Isobel Gowdie [Fiona Tinker]

Sat, 04 Sep 2010 08:07:47 +0200

Arguably, Isobel Gowdie is one of the most famous witches in Scottish history. But who was she – and why does she continue to fascinate and inspire prose, drama, poetry and song? Gowdie (sometimes spelt Goudie) was the daughter of an Auldearn lawyer, born in the early part of the 17thC, although the exact date of her birth is unclear. The family were Catholic, but converted to the Protestant Kirk. This was probably an expedient move on her father’s part to enable him to continue to make

Read More...

We Can Change The World [Lady Wolfwind]

Sat, 04 Sep 2010 08:07:47 +0200

I am growing older. That’s a fact. I’m still in the Mother stage of my life, but I am fast approaching Crone. I am okay with this. More than most people, I would guess. I’ve learned that part of my contribution to society, as a Crone, is to provide wisdom and guidance to those seekers who ask. I’ve fit into this role flawlessly. Most people don’t want to hear what you have to say and if they do, they don’t listen anyway. I’m sure this is just a natural part of life. I never listened to my elders

Read More...

Neo Paganism - The Fourth Branch [Crick]

Sat, 04 Sep 2010 08:07:47 +0200

Henotheism is based on the belief that a god may take on any form at any time and still have the same essential nature. The central idea is that one name for a god may be used in a circumstance where a particular aspect of this god is being represented or worshiped while a different name may be given to or used to describe or worship yet another aspect of the same god, but under a different circumstance. This is not meant to imply superiority of one over the other; just that a god can exist in m

Read More...

Discipline and Will [Maggi Setti]

Sat, 04 Sep 2010 08:07:47 +0200

In laziness, in turning away from divine Will, there is turmoil, confusion and slavery. In service to truth and freedom and Will, there is fluidity, satisfaction, and fulfillment. There is growth and abundance in these actions.Isn’t it funny how there is such a paradox is freedom, free will, and following your divine destiny or your true Will? Whose will do you serve? To whose will are you a slave? Are you a slave to fear? Inertia? What about greed? Something I consider both nece

Read More...

Paranoia in Practice: Finding Sanctuary Rather Than "Sect-uary" [The Recovering Ritualist]

Sat, 04 Sep 2010 08:07:47 +0200

The beauty of the umbrella of Earth-based religion and the government-given glory of religious freedom is that we are allowed to believe what we wish and practice what we please...most of the time...provided no one gets hurt. I would venture to say that the majority of today's spiritual gatherings and groups, from Christianity to Wicca and beyond, make strong efforts to follow a and quot;harm none and quot; policy, albeit through different practices and methods. Yet, everyone knows I'm headed for a and quot;yesbut and quot;, my

Read More...

Dealing with Antagonists in Pagan Groups (Part One) [Iris Firemoon]

Sat, 04 Sep 2010 08:07:47 +0200

For some reason, these past four months (just prior to writing this) have been devastating. My fallacy as a leader is that I try my best to accept everyone, to love everyone, to be everything for everyone. While I have been a good friend and mentor to many, I have unfortunately discovered that it is not the mode of operation for some people to accept peace, love, and harmony for what it is. An “antagonist, ” “troll, ” or even a “drama queen” is typically an unhealthy person who creates conflict

Read More...

Location: Our Places of Worship [Stewart Bitkoff]

Sat, 04 Sep 2010 08:07:47 +0200

Wheresoever ye turn, there is the face of God. -- KoranRecently, there has been much discussion about building a mosque near ground zero; many people feel that its location dishonors and insults the memory of those who died in the 911 tragedy. Yet, people forget that innocent Muslims died in this event, Americans fought a revolution to enjoy religious freedom, and the real place of worship is inside us. On some levels, my take on this disagreement is that it may be about racial and relig

Read More...

By the Light (and Dark) of the Moon [The Pagan Astrologer]

Sat, 04 Sep 2010 08:07:47 +0200

Lovely Luna, bright and bold, glowing with the power of old…She is called by many names, worshiped in many ways. Few would argue that, whatever name you give her, the Moon is the guiding light of Witches and Pagans. She fascinates and enchants; guides and empowers. We plan our spells and plant our gardens by the phases of the Moon. The waxing and waning Moon have very different energies. Under waxing Moon the light is increasing, and the time is right to build, grow, and create.

Read More...