-
Opening to Subtle Changes
A lot of what being a Pagan is about is paying attention. Being connected to the world and to yourself means being aware of subtle feelings and changes in conditions that many around us simply may not notice. Some of this is knowing the Earth lore for your region: what is the first tree to flower in spring where you are? What are the native wildflowers, and in what order do they appear? When do leaves begin to turn in the autumn, and which trees turn first? Which asterisms (“constellations”) are ascendant at a given time of year? These are indicators–data points that can help us to notice that changes…
-
At Last, There is Going to be a Book!
I am excited to announce that on October 1, Atheopaganism: An Earth-Honoring Path Rooted in Science will be published! The book will be available in both print and e-book formats and will be available through the usual channels. Atheopaganism contains a full overview of the science behind Atheopaganism, a discussion of the Atheopagan worldview, values, Principles, wheel of the year, rites of passage and ritual creation. It is a thoroughgoing handbook in the theory and practice of Atheopaganism as a living, evolving Pagan path. Patrons can expect to receive discounts or free copies of the book, depending on their support level (the book is described in the Patreon patronage tiers…
-
Now Registering! Atheopaganism U.
The second class of Atheopaganism U. will begin on Saturday, Sept. 21. Registration is open now! See the University tab for details. Class size is limited to ten. I will be contacting those who are already on the waiting list and giving them the first chance to register. Please email me at atheopagan [at] comcast [dot] net if you have questions about the course. I had a wonderful time with the first class and look forward to getting to know a second group of students!
-
This Is a Way of Life. You Can Ritually Commit to It.
Atheopaganism is a Pagan path without “degrees”, levels of initiation, clergy statuses, etc. We’re all of equal value on this planet and in this practice, and so we say that any Atheopagan with the skills and inclination may, say, officiate at a wedding or a funeral, or perform pastoral counseling. What is important is not the “status” of the individual, but their abilities. This is why we emphasize learning ritual skills as a part of developing as an Atheopagan, because Atheopaganism isn’t just about what you believe; it’s about what you do. All that said, while neither I nor anyone else can “initiate” you as an Atheopagan, you can certainly dedicate…
-
Protected: Atheopaganism U. Alumni Class Content Archive
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
-
An Appeal
I don’t usually flog this much–I make a mention in the Facebook group once a month or so, but that’s all–but I have a Patreon account to help support my creation and promotion of Atheopagan ideas, resources, events and art. Patreon is a pretty cool idea, and I hope whoever invented it is getting rich from it. It is a system that allows people to become patrons of artists and creators they enjoy. They pledge a little money each month, and collectively, it adds up to significant funds for the creator. I know musicians who are reliant on their Patreon income to augment their touring and CD sales income, for…
-
UNFROZEN: A Ritual for Getting Unstuck
Call it anxiety or procrastination or what have you*, life often grips many of us in a tense paralysis wherein we know we must act, we have obligations and deadlines and must-dos, but we just can’t move. It is a terrifying feeling: to watch the sand dripping through the glass and yet not be able to make one’s self do what must be done. It can affect every aspect of a human life. It’s crippling. What it’s about, fundamentally, is how the brain processes dopamine, the neurotransmitter of initiative and reward, but also of dread and anxiety. Personally, I have problems producing dopamine. I take medications to keep my dopamine levels elevated, because…
-
An Appreciation
It’s Summer’s End weekend—or Lammas, or Lughansadh, if you prefer—and we are busily baking bread and baking in our sweltering home. I’ve written before about what this Sabbath means to me, but I’m putting together the final lesson of Atheopaganism U., and I have many feelings now that I thought I’d capture while they’re fresh. First, I’m struck by how interesting, thoughtful, and committed to their own growth and process this first class of students has been. They come from wildly different backgrounds and circumstances, but all are explorers, curious, looking for how a spiritual practice consistent with their values can best integrate into their lives. Secondly, this process has…
-
Atheopagan Practice and Mental Illness
It is said that about 13% of people worldwide suffer some kind of mental illness and/or substance abuse issue. That figure goes as high as 18% in some countries; poorer countries tend to have lower reporting, so these figures are skewed to the low end. That’s 970 million people. I am one of them. I have lived with—and suffered through sometimes severe bouts of—Major Depressive Disorder since I was a young child. It has deeply affected and colored my life, for better and for worse. As we learn more about the ways mental illness affects so many of us, it is important for us to be aware that, whether we…
-
Summer’s End—The Sabbath of Work
There were three Menne came out of the West Their fortunes for to trye And these three Menne made a solemn vow John Barleycorne must die. Welcome to the end of summer and the beginning of autumn! …though it may not feel to be so where you live. Where I am it is HOT and going to be hotter for the next two months…but I can see in the coloring of early leaves and the hard blue of the sky that the Wheel is turning, that Autumn is coming on. This holiday, titled Lammas by the Catholic Church and Lughnasadh by the Irish, Scottish and Manx people, has historically celebrated…
