The Secrets In Plain Sight!

Once again, we will begin hearing the conspiracy theory about a supposed "war on Christmas", as often as not blaming anyone who is not of the speakers' particular spiritual path as being among the "guilty". But is their version of a so-called "war on Christmas" an actual war? Could it be something better? And if so, might there still be a "war on Christmas," but not the one people claim it to be?

In fact, I wonder if some folks might be upset if we exposed the real "war on Christmas", especially considering who's doing the fighting?

Blessed Be!

We've talked about labels, but what of the dangers that lay beyond labels, especially concerning groups? We have a tendency to come together, as part of our human nature. But how do we know when a group might be dangerous?

Isaac Bonewits did perhaps the most important research into this question, and he produced a measurement process which is most revealing.

Let's explore that and see what we can learn from it!

Blessed Be!

How much faith do you put in a label? In the secular part of our mundane lives, we have to use labels, and there are ways to make sure that we can trust them. But what of the labels we use in dealing with our spiritual lives and the spiritual lives of others?

Does a label actually mean what people intend it, or is it actually to broad? Has the meaning changed over the years, or even in the last few years? Is a label sometimes misused, perhaps to further a purpose that the label was never intended to be for?

Let's explore this, because it's one of our daily challenges in figuring out what we are supposed to believe and follow!

Blessed Be!

We call it Samhaintide because we really need more than one day! And even if you were sick in bed at Samhain, which is how I spent part of mine, you still have opportunities to get a whole lot done!

Look at the Sabbat and what it's about, and you'll see much of what I mean - and how much you can do. And if you start now, you've got a whole new year to celebrate what you bring in to being!

Blessed Be!

There is one point which I find to be a key point in what I am finding, and so please join me as I construct a parable and explore it, and see how it can be brought to apply to our spiritual lives!

As with other parables written by others, I intend the lesson to be much more than cakes in a bakery, and hopefully folks will see what is being told.

And hopefully, this can be something that folks can use!

Blessed Be!

What is the most precious commodity? I've said often that thanks to politicians, government bureaucrats and corporate spokespeople, the apology has become the only commodity cheaper than a politician's promise during an election campaign. By that token, it might be reasonable to estimate that the most rare and precious commodity just might be common sense!

We can certainly see situations which are begging for the application of common sense. It's obvious in our mundane, secular lives. But, it is also screaming in need including in some aspects of our spiritual lives!

If we can bring common sense to bear, will it be a revolution?

A bit late because of some other issues here, will endeavor to be more timely with the next one!

Blessed Be!

Every now and then, something happens that re-awakens a question that has been bugging me almost forever. This time, the question is basic: Do people really understand what priesthood is? And, for that matter, do some priests and priestesses have a problem grasping the nature of priesthood?

Wiccans and Mormons have a bit of an advantage, because so few of them get paid for anything having to do with being a priest or priestess. But there was a statement by one of the Church of England's first ordinands, and a question about whether saying Mass during the government shutdown would result in priests in handcuffs. Are these people thinking that being a priest or priestess is not much different from being a plumber or a computer programmer?

We need to weigh these questions to understand priesthood!

Blessed Be!

An email from a viewer of my video podcast got me thinking. He said that he tried to dual-task while listening to my ritual, but he found the prayers too compelling. What's amazing about that is that I was doing a ritual which has probably known for almost as many years as I have birthdays! So, what's the deal?

I know what I do for my prayers and rituals, and describing the process makes it sound so simple, but it's not when you have thought, knowledge, and emotion involved. But, it works and let's explore it!

Blessed Be!

Recently, a well-known singer/songwriter confronted the people from Westboro Baptist Church who were protesting his performance and his very presence. Their reaction to his walking out to confront them was a combination of amazement and perhaps a bit of fear. After all, there he was, and he was saying that he came out to see what hatred really looked like in the face.

Westboro Baptist might not be the worst example of contemporary hate, but they are evident and available, as when they protest at the funerals of those who died in their country’s service.

And it gives us something to reflect on, when we see how hate and ignorance breed more of each other. And we can see its very nature, and its weakness.

Blessed Be!

This year, Mabon is special to me. Look at the cycle of the year, see how it parallels a person's life, and perhaps you'll see what I mean about Mabon being special this year. I could almost say "This time, it's personal."

And it also gave me an opportunity to see how important the Sabbats are in our year, and how important the corresponding rites of passage are in our lives!

It might even show how to address some issues we currently have.

Let's explore!

Blessed Be!