage in self-care when and as you need to, and keep building your resilience. If you feel all alone, remember that at least I’m here with you in this fight, and I have a pretty good bunch of people at my side, too. We’re in this together.
[Starsuff, Contemplating] This Summer’s Eclipse will be Beyond Words!
The total eclipse this August 21st will hold dozens of millions of people in awe (including both Americans and eclipse chasers), and will be the most photographed, selfied, live streamed, and documented moment in the history of the Universe up to now, …
Read morePagan, But Not What You’re Assuming
Many continue the conversation assuming that I believe in supernatural beings, like spirits in the rocks, air, rivers, etc. and deities; that the Earth, Moon, Sun, Stars, are beings that care about you; that I follow the Celtic ‘Wheel of the Year’; practice magic/majick; read tarot/divination cards; and perform ceremonies that involve enchanting a circle, the elements in specific directions, and going clockwise. Mistaken on all accounts…