Shelving Pagans (in a Bookstore)
Paganism is a religion? Who knew? Apparently bookstores have finally figured it out. A fantastic article by Elysia over at Llewellyn details the new shift in the Book Industry Standards and Communication (BISAC) coding, which typically dictates where a book is shelved in a bookstore. Pagan books, which have traditionally been shelved with “Body, Mind...
Astronomical Events in 2013
Astronomical 1: of or relating to astronomy <astronomical observations> 2: enormously or inconceivably large or great <astronomical numbers> Earlier this week, several of my friends shared a poster via the Grand Overseer that lists skyward observation events for 2013. Depending on where you are in the world and how close the Earth the event is...
Remembered in Sorrow and Glory: Tributes to the Fallen at Sandy Hook
There’s an internet post circulating about the Sandy Hook shootings that is articulate and powerful. Many sites claim the post was written by Morgan Freeman but it was actually posted to Facebook by a man named Mark from Vancouver. Here is the post: You want to know why. This may sound cynical, but here’s why....
Creating Sacred Spaces in Public Places
At least once a month, I try to catch up on news in the Pagan community by reading through the Wild Hunt. When I was reading through TWH this week, I came across a terrific set of two articles by Teo Bishop, a Neopagan Druid in Colorado. Teo is a staff writer on TWH as...
Politics: Go Local
Last week GG wrote on finding your political compass when deciding on who to vote for in the Big Race. Since she stated that she’s probably voting Lib, I suppose I’ll state that I’ve decided to stick with the Big O (can I be that irreverent about the president? Oh well. I am). However, I’m...
The Giant Big Ben Overlooking Mecca (Makkah)
Has everyone seen this? Yes, that’s Mecca. Overlooked by a giant hotel complex in the shape of Big Ben, properly known as the Abraj al Bait Towers, which opened for business this year. Here’s another picture: It is the world’s second largest building, and the world’s largest hotel–complete with a spa and four story shopping mall...
According to some people, I am an accidental serial killer. Or, why I don’t believe a fertilized egg is a person.
I’m not here to start a general debate on abortion. I’m pretty darn far to the left on this issue (hey, my Norse ancestors didn’t consider a person human until nine days after they were born. Comparatively I’m downright conservative), but I can at least understand why somebody would have a more strict viewpoint than...
Cologne Court Bans Circumcision: Good for Public Health or Bad for Religious Freedom?
Late last month, a court in Cologne, Germany outlawed circumcision of young boys; a practice viewed as an integral part of Jewish and Muslim religions. Faith leaders in these two communities are outraged and see the new law as a harbinger of religious intolerance. I place child health above and beyond ritual practice. But I...
Lady Liberty League is Fighting the Good Fight
Religious freedom support for Wiccans, Pagans, and other Nature religion practitioners worldwide. An international information and networking organization sponsored by Circle Sanctuary.” — Lady Liberty League I like to think of Lady Liberty League (LLL) as the Pagan Justice League (a la Super Friends), standing against the Legion of Doom (which includes anyone or any...
What is the Role of Buddhism in Mongolia’s Mining Boom?
“Mongolia, the land of Genghis Khan and nomadic herders, is in the midst of a remarkable transition. Rich in coal, gold and copper, this country of fewer than 3 million people in Central Asia is riding a mineral boom that is expected to more than double its GDP within a decade. The rapid changes simultaneously...
The Stone Statues of Rapa Nui (Easter Island)
I’ve been reading about Rapa Nui (formerly or aka Easter Island) lately. Apart from the stone heads posted around the island, I didn’t know much about Rapa Nui. Then a news story circulated last month about how petroglyphs were found on the torsos of stone statues. I was surprised by two things in the story:...
An Extraordinary Display of Love by Elephants in South Africa
When I was a girl, I fantasized about traveling to Africa. It started with Sunday matinees of old Tarzan movies. He was dreamy, no matter what actor was playing him, though I was partial to Johnny Weissmuller and Ron Ely. Africa was not just exotic, it was lush and seemed to hold promises for hopes...
