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The Goddess Made Me Do It! (part 3)

Saturday July 24 2010 by ocean1025

The Goddess Made Me Do It! (part 3)

by

Magdalena Morovengia

Unfortunately this basic goodness doesn’t appear to prevail enough or be cohesive enough for our society to function without a legal code. So let’s take a look at ethics and morality and their relationship to the legal system.

I find it interesting to note that we are faced with a primarily modern and primarily Western phenomena here; the separation of “church” and its corresponding morality from “state” with its corresponding legal code. Historically societies have always combined these. What was generally agreed upon as moral was also legal. The legal code reflected the lived beliefs of the culture which it served. People didn’t live separate “religious” lives independently from their “secular” lives, they just lived. In fact there are cultures today who’s languages do not contain a word equivalent to our word “religion.” In Sanskrit, Hindi, and Tamil you find words for “law,” “duty,” “custom,” “worship,” “spiritual discipline,” or “the way” but not “religion.” These concepts organically incorporate all the things modern Western culture often separates out as being specifically “religious.” However in America today, especially as Neo-Pagans, we do not have the luxury of having the “state” automatically define our ethics for us and have that be adequate. 

Most of us have heard the phrase “morals are above the law,” but what does that really mean? If we think about it we come to the conclusion that this is a real issue for Pagans living under legal systems that perpetuate policies of destruction and hierarchies of domination that are at odds with the tenets of our belief system. So the question is, how do we respond? The Mennonites, a totally pacifist people whose tradition originated in Holland in the 1500′s, have lived with this conflict for centuries. One of the deeply held tenets of their faith is the immorality of war and their response to living in lands where war became reality was to relocate whole communities across national borders rather than allow their young and able-bodied men to supply the ranks. While this was a viable option in years past it is not as attractive today in a globally diverse and increasingly populated world. Consequently there will be some of us who will feel a moral obligation to work for political change, either within or from without the system we are situated in. Others will not, preferring instead to take the position that as long as they are not personally affected in a substantial way they have more to offer the community by focusing their energies in other areas.

Now this brings us face to face with the issue of authority. So what is authoritative to us? Most of us would say that the words of the Lady, whether spoken by a priestess at a “drawing down” or heard by our inner ears in meditation, carry a sense of authority. Many of us invest a certain amount of authority in those who are proficient in the psychic arts such as tarot readers and astrologers. We also tend to invest a lot of authority in our clergy and our elders, which is frequently an appropriate and wise thing to do as they often have much in the way of hard-earned experience to offer us. While each of these has an appropriate place in our decision-making processes, we are still ultimately individually responsible for our choice of actions and the consequences that come of them. Therefore our ultimate authority must come from within our own selves, from our own internal authority. Like the song says: “My skin, my bones, my heretic heart are my authority.”

So what exactly are our responsibilities in exercising our internal authority? For one, we have a responsibility to be always aware of our connection to Deity and to be constantly monitoring that connection for “static”. Carlos Castaneda refers to this phenomena as the “trickery of the spirit” or “dusting the connecting link to intent.” We have to struggle with developing ways of sorting out what is real from what is imagination, fantasy, and wishful thinking. When accepting and acting on the advice of others we have a responsibility to understand and internalize that information lest we fall prey to finger pointing if things develop in unexpected and unwanted ways. And we have a responsibility to be aware of the social and legal environments of the situation and to weigh these factors in. Only when we are reasonably convinced that we have done all these things can we say that we have exercised our internal authority in a morally responsible manner.

So how might we approach formulating and documenting our own code of ethics or a code for our coven or group? First and foremost it’s important to critically think about these things. One way to tackle this is to take a top down approach. First consider the broadest of Wiccan ethical concepts, the Wiccan Rede; an it harm none, do as thou wilt. Keep this in mind as the overriding principle as you develop more of the specifics. Also keep in mind that what you eventually come up with needs to both address the central concerns of Paganism and be a practical and useful tool for those who will seek to use it.

With these in mind you might start by considering our societal norms and legal laws. Examine these to see if there is anything that falls within this general category that needs to be explicitly addressed. For example, my coven had a line in its code that said you couldn’t do anything illegal. This generated quite a lively discussion over whether speeding was ethical (vs. legal) and what that meant with respect to “an it harm none.” But in general this would be where such things as our behavior towards the environment and the earth would be addressed. This is also where you might address pacifistic issues, if you identify yourself as such, and what choices you wish to make regarding pacifistic activities when they clash with the law. Likewise with abortion and other issues where laws may infringe upon the Pagan tenet of full sanctity and control of one’s own body. This aspect of your code should in no way be taken lightly and developed arbitrarily with little thought. Anytime you choose to go against the legal system you are not only putting yourself at risk, but you are also putting the community at risk by association. But we each have limits as to just how far our personal morality and integrity can be pushed before we act. It behooves not only us personally but our broader community as well to have a clue beforehand as to where that boundary is and what we think is the best course of action when that boundary is breached. This is where the effort put into critical thinking and communal dialogue can pay off, because there are a variety of responses to this situation and none of them are necessarily “right” for everyone in the group.

Next you might consider overall practices and generally held beliefs specific to the Pagan community. What are the community’s generally acceptable behavior norms, especially where they aren’t addressed by the legal code? This would be the place to address things like the appropriate uses of magick, will, and intent and the wielding of power for example, or the appropriate expressions of our sexuality within the context of the community. It might also be appropriate to include a code governing hexes and curses.

And finally you might consider what coven specifics and personal agendas might need addressing. This could include group agreements regarding skyclad work and more specific expressions of sexuality. It could also include the groups’ agreements regarding smoking and the use or prohibition of drugs for non-medical reasons.

And when you have done all this, keep in mind that what you have produced is a living document that is meant to change over time as you and your group change. And also keep in mind that what you have produced is a code of ethics, not a legal code. You cannot enforce them the way you would hard rules or legal laws. You can only offer them as a gift to your community with the hope that someone will find them helpful on their journey to a better life.

Posted in Archives #4 Pagan Thoughts and Writings, Empowerment, Ethics, Paganism, Spirituality, Women's Spirituality, witchcraft | 2 Comments »

The Goddess Made Me Do It! (part 2)

Monday July 19 2010 by ocean1025

This is part two of a series on Paganism and Ethics, taken from an article I have had in my Book of Shadows for several years. The concept of ethics is one that I have spent much time thinking about, discussing, and teaching. I think all of us – Pagan and non-Pagan alike – could go far if we took a moment or two to consider the impact of ethics, morality, and behavior in our lives.

The Goddess Made Me Do It! (part 2)

by

Magdalena Merovingia

So let’s take a closer look at these intertwined concepts of morality, behavior, and character that appear to define ethics. Morality often appears to have a divine component to it that pure legality does not. Many people think of morality in terms of “God’s” law, as opposed to legality which is “man’s” law. This is the position of orthodox Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. God defines morality and humans obey. And each of these tradition’s sacred texts, the Bible, the Torah, and the Qur’an respectively, are where one finds the specifics.

Avi Sagi and Daniel Stateman, in an article for the Journal of Religious Ethics, write:

“Since human beings are limited in their moral understanding and in their ability to pursue a moral activity in light of this understanding only unconditional obedience to God can ensure right moral behavior.”

And R. Zevi Hirsch Levin, from that same journal, explicitly claims

“that without religion we have neither morality nor virtue. Morality is determined by the Torah rather than by independent rational considerations.”

In both of these examples humanity is absolved from any personal responsibility in determining ethical and moral behavior beyond obedience to God or to God’s word. This is not a functional paradigm in the Pagan world, where we find neither a sacred text to defer to, nor do we find God “out there” somewhere in an objective position independent from ourselves.

Buddhism, a non-theistic tradition, provides us with an example of ethical and moral behavior without tying it to a concept of God or divinity. The basic Buddhist position can be stated in two parts: first, do not harm others and second, help others. Others include not only other humans but all sentient life. Some Buddhists schools of thought place more emphasis on the second part, helping others, than other schools do, but all emphasize the non harming aspect.

To get more specific the Buddhist teaching of moral discipline includes the avoidance of the ten non-virtuous actions involving body, speech, and mind. The non-virtuous actions involving the body are killing, stealing, and engaging in sexual misconduct. Each of these things is very specifically defined. The non-virtuous actions involving speech are lying, harmful speech, divisive speech (meant to bring division between people), and gossip or idle speech. The non-virtuous actions involving the mind are harmful intent, ignorance (active repudiation of the central tenets of Buddhism), and coveting or desiring the wealth or possessions of another.

From the Buddhist perspective it is imperative that one follow these if one is to succeed in attaining enlightenment. The strict mental discipline and meditation practices are not sufficient for it is believed that any gains realized through these practices are offset by the karma incurred from one’s engaging in non-virtuous behavior. Here we see a swing of the pendulum entirely the other way. Humanity is now held fully accountable for determining ethical and moral behavior. Even if one chooses to just follow the moral codes of Buddhism, there is still a fundamental difference. The Buddhist canon was developed utilizing human logic and reasoning whereas the Christian, Jewish, and Islamic canons are generally considered to be “revelations” from God.

By combining these two concepts, the existence of and interaction with Deity and a deep respect and consideration for all forms of life we can start to form a foundation for Pagan ethics. Starhawk appeals to the immanence of the Goddess in the world and in all forms of life as her foundation for ethics and ethical behavior. She says:

“Love for life in all its forms is the basic ethic of Witchcraft. Witches are bound to honor and respect all living things, and to serve the life force. While the Craft recognizes that life feeds on life and that we must kill in order to survive, life is never taken needlessly, never squandered or wasted. Serving the life force means working to preserve the diversity of natural life, to prevent the poisoning of the environment and the destruction of species.”

While not as explicit as the Buddhists’ ten non-virtuous actions, this still gives us something concrete that we can work with. It connects ethics and morality to behaviors that support life.

If you think about it many of the things that most people, Pagan and non-Pagan alike, find morally objectionable often involve the lessening or taking of life. Such things as murder, rape, and incest are often thought of as moral crimes before being considered legal crimes. Robert Merrihew Adams, a Christian scholar, presents us with the idea of the morally horrible. He says,

“It is not a consciousness of a command or requirement laid on us by anyone, but a feeling about the actions themselves and their consequences. We feel there are certain things it would be horrible to do even if there were no authoritative rule or social pressure against them and even if they were not forbidden by God. … Our primary feelings about such deeds are not about violation of a rule or requirement, but about what is done to the victims.”

Mr. Adams appears to be appealing to a basic sense of  “goodness” within humanity and a confidence that that goodness will prevail.

To read part one, click here:

http://deafpagancrossroads.com/2010/07/16/the-goddess-made-me-do-it-part-1/

Posted in Archives #4 Pagan Thoughts and Writings, Empowerment, Ethics, Magick, Paganism, Spirituality, Women's Spirituality, witchcraft | Leave a Comment »

The Goddess Made Me Do It (part 1)

Friday July 16 2010 by ocean1025

One of my favorite subjects within Paganism relates to ethics, and the practice of such by those who follow a Pagan/Earth-Based path. I’ve had this article in my Book of Shadows for a couple of years, and thought I would share it. I didn’t write it – I’m not sure how I came across it, but I do think it is well-written and good food for thought. I’ve come across far too many individuals who don’t put enough thought into the ethical side of their spirituality…those of us who profess to being witches, druids, shamans, etc. might do well to read Magdalena’s excellent article. I’m posting it in three parts, here is the first segment.

THE GODDESS MADE ME DO IT!

by

Magdalena Merovingia

“The Goddess made me do it”; think of how absurd that statement really sounds to a Pagan. After all we generally subscribe to a belief system that supports both immanent and internalized Deity and, to use a theologically technical term, is pantheistic; we and the Deity are mutually dependent on one another. That is, what we do has a direct effect upon the Deity. If our actions are honorable and ethical the Deity is enhanced by us, and likewise, if our actions are dishonorable and unethical the Deity is correspondingly impoverished. 

So if we can’t take the easy way out and pass the buck entirely to the Lady and wash our hands of it then what do we do? What is it that really guides our behavior in the world?

Many would say the Wiccan Rede: An it harm none, do as thou wilt. But is that really sufficient in and of itself? It is my opinion that the Rede, while making a clear cut statement, is very broad and quite abstract in nature. While most of us would wholeheartedly embrace the Rede as a guide for our behavior we would also do well to supplement it with a more specific and well-thought-out code of ethics.  

This code, if intelligently constructed, could serve multiple purposes. One, it could give us more concrete ideas about the concept of harm and suggest appropriate Pagan responses. As such it would become a helpful tool for its user(s) in navigating this wild experience we call life. Another good reason for having a code of ethics (and following it) is it gives us credibility in the broader society as an ethical people. Our ethics is one area where we can truly distinguish ourselves from various “satanic” cults and other groups who engage in the various “dark” arts. Having to make this distinction has been with people for a long time. Almost two thousand years ago, Jesus is credited with saying that “by the fruits of their labor you shall know them.” We would do well to heed these wise words even today and let our actions speak justly for themselves.  

Let us now take a closer look at this issue of ethics…that elusive, subjective concept that supposedly makes us “civilized”: 

ethics; 1: the discipline dealing with what is good and bad or right and wrong or with moral duty and obligation; 2.a: a group of moral principles or set of values; b: a particular theory or system of moral values; c: the principles of conduct governing an individual or a profession; standards of behavior; 3: character or the ideals of character manifested by a race or people.

When we look at this definition we see that the concept of ethics is formed around the concepts of morality, behavior and character. So when we talk about Pagan Ethics one thing we are talking about is the moral and behavioral aspects of the Pagan weltanschauung. On a personal level we are examining our behavior towards each other and towards everyone else, human and non-human, with whom we interact during the course of our lives. We are also examining how we define and implement our moral duties and obligations towards ourselves and towards others. This is not an easy task. Morality and standards of behavior are very subjective by nature and differ quite substantially from culture to culture and even from person to person within the same culture. 

At the group level we can talk about our “professional” ethics, the ethics of magick or the ethics of ritual practice for example. While still retaining a definite individual and very personal aspect to them (especially in solitary practice), there is often a broader sphere of influence involved that reaches beyond the self to include others either directly or indirectly. While still difficult these are somewhat easier to define as we can come together as a group and decide what principles and standards we are going to adhere to ourselves and hold each other accountable to also.

And then there is the “global” aspect of ethics; the character or ideals of character manifested by a race or people. This is the aspect of ethics that defines us as either “good” or “bad” as a people. And this is where the majority of misinformation and misunderstandings exist between our actual identity and the identity imposed upon us by stereotypical definitions of “witch” and “witchcraft” so pervasive in our current society. It is at this interface between actuality and indoctrinated fantasy that the rubber really meets the road. If we are to be successful in changing these definitions and the hatred and hostility they breed on a global level we must each on a daily basis strive to our highest ideals of morality and character in every aspect of our lives. Only by presenting a continuing and consistent presence as an ethical and responsible people collectively will those old ideas finally fall with time, as they must when actual human experience doesn’t support and verify expectations. All too often we are thought of first as “a witch”, the stereotype, and then secondly, and usually only when they come to know us, as John or Jane Doepagan, a real person.

Posted in Archives #4 Pagan Thoughts and Writings, Empowerment, Ethics, Magick, Paganism, Spirituality, Women's Spirituality, witchcraft | 2 Comments »

The Characteristics of Paganism

Tuesday June 22 2010 by ocean1025

According to Ronald Hutton, the noted religious historian (see my post, “What Is Paganism”) there are “three core beliefs” found in contemporary Paganism. They are:

A) Love and kinship with Nature; a Pagan ethic (such as the Wiccan Rede or a comparable code); the Divine masculine and feminine

B) A link to the ancient past; polytheism; reincarnation

C) The Threefold Law of Return; reincarnation; working magick

D) Love and kinship with Nature; a Pagan ethic; the Threefold Law of Return

What do you think the correct answer is?

Soooo…what is the answer to the Ronald Hutton Pop Quiz question?

Believe it or not, the answer is A:

Love and kinship with Nature; a Pagan ethic (such as the Wiccan Rede or a comparable code); the Divine masculine and feminine

Surprised? According to Hutton, most Pagans do believe in the Threefold Law of return… but not all do. While many do work magick, not all do. Although many Pagans do believe in some form of reincarnation, there is no universal belief or dogma regarding what happens after death. The only three that seem to be agreed on by Pagans are listed in answer A.

Let’s examine these a little further ~

Love for and kinship with nature. Pagans do not seek to dominate nature, but live in harmony with it, revering the life force and the eternal cycle of birth-death-rebirth. Divinity is immanent in the realm of nature, as it is in all things in creation. The planet has its own living consciousness. The cycles of nature are celebrated in seasonal festivals which make up the Wheel of the Year. Paganism is especially a “green” religion, and many Pagans are environmental activists.

Many Pagans practice what can be called “eco-magick” – magick based on natural Earth energies and the resident spirits of the land. While many may indeed demonstrate their awareness of the planet and our interconnection with it by engaging in such behaviors as recycling, vegetarianism, organic living, and environmentalism, these are not the basis of eco-magick. Rather, the term refers to the awareness of and working with the spirits of the land on which you live (as compared to those in China, Brazil, or even the town down the highway).

The Pagan ethic. Yes, this one might be debatable, but the fact remains that Pagans do follow some basic ethic which revolves around the concept of “harm none, do as you will.” While many will argue that this is basically the Wiccan Rede and does not apply to all Pagans, it needs to be remembered that the Rede is thought to be based upon older writings and beliefs. Gerald Gardner (considered “the father of Wicca”) claimed it derives from the legendary Good King Pausol, who declared “Do what you like, so long as you harm no one.” More likely it comes from the writings of Aleister Crowley, who stated in his Law of Thelema “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.” Crowley believed that if people knew their true wills and followed them, they would attune themselves to harmony with the universe.

While not all Pagan Paths necessarily agree on the definition of harm, or believe in the Threefold Law, or the concept of will, they all do share a basic concept on following some type of moral code, or set of virtues. Paganism places responsibility on the individual to develop self-knowledge and truth…and to express it in harmony with all things.

The divine masculine and feminine. Divine Oneness is expressed in the divine feminine and masculine, which engage in an eternal cosmic dance of creation. Pagans honor the “totality of divine reality,” which transcends gender and does not suppress either the male or female aspect of Deity. The aspects of Deity, expressed through many gods and goddesses, are real beings who share the world with human beings.

It is important to understand that this recognition of the divine masculine and feminine does not necessarily translate into a belief in duality. While Paganism in general is polytheistic (meaning that it recognizes the existence of multiple Gods and Goddesses), some are monotheistic or at least practice a “polytheistic view of monotheism” – believing that the many different Gods and Goddesses are all parts of one great deity…are different facets of that one diamond, so to speak. Some Pagans are dualistic – believing that all Gods are one God, and all Goddesses are one Goddess. Whether that God and Goddess can be seen as “equals” is up for debate. Duality does not necessarily mean equality. Still other Pagans are true polytheists in that they view each and every God and Goddess as being a very real, separate, individual deity.

Once again, I would like to point out that Paganism does not refer to one single established spiritual path, but rather to a group of contemporary religions based on Nature worship and ancient indigenous traditions. Those religions are going to be quite diverse, and the beliefs and practices of those who follow these religions are going to also be quite diverse.

It is also important to understand that we are talking about modern day Neo-Paganism, not the practices of our ancestors. The “neo” recognizes this difference, and acknowledges that our rites have changed and evolved over time, along with our culture. In today’s world, Pagan is applied primarily to traditions springing from European roots, but is also applied to non-European religions that do not recognize a monotheistic god.

Paganism of today has three central characteristics:

  1. It is polytheistic and recognizes a plurality of divine beings
  2. It views the world as a theophany – a manifestation of deity
  3. It recognizes the divine feminine

Neo-Paganism is relatively young. While it has its roots in the folk magicians, the occultists, the ceremonial magicians, and the old celebrations of yesteryear, for the most part is it under 100 years old. The largest segment of Paganism is Wicca/Witchcraft, a religious system that actually can only be traced back to the work of Gerald Gardner, Doreen Valiente, and others during the mid-twentieth century. Other paths may be somewhat older (a revival of interest in the Druids began in Britain in the 18th century), but overall what we are seeing here is a school of religious thought that really started around the 1930′s and flowered in the 1960′s – aided by liberal interests in feminism, Goddess spirituality, ecology, Gaea, New Age spirituality and a desire for personal transcendent experience.

So while witchcraft, indigenous traditions, and seasonal celebrations have been practiced throughout the world for centuries, it is only a romantic notion that the religion we now know as Paganism has an unbroken line to the ancient past.

Posted in Archives #4 Pagan Thoughts and Writings, Art & Literature, Ethics, Paganism, Spirituality, witchcraft | 3 Comments »

What Does It All Mean?

Tuesday June 1 2010 by ocean1025

Over the past couple of years, we have seen more and more articles written by scientists discussing the Solar System, the Environment, changes in the Earth, changes in the Planets, etc. etc. etc. We’ve had various events happen such as an increase in hurricanes, changes in weather conditions, the close encounter to the planet Mars, etc. etc. Astrologers talk about entering the Age of Aquarius and the conjunction of the Galactic Center and so forth.

So what does it all mean? Is all this information a good thing or does it spell doom and gloom? Are these folks saying the end is coming, or is this all heralding a new age? Are these signs that the goddess and god are pissed off or what?

I would like, if I may…to try and come up with a response to these questions. I’m not sure if I can give a direct answer, but at least I might be able to help shed a bit of light on this topic.

The question of “what does it all mean” is not a bad one. I think if we were to analyze it a bit, we would find that the real question we are asking ourselves is actually “how do I make a spiritual interpretation out of this scientific matter?” That’s not such a strange question. In fact, I believe it is this very search for such interpretations that is at the heart of our spirituality. Paganism, Witchcraft, Wicca…whatever you wish to call it, our Path is predominately a nature-based one, where we learn to study the various messages that nature sends to us, in both simplistic and complex forms, and ask ourselves “what DOES it all mean? How can we use these messages to enhance our understanding of and connection to the Divine?”

If we study the history of mankind, we will find that civilizations throughout thousands of years have asked these very questions. They have studied the Moon, the Sun, the stars, and other nature phenomena in an attempt to better understand the world around them, and in the process, develop a better understanding of themselves. Many of these studies fell under the blanket definitions of words such as Magick, Mythology, Religion, Faith, Spirituality, and the like.

Today, such studies would be referred to as Science.

Indeed, many of the sciences of today were the magick of yesterday. What may seem like “science fiction” to us today could very well become “science reality” tomorrow. (That “beam me up” process in Star Trek comes to mind!)

When we look at the growing number of people who are attracted to the Craft nowadays, we find that the lure of it for many is in fact not it’s religious or spiritual content, but its scientific and technical allure.

A good example of this would be the number of folks who are drawn to it not because they desire to better understand and commune with Deity…they just wanna know how to cast spells!

Stop and think about that for a moment – spellcasting IS a science…just like divination, astral projection, astrology, telepathy, and the like.

And the fact of the matter is… there are many “wannabes” who are far more interested in the science of making things happen their way, than in understanding the spiritual meaning behind such actions.

For some, such understanding leads to spiritual enlightenment, with the result that the person becomes a true student of Witchcraft, or perhaps some other similar religion such as Shamanism, or Druidism. Some may decide to focus on Ceremonial Magick…which, while certainly having spiritual connections, does tend to focus more on the scientific principles of using magick more than the religious concepts.

Bear in mind that most witches of today have come into the Craft from other religions. Many of them come into it slowly, and often through their original interest in a certain aspect of the Craft. That aspect could be its focus on nature; it could be its focus on women; it could be its sense of freedom and individuality; it could be its flexibility to accommodate various modes of thinking and practicing. Or it could be its scientific aspects – what one might refer to as the metaphysical or such. How many of us have known individuals who began by becoming interested in astrology, or tarot cards, or natural healing, or psychic development or such…and then slowly through the original interests, developed a reconstruction of their spirituality? Maybe this is even what happened to you!

The point being…for some people, it is easier to come into the Craft from a scientific approach, which allows them to gradually allow this reconstruction to occur without it becoming overly threatening or uncomfortable. After all, it is unrealistic to expect a newcomer to this Path to just drop everything they grew up with or formerly believed overnight. It doesn’t often happen this way…usually it’s a process that goes through various stages as the person becomes more knowledgeable and begins to experience more, and understand those experiences on a deeper realm.

Science teaches us the wonders of the world around us, and also the wonders of the world within – how the human mind, when programmed properly, can accomplish some pretty awesome stuff.

Witchcraft teaches us these same concepts.

Thus, witchcraft is both a set of scientific principles and a religious structure. People can enter it from a variety of different directions, and none of them will necessarily be wrong. Each person must find their own door. You will encounter those witches who have very little interest in the scientific aspects…who prefer to practice in a very spiritual manner with little use for all the trappings. Then there are those who practice their spirituality within strong scientific boundaries – whose elaborate rituals are often filled with a great deal of ceremonial magick and the like. There are those who are more interested in communicating with the Divine, and others who express an interest in talking to the dead. There are those who believe in using spells for any and all needs that they might have, and others who rarely, if ever, cast a spell.

It’s all good. It’s all acceptable. It’s all part of the Craft.

There’s room for everybody, which I believe is part of the appeal of the Craft to begin with, and much of what makes it so unique. Everyone seeks and follows what is acceptable to that particular individual, and nobody else. You do what is right for YOU, not what is right for the High Priestess next door, or the Gardnerian down the street, or the Eclectic Solitary a few blocks over.

It is this concept that can be hard for newcomers to understand, since they often jump into it all with both feet, wanting to learn everything now, everything the right way, in their desperate attempt to be seen and accepted as a “real witch.”

I’m not sure if such even exists…each of us must define our own reality. There will be as many definitions of a “real witch” as there are people out there who consider themselves one. Certainly there are parameters by which we define such…criteria which is used to determine if a person truly has developed the knowledge and understanding that is generally applied to the term. Nevertheless, defining a “real witch” is easier said than done.

So how does this all tie into the above questions?

To be honest, I am not sure. And I say that only because I am still interpreting for myself what all this scientific data means…for me.

But that’s the point.

What does it all mean? It means what you want it to mean. It means that in some way, this information is going to impact on how you see the world, how you interpret it, and how you integrate that interpretation into your spirituality. It may very well be that you will simply shrug your shoulders, say “well, that’s interesting…” and go along your way without giving it nary another thought. That’s okay. It could mean that you see it as a sign that “evolution stops for nothin’.” Perhaps you see it as a sign that the Goddess is coming..and boy, is She pissed!

The moon phases…the study of the tarot…the understanding of ethics…the discussions of how planetary actions can affect our behavior (such as the recent Mars event or Mercury being in retrograde)…all of these are scientific principles that we can apply to our understanding of spirituality.

You may find that the study of such interests you…then again, you may find that it doesn’t. Either way is perfectly acceptable.

But in today’s world, it is hard to find the Pagan who hasn’t at least attempted a study of such principles…

and in doing so, has indeed gained spiritual enlightenment.

Posted in Archives #3 A Deaf Pagan Shares, Archives #4 Pagan Thoughts and Writings, Astrology, Divination, Earth Day, Ethics, Magick, Paganism, Universal Issues, Women's Spirituality, witchcraft | 4 Comments »

What Is Paganism?

Thursday May 20 2010 by ocean1025

One of the biggest problems that any Pagan who has been on the path for a period of time confronts is trying to explain just what Paganism IS.

I’ve been a practicing Pagan for 25+ years, and I still haven’t come up with a really good explanation. Certainly, I have come up with short and sweet answers when people ask me the question of “What is Paganism?” My answer is…

Paganism is a spiritual path that honors the Earth as sacred and sees Nature as Divine.”

But it is important to understand that this is the definition that works for me. It will not necessarily be the definition that works for somebody else.

You see, Paganism means different things to different people. Ask ten different people to tell you what Paganism is, and you will get ten different answers. Any and all of them could be correct.

Paganism can be a religion, it can be a philosophy, it can be a way of life. As a movement, it is not unified, centralized, structured, or highly organized…which is one of the major reasons it appeals to a lot of people. Most Pagans tend to be a pretty independent group of people, and they don’t like being told what to think or how to believe. Some Pagans like being a part of a group (such as a coven), while others prefer to remain solitary.

People are attracted to Paganism for a number of reasons. As I state on my page of “Words of Wisdom:”

For some, it’s an opportunity to put their faith into a cause that is truly important to them, whether it be feminism, ecology, democracy, diversity, or whatever.

For others, it’s a form of escapism – getting away from rules, rigidity, authority, dogma, anarchy, patriarchy, etc.

Some like the idea of going back to “olden ways”…of practicing the faith of their ancestors, of following traditions that have been handed down over time.

Many find that traveling the Pagan Path lights an “inner spark” within them…they feel a sense of acceptance, of belonging. They find within the craft a sense of themselves that they could not find anywhere else.

But regardless of the reasons why a person decides to practice a Pagan spirituality, one thing that I have found to generally be true in regards to such is the feeling of having been “called” to Paganism…as I say, one does not seek the Path; rather, the Path seeks you. One does not “become” a Pagan so much as “come home to” Paganism.

Probably one of the best known and most popularly discussed scholars of Paganism today is Ronald Hutton, a professor of history at the University of Bristol and an occasional commentator on the history of Paganism in the British Isles. He has written a number of books on the subject, the best known of which is probably The Triumph of the Moon, in which he examines the development of Wicca as a Pagan religion. Other books by Hutton include The Pagan Religions of the Ancient British Isles, The Stations of the Sun, and his most recent book, The Druids. Whether you like Hutton, or hate the guy… he’s definitely worth reading.

The main reason I bring up Ronald Hutton is because it is his work (for better or for worse) that often gets quoted in defining Paganism. Most leaders and teachers do agree with Hutton’s basic explanations of Paganism.

Hutton has identified four “direct lines of connection” between the paganism of the past and the Paganism of the present:

  1. high ritual magick
  2. “hedge” or folk magick
  3. the general and continuing interest in the art and literature of the ancient world
  4. folk rites, such as those observed at seasonal festivals

In his study of the pagan religions of the British Isles, Hutton observes that we in contemporary times actually know very little about the pagan religions of the ancient British Isles (which are often looked to as much of the source for modern-day Paganism). Much of what we thought we knew has been demonstrated to be wrong, or cannot be proved. This can indeed be unsettling for those who have come to view such knowledge, beliefs and practices as being “the gospel” of Paganism.

The harsh reality is that contemporary Paganism cannot and should not make any true claim to representing ancient religions. Rather, today’s Pagans draw upon a heritage of history, folklore, mythology, literature, art, and archeology to reconstruct the essence of ancient Paganism, especially for contemporary interests and needs.

Posted in Archives #4 Pagan Thoughts and Writings, Art & Literature, Irish/Celtic, Paganism, Ritual, Sabbats, Spirituality, witchcraft | 2 Comments »

A Poem For Women’s History Month

Friday March 5 2010 by ocean1025

In celebration of Women’s History Month during the month of March, I share with you this poem.

To all my women friends and sisters…

I think you’re phenomenal.


Phenomenal Woman

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I’m telling lies.
I say,
It’s in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.

I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It’s the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.

Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can’t touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can’t see.
I say,
It’s in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I’m a woman

Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.

Now you understand
Just why my head’s not bowed.
I don’t shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It’s in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need of my care,
‘Cause I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.

~ Maya Angelou

Posted in Archives #3 A Deaf Pagan Shares, Art & Literature, Empowerment, Poetry/Prose, Women, Women's Spirituality | Leave a Comment »

A Favorite Poem For Today

Thursday February 18 2010 by ocean1025

Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound’s the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

~ Robert Frost

Goddess…

Grant me the strength, the patience, and the wisdom to keep those promises and travel those miles. And when all is said and done, let me sleep well.

Your loving daughter,

Ocean

Posted in Art & Literature, Beasts and Animals, Healing, Nature, Paganism, Spirituality, Universal Issues, Women's Spirituality | Leave a Comment »

The Definition of Success

Tuesday November 17 2009 by ocean1025

This is something of an “interactive post,” folks. If you can bear with my rambling thoughts in the beginning about my birthday and my horoscope and all, eventually I will get to the point of what this post is all about – discovering your own idea of what success means. I do hope you will take a few moments to share your own thoughts on the definition of success in the commentary section!

~ Ocean

Back in October, I celebrated my 51st birthday. It was a rather quiet affair, since I really didn’t have the money or the opportunity to do anything special. Ate a free dinner at a local barbecue restaurant (wasn’t too bad), got a free drink at a local pub I frequent, read my birthday wishes from friends on Facebook (thank you!) Nothing really exciting.

I also took a moment to check my daily horoscope and see what it had to say for my birthday. I confess that while I do believe in astrology, I take these horoscope things with a grain of salt… but I still do find them interesting to read, and there have been times when they’ve been amazingly accurate.

So this is what it had to say for October 25th, my birthday:

Born today, you know what you want, but you don’t always know how to get it — and this can be a source of intense frustration for you throughout your lifetime. It may seem, at times, as though you’ve been left out in the cold, separated from those who are enjoying the success they so desire. Or you may sense that while others were learning valuable life lessons, you were learning things that were completely impractical and could never propel you forward toward your goals. Much of this is mere illusion, however; avoid making such excuses for yourself.

The truth is that you have tremendous talent and tremendous potential — but sometimes lack the drive required to fulfill that potential and reap the greatest benefits from that talent. Only you can remedy this situation, of course; do so, and the world is yours.

I must confess…when I read this birthday horoscope, I ended up crying a little. It describes so accurately how I often feel these days. That sense of frustration that I deserve more than this, that I should be doing more than this, but somehow I’m being left out in the cold. I see others who are happy and successful and doing well, and then I look at myself:

“I’m 51 years old, and what do I have to show for it?”

It just feels like in the last ten years or so my life has taken a downward slide. I haven’t been as successful professionally as I would like – traveling from job to job, and I haven’t even lasted more than a couple of months at some of them. I haven’t found my soul mate, and I’m not doing what I really want to be doing with my life.

As for that feeling of “learning things that are completely impractical” – I often joke around about how it seems I have this knack for learning asinine facts that serve no practical purpose but to win Trivia Pursuit games. As for learning anything that could actually propel me forward towards my goals…

I decided to share my thoughts with some of my close friends, and naturally they all had words of comfort and support. Many of them could identify with how I was feeling and what I am going through.

But it was my friend Quinn who really had an interesting, thought-provoking response for me. She started with wishing me a Happy Birthday, and then reminded me of the wisdom and knowledge I have gathered over the years. The problem is, as she clearly stated… I seem to be struggling with how to use it.

Quinn then went on to ask me a simple, and yet not-so-simple question:

Let’s start with something simple.

Everyone has an idea of what success is.

What is your idea of success? Is it money, friends, a comfortable home? Is it a job you love? I can’t define it for you. But until you know, no one else will.

So let’s start there.

Tell me what success is, and then we can go on to the next step.


Wow.

The more I thought about it, the more I realized that I was struggling with this question. Just what is my definition of success? Do I really not know… or do I just not want to deal with coming up with an answer I can be comfortable with?

I suppose I could take the easy way out and say “all of the above!” Sure, I would like to have enough money so I can go to sleep at night without worrying about the bills. Certainly it’s nice to have friends. I wouldn’t mind having a nice comfortable home, or that dream job that I absolutely adore.

But are these truly my definitions of success?

I admit that I am still pondering this one, folks. It seems that for every idea of what success means to me, I come up with yet another one that seems even better. I guess my definition of success depends on what time of the day you’re asking. Sometimes it’s just as simple as being able to find my damn car keys. Other times it’s as complicated as finding inner peace, and contentment with who and what I am.

But as Quinn says…

“Until you know, no one else will.”

So I’d now like to ask YOU, gentle reader.

What is YOUR idea of success?

How do you define success?

Please share your thoughts below…

I’d really love to know what you think!


Note: Quinn is a Certified Creativity Coach

learn more about her at her website

http://quinncreative.com/

or her blog

http://quinncreative.wordpress.com/

I encourage you to go check her out

She’s a really cool person, and a great friend. Thanks, Quinn!


Posted in Archives #3 A Deaf Pagan Shares, Astrology, Deaf/Hearing Relations, Empowerment, Healing, Spirituality, Universal Issues, Women, Women's Spirituality | 14 Comments »

November’s Full Moon – Migration of the Ancient Bird Goddess

Sunday November 1 2009 by ocean1025

November, 2009

The Taurian Moon Lights the Migration

of the

Ancient Bird Goddess

The November full moon on Monday, November 2nd is in the earthy, fixed sign of Taurus. Taurus, the second sign of the zodiac, is represented by a bull and ruled by Venus in her earthy, fecund aspect. Stories of the Goddess of the Land, the Empress in Tarot, and the concept of sovereignty (kings rule by ‘marriage’ with the Goddess of the land: as in the King Arthur legends and the stories of Inanna) all encompass what the almost preverbal Taurus represents within the 12 archetypes represented by the 12 signs.*

Under this full moon Taurus calls us to desire to acknowledge our feelings; to be open to all of our senses. Taurus values the slow progression…and realizes that time brings understanding and wisdom. Taurus likes to take information in through the senses for such deeper understanding and knowing. Taurus is our guide to information that we gain outside the visual and verbal.

The image that I see in this month’s chart is very interesting. Starting with our basic Sun/Moon opposition we find the Sun in the 10th house – what we are known for – conjunct (joined by) Ceres the Goddess Asteroid of nurturance; and Mercury, planet of how we think and communicate. The Moon is in the home of our female ancestors and family in the 4th house.

Nov chart

The Moon becomes the point of a ‘V’ by a trine to the transforming planet of shadows and underground wealth – Pluto, in the 11th house of social groups and institutions.

Here I see the ancient mothers and the point rather than an arrow is the migration of birds. Geese, ducks, cranes are all in migration from northern breeding grounds to southern climes. In the case of cranes they will go from the family unit of 3-4 birds (mother, father and usually 1, occasionally 2 new chicks) to join in large flocks on the wintering grounds. The cranes traveling through Nebraska and Kansas are most likely headed for the Gulf coast wetlands in Texas.

The image of the bird mother is a popular and common theme through ancient goddess imagery, shamanistic imagery, eastern European embroidery designs, and myths… all the way to today as in the Mother Goose tales that we have known since childhood. With Pluto in the 11th I wonder what transformations our social institutions and groups need to undergo to follow the lead of the ancient and nature wise Taurian Moon mothers in their bird form.

Do we follow their example and join with others of our kind to make an exodus to warmer, more welcoming climes till the next fertile season that beckons us northward? Animal migrations still perplex scientist while mystifying and beautifying human existence. How do they know where they are going? How to get there? When to leave?

geese migration

There is another line of aspect. Jupiter, planet of expansion, spirituality and storytelling, in the 1st house squares and challenges both Sun and Moon. Mars, planet of the desire to relate in the 7th house of intimate partners and open enemies also squares the Moon and Sun opposition. However Mars and Jupiter do not oppose one another, being just barely out of aspect. Visually this creates a broken line of landscape, reminding me of a mountain and the mountain ranges that many birds fly over, twice, in migration. Or does it represent ocean waves that other birds traverse for great distances in their purposeful wanderings? Either way, the image reflects back upon itself and within the parameters of Taurian gifts and wisdom.

So do we become like birds, using our natural abilities and memories to find our path of migration from breeding to wintering grounds… always trying to avoid the pitfalls of weather and predator, relying on some source of information that we trust to steer our course? For this time of the Taurean Moon I say yes.

eagle_woman“Eagle Woman” by Susan Seddon Boulet

Let your intuition wander and wonder; let your feelings be guided by Nature. Words may not come easily, but do you really need them? Feed your senses and they will nourish you. Turn to our ancient Mothers for guidance when needed. Allow your feelings to express themselves… to feed or compost as needed. Our Taurian Moon Mothers know that just like the migrating animals, our souls seek and need different environments at different times.

Respectfully submitted,
Beverly Hof-Miller

*The Zodiac starts with Aries, a fire cardinal sign. The 12 signs can be applied to a number of different metaphor/archetypal systems. One such system reflects the active/rest cycle or the cycle of expansion/ contraction or outward/inward focus. Aries begins with active/expansive/outward energy while Taurus moves toward rest/contraction/inward. Then Gemini expands while Cancer moves inward.

Another system relates to the stages of life from birth to death. Aries would be the burst of energy needed to move outward-birth-while in Taurus the infant explores its environment through its senses and Gemini would represent the beginnings of language and thought development by interacting outside one’s self continuing though to Pisces as that time in old age when one turns to the inner world of spirit.

Posted in Archives #4 Pagan Thoughts and Writings, Astrology, Beasts and Animals, Divination, Nature, Paganism, Women's Spirituality, witchcraft | Leave a Comment »

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