My youngest is getting quite excited about celebrating Halloween this weekend. He is torn between wearing last year's Jedi costume and the previous year's Grim Reaper costume. I think he is going to wear the Reaper's cape with his Jedi costume and pretend to be Anakin Skywalker after he switched to the dark side.
I hope you are all enjoying helping your favorite little Trick-or-Treaters prepare for their night of festivities. Whatever you have planned, stay safe.
take care,
Skye Thomas
Tomorrow's Edge
inspiring leaps of faith
http://www.TomorrowsEdge.net
Books, articles, newsletters,
life coaching, & horoscopes.
Friday, October 29, 2010
It's Time to Come Together
It's time to come together against discrimination of all kinds. The recent rash of suicides by our young people who were gay or perceived to be gay must stop.
We must be a fighting force against all discrimination. We must talk to parents, teachers, members of our local, state, and federal governments.
Most importantly we need to talk to parents. I am of the crowd that believes that sex should be taught at home. I am a parent of two boys and I have much against my EX husbands wishes. It is up to parents to stop this bullying in schools.
Its not a gay issue, its not a black issue, its not a Muslim issue.....it is a HUMAN issue. We must fight for the rights of all and allow them their constitutional right to pursue happiness.
Those of the GLBT community can no easier change their "lifestyle" or choice then those of us who are heterosexual. It's time we all got past that and allow them the same respect and rights that we have. As a person who has fought for religious rights for the last 25 years, I can not ignore their fight for the right to be treated equally, to be allowed to love and raise families.
Many already do, under the radar...which is sad. But if we as a country want to preach equal rights then we are obligated to ensure that our brothers and sisters in the GLBT community can Marry, can Serve in the Military, Can come out of the closet.
It's time to walk our talk. I stand behind this battle, always have. Let us all work for the equality. Those of us who are Pagan and know what discrimination feels like join in this battle.
Let us join hands with our GLBT brothers and sisters and put an end to discrimination once and for all.
BB
Laura
We must be a fighting force against all discrimination. We must talk to parents, teachers, members of our local, state, and federal governments.
Most importantly we need to talk to parents. I am of the crowd that believes that sex should be taught at home. I am a parent of two boys and I have much against my EX husbands wishes. It is up to parents to stop this bullying in schools.
Its not a gay issue, its not a black issue, its not a Muslim issue.....it is a HUMAN issue. We must fight for the rights of all and allow them their constitutional right to pursue happiness.
Those of the GLBT community can no easier change their "lifestyle" or choice then those of us who are heterosexual. It's time we all got past that and allow them the same respect and rights that we have. As a person who has fought for religious rights for the last 25 years, I can not ignore their fight for the right to be treated equally, to be allowed to love and raise families.
Many already do, under the radar...which is sad. But if we as a country want to preach equal rights then we are obligated to ensure that our brothers and sisters in the GLBT community can Marry, can Serve in the Military, Can come out of the closet.
It's time to walk our talk. I stand behind this battle, always have. Let us all work for the equality. Those of us who are Pagan and know what discrimination feels like join in this battle.
Let us join hands with our GLBT brothers and sisters and put an end to discrimination once and for all.
BB
Laura
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Classes
I have been asked a few times to hold classes for the New Generation of Teen
Witches that wants to learn Wiccan Ways. Well let me say, those of yous who
want to learn or if you know of anyone who wants to learn. Please feel free to
contact me. If I can get enough students so we can do the buddy system it should
work out quite well. Also please note these will be later afternoon classes.
Blessed Be
Daughter of the Moon
Witches that wants to learn Wiccan Ways. Well let me say, those of yous who
want to learn or if you know of anyone who wants to learn. Please feel free to
contact me. If I can get enough students so we can do the buddy system it should
work out quite well. Also please note these will be later afternoon classes.
Blessed Be
Daughter of the Moon
Ok I have a Question for Everyone
Okay i was born with a family that was pagans and Wicca. but i was also born with LDS family to.
and the lds family always say that pagans believe in one then one god. but i always was told from my family the pagans and Wicca that pagans belive in one god and the wicca's belive in many. so just so i have it right i was wondering if you could tell me the truth about if pagans bleive in one god or many gods.
thanks, marj
and the lds family always say that pagans believe in one then one god. but i always was told from my family the pagans and Wicca that pagans belive in one god and the wicca's belive in many. so just so i have it right i was wondering if you could tell me the truth about if pagans bleive in one god or many gods.
thanks, marj
Rev. Patrick McCollum
Rev. Patrick McCollum is currently engaged in federal litigation in the US 9th Circuit (McCollum, et al. v. CDCR, et al., C 04-03339 CRB) challenging the California Department of Corrections' "Five Faiths" policy which recognizes only five major world religions for inclusion in California's prison chaplaincy program.
Watch this short video, just released, as a way to learn more about this quest & to send him & his attorneys support & success:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5GWdgmzc98
Use photos at his Lady Liberty League support page as a way to connect with him: http://www.circlesanctuary.org/liberty/pmccollum
Read well-wishes expressed there. Add your own if you haven't done so already.
Please forward this email and links widely. Thanks!
In Liberty!
Lady Liberty League staff
Watch this short video, just released, as a way to learn more about this quest & to send him & his attorneys support & success:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5GWdgmzc98
Use photos at his Lady Liberty League support page as a way to connect with him: http://www.circlesanctuary.org/liberty/pmccollum
Read well-wishes expressed there. Add your own if you haven't done so already.
Please forward this email and links widely. Thanks!
In Liberty!
Lady Liberty League staff
Monday, October 04, 2010
Druid has Been Recognized
LONDON (AFP) – Britain has recognised druidry as an official religion for the first time, thousands of years after the Celtic pagan faith emerged in Europe, the country's charity commission said Saturday.
The Druid Network, an organisation representing the religion in Britain, was granted charitable status in a decision that not only gives it tax breaks but also lets the religion take its place alongside more mainstream beliefs.
"This has been a long hard struggle, taking over five years to complete," the Druid Network said in a statement after its application to be registered as a charity had been accepted by the Charity Commission.
In its ruling on the group's application, the commission said it accepted that druidry was an "ancient pagan religion" in its own right involving the worship of nature, particularly the sun and the earth.
Druid rituals involve "commonality of practice" across the faith including solar and fire festivals, ceremonies at various phases of the moon, seasonal festivals and rites of passage in life.
There had also been some official recognition already, it added, including a provision by Britain's Prison Service for the practice of druidry and the attendance of a pagan chaplain at services.
"The board members concluded that The Druid Network is established for exclusively charitable purposes for the advancement of religion for the public benefit," the Charity Commission said.
Druidry emerged in ancient Ireland and Britain and spread further afield during the Iron Age, especially into France, but became largely supplanted as Christianity took hold across Europe.
It has gained recent popularity because of its pantheistic nature and concern with ecology.
The Druid Network, an organisation representing the religion in Britain, was granted charitable status in a decision that not only gives it tax breaks but also lets the religion take its place alongside more mainstream beliefs.
"This has been a long hard struggle, taking over five years to complete," the Druid Network said in a statement after its application to be registered as a charity had been accepted by the Charity Commission.
In its ruling on the group's application, the commission said it accepted that druidry was an "ancient pagan religion" in its own right involving the worship of nature, particularly the sun and the earth.
Druid rituals involve "commonality of practice" across the faith including solar and fire festivals, ceremonies at various phases of the moon, seasonal festivals and rites of passage in life.
There had also been some official recognition already, it added, including a provision by Britain's Prison Service for the practice of druidry and the attendance of a pagan chaplain at services.
"The board members concluded that The Druid Network is established for exclusively charitable purposes for the advancement of religion for the public benefit," the Charity Commission said.
Druidry emerged in ancient Ireland and Britain and spread further afield during the Iron Age, especially into France, but became largely supplanted as Christianity took hold across Europe.
It has gained recent popularity because of its pantheistic nature and concern with ecology.
Pagans United
This group is here to be what you the members make of it. While we have many activists who are out front and vocal about religious freedoms and the environment, this is also a place to learn, share, and grow.
So whether you are vocal or prefer to work behind the scenes here at Pagans United, you are welcomed with open arms.
We do ask that you post an intro telling us a little bit about yourself and what you hope to get out of membership in Pagans United. There is always something going on so feel free to jump in whenever the mood strikes you.
Many will come here seeking more knowledge or guidance. Some will come to aid in providing knowledge, some will bring their soapboxes and stand on them quite often. There is a place and a purpose for all those who wish to join. Welcome and thank you for choosing Pagans United.
Blessed Be,
Laura Roberts
So whether you are vocal or prefer to work behind the scenes here at Pagans United, you are welcomed with open arms.
We do ask that you post an intro telling us a little bit about yourself and what you hope to get out of membership in Pagans United. There is always something going on so feel free to jump in whenever the mood strikes you.
Many will come here seeking more knowledge or guidance. Some will come to aid in providing knowledge, some will bring their soapboxes and stand on them quite often. There is a place and a purpose for all those who wish to join. Welcome and thank you for choosing Pagans United.
Blessed Be,
Laura Roberts
Our Troops Need Supplies
Camp Arifjan Open Circle is looking for Oils, Candles, and God figures for our community altar, as well as any of the books on the SWC "Required" reading list...
Mailto:
SGT Joshua M. Dery
c/o Camp Arifjan Open Circle
HHC, 1SB
APO AE 09366
Please send any supplies you can to this group.
BB
Laura
"All Gave Some,,, Some Gave all, and for those who have fought for it,, Freedom has a flavor the protected will never know."
"We sleep safe in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm!"
~ George Orwell
You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete". –R. Buckminster Fuller
Mailto:
SGT Joshua M. Dery
c/o Camp Arifjan Open Circle
HHC, 1SB
APO AE 09366
Please send any supplies you can to this group.
BB
Laura
"All Gave Some,,, Some Gave all, and for those who have fought for it,, Freedom has a flavor the protected will never know."
"We sleep safe in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm!"
~ George Orwell
You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete". –R. Buckminster Fuller
Comment
Comment
Now, if she were today go out on the campaign trail and attempt to spread
inaccurate information on earth based religions, then I'll be the first one out
there makeing noise. I've not heard anything current that merits attention from
us. We need to stop letting these selective "sound bites" get us distracted from
the mission at hand. And that is to find a candidate that can best represent us
and this country. This was a short clip taken from an old show of a silly
schoolgirl thoughts. Please, we have more important issues to pay attention to.
BB Laura
Now, if she were today go out on the campaign trail and attempt to spread
inaccurate information on earth based religions, then I'll be the first one out
there makeing noise. I've not heard anything current that merits attention from
us. We need to stop letting these selective "sound bites" get us distracted from
the mission at hand. And that is to find a candidate that can best represent us
and this country. This was a short clip taken from an old show of a silly
schoolgirl thoughts. Please, we have more important issues to pay attention to.
BB Laura
Milwaukee Pagan Pride
Greetings Wisconsin spiritual seekers,
Apologies if you've already received notices for Milwaukee's Pagan Pride. My partner Mark and I are excited to present at Milwaukee's Pagan Pride this Sunday. We'll be facilitating the opening ritual, and before that, a Ritual Arts workshop starting at Noon or 12:30. Workshop attendees can take speaking or silent roles in the opening ritual or just observe some ritual tools in action. We'll also offer a community building workshop addressing some of the more difficult parts of community building and leadership.
There's a lot of great presenters, entertainers, and rituals planned for the day. I've included basic event info is below, and detailed descriptions of the workshops Mark and I are offered since those are the ones I could answer questions about :)
I hope to see you soon! Harvest blessings,
-shauna
Milwaukee Pagan Pride Day
Sunday, Oct. 3
Wil O Ways Underwood, 10602 Underwood Parkway, Wauwatosa, WI.
Rituals:
Opening Ritual: The Harvest Fires
Mark Mandrake and Shauna Aura. Before the ritual, we'll offer a Ritual Arts workshop and participants can take speaking and nonspeaking roles in the opening ritual to practice skills.
Closing Ritual: Table and Stranger: An Ingathering Rite for Harvest Home
Ruby Sara and Johnny Rapture.
Workshops:
Shauna Aura & Mark Mandrake--
--Raising Sacred Fire: Skills for Facilitating Rituals & Building Energy (starting at 12 noon or 12:30
--Underworld Shadows: Advanced Skills for Community Builders and Leaders
Ruby Sara--Makers of Edible Light: Honeybees in Myth, Spirituality, and Ecology
Johhny Rapture --' A Tale of Two 'Theisms,' A guided discussion on terms like monotheism, polytheism, henotheism, nontheism, etc.
Author Alan Leddon --Gods of Sun and the Underworld
Entertainment
Amy Christensen of Chicago's Terra Mysterium theater group will perform 2 sets of her own songs about various Goddesses
Jeannette and Shelby, GypsyMoondance return with 2 sets of Bellydance performance
Performance Artist, Presenter and Liturgist, Ruby Sara, brings a solo version of a song from the Terra Mysterium show "Finding Eleusis," which ran in Chicago's first Fringe Festival.
-------------------------------------
Raising Sacred Fire: Skills for Facilitating Rituals & Building Energy
Shauna Aura and Mark Mandrake
(time: noon or 12:30 pm)
Imagine the most magical ritual you've been to, or wished for. Learn to lead or support rituals that are magical, memorable, and facilitate deep spiritual transformation.
Through discussion and exercises, this workshop explores what works and why, ritual structure and energetic flow, logistics to keep energy moving, common pitfalls, and engaging participation with chanting, movement, rhythm, and connection. Experienced ritualists will learn to facilitate more potent rituals; new ritualists will learn foundations. Workshop participants are encouraged to practice skills by taking ritual roles for the Opening Ritual. Join us to harness the sacred fire within!
Apologies if you've already received notices for Milwaukee's Pagan Pride. My partner Mark and I are excited to present at Milwaukee's Pagan Pride this Sunday. We'll be facilitating the opening ritual, and before that, a Ritual Arts workshop starting at Noon or 12:30. Workshop attendees can take speaking or silent roles in the opening ritual or just observe some ritual tools in action. We'll also offer a community building workshop addressing some of the more difficult parts of community building and leadership.
There's a lot of great presenters, entertainers, and rituals planned for the day. I've included basic event info is below, and detailed descriptions of the workshops Mark and I are offered since those are the ones I could answer questions about :)
I hope to see you soon! Harvest blessings,
-shauna
Milwaukee Pagan Pride Day
Sunday, Oct. 3
Wil O Ways Underwood, 10602 Underwood Parkway, Wauwatosa, WI.
Rituals:
Opening Ritual: The Harvest Fires
Mark Mandrake and Shauna Aura. Before the ritual, we'll offer a Ritual Arts workshop and participants can take speaking and nonspeaking roles in the opening ritual to practice skills.
Closing Ritual: Table and Stranger: An Ingathering Rite for Harvest Home
Ruby Sara and Johnny Rapture.
Workshops:
Shauna Aura & Mark Mandrake--
--Raising Sacred Fire: Skills for Facilitating Rituals & Building Energy (starting at 12 noon or 12:30
--Underworld Shadows: Advanced Skills for Community Builders and Leaders
Ruby Sara--Makers of Edible Light: Honeybees in Myth, Spirituality, and Ecology
Johhny Rapture --' A Tale of Two 'Theisms,' A guided discussion on terms like monotheism, polytheism, henotheism, nontheism, etc.
Author Alan Leddon --Gods of Sun and the Underworld
Entertainment
Amy Christensen of Chicago's Terra Mysterium theater group will perform 2 sets of her own songs about various Goddesses
Jeannette and Shelby, GypsyMoondance return with 2 sets of Bellydance performance
Performance Artist, Presenter and Liturgist, Ruby Sara, brings a solo version of a song from the Terra Mysterium show "Finding Eleusis," which ran in Chicago's first Fringe Festival.
-------------------------------------
Raising Sacred Fire: Skills for Facilitating Rituals & Building Energy
Shauna Aura and Mark Mandrake
(time: noon or 12:30 pm)
Imagine the most magical ritual you've been to, or wished for. Learn to lead or support rituals that are magical, memorable, and facilitate deep spiritual transformation.
Through discussion and exercises, this workshop explores what works and why, ritual structure and energetic flow, logistics to keep energy moving, common pitfalls, and engaging participation with chanting, movement, rhythm, and connection. Experienced ritualists will learn to facilitate more potent rituals; new ritualists will learn foundations. Workshop participants are encouraged to practice skills by taking ritual roles for the Opening Ritual. Join us to harness the sacred fire within!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Send Healing to Vic Wright
Please send healing & support to Circle Sanctuary minister Vic Wright of
Kentucky.
She is having stomach surgery today. Please send blessings for a successful
surgery & speedy & thorough recovery.
Well wishes can be sent by email to her: labrysamazon@gmail.com
Healing Circle: Monday, September 27, 2010
Kentucky.
She is having stomach surgery today. Please send blessings for a successful
surgery & speedy & thorough recovery.
Well wishes can be sent by email to her: labrysamazon@gmail.com
Healing Circle: Monday, September 27, 2010
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Comment
This is very true. We've made great headway in the last couple of years, but apparently more work is needed.
BB
Laura
BB
Laura
Countdown with Keith Olbermann
Mostly a boring clip with nothing new to offer.
However, I was somewhat pleased to hear him mention the Wiccan community's
view about Satan and such near the end...
...http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677/vp/39278842#39278842
See More
Countdown with Keith Olbermann Countdown with Keith Olbermann
www.msnbc.msn.com
In A Special Comment, Countdown’s Keith Olbermann explains the misnomer and dang...er in calling it “The Ground Zero Mosque.” Olbermann clarifies the misconceptions around the community center
However, I was somewhat pleased to hear him mention the Wiccan community's
view about Satan and such near the end...
However, I was somewhat pleased to hear him mention the Wiccan community's
view about Satan and such near the end...
...http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677/vp/39278842#39278842
See More
Countdown with Keith Olbermann Countdown with Keith Olbermann
www.msnbc.msn.com
In A Special Comment, Countdown’s Keith Olbermann explains the misnomer and dang...er in calling it “The Ground Zero Mosque.” Olbermann clarifies the misconceptions around the community center
However, I was somewhat pleased to hear him mention the Wiccan community's
view about Satan and such near the end...
Comment
Now, if she were today go out on the campaign trail and attempt to spread inaccurate information on earth based religions, then I'll be the first one out there makeing noise. I've not heard anything current that merits attention from us. We need to stop letting these selective "sound bites" get us distracted from the mission at hand. And that is to find a candidate that can best represent us and this country. This was a short clip taken from an old show of a silly schoolgirl thoughts. Please, we have more important issues to pay attention to. BBLaura
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Question
Would you elect a witch into office?
Sure, as long as I felt that the person was qualified.
No way.
Sure, as long as I felt that the person was qualified.
No way.
Interesting Article
When clips of Delaware Republican Senate nominee Christine O'Donnell telling "Politically Incorrect" host Bill Maher that she once dabbled in witchcraft surfaced, we wondered, can a politician be a witch?
Lillitu Shahar Kunning, blogger at Witch Mom, doesn't see a problem with it. The Feri witch sheds some moonlight on her religion, and says society's understanding of her life is akin to believing the word "yellow" simply means the color of the brick road, a definition as narrow as the point on a witch's hat.
ParentDish spoke with Shahar Kunning, mother to son Rowan, 6 months, about what it's like to be a witch and a mom. We assume that's pretty close to being a witch and a politician. An edited version of our interview with her follows.
ParentDish: So witches are in the news at the moment. What do you think about the Christine O'Donnell uproar? Is it possible to be a politician and a witch?
Lillitu Shahar Kunning: Oy! I don't want to claim Christine O'Donnell. It's kind of like when Sen. Larry Craig was caught in that airport bathroom. No gay person wanted to claim him, either. Actually, I haven't seen the old footage from Bill Maher, but from what I understand, she was a dabbler, not an actual witch with religious principles.
PD: Yeah, she's not a mom, either, so we can't help her. Speaking of which, congratulations on the birth of your son, Rowan. We read on your blog that he was born on the auspicious night of the Wolf Moon.
LSK: He was conceived on Beltaine, which is May Day, aka May 1st, the previous year, in a ritual setting. So we hyper-planned for Rowan to come and he came on the Wolf Moon, which is appropriate because one of the Gods we invoked while we were conceiving him was the Lord of Wolves. When he was born, we found it really funny because he had gray fur all over his back and on his legs. We were like, "Oh, he's a little wolf cub!"
PD: The conception doesn't sound particularly romantic.
LSK: Actually, it was thrilling, especially at that moment when we both knew that it had worked. Witches' rituals are very sexy in general, and this one was especially so!
PD: So how does Joe Average Guy define "witch?"
LSK: The average person probably thinks that there's no such thing in real life and that it's sort of a storybook idea. You know, the caricature that you see at Halloween, with the green skin, bump in the nose -- the old hag. Or if they are part of particular religions that do believe that we're real, they believe that we're evil or something to be feared.
PD: So, any truth to that?
LSK: Witch is a term that encompasses several different religious traditions. People call themselves witches whether they are men or women or transgender. We believe in certain precepts. Witches believe that everyone is connected. And not just people, but everything on the planet; that everything is part of nature. The connection itself is Divine and we're connected to the Divine.
PD: Divine, like God?
LSK: Some witches believe in a couple of deities, some believe in many deities. We don't just believe in the one male deity. It's sort of an earth-based religion. We believe that the earth is sacred and that we need to take care of it. These are the commonalities that witches share.
PD: What is Feri witchcraft?
LSK: My religious tradition is an American witchcraft tradition that, just like America, is influenced by a lot of different populations coming into the United States. It has influences in Appalachian folk magic, Mexican folk magic and Hawaiian folk magic. Hoodoo, which is also something I practice, is an African American spell work tradition. There are many people in the South who practice Hoodoo and a lot people mix up the word Hoodoo and Voodoo. Voodoo is a religion. Hoodoo is a set of magic spells that anyone can do.
PD: I've seen magic spelled with a "k," as in m.a.g.i.c.k. Is this a witch thing?
LSK: You could spell it magic, with no "k," but that term is used by illusionists like Criss Angel and authors like J.K. Rowling, so its real and original meaning got convoluted and diluted. It was Aleister Crowley, I believe, who started calling what we mean magick, with a "k." What he meant is the art and science of knowing your true will -- your real purpose here on earth -- and enacting it in the world. Spells and such are ritualized actions using a symbol language, which speak to the unconscious mind, to make these things happen, but they don't work like on "Sabrina, the Teenage Witch."
PD: Is Rowan's dad a witch?
LSK: My partner is also a witch and he's a priest in the Feri tradition. I'm not a priest yet. Our tradition is a mystery initiatory tradition and I have not yet been initiated. I'm studying with my teacher and she says initiation is coming soon. I've been studying for about six years, but I have not yet been initiated. So she holds mysteries that I don't have yet.
PD: So, how is a witch family structured?
LSK: We're fairly progressive as a family. We believe in equal parenting. My partner does just as much child care as I do. We both equally split bread-winning. It could be because we're witches, but pretty much everything we do is because we're witches. It's a cultural thing.
PD: How do you raise a baby witch?
LSK: He's going to be raised with a witch's mindset, but we're not going to force anything on him. Our religious tradition, as I've said, is an initiatory one, and he will have to be initiated before he can be a full member of the religious community, and he can actively choose that.
But he's also going to learn about all the other religions and what they mean, and not in a biased way. I'm actually in seminary right now, the Unitarian Universalist Seminary, getting my Masters of Divinity, and it's a multi-religious education. I'm taking classes on Islam, I'm taking classes on Christianity, on Judaism, on a lot of different religious traditions and I'm learning it from religious practitioners. It's an unbiased environment. I feel really strongly that my child should know about the people of the world and their cultures. And he should be free to learn what we believe, and when the time comes he will decide what he believes.
PD: Do Mom and Dad do the initiating?
LSK: People initiate their lovers, people initiate their children ... but in our tradition, it's frowned upon to teach those whom you are intimately connected to. You can initiate your lover or child, but you usually send them off to get their education from someone else and that person determines when they're ready for initiation. So, we're going to be raising him as a witch, and if he decides to pursue Feri witchcraft, he will find a specific teacher, besides his father and I, to learn from. And when he's ready, they will initiate him or we will, if he asks for that.
PD: What are some of the rituals that you'll teach him?
LSK: Ritual, to me means casting circle and working between the worlds. This is the closest witches have to attending church, which, of course, I will teach Rowan to do. But witches make magic every day, regardless of whether they have done all the circle-casting and whatnot. Think about it. Are Christians only being Christian when they attend church on Sunday? Not really, right? I will teach Rowan to listen to all living things: people, animals, plants and rocks. I will teach him to be ethical and discerning and realize that his words and deeds have impact on this and other worlds. I will teach him how to manifest his will and make stuff happen. As for actual rituals, we observe the eight sabbats, which are holy days, on the wheel of the year, and we also do esbats, which is a meeting on new and full moons, from time to time. We also sometimes perform rituals for specific purposes, like spellwork, at these esbats.
PD: Halloween is coming up. Will Rowan wear a costume and go trick-or-treating? Do witch kids go trick-or-treating?
LSK: Halloween, as it is represented in mainstream American culture, is not something witches celebrate as a religious holiday, but many celebrate it as a secular one, like a Labor Day or Thanksgiving. It is not the same religious holiday as Samhain, where Halloween has its origins, but it is fun. Trick-or-treating is a part of mainstream culture and I see nothing wrong with having some fun and doing Halloween up for kids. I had a blast as a kid playing pranks, trick-or-treating, dressing up and going to parties. I hope that Rowan has just as much fun with his friends. He already has several costumes -- a bee, a dragon, a fairy, a firefighter, a skeleton -- that he wears to the supermarket and other mundane places.
PD: Where do witches go to school? Do you plan on homeschooling?
LSK: I'm not quite sure if he's going to go to a public school, a private school, if he's going to be home-schooled or group-schooled. I'd like to find like-minded parents who want open-minded, free-thinking children, so that we could all be responsible for the curriculum together. And so that the kids will actually get socialization together, which I think is the main thing at school. I'm doing a lot of research right now. He's only 6 months old, so I have some time to make a decision.
Related: Build a Wiccan Altar? Not in My Shop Class, Teacher Says
Lillitu Shahar Kunning, blogger at Witch Mom, doesn't see a problem with it. The Feri witch sheds some moonlight on her religion, and says society's understanding of her life is akin to believing the word "yellow" simply means the color of the brick road, a definition as narrow as the point on a witch's hat.
ParentDish spoke with Shahar Kunning, mother to son Rowan, 6 months, about what it's like to be a witch and a mom. We assume that's pretty close to being a witch and a politician. An edited version of our interview with her follows.
ParentDish: So witches are in the news at the moment. What do you think about the Christine O'Donnell uproar? Is it possible to be a politician and a witch?
Lillitu Shahar Kunning: Oy! I don't want to claim Christine O'Donnell. It's kind of like when Sen. Larry Craig was caught in that airport bathroom. No gay person wanted to claim him, either. Actually, I haven't seen the old footage from Bill Maher, but from what I understand, she was a dabbler, not an actual witch with religious principles.
PD: Yeah, she's not a mom, either, so we can't help her. Speaking of which, congratulations on the birth of your son, Rowan. We read on your blog that he was born on the auspicious night of the Wolf Moon.
LSK: He was conceived on Beltaine, which is May Day, aka May 1st, the previous year, in a ritual setting. So we hyper-planned for Rowan to come and he came on the Wolf Moon, which is appropriate because one of the Gods we invoked while we were conceiving him was the Lord of Wolves. When he was born, we found it really funny because he had gray fur all over his back and on his legs. We were like, "Oh, he's a little wolf cub!"
PD: The conception doesn't sound particularly romantic.
LSK: Actually, it was thrilling, especially at that moment when we both knew that it had worked. Witches' rituals are very sexy in general, and this one was especially so!
PD: So how does Joe Average Guy define "witch?"
LSK: The average person probably thinks that there's no such thing in real life and that it's sort of a storybook idea. You know, the caricature that you see at Halloween, with the green skin, bump in the nose -- the old hag. Or if they are part of particular religions that do believe that we're real, they believe that we're evil or something to be feared.
PD: So, any truth to that?
LSK: Witch is a term that encompasses several different religious traditions. People call themselves witches whether they are men or women or transgender. We believe in certain precepts. Witches believe that everyone is connected. And not just people, but everything on the planet; that everything is part of nature. The connection itself is Divine and we're connected to the Divine.
PD: Divine, like God?
LSK: Some witches believe in a couple of deities, some believe in many deities. We don't just believe in the one male deity. It's sort of an earth-based religion. We believe that the earth is sacred and that we need to take care of it. These are the commonalities that witches share.
PD: What is Feri witchcraft?
LSK: My religious tradition is an American witchcraft tradition that, just like America, is influenced by a lot of different populations coming into the United States. It has influences in Appalachian folk magic, Mexican folk magic and Hawaiian folk magic. Hoodoo, which is also something I practice, is an African American spell work tradition. There are many people in the South who practice Hoodoo and a lot people mix up the word Hoodoo and Voodoo. Voodoo is a religion. Hoodoo is a set of magic spells that anyone can do.
PD: I've seen magic spelled with a "k," as in m.a.g.i.c.k. Is this a witch thing?
LSK: You could spell it magic, with no "k," but that term is used by illusionists like Criss Angel and authors like J.K. Rowling, so its real and original meaning got convoluted and diluted. It was Aleister Crowley, I believe, who started calling what we mean magick, with a "k." What he meant is the art and science of knowing your true will -- your real purpose here on earth -- and enacting it in the world. Spells and such are ritualized actions using a symbol language, which speak to the unconscious mind, to make these things happen, but they don't work like on "Sabrina, the Teenage Witch."
PD: Is Rowan's dad a witch?
LSK: My partner is also a witch and he's a priest in the Feri tradition. I'm not a priest yet. Our tradition is a mystery initiatory tradition and I have not yet been initiated. I'm studying with my teacher and she says initiation is coming soon. I've been studying for about six years, but I have not yet been initiated. So she holds mysteries that I don't have yet.
PD: So, how is a witch family structured?
LSK: We're fairly progressive as a family. We believe in equal parenting. My partner does just as much child care as I do. We both equally split bread-winning. It could be because we're witches, but pretty much everything we do is because we're witches. It's a cultural thing.
PD: How do you raise a baby witch?
LSK: He's going to be raised with a witch's mindset, but we're not going to force anything on him. Our religious tradition, as I've said, is an initiatory one, and he will have to be initiated before he can be a full member of the religious community, and he can actively choose that.
But he's also going to learn about all the other religions and what they mean, and not in a biased way. I'm actually in seminary right now, the Unitarian Universalist Seminary, getting my Masters of Divinity, and it's a multi-religious education. I'm taking classes on Islam, I'm taking classes on Christianity, on Judaism, on a lot of different religious traditions and I'm learning it from religious practitioners. It's an unbiased environment. I feel really strongly that my child should know about the people of the world and their cultures. And he should be free to learn what we believe, and when the time comes he will decide what he believes.
PD: Do Mom and Dad do the initiating?
LSK: People initiate their lovers, people initiate their children ... but in our tradition, it's frowned upon to teach those whom you are intimately connected to. You can initiate your lover or child, but you usually send them off to get their education from someone else and that person determines when they're ready for initiation. So, we're going to be raising him as a witch, and if he decides to pursue Feri witchcraft, he will find a specific teacher, besides his father and I, to learn from. And when he's ready, they will initiate him or we will, if he asks for that.
PD: What are some of the rituals that you'll teach him?
LSK: Ritual, to me means casting circle and working between the worlds. This is the closest witches have to attending church, which, of course, I will teach Rowan to do. But witches make magic every day, regardless of whether they have done all the circle-casting and whatnot. Think about it. Are Christians only being Christian when they attend church on Sunday? Not really, right? I will teach Rowan to listen to all living things: people, animals, plants and rocks. I will teach him to be ethical and discerning and realize that his words and deeds have impact on this and other worlds. I will teach him how to manifest his will and make stuff happen. As for actual rituals, we observe the eight sabbats, which are holy days, on the wheel of the year, and we also do esbats, which is a meeting on new and full moons, from time to time. We also sometimes perform rituals for specific purposes, like spellwork, at these esbats.
PD: Halloween is coming up. Will Rowan wear a costume and go trick-or-treating? Do witch kids go trick-or-treating?
LSK: Halloween, as it is represented in mainstream American culture, is not something witches celebrate as a religious holiday, but many celebrate it as a secular one, like a Labor Day or Thanksgiving. It is not the same religious holiday as Samhain, where Halloween has its origins, but it is fun. Trick-or-treating is a part of mainstream culture and I see nothing wrong with having some fun and doing Halloween up for kids. I had a blast as a kid playing pranks, trick-or-treating, dressing up and going to parties. I hope that Rowan has just as much fun with his friends. He already has several costumes -- a bee, a dragon, a fairy, a firefighter, a skeleton -- that he wears to the supermarket and other mundane places.
PD: Where do witches go to school? Do you plan on homeschooling?
LSK: I'm not quite sure if he's going to go to a public school, a private school, if he's going to be home-schooled or group-schooled. I'd like to find like-minded parents who want open-minded, free-thinking children, so that we could all be responsible for the curriculum together. And so that the kids will actually get socialization together, which I think is the main thing at school. I'm doing a lot of research right now. He's only 6 months old, so I have some time to make a decision.
Related: Build a Wiccan Altar? Not in My Shop Class, Teacher Says
Saturday, September 18, 2010
[Pagan News] Patrick McCollum receives interfaith advancement award
For immediate release
On Tuesday, September 14, 2010, Wiccan minister Rev Patrick McCollum
...received the Mahatma Ghandi Award for the Advancement of Religious Pluralism
from the Hindu American Foundation (HAF). The award was presented during
the seventh annual Capitol Hill reception sponsored by HAF. This year's
reception was held in the Gold Room of the US Congress Rayburn Building.
Patrick was one of four award recipients. Neal Katyal, Acting Solicitor
General of the United States received the Pride of Community Award.
Community activist Vishal Agarwal received the Dharma Seva Award. US
Congressman Edward R. Royce (Republican, Orange, California) received the
Friend of the Community Award.
"Patrick is not only the first Pagan to receive this award, but the first
Pagan to receive an international interfaith advancement award. This is an
important milestone in Pagan interfaith relations," said Rev. Selena Fox,
Senior Minister, Circle Sanctuary. "I am glad that Patrick and his work to
build bridges of understanding and collaboration among those of many faiths
was honored."
In his remarks upon receiving the award, Patrick expressed appreciation for
this recognition, and also spoke about the importance of respecting
diversity and sacredness of human beings. "We are all part of the human
family and we must learn to respect each other and live in harmony."
About 150 attended the reception, including Hindu American Foundation
members, Americans United for Separation of Church and State staff, and
several US Congressmen and Congressional staffers. Also among those
attending this interfaith reception were Pagans from the Patrick McCollum
Foundation, the Lady Liberty League, Cherry Hill Seminary, and Circle
Sanctuary.
A couple photos from the reception are online: http://tiny/. cc/gxqkt
Patrick's international interfaith work also will be honored during the Lady
Liberty League 25th Anniversary Reception taking place in Washington, DC on
Wednesday, September 15, from 7-9 pm EDT. Selena, Patrick, and a variety of
Pagan and interfaith leaders will be speaking. Reception is free and open
to the public. More details are on-line:
http://www.circlesa/ nctuary.org/ liberty/3Sep10Ci rcleTimes. htm. A video of
the reception will be streamed live on the internet - tune in!
Pagan News Media: Wednesday, September 15, 2010See More
http://www.circlesa/
www.circlesa
On Tuesday, September 14, 2010, Wiccan minister Rev Patrick McCollum
...received the Mahatma Ghandi Award for the Advancement of Religious Pluralism
from the Hindu American Foundation (HAF). The award was presented during
the seventh annual Capitol Hill reception sponsored by HAF. This year's
reception was held in the Gold Room of the US Congress Rayburn Building.
Patrick was one of four award recipients. Neal Katyal, Acting Solicitor
General of the United States received the Pride of Community Award.
Community activist Vishal Agarwal received the Dharma Seva Award. US
Congressman Edward R. Royce (Republican, Orange, California) received the
Friend of the Community Award.
"Patrick is not only the first Pagan to receive this award, but the first
Pagan to receive an international interfaith advancement award. This is an
important milestone in Pagan interfaith relations," said Rev. Selena Fox,
Senior Minister, Circle Sanctuary. "I am glad that Patrick and his work to
build bridges of understanding and collaboration among those of many faiths
was honored."
In his remarks upon receiving the award, Patrick expressed appreciation for
this recognition, and also spoke about the importance of respecting
diversity and sacredness of human beings. "We are all part of the human
family and we must learn to respect each other and live in harmony."
About 150 attended the reception, including Hindu American Foundation
members, Americans United for Separation of Church and State staff, and
several US Congressmen and Congressional staffers. Also among those
attending this interfaith reception were Pagans from the Patrick McCollum
Foundation, the Lady Liberty League, Cherry Hill Seminary, and Circle
Sanctuary.
A couple photos from the reception are online: http://tiny/. cc/gxqkt
Patrick's international interfaith work also will be honored during the Lady
Liberty League 25th Anniversary Reception taking place in Washington, DC on
Wednesday, September 15, from 7-9 pm EDT. Selena, Patrick, and a variety of
Pagan and interfaith leaders will be speaking. Reception is free and open
to the public. More details are on-line:
http://www.circlesa/ nctuary.org/ liberty/3Sep10Ci rcleTimes. htm. A video of
the reception will be streamed live on the internet - tune in!
Pagan News Media: Wednesday, September 15, 2010See More
http://www.circlesa/
www.circlesa
Lady Sintana Passes
Lady Sintana, founder of Ravenwood Church & Seminary of Wicca, Inc. passed away
last night after a brief struggle with a very aggressive form of lung cancer.
She was responsible in no small measure for making the Atlanta Pagan community
what it is today. No matter our differences, we still had respect for each
other. Goodbye lady.Lord Rhuddlwm Gawr
last night after a brief struggle with a very aggressive form of lung cancer.
She was responsible in no small measure for making the Atlanta Pagan community
what it is today. No matter our differences, we still had respect for each
other. Goodbye lady.Lord Rhuddlwm Gawr
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
C-Span2
Greetings,
Just wanting to know if any one else saw the program on C-Span2 a few days ago, that had to do with a panel of speakers talking on role of Spirituality in our lives. I came upon the program really late, so did not hear all of it.
The Title of the Program was, 2010 Harlem Book Fair Religion Panel. Three of the Four speakers were, Mata MorenoVea: author of "The Altar of My Soul", ( a book on Santeria Spiritualism); Sarah Sayeed - Women In Islam, Inc. - President; Obrey Hendricks: author of "The Politics of Jesus", (Don't be put off by the title !); Bishop Carlton Pearson: author of " God is NOT a Christian, Nor a Jew, Muslim, Hindu...".
What all of these speakers had to say, what I heard of them, were very relevant with what is going on at this present moment, and were very inspiring, and insightful.
Also, (guess I have been as ostrich with my head in the sand), but I have just recently heard of "The National Religious Freedom Day - October 27(?). Has any one else, heard of this ? I think it needs to be celebrated NOW ! (ha!)
Have a Great Day !
Shining Wolf
Just wanting to know if any one else saw the program on C-Span2 a few days ago, that had to do with a panel of speakers talking on role of Spirituality in our lives. I came upon the program really late, so did not hear all of it.
The Title of the Program was, 2010 Harlem Book Fair Religion Panel. Three of the Four speakers were, Mata MorenoVea: author of "The Altar of My Soul", ( a book on Santeria Spiritualism); Sarah Sayeed - Women In Islam, Inc. - President; Obrey Hendricks: author of "The Politics of Jesus", (Don't be put off by the title !); Bishop Carlton Pearson: author of " God is NOT a Christian, Nor a Jew, Muslim, Hindu...".
What all of these speakers had to say, what I heard of them, were very relevant with what is going on at this present moment, and were very inspiring, and insightful.
Also, (guess I have been as ostrich with my head in the sand), but I have just recently heard of "The National Religious Freedom Day - October 27(?). Has any one else, heard of this ? I think it needs to be celebrated NOW ! (ha!)
Have a Great Day !
Shining Wolf
Monday, September 13, 2010
Thoughts
Ask, Believe, Receive - just three simple steps to create what you want.
However, very often the second step, believe, can be the most difficult
one. And yet it is the greatest step you will ever take. When you master
believing, you have mastered your life. ~Michael Blue Eagle
However, very often the second step, believe, can be the most difficult
one. And yet it is the greatest step you will ever take. When you master
believing, you have mastered your life. ~Michael Blue Eagle
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