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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A Sad Reckoning
I had hoped that the American Presidential election would be a repudiation of Donald Trump and the divisive, racist, misogynistic, homophobic, fascistic nightmare of Trumpism. That hope was not realized. While Joe Biden–a decent man who I think will be a good though not transformative President–will eke out a victory, nearly 50% of the country … Continue reading A Sad Reckoning
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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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Death, the Creator
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
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“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).
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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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In 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
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Presenting 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…
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GUEST 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
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