Classic depictions of Death personified include skeletons carrying an hourglass or a scythe, mummified persons extending leathery hands, armies of skeletal warriors mowing down the living, or Pale Horsemen laying waste to kings, priests and children, as in the Coleman-Waite “Rider” Tarot deck. It makes complete sense that we view death with fear and revulsion. … Continue reading Death, the Creator
Read more“Plant and Fungus Spirits” – Updated and Annotated Edition Now Available!
Hey, everyone! My book Plant and Fungus Totems, originally published via Llewellyn, went out of print earlier this year. I’ve since updated and annotated it and released a new edition as Plant and Fungus Spirits. In addition to adding bits of new information or making other small changes, I’ve also removed the term “totem” other … Continue reading “Plant and Fungus Spirits” – Updated and Annotated Edition Now Available!
Read moreSamhain 2020: Wholeness
As a Pagan in Minnesota, one of the first lessons I learned—and continue to relearn—is how to adapt rituals on the fly, especially those planned for outside. Spending an hour toasting the Ancestors in the cemetery where Leora’s grandmother is buried seemed like a great idea as I planned these rituals in August when it was humid and in the upper 80s (F). It seemed like a crummy idea when the actual day arrived with a predicted high of 31 (0 C) and a windchill of 24 (-4 C).
Read moreWays 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.
Read moreIn Memoriam: James Randi
The Amazing Randi has left us following a remarkable 92-year life of stage magic, skeptical debunkings, and quotable quips. A beloved figure in the stage magic scene, he was an inspiration to acts like Penn and Teller and to skeptics everywhere as he unmasked deceivers like Uri Geller and Peter Popoff as showmen and frauds … Continue reading In Memoriam: James Randi
Read morePresenting the Atheopagan cleric Introductory Guidebook!
This guidance resource for Atheopagan clerics includes information on legal rights and responsibilities, pastoral counseling (and what it isn’t), conducting weddings, working with the dying and grieving and conducting funerary rites, and other r…
Read moreGUEST RITUAL: Annual Lascaux Cave Rediscovery Celebration
This ritual was proposed by Michael Halloran of the Atheopagan Facebook gruop and perfected through input of other members of the group. Perform this ritual every September 12 to commemorate the accidental finding of this French cave in 1940. Objective: Celebrate the rediscovery of this impressive prehistoric cathedral as a community. Since most people can’t … Continue reading GUEST RITUAL: Annual Lascaux Cave Rediscovery Celebration
Read moreOne 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?
Read moreAn Underworld Focus
At this time of year, I pay a lot of attention to one part of my Focus*. As altar-y spaces go, it is unquestionably the “witchiest” part of mine: bones, skulls, fossils of extinct species, a mummified bat, images of prehistoric cave paintings, megalithic spiral carvings and departed loved ones, a dried pomegranate. It is … Continue reading An Underworld Focus
Read moreAtheopaganism book nominated for a “Witchie” Award!
I am so excited to announce that some wonderful person/people nominated my book, Atheopaganism: An Earth-Honoring Path Rooted in Science for a Witchie award! The Witchies are kind of like the “Pagan Oscars”, and include categories like Best Book, Best New Author, Best Vlog, etc. Atheopaganism has been nominated in the Outstanding Self-Published Book category. … Continue reading Atheopaganism book nominated for a “Witchie” Award!
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