Pagan Mens Lodge's topics - tribe.net

http://oralcockworship.blogspot.com

2009-10-30T02:30:18Z

A California Gay Man's Journey to Sexual Bliss!

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Julian Riley

2009-09-12T19:59:18Z

I need to get in contact with Julian Riley of the Homomoot. Does anyone know how I can get in touch with him?

Thanks in advance for your help!
Herne

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New Tradition!

2009-09-12T19:55:01Z

Hello!

I have started a new site centered around my path which I call Cernosia. Its focus is the Celtic God Cernunnos. If anyone would like to take a look, here is the addy:

cernosia.webs.com/

Blessings of the Horned One!
Herne

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Cern'osian Sabbats - I Need Your Input

2009-08-26T22:34:44Z

Hello my friends!

As most of you know, I am a henotheist who worships only Cernunnos. I call myself a Cern'osian, a term I invented for my path. While I am not Wiccan, I want to incorporate the 8 Wiccan Sabbats into my path. Since Cernunnos is a stag god, I want to base my celebrations around the life cycle of the deer, while still preserving as much of the meaning and symbolism of the Sabbats as I can. Since I am not Wiccan though, I am not completely familiar with the symbolism of the Sabbats. I would really like your input on this. I am by no means finished with this. I just wanted to share what I have so far, and get your thoughts, input and advice on it. If you can help me in this, I would be eternally grateful.

Much love and blessings everyone,
Herne

Cern'osian Sabbats and Minor Holy Days

Dec. 31/ Jan. 1 New Year's Eve/New Year's Day

People around the world observe New Year's Day as a day of new beginnings, of fresh starts, of ridding oneself of bad habits and starting good ones. Beginning around mid-December and ending somewhere around March, male deer begin shedding their antlers one at a time. This is a day for the Cern'osian to shed unwanted traits and habits. Choose a resolution, something that you want to rid yourself of. Write it on a piece of paper and burn it to symbolize its departure from your life.

Feb. 2 Imbolc

February is a time of expectation for the herd. The bellies of the pregnant does are beginning to swell, and after the long, cold winter, the first green buds of spring are beginning to emerge. As the world prepares itself for the long awaited return of spring, so too should we prepare ourselves by rededicating ourselves to the Horned One. Perform the self-dedication ritual annually, not because the god needs us to do so, but to remind ourselves who we are and why we are here.

Mar. 21 Ostara/Vernal Equinox

Spring is now in full bloom. The long, hard famine of winter has ended. Night and day are equal now with long summer days just ahead. Coats begin to change color in preparation for summer. The god emerges from his long sleep, resplendent in his glory. Plant a garden, or maybe an apple or oak tree, in his honor. Decorate with garlands, wreaths and crowns of spring flowers. Recite Hail to the Horned One.

Hail to the Horned One!
By Herne, 3/15/09

Sound the horns loudly and beat on the drums!
The Stag King is waking! See, yonder He comes!
The birds are all singing a chorus of praise,
Their love overflowing in each chirp and phrase!
The fields are all donning their grandest attire,
The brooks are a' babbling, a wonderful choir!

Shout Hail to the Horned One, our Lord and our King!
Crown Him with flowers, the bringer of spring!
The Wheel is still turning, there's nothing to fear!
Sound the horns loudly, the Horned One is here!

May 1 Beltane

Antlers begin to sprout, the first fawns are born, the yearling bucks and second year does begin to exercise their independence from their mothers. As the stag's antlers begin to grow, so too does the desire and lust of the god. Celebrate the masculine on this day, as the virility of the god begins to flow. Purchase or make a deer mask and dance the hunt around the Beltane fire, mimicking a stag prancing and leaping in the wood. Celebrate with drumming and chanting. Try some body painting too!

June 22 Litha/Summer Solstice

During the long hot days of summer, the young fawns, tempted by the summer greenery all around them, are weaned from their mothers. As the fawn leaves off the teat, so too shall I wean myself from my troubles and woes. Use this day to celebrate life in all its glory and wonder. Take a walk in the woods, noticing the variety of life around you. Focus on the good and positive in your life. Count your blessings.

Aug 1 - Lughnasadh

Young fawns begin to lose their spots and the adults' coats begin to change color in preparation for the coming fall and winter. Adult antlers, now full grown, begin to lose their velvet. As the deer begin to prepare for the rigors of the coming winter, so too do people begin to lay away food. Celebrate with the first fruits of the harvest.

Sept 21 Mabon/Autumnal Equinox

The first buttons of the yearling bucks begin to form in preparation for their first rack which will begin to sprout in the spring, and the earth prepares to enter its slumber. The god lays down his life for the harvest and prepares for his trip to the underworld. Honor his passing with a feast.

Oct. 31 Samhain

All living things must die. Such is the way of life. So, too, does the deer. On this night the god begins his underworld journey. Today is a day to honor those who have passed on.

Nov 14 Deer Hunting Season Begins/Nov 28 Deer Hunting Season Ends/Nov ? Thanksgiving Day

Mating season for deer begins in October and extends until December. As the herd is expanding, so it must be thinned to prevent over-population.

On Nov 14, a ritual shall be performed, asking bounty for the hunter, and mercy for the hunted. May the hunters' bullets fly true, and may death be swift and merciful for the deer with little suffering. Pray for a mission accomplished, that the exact number needed will be taken - no more, no less. Also pray the Horned One's blessings on the hunters that there will be no hunting accidents. Celebrate by going on a hunt yourself, whether real or imaginary.

On Nov 28 another ritual is performed to celebrate the ending of the hunting season. Ask for protection for the herd throughout the long winter. Honor the spirits of the slain deer.

On Thanksgiving Day remember to thank the god for the bounty of the hunt and for preserving life in the midst of death.

Dec 22 Yule/Winter Solstice

It is the shortest day of the year, and winter is now full upon the herd. However, hope is in the air. From here on out, the days will get longer. As the sun is reborn, so the lean days of winter will soon end. Celebrate with fire, with gifts for loved ones. Decorate a Yule tree. Decorate your home with pine, holly and mistletoe. As part of the ritual, purchase a bag of apples and take them somewhere that deer are known to live. Hang them from tree limbs where the deer can reach them that the herd may celebrate the season too. If you live in a city, or in a place where there are no deer, decorate your Yule tree with apples and say a prayer for the survival of the herd.

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 1 reply

New men and spirituality book

2009-06-14T04:32:31Z

Numen, Old Men: Contemporary Masculine Spiritualities and the Problem of Patriarchy
http://tinyurl.com/desl9s
Since the early 1990s there have been various waves of interest in what is often described as “masculine spirituality”. While diverse, a commonality among these interests has been a concern that spirituality has become too feminine, and that men’s experiences of the spiritual are being marginalized. Masculine spirituality is therefore about promoting what it perceives to be authentic masculine characteristics within a spiritual context. By examining the nature of these characteristics, Numen, Old Men argues that masculine spirituality is little more than a thinly veiled patriarchal spirituality. The mythopoetic, evangelical, and to a lesser extent Catholic men’s movements all promote a heteropatriarchal spirituality by appealing to neo-Jungian archetypes of a combative and oppressive nature, or understanding men’s role as biblically ordained leader of the family. Numen, Old Men then examines Ken Wilber’s integral spirituality which aims to honour and transcend both the masculine and feminine, but which privileges the former to the extent where it becomes another masculine spirituality, with all its inherent patriarchal problems. Gay spirituality is then offered as a form of masculine spirituality which to a large degree resists patriarchal tendencies, suggesting a queering of spirituality could be useful for all men, both gay and straight.

Excerpted here:
http://www.realitysandwich.com/masculine_spiritualities_and_problem_patriarchy

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pagan man seeking pagan man

2009-05-31T18:16:56Z

48 and headed to 50 hopefully, healthy poz not beautiful sorry, nice though, some say cute, I am a work in progress, very magick, I live between the worlds, and seek love and friendship. my pic is from 1993 I was sick weighed in at 122 lbs, I weigh 187 now. loud and proud! blessed be Goodrobn

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 1 reply

creating an altar

2009-04-25T00:03:22Z

For years I’ve had a yearning for community expression that honors and expresses an earth-centered spirituality. I’ve recently attended such a ritual and found myself home. However, I’m new to formal ritual and I wish to create an altar in my own home. I’ve googled the topic on line and the essentials seem to be: a sacred circle, a table in the center, a table cloth, four objects signifying earth, wind, air and fire. The location in my house that I’ve chosen is an area where the entire wall is already dedicated to the goddess and facing east. There is a window at the same place facing north. Are there any suggestions or observations for other factors or aspects I’m missing? Are there any recommendations where I may find some succinct and easily understood instructions for this endeavor?

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 3 replies

Zeus & Male Rites de Passage?

2009-04-23T01:12:31Z

Howdy guys! A while back on The History Channel (though, recently, I sometimes wonder where the actual ancient history has gone on this channel!) I happened to see a program where it was mentioned that ancient Greek adolescent males would collect the trimmings of their FIRST shaving into a bowl, and sacrifice it on the Altar of Zeus as an offering. Sadly, I've not hitherto been able to substantiate this declaration. Soooo...I was wondering if anyone, here, might be aware of any ancient or academic source that I can look to. I'm also interested in any other male Rites of Passage from any other cultures, including (obviously) those from the Med. (which'll probably easier to locate) for a personal research project if anyone can think of any, as well as any associated deities. :o) Aye...it's a shame that we, in the west, have lost our particularly male-centered rites of passage! All we really have is a father teaching his son how to shave--but, not everyone recieves this; I know that I certainly didn't (I was just handed an electric razor and expected to do for myself when I was young, unlike my yunger brother whom my dad taught how to shave).

Take Care,
Wade

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 1 reply

Pagan Men-Only Groups?

2009-04-18T02:33:01Z

Hey guys, I was wondering if you know of any men-only Pagan groups for worship and bonding (forging a brotherhood) in your local community? And, if not, are any men interested in starting one within said "local community"? Do you believe anyone (of either gender) might be averse to such a group? I distinctly remember hearing of a case where a Men's Mysteries worship had just commensed at a greater Pagan Gathering when, tromping down through the woods was a band of women whom demanded entry! They were a group from the local Women's Mysteries seminary, and thought that they had, due to their gender, the right to partake in Men's Mysteries, 'cause they wanted to know what all these men were upto. Ever the diplomat, the head of the Men's group said this would be fine, as long as they did not demand entry, and also allowed the men to partake in the Women's Mysteries. They refused, declairing that the men would only pervert their Mysteries! Now, as offensive as this is of these women (it would be offensivce if men behave the same way towards them!), it shows that they have absolutely no respect for Men and their holy Mysteries.

Still, I (for one) want to forge a men's-only group for Pagans (regardless of sexual orientation), yet...Pagan men in particular seem sooooo apathetic and indifferent! Why do you think this might be? An interesting analogy may be found in Pagan publications, such as "Sage Woman" and "The Beltane Papers"--these are women-only Pagan magazines that each used to have a sibling publication for men-only. However, each failed drastically! In fact, after "Sage Woman"'s bro. "Green Man" failed, it was made a multi-gender publication as "Pan Gaia", and now it's thriving! Why do men not seem interested in networking with other men only? Heck, I have come across numerous men that feel phenominally uncomfortable ritualizing with Pagans if there are no women present, as if women must be mandatory at every ritual! Why do they seem to think it doesn't "seem right" to get together with a group comprising all Tab "A"s with no Slot "B"s!

Moreover, according to Isaac Bonewitz research (found in his book, "The Pagan Man"), the vast majorirty of respondants for his questionaire declaired men that need to ritualize with other men are either "wimps", or they believe (incorrectly) that such groups are all about making men feel bad about being male due to Pagan beliefs re: feminism! Of course, it doesn't help when many Pagan males in articles that I've read (albeit dated, I suspect) tend to declair the presence of men, and the High Priest as unneccessary; and that he just needs to accept this and deal with it!

Any thoughts about how to get men interested in gathering together in order to fashion a Brotherhood? Just thought I'd start a topic for discussion.

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 7 replies

The Pagan Man

2009-02-10T04:17:51Z

When you see images of the green man, Hermes, and the horned gods of many pagan religious paths, it is easy to deduce that the male role is important within out pagan society. When I was younger, I went from elder to elder seeking to understand my role as a male in the ways of the various pagan paths. Although my findings were varied, a single idea prevailed. One of a strong man, full of wisdom. A protector of the innocent and a hunter and provider.

This was somewhat different from the images I was exposed to as a younger pagan male. The men that made up most of the pagan community seemed to be a little more and a little less, when measured to this general sense or idea of a pagan man.

On first impressions of the male pagan, I saw a man full of strong drink, drumming from dusk until dawn, a savage sexual appetite, and servant to the woman of their choosing. On the other hand I could also see a man that cared about his own and all children. I found a wealth of teachings about the land we call mother, and the ways and order of the circle of life we all share.

I must say that many ways and experiences from the pagan men who influenced me greatly, were in my mind conflicting. How could a strong man be a hunter, provider and protector of his clan or those who he was sided and also be sub servant, nurturing and bow to what seemed like a lesser position within our religion?

The men, who I learned from, were all of these things and more. Why then would they seem to take a lesser position within our pagan community?

In talking to a man who had the greatest impact on me as a pagan young man, I learned a lot from my mentor and elder Pond hopper I think he had the greatest impact on me, because he seemed to always have time to answer my often strange questions. He took the time to explain this to me and what I noticed was these were teachings he himself actually lived by.

I remember getting into the subject of pagan male role models and I asked him who his were. His answer surprised me. He said ' the Grey Squirrel'.

His words hit home for me. 'You see, the Grey Squirrel helps his mate to make a house in the trees for the family, he helps her in gathering nuts and food for the long winter'. ' When a wayward bird comes along to attack him and his young, he becomes a fierce fighter, yet to see the male Grey Squirrel with his young, he is tender and playful.'

I thought on this and quickly replied to Pond hopper asking him, ' well what about sharks or fish, who eat their young or leave their young to fend for themselves, never becoming a part of their life?'

I realize his reply to me now was to make me think for myself. He said to me, ' Have you ever heard on the television or read in a paper where a man hurt one of his kids or left his family alone?'

Then he asked me...' Why do you think that is?'

Of course I had no idea at that age as to why. Later on he explained by simply asking, it is funny how we mirror nature and nature seems to mirror us? The fact is we are not being mirrored at all, because we are apart of this circle of life.

We must play our role in this circle. The only difference between the animals and us is the fact that we can choose. We can choose to either be like the Grey Squirrel or like the shark. I pondered this for many years and found a lot of honor in his teachings.

I slowly began to understand that a good pagan man could be fierce and strong when need be. He can be a hunter and he can be a teacher as well.

A mature pagan man also understands that he is apart of a larger circle as well and must learn to adapt, live and work within both the clan family and the natural circles he finds himself in. I learned that there is a natural order and there is a wisdom needed to be able to navigate this order. This is something the pagan male will strive to become comfortable with by making mistakes and testing his bounds.

Falling down, becomes our teacher and the prize is wisdom. I have fallen down a lot in my life and on my pagan path. For that, I thank the gods and pond hopper for the effort and the gift of time they took to raise me to be a pagan man.

I still strive to understand the mother Earth and her circle that I must be a part of. I learned that I would fall down and in doing so I will learn. I know now that the role of the pagan male is something different to all of us depending on the teachers we have had. The way we have gained our wisdom to navigate the circles we are in are important. They are as important and those elders who take the time to teach us.

I am reminded that in my life as a pagan male, I am a role model for those younger men who watch me. They look to me for the knowledge needed to find their place within the circle as hunters, providers, protectors, servants, and men of real wisdom. I know that I owe a debt to the circle of life.

I know now that Pond Hopper was a man that understood the need to lead by example. I also know that while I may fall down, this is not the end of me. To be strong enough to do that means that I am not relegated to a lesser role within the pagan religion. My role is very well defined and the gods and my mentors are my guides.

Author: Panisch Lockelear
Posted: July 27th. 2008 on Witchvox

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 6 replies

California Oral Guy Looking for Satyr and Pan

2009-01-30T19:33:30Z

http://oralcockworship.blogspot.com/

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Any Pagan Groups in SF Bay Area?

2008-10-26T18:02:05Z

Are there any male only pagan groups in the SF Bay Area?

Thanks,

Paul

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 2 replies

Boaz and Jakin, the mystical portals into the Divine

2008-10-24T12:17:01Z

Hi folks

Just place on our HomoMoot website www.sorchartarot.com/homomoot some info' in regard to Boaz & Jakin, which you may find of interest.

Regards

Julian Riley
High Priest of the HomoMoot
Copyright HomoMoot 2007

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The Goddess Annis,beloved River Goddess here in Wales & Her sacred Well

2008-10-16T13:24:26Z

Hi folks,

Thought you may find of interest, the recent pics and info I have placed on the HomoMoot website, in regard to the 3,500 yr old sacred Well, dedicated to our beloved Goddess here in Wales - Annis.

For more info and pics, go to the HomoMoot website at www.sorchartarot.com/homomoot

Blessed be this Full Moon

Julian Riley
High Priest of the HomoMoot
Copyright HomoMoot 2007

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The Mystical Phoenix Caught On Camera At The HomoMoot Here In Wales

2008-10-13T15:09:40Z

Hi folks,

Thought you might all like to see the images I caught on my digital camera of the mystical Phoenix.. it was captured on my Night Mode option (no flash) on digi cam last Saturday evening, here in the grounds of the HomoMoot in Wales.

I have placed images of Her on the HomoMoot website for all to see. www.sorchartarot.com/homomoot

It is an amazing manifestation and Spirit is truly on the move as we approach the Great High Sabbat of Samhain, the Celtic/ Welsh New Year.

Blessed be as we approach the last Full Moon Esbat before Samhain.

Julian Riley
High Priest of the HomoMoot
Copyright: HomoMoot 2007

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Finally, Self Initiation by Mail/Post into the Sexual energy of Cernunnos for gay and Bisexual men

2008-08-13T17:10:38Z

Hi folks,

Well, finally, as High Priest of the HomoMoot, I have composed a series of Self Initiation rituals, for gay and bisexual men, into the sacred, mystical, sexual energy of our Celtic God, Karnayna (Cernunnos).

For more info, go to the HomoMoot website: www.sorchartarot.com/homomoot

Blessed be, as we approach the Harvest Full Moon of August.

Julian: High Priest of the HomoMoot
HomoMoot: Copyright 2008

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Happy Lammas from Julian, High Priest of the HomoMoot.. fab' new pics and info on Lammas on the Homomoot website

2008-07-31T16:46:52Z

Hi folks,

From here in the Celtic land of Wales, a very happy Lammas Sabbat to you.

I hope you all find the new Lammas section on the HomoMoot website, this Lammas of interest, plus also, the new pics, on the photo's section.

Happy Lammas.

Julian: High Priest of the HomoMoot www.sorchartarot.com/homomoot

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 0 replies

Earthweavers Festival Announcement (festival event for pagans and all other believers)

2008-07-04T22:37:28Z

Earthweavers First Annual Fall Calling of the Clans

October 10-13, 2008 Kent's Store, Virginia

We are thrilled to announce that after months of searching, we have finally found the perfect setting for our first annual festival, The Calling of the Clans!

The Calling of the Clans is being held at the CampOut Campground, which is located off I-64 between Richmond and Charlottesville Virginia. This location is a 90 minute drive from Norfolk, a 45 minute drive from Charlottesville. You can't get lost, it's interstate driving almost all of the way!

CampOut Campground is 97 fully wooded acres of gently rolling pristine Virginia forest. Included is Lake Towanda, a 7.5 acre, immaculate swimming lake with a sandy beach. The Campground is equipped with a clean, well-lit, and scrupulously maintained shower house and privately maintained Port-a-Potties.

CampOut is an Earth conscious campoground, complete with an on-site Recycling Center. We are truly blessed to have found such a perfect place to celebrate life on our Mother Earth, with our unique Community amongst friends and friends-to-be!

We decided to begin The Calling of the Clans because of a need we have felt and heard expressed throughout our Community, a need to return to the basics to what drew us to out-door festivals many years ago — a love of this beautiful planet, the ties of soul and spirit to our Community, our Mother, and her creatures, be they four footed, winged or fey.

Myspace Link:
www.myspace.com/earthweaversfestival

Official Website:
www.earthweavers.net/main.html

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 0 replies

Men, use your bollocks to bless and empower your sacred rituals

2008-06-28T09:11:08Z

Hi folks, well I thought I would post this on here, as many men ask me about why in my rites, bells are tied and swung on the male bollocks in ritual.

I have added a new page on my website ( which also by the way has a new look to it) in regard to how you can use your bollocks to bless, consecrate and empower your sacred rites at your altars.

Blessed Be.
Julian: High Priest of the HomoMoot
www.sorchartarot.com/homomoot

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 0 replies

Summer Solstice Marked With Fire & Magic

2008-06-27T06:11:38Z

June 19, 2008—lames illuminate thousands of revelers in a cave in Zugarramurdi, Spain, during a 1998 Aquelarre, or Witch Coven.

Held on or near the summer solstice, the festival commemorates the alleged witches who used the cave in centuries past—any of whom died by fire during the Basque witch trials of the 1600s.

For millennia the summer solstice has been embraced as a time of rebirth and hope, and as a herald of abundant food and warm temperatures to come (summer solstice facts).

Falling this year on Friday, June 20, in the Northern Hemisphere, the longest day of the year is still regarded by many as a day of mystical and religious significance—and the cause for many a celebration.

news.nationalgeographic.com/news....html

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 1 reply

Erotic solstice

2008-06-10T14:34:32Z

I'm interested in hearing about experiences of creating/sharing in men's erotic rituals to mark the seasons. And solstice is around the corner. I bet there are great stories in this tribe.

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 1 reply

Invitation to Join us In Wales To Celebrate Litha 2008

2008-06-02T15:14:06Z

Hi folks... well, Litha is nearly here again and this year, the invitation to attend out annual Summer Solstice Vigil celebrations is extended thanks to our new website www.sorchartarot.com/homomoot

The annual Solstice celebrations have been held since 1992, commencing at Midnight, June 20th 08, with the traditional lighting of the Solstice Vigil bonfire, followed by continual chanting in Welsh, our native language here, through to dawn. Just before dawn the Litha Sabbat will take place and as the dawn breaks, the traditonal drumming up of the Sun will commence.

Blessed be this Litha.

Julian
The HomoMoot. Copyright 2007.
www.sorchartarot.com/homomoot

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 0 replies

Erotic novella

2008-05-22T03:12:19Z

Hi, guys. Brand new to the tribe, which looks like a cool place to be. And I've just posted the third chapter of a utopian gay erotic novella, "Supple and Turbulent, "to my blog. I hope you have a look, like what you read, and stay tuned to see what happens to these eight guys on a Tennessee mountain at sundown on summer solstice.

David

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 0 replies

An Inconvenient Truth Presentation

2008-03-25T06:51:56Z

Other Worlds of Wonder Sponsors
An Inconvenient Truth Presentation
By Official Presenter Ezra Eckmeyer
Sunday, March 23rd @1 P.M.
Multnomah County Library, Midland Branch
805 S.E. 122nd Avenue Portland, OR 97233
Raise your awareness, and discuss strategies each of us can be involved in to address global warming.

This is a fund raiser for Pagan Land
Donations gladly accepted
Questions owoworg@hotmail.com or visit www.owow.org
OWOW is a federally recognized 501c3

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 1 reply

Wicker Man

2008-03-19T22:36:09Z

Although a burn is not necessarily a pagan activity, it often attracts
alternative folk that are either pagan or at least pagan friendly.

With that in mind, I invite all who read this to a new burn that may have
a bit more of a pagan flaver that some.

It is called Wicker Man. It will be held over Memorial Day Weekend
at Four Quarters InterFaith Sanctuary in southern PA.

If you are interested in more information, it can be found at
http://www.wickermanburning.org

Jack in the Green
http://www.jackingreen.com

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 0 replies

Pricing TVs...

2008-03-15T19:17:34Z

Hey guys:

Dayum, TVs are expensive!!! I started pricing TVs this week, 'cause I'm in desperate need of one (my old clunker takes about 10 mins, at LEAST, to "warm up", so I can even see the screen anymore, and sometimes it has green horizontal lines across it). Anyway, the average price for a flat screen TV at Best Buy was around $1,500!!! However, what's the big deal with HD TV? After all, as I seem to recall (if you maybe saw them yourself) the picture from those "liquid crystal" TVs were so much richer! So, what's the dfference, and why don't I see "liquid crystal" flat screens for sale anywhere, anymore? And, what are the pros and cons? I mean, you would have to save up for at least 4-6 months (considering rent and other expenses) to be able to afford an HD TV! DAYUM!!! Anyone fel like talking about choosing a TV, and what is REALLY so great about HD as oppose to "liquid crystal", if I remember correctly (I seem to recall it being so vivid, rich, and life like!). After all, if I buy a TV, I'd better buy something GREAT if I'll be stuck with it for a while. ;o)

Anyone got any advice? Afterall, while walking the row of TVs at Best Buy, not all of the HD TVs were seemingly very "clear", and some of them seemed to "pause", like a DVD on the fritz, even though they were all tuned into the same TV station, but only some had such a glitch. So, what's up ith that? I really need an education in TV technology, I think, so I come to you guys...

Take Care,
Wade

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 5 replies

Ostara 2008 with the San Francisco Gay Men’s Open Wiccan Coven

2008-03-14T19:09:21Z

The San Francisco Gay Men’s Open Wiccan Coven

Invites you to join us as we celebrate Ostara 2008.

Thursday, March 20th, 7:30-9:30 PM
The San Francisco Unitarian Center Chapel
1187 Franklin St (at Geary).

The SFGMOWC is open to all GBTQ men on a Mystical or Magical Path regardless of Tradition or Experience.

Rituals are free, although a donation is suggested. Bring food and drink to share.

For more information, email derik.cowan@gmail.com

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 0 replies

Embracing Queer Spirit - A Book Club for Spiritual Growth

2008-02-20T20:44:53Z

I know I'm probably preaching to the choir here.... but maybe you know someone who would be interested. Please pass it along if you do!

Embracing Queer Spirit
A Book Club for Spiritual Growth

Have you ever felt that being homosexual, bisexual, or transsexual is a good thing rather than an abomination?
Have you ever thought that you exist the way you are for a reason rather than as an abnormality?
Have you ever considered that being gay, bi, lesbian, or trans might be a gift rather than a burden?

Chances are you haven't because these ideas aren't modeled for us. What if you could explore these ideas for yourself in a safe and supportive environment?

This book club is a gateway to embracing yourself as a queer being. We do this by exploring the writings of those who've journeyed ahead of us. Our vision is that each of us in the group move toward a greater understanding and acceptance of ourselves as queer beings. We hold a sacred space where personal sharing and deep listening are practiced. The goal for each of us is to move closer to being able to say YES to the questions above.

This book club is just like every other book club in that we read books. We differ in the way that we work with the material. Each week we bring more than our thoughts, we bring our experience of how the books are affecting us, changing us, and challenging us. We are asked to go deeper into the material. What made our hearts joyful and what made our hearts ache?

We will meet twice a month on the first and third Monday evenings. We begin on March 3rd and we will meet at the First Unitarian Church of San Jose.

Space is limited in this small group so please contact me to reserve your space or if you have questions.

Warmest Wishes,

Hayden Reynolds, MA
haydenspiritguide@earthlink.net

Hayden Reynolds, MA has completed his training for the doctoral certificate in Spiritual Guidance from the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, and is completing his dissertation on gay spirituality. He is skilled in many processes and techniques for working with spiritual material, including: hypnosis, dream work, ritual use, and journey work. Hayden has practiced and studied many faith and spiritual traditions and honors the truth in all systems.

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 3 replies

Pantheacon

2008-02-08T19:12:59Z

Hey guys,

I'm wondering if any of you are going to Pantheacon this year. I've seen some of you around in years past, and wanted to meet you. I'm kind of shy about aproaching strangers. This year I'm making the effort to introduce myself, so that I can make some new friends.

I'm a pagan gay guy. I live down here in San Jose. I'm technically still a part of the gardenerian tradition, but I haven't practiced with them in years. I guess I'm a solitary practitioner. I'm not strictly wiccan either. I'm more guided by working with Spirit, spirit guides and ancestors. And as I'm sure you are aware that can take you in many, hard to define or label directions.

I'm also cute, smart and have a great sense of humor. Although my icon's looking a bit distorted right now!

I'd like to meet and hang out with some of you guys at the conference if you'll be there. I'm looking for more friends, especially gay men.

This is the first year that I've signed up for the whole conference and intend to make the most of it. Thus I'll probably be there each day.

Anyway if anyone's interested please shoot me an email via tribe and we'll take it from there!

Blessed Be!

Hayden

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 0 replies

Hail!

2007-11-29T22:12:40Z

New to Tribe, shouting out to you all! Namaste! Check out my page and art and enjoy!

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 1 reply

In Need of a Systems Up-Grade! :o)

2007-11-15T23:34:02Z

Hey guys! I just thought that I'd desperately pick your brain this evening, because as more time elapses, I find that I am simply in need of a new computer! I guess that I was simply unprepared for the fact that technology would move so fast when I bought my first PC back in 2000--I guess I thought it would maintain relatively stagnant to some degree; or that it would last me a few decades! But, it's sooooo slow on-line--and it didn't start out this way, though I've always had dial-up, which I don't entirely understand; nor is much software compatible with it, such as Encyclopedia Britannica (which I need for research purposes), Second Life, or Google Earth, etc.!

Sadly, however, I didn't know much of anything when I first bought my computer...and as far as that's concerned I was quite unprepared! Even as much as I know, now, there is still a great deal that I am unfamiliar with--like, what's a mobile broadband connection, etc., because it's so relatyively new to me? It's simply overwhelming! And, do computer's still come with diskette drives? I want to transfer all of my current corpus of saved data onto CDs, but wonder how that might be possible if diskette drives are now tendered obsolete? Now, I might be able to find a used--and hopefully compatible--CD-writer drive, but, still... We folks of meager means ain't made'a money, y'know! ;o) After all, this'll be something I'll have to save up for, and want it to last for well more than a mere decade [speaking about my future PC, here!]! (The last system I bought using an inheritance.)

So, I guess I'm looking for a little expertise in what to ask for (based on what's potentially available that I am absolutely unfamiliar with--it's generally easier for m if someone explains something to me so that I can visualize what it looks like and how it works, otherwise, I'm apt to get confused in a big way!). So, bearing that in mind, here's a list of some'a the things I'll definately need (that I know of) in my next PC:

* A firewire port--so that I can up-load and edit videos; I want to eventually make a number of documentaries, and perhaps even a movie!
* DEFINITELY the LATEST version of Windows with Excell, etc.
* The FASTEST processor on the market--I'm still steamed because I bought and received my current PC in the space of 1 week, only to find that 30 days after this date a NEW processor was released that was more than twice as fast as my current one!
* Probably a bit more memory than my current PC, so that I can effectively run such software as photoshop and various video-editing programs without it causing my system to crash! LOL!
* A DVD & CD-burner. Now, are theses the same things as a CD-writing drive or not? I ask, 'cause, I want to start using CDs to store and edit Word documents as I'm writing my books, etc. Irregardless...
* ...I need a CD-writer drive, I think, in my move from diskettes to CDs!

These were all I could think of at the moment. But, when I can afford it, I also dearly want to "up-grade" to a broadband connection (which I don't believe should be as expensive as it is, because it is on its way to becoming obsolete from new technology I saw that downloads [literally] more than 100-times faster than broadband--Qwest, I think was charging more than $90/month a short while ago!). Of course, I'm also on the look-out for a business with whom I can get a great deal for what I require, knowing full-well that a lot of businesses jack-up their prices to milk ya' for every penny your worth, which is a shame in this age considering that having a computer and the 'Net is rather mandatory! Y'know (being a Socialist) you'd think that as long as digital technology has been available the prices would have drastically come down so that one could afford them without having to take out a loan or sell a kidney! But, no--I've actually seen prices go up, such as with digital cameras and camcorders! Hell, when (and how!) did Best Buy turn from the one business that sold the cheapest (and best) merchandise to the business that now sells the most expensive gadgets? Seriously... WTF? It's as if they feel that as long as people will buy this merchandise for the prices that have set, then they can charge whatever they like! How disgusting! Best Buy is no longer best buy, but worst buy!

BTW, not to diverge off topic, but...did you hear what John Edwards said?! Ah...it touched my Socialist Heart! He said that, as President, if legislators do not pass a bill for Universal Healthcare (without conditions) by June (or was it January?) of 2009, he would take away their health care, so we can see how THEY like it! (BRAVO!) MUWAHAHAHA!!! Hmmm...I wonder how the President could do something like that, anyway?!

Well, I must be off...

Take Care,
Wade

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 0 replies

Looking for wiccan men in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Area

2007-08-14T00:14:43Z

Looking for those gay wiccan men that would like to chat or get together!!

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 0 replies

Demon of Gay Lust?

2007-08-09T01:48:40Z

My Brothers, I'm trying to find information on any Demons associated with gay sex and/or lust. So far my research has come up with nothing. The only Demon close is Asmodeus, who by some accounts is a Demon of Lust. However, his lust is only heterosexual. Any help is greatly appreciated! HAIL!

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 1 reply

New M4M Member/Intro 2U: C My Page/Send Add?

2007-07-14T21:32:53Z

Hello Dear Tribe Members,

Just Wanted to Introduce Myself…
Hope you will want to see my page, send an add, and even write a testimonial:
http://people.tribe.net/d6aa2e9c-308c-4ab8-b937-d29e5f46af62

I am author, artist, illustrator, filmmaker, and photographer, Merton Parrish. I am a devotee of Priapian Spirituality (Priapus), and have a special devotion to my fellow gay, bi and str8 m4m men. I have diverse interests and am enjoying the diversity here on Tribe. I live in the midwest with my male partner of eight years. I am 44 years young.

Because the M4M life and Priapian Spirituality has been such a joy to me, I am here to provide information on these things for my m4m brothers. I would like to share with you my blogs, writing, art, and the various pages I have created on the net. I hope to be of service to you, connect with you, and become friends with you here on Tribe.

I will enjoy knowing you visited my page. I would be so pleased if you would add me as a friend and write a testimonial, and hope that you will also bookmark my Tribe page, and bookmark the various pages I've listed in my links section (I think you will enjoy my regularly updated 360 and Blogger Blog in particular… http://mertonparrish.blogspot.com/ and http://360.yahoo.com/mertonparrish )

Finally, I'd be happy to chat/cam/IM/Em with you (for friendship, camming, play, cockworship, or to answer any questions you might have about M4M life or Priapian Spirituality). Detailed contact info is below my signature…

Peace, guys!

Merton :)
*************************
Tribe page:
http://people.tribe.net/d6aa2e9c-308c-4ab8-b937-d29e5f46af62

Email:
Preferreddad@aol.com

My Y_hoo IMs:
Numeroushats2 (for camming with guys nationwide)
Numeroushats3 (for rt with Indianapolis guys/guys who visit Indianapolis)
MertonParrish (for questions re: m4m/Priapian Spirituality)

Note: If you send an add to my IM list for any of the above IMs, make sure your age, sex, and location is on your profile and 360. Ty! :)

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 0 replies

NY Circles...

2007-07-12T23:08:51Z

are there any men's pagan groups in the lower ny area?
Pagan fire circles, meetings, ceremonies? anyone interested???

let me know whats good!

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 0 replies

leonotis...and lobelia

2007-07-10T22:17:53Z

hey guys i had a curious question..has anyone grown leonotis (lions foot) ive been really interested in this plant for some time and searched all over this state for one...i know i have seen one here in new mexico a long while back but the owner of this plant i had lost contact with..anywho i figure i will have to buy seeds or a live plant online in order to have this awesome plant online...JUST wondering if any of u growers...if any have had success with this plant...or have any idea how it will manage in a semi-arid state....too anyone have any ideas to help my lobelia pop back over the past week its gotten really depressed and sad looking (dry and shriveled) anyone have advice on how to make girl pop back to life and bloom again? anyone with any adviced would be awesomely appreciated

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 1 reply

Will you please participate in my survey on masculinity?

2007-07-06T04:41:51Z

I am a doctoral student seeking participants to complete a survey that explores the psychological experiences of being a man and how it influences your life. You must be a male who is 18 years of age or older

The survey will take approximately 30 minutes to complete and your participation is anonymous.

If you are interested in contributing to knowledge about how being a man impacts how you view yourself and others, please go to the following website: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=218103339703

Thank you for your help.
Michael Franco
831.480.5180
masculinitystudy@yahoo.com

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 0 replies

A new member

2007-07-05T19:59:39Z

Hi there.
I'm new to tribe.net and this tribe.
My name is Arlen and I'm a 24 year old man from Scotland.
I consider myself Heathen because I adhere to a belief in many gods and don't feel that I personally need an alter. But, to be honest, it is a very fine distinction and I am part of the wider Pagan community, who I deeply respect.

I look forward to being part of this lodge and getting to know you all.

Be well,
Arlen

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 0 replies

Baba Yaga

2007-06-25T02:31:32Z

Goddess: BABA YAGA

SUGGESTED MANTRA: REBIRTH
It is only through examination of our dark side that we can hope to be reborn. It is in crossing the comfort zones and visiting our shadowed selves that we can empower ourselves spiritually, psychologically, emotionally, and physically to be reborn again.

SUGGESTED AFFIRMATIONS:
~ I am revitalised
~ My insecurity is replaced with wisdom
~ At my centre there is a incandescent fire
~ I release myself from harmful judgments
~ My new life path reveals itself to me
~ I say goodbye to destructive influences

Related essences: Goddessence ISIS blend for the third eye chakra*

Related gemstones: Garnet, bloodstone, tourmaline, smoky quartz

The ancient Slavic goddess Baba Yaga is the wild old crone guardian of the Water of Life and Death. She is the goddess of death and birth associated with Autumn, who sings while sprinkling corpses with the Water of Life to let them be reborn. Although she is fearsome to look upon, like all forces of nature that are often wild and untamed, she can also be kind.

Often depicted living in the deep centre of earth, or in a hut
surrounded by a fence of bones, she represents the power of old age, of witch, and of the life cycle that is birth, death and rebirth. She is therefore also associated with birch forests (birch being the tree of beginnings and endings). Another image is that of "White Lady", or Death Crone, as she is stiff and white and carved of bone (she can also be referred to as Goddess of Old Bones).

HER MODERN ENERGY

If you're feeling directionless and an emptiness in the spirit and emotion, acknowledge Baba Yaga's presence in you. Being depressed in not to be feared, rather the process and emotion should be honoured, and allowed to move on. While the Water of Life and Death can be taken by trickery or synthetic means (eg through drugs), by taking time to
work in gentle silence the Water can also be given to you as a gift.

Behold Baba Yaga, she is here to force us to examine our soul in the dark mirror and to be forever transformed.

DO THIS

Wear black, red and white scarves this week and use the colours to remind you of Baba Yaga. Black represents night and the breakdown of the personality (the crushed and broken body ready for Baba Yaga's Water of Life and Death), white represents the dawn and purification (the gift of the Water of Life and Death), and red represents day and
vital life force (the powerful rebirth).

Work through the cycles of dawn, day and night gently, succumb to Baba Yaga's vibrations and trust that she will be kind to you. At the end of the week say good-bye to destructive influences as you tie the scarves around a tree in your garden. There they will be connected to the earth via the tree's roots, tapping into kundalini energy of the dark side, and also to the wind which will pick up your depression and
carry it away.
blessed be
Frank

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 0 replies

Anyone work with the Dark Goddess MAAT?

2007-06-22T22:04:19Z

Hey guys, I was wondering if there happened to be anyother guys currently working with the Goddess Maat? If so I think I need a little help.

Tom

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 1 reply

pagan 12 step program

2007-06-17T20:47:26Z

i found a helpful 12 step program for those pagans who might have a
substance, or alcohol abuse problem...i found in the pagan community
that addiction runs rampid, and theres this thought that if your
witchcraft if done right you dont need a recovery program...well i
found that my magickal and spiritual energy has been inhanced greatly
using this program..im in recovery for alcohol, and go to A.A.
meetings regulary, and carry the message of the Goddess in what i
share to the group. i was met with open arms. anyway please give me
input on this, because its important to me
blessed be
Frank (Nevar)
members.aol.com/JehanaS/recovery.html
www.cyberwitch.com/pagan12step/
www.spiralrhythms.org/P12/
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pagans_In_Recovery
www.neopagan.net/PIR.html

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 0 replies

Carnelian

2007-06-15T22:21:48Z

Carnelian

Carnelian is a form of chalcedony and usually occurs in the uniform color of red, orange, or red-brown.

This mineral stimulates analytical capabilities and precision. It provides for perceptiveness to situations and awakens ones inherent talents and adroitness. It is also used to produce inspiration from, and connected-ness, with the spiritual worlds.

It protects against envy, fear, and rage, and helps to banish sorrow from the emotional structure.

It further assists in providing for awareness of the association between the emotional state and the inner condition of the self.

It provides energy conducive to the stabilization of the energy in the home. It provides, also, a strong, yet tender energy when used in the mode of retreat. The message of carnelian is that since one is love, there is nothing to do but to offer the love-each offering of love bringing an exponential increase in the quantity of love returned. Pink carnelian, especially, can encourage love between parents and children, and between parents and parents.

Carnelian stimulates inquisitiveness and subsequent initiative.

In can be used to dispel apathy, indolence, and passivity.

The energy of carnelian is favorable with respect to cleansing negativity from other stones. When directed, it provides for a clearing action while directing any negative energy, which is within the area, toward the light of transmutation.

Carnelian is said to have been one of the stones used in the breastplate of the high priest.

It can assit one in drama and in pursuits related to theatrical presentations.

It is useful in work on the first, second, third, and fourth chakras and can help to increase physical energy, personal power, creativity, and compassion.

In addition the utilization of Carnelian and Kammererite together, has been used to facilitate connection between the physical self and the higher – self.

The employment of Carnelian with Chlorite and Ruby Crystals has been used to eliminate psychic attak and to assit earth-bound spirits to leave an area. Grinding of these three minerals can protect one and ones environment from the return of negative energies.

It can be used in the treatment of neuralgia, gall stones, kidney stones, pollen allergies and colds. It can also be useful to aid in the amelioration of disorders of the spine, spleen, and pancreas. It has been used as an elixir to help heal cuts and abrasions.
blessed be
Frank

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 0 replies

leaving a positive footprint

2007-06-13T16:27:19Z

Leaving A Positive Footprint
Blessing Space

Physical space acts like a sponge, absorbing the radiant of all who pass through it. And, more likely than not, the spaces we move through each day have seen many people come and go. We have no way of knowing whether the energy footprints left behind by those who preceded us will invigorate us or drain us. Yet we can control the energy footprint we leave behind for others. In blessing each space we enter, we orchestrate a subtle energy shift that affects not only our own experiences in that space but also the experiences of the individuals who will enter the space after us. While we may never see the effects our blessing has had, we can take comfort in the fact that we have provided grace for those that follow after us.

When you bless a room or an entire building, you leave a powerful message of love and light for all those who will come after you. Your blessings thus have myriad effects on the environments through which you pass. Old, stagnant energy is cleared, creating a vacuum into which fresh and invigorating energy can freely flow. The space is thus rendered harmonious and nourishing, and it becomes a hub from which positive feelings are transmitted. Intent is the key component of the blessings you leave in your physical wake. If your intent involves using your own consciousness as a tool for selflessly spreading grace, your blessings will never go awry. Whether you feel more comfortable performing a solo blessing or prefer to call upon your spirit guides for assistance, visualize each space you enter becoming free of toxins, chaos, and negativity as you speak your blessing. Then imagine the resultant emptiness being replaced by pure, healing white light and loving energy. Even a quic! k mindful thought of love can bless a space.

This type of blessing is cumulative and will grow each time you bestow it. Try blessing every home, business, and office you visit for an entire week and observing the effects of your goodwill. Your affirmative energy footprint will help brighten your day as you contemplate your blessing's future impact on your siblings in humanity and your environment.
blessed be
Frank

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 0 replies

Heathen Household Zine in the NW...

2007-06-11T11:06:46Z

if any of you have not heard of the HEX magazine? you should look at it, first of it's kind and very well done...www.hexmagazine.com

Hail
Airick

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 0 replies

summer

2007-06-11T11:02:12Z

owow sunfest is comming near all need to register see you all there

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 1 reply

Hand poke tattooing San Francisco in June 2007....

2007-06-09T12:42:45Z

I'll be tattooing at BrainDrops in SF during gay pride at the end of June, anyone intrested in recieving a hand done tattoo by me? please make contact....

cheers
Airick

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 0 replies

The Raven's Perch: My Podcast!

2007-05-19T02:30:53Z

Well, here is the first ep. of my Podcast! Unfortunately, I was in a rush, and it wasn't nearly as in-depth as I had wanted it to be, so I typed a great deal of information below the first entry:

* http://macmorrighan.mypodcast.com/index.html

And, if anyone wil send me any letters or questions I will answer them on my show! Just type "Raven's Perch" into the subject-header.

There will be more in-depth discussions to come, I am sure! It just took me ages to set up 'cause I had t manually set everything up manually via HTML.

Take Care,
Wade MacMorrighan

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 0 replies

5/12 What does your soul long for?

2007-05-06T08:55:32Z

MEN’S SOULFORCE:
Through tarot imagery, storytelling, ritual, & labyrinth
Explore your passions/joys, wounds/fears, & the allies/keys that unlock them
5/12/07, Sat, 4:00-10:30 pm

Do you sense a deeper force operating in your life - a force that knows what you long for and what you're really capable of? Through exploring tarot imagery, story-telling, journaling, ritual, & walking a labyrinth, you can discover aspects of your Soul Force - the stories that propel you to be authentically powerful.

You can playfully and simply tell stories and create your own rituals to look more deeply at your passions/joys, wounds/fears, and the allies & keys that help you invoke parts of your soul’s story. In this workshop we’ll create a quiet, sacred space, and from within that place we’ll ask “Why am I here?” And then we will listen, and keep on listening. We don’t need burning bushes or perfect answers, just what’s true for now.

CO-FACILITATORS:: Paul H. Richard, a life-coach specializing in archetypal psychology, soul mentoring, and the use of evolutionary astrology, tarot, labyrinth, & other shamanic techniques to discover your soul's purpose; James Fabish is a licensed massage therapist & perpetual student and practitioner of the healing arts.

DIVERSITY: We welcome & are strengthened by adult men of all ages, sizes, shapes, colors, orientations, spritualities (and none), and backgrounds (including trans guys). Thanks for helping us increase the diversity of men who get invited to this event by forwarding this invitation to friends & colleagues who might be interested.

COSPONSORS: MenSpirit is a joint project of three non-profit organizations, Q-LAND, LoveTribe, & Spirit Hawk, empowers diverse men in the Portland, OR area to discover and manifest their individual & collective potential for wellness, community, friendship/intimacy, spirituality, & play.

INFO: Bart at 503-223-8822 or events@qland.org or website: qland.org

RSVP website: lovetribe.org/menspirit

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 0 replies

Military Pentacles

2007-04-24T16:36:54Z

Woo hoo!

Administration Yields on Wiccan Symbol
Pentacle to Be Permitted on Tombstones in U.S. Military Burial Grounds
By Alan Cooperman
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, April 24, 2007; Page A12

Facing lawsuits by veterans and their families, the Bush administration relented yesterday and agreed to allow the Wiccan pentacle -- a five-pointed star inside a circle -- on tombstones at Arlington National Cemetery and other U.S. military burial grounds.

The Department of Veterans Affairs previously had given veterans a choice of 38 religious symbols, including numerous forms of the Christian cross, as well as the Jewish Star of David, the Muslim crescent, the Buddhist wheel and an atomic symbol for atheism...

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/23/AR2007042302073.html

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 0 replies

4/22 Earth Day Men’s Eco-Walk

2007-04-17T08:35:13Z

Most men have been taught to be cut off from the earth, their bodies, and their feelings. On Earth Day we have the opportunity to reconnect in a very direct, physical way with endangered plants, animals, and the nature we co-create with them. And you can do this in a tiny nature preserve right in the city:

CAMASSIA ECO-WALK
4/22, Sunday, 1:30 pm Carpool, 2:15pm Eco-Walk

Who knew that one of the smallest, most diverse, and most endangered ecosystems in North America was nestled on 26 acres in West Linn? David Barts (Watermelon), who has been studying and interpreting Northwest plants & ecosystems for more than 20 years will lead us in an exploration of Camassia Natural Area , which has beautiful spring wild flowers, unique endangered plants, and is one of the most unique little nature preserves in the U.S. We’ll enjoy a delicious dinner afterwards.

DIVERSITY: Thanks for helping us increase the diversity of men who get invited to this event by forwarding this invitation to friends & colleagues who might be interested.

COSPONSORS: MenSpirit, a joint project of three non-profit organizations, Q-LAND, LoveTribe, & Spirit Hawk, empowers diverse men in the Portland, OR area to discover and manifest their individual & collective potential for wellness, community, friendship/intimacy, spirituality, & play.

INFO: David at 503-223-8822 or registrar@qland.org or website: qland.org

RSVP website: lovetribe.org/menspirit

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 0 replies

Formulating a Leather Bouquet (ie. Fragrance)?

2007-04-03T14:26:39Z

Hey guys, I'm really interested in formulating an oil-based Bouquet of Leather (with Essential Oils), but...I haven't a clue about where to begin. (Having a number of formulas to examine would sure be a good place to start!) What I'm personally looking for, however, is that it *must* be "macho". ;o) Anyone got any ideas, perhaps?

Take Care,
Wade MacMorrighan

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 0 replies

How do the Gods differ from the Goddesses?

2007-03-28T23:35:37Z

The Gods bring change. Goddesses defend and preserver the status quo.

Here are two examples:

Aries and Athena are often shown in their battle dress. With their helmets and spears they are obviously both Warriors. Athena defends The City, Civilization, Art, Beauty and the Motherland. Meanwhile Aries is off raiding other lands. He brings home Treasures, New Ideas, Death, Things That Will Change Your Life.

Hades Persephone and Demeter is a very special myth. Initially the earth is a garden of Eden. Food is in the fields and in the orchards year-round. Demeter is the mother goddess that never dies, is consistent and preserving. Along comes Hades and Changes Things. Persephone grows up, she’s not the little girl picking flowers anymore. She becomes the Queen of the Dead. Mother learns that she can’t control everything for everybody. Hades actions result in the earth having seasons, hot/cold dry/wet. Demeter is still her constant self. She teaches the world to plant – harvest – preserve for the winter and plant again. Persephone is happy she has a husband and her mother. Hades is happy, he has a wife who loves him dearly and he has all the riches of the earth.

The Gods Bring Change. Good Stuff and Not so Good! How we deal with that change is what makes life. Hades & Aries are not bad guys just changers. Hey If it was easy anybody could do it!

+Craig

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 6 replies

Pagans with Judeo-Christian upbringings tribe.

2007-03-08T04:40:57Z

Pagans with Judeo-Christian upbringings tribe.

More and more people with Judeo-Christian backgrounds are finding their spiritual paths drawn toward one or more of the various Pagan religions.
This tribe is dedicated to discussing issues and personal struggles arising from reconciling the conflicting natures of these two belief systems.
This is not intended to be an enclosed tribe. Hereditary Pagans are welcome to join in and learn about our stuggles. Pagans of other backgrounds are welcome to share their struggles. And members of other religions are welcome to come and learn why we have choosen Pagan paths for our spiritual developement.

http://tribes.tribe.net/xchristpagans

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 0 replies

Phallic Worship & Dildo Rituals...

2007-02-20T06:10:10Z

Hiya' guys. Sorry for such a blatantly blunt subject header, but... I was wondering if, in your years of study, if you've come across some truly excellent books (that are still academically sound today) re: the ubiquetous theme of phallic worship with bazillions of examples! *G* This (as well as the next query) is a personal research project of mine.

Also, I'm looking for some GREAT research material that I may turn to concerning the ritual and religious use of dildos! According to the History Channel, on the isle of Lesbos, Sappho and her followers used dildos in religious or for ritual purposes. I wonder if dildos were religious or ritually used in the cult of Dionysos because he was known to have penetrated Himself with such a device carved from fig wood, I believe. Moreover, it'd be interesting to locate similar ritual or religious dildo-centred practices within Phallic-God cults, such as Priapus, for example!

Ya' know, this reminds me of a discussion me and a bunch of folks were having in High School, during art class: Someone mentioned that the candles made by the nuns were used as dildos! This may be, but I've not read anything to verify it, yet.

BTW, something fascinating just came to mind: I don't believe I've ever read anything regarding the Tradition of the traditional Gardnerian phallic tipped wand. Where did it come from? How did it get into Gardnerianism via Gerald. And, what evidence might answering these questions prove when applied to the grand scheme of modern Pagan witchcraft's [Wicca's] history? That is, could it be evidence for something older than what scholars are willing to allow for?

Basically, I'd love top learn more about these topic in a historiographic setting.

Take Care,
Wade MacMorrighan

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 4 replies

Adulthood Rites of Passage Ritual

2007-02-09T16:44:22Z

Merry Meet Tribe,
I'm trying to come up with some ideals for a mans Rite of Passage ceremony but I'm having trouble finding the info. Ii have found alot of stuff that involves kidnapping the person but thats not quite what Ii'm looking for...
Any help would be great...BB

Love and Blessings, Smokey River

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 22 replies

Herbs of Pan?

2007-02-09T03:44:04Z

Hey guys, I'm currently performing some research on Pan for an anointing oil and incense idea I have in mind, called "Pan's Pipes"! I know that it'll include, at least calymus e.o., and musk oil (anyone know of any good suppliers? I'd look for Musk Abrette Oil, but it's so prhibitively expensive!). I find the latter (Musk Oil) to be sacred to any Horned God associated with sexuality and fertility to whatever extent, particularly in Europe and the Mediterannean; while the prior constitute the subsdtance from which His "pipes" were commonly rendered. Anyhoo...I'm looking for herbs that are rather strictly associated with Pan that bare an established lore. Please cite your sources, too! 'Cause, I adore those "Aha!" moments when I can point to something and say, "So *that's* where that comes from!" For example, I keep seeing the following associated with Pan in either incener or anointing oil for, but no reasons as to why: Pine, Blessed Thistle, Cedar, Juniper, Honeysuckle, Oak, Hemp, Prchis Root, Yarrow, and Pansy (or Violet).

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 0 replies

Horned One, COME!!!

2007-02-08T15:03:36Z

Hey guys, guess what? I was flipping through the latest AzureGreen catalogue (I rarely buy from them anymore unless I see something entirely unique), and I've found something that would make a breathless addition to any Altar devoted to the Horned One!!! It's an "Athame" (though, due to its lack of a black handle, I'd simply term it a "ritual blade") with a cloven-hooved handle!!! In fact, it reminds me of the one Doreen Valiente used to own, if I am not mistaken (hmmm...maybe it was the Farrars?)! Gods, I wish I had more money, so I could buy it! :o) Being jaded, it takes quite a bit to impress me anymore, but this sure as Avalon did the trick! Here's the link: http://www.azuregreen.com/index.html?stocknumber=RA413D So, if you have a love for Old Horny like me, perhaps you might like to purchase such a ritual blade-- it even has a Stag-Motif!

Now, if only their supplier of new Greco-Roman idolotry would carry an image of Pan! According to the owner of a local occult shop, who deals directly with the manufacturer of these same idols, they don't offer a Pan statue. But, she's written them a letter and proposed that they should! I should have asked her for the name of the company, so I could do the same thing! (Anyone, by chance, know the supplier? They look almost like marble, or perhaps even porcelain or alabaster.) Apparently, these images (and the Gods are posatively hunky, though, they cover up all the good bits with fig-leaves!) are inspired from Renaissance paintings of the Gods in question. Heck, were I a servent of Ares, I would have sooooo totally bought His idol! *drool* Heh heh heh... Though, I don't see that AzureGreen offers Him, there's a pretty arrousing image of Dionysos (incidentally, Priests dressed as Satyrs apparently had an endemic ritual role in both He and Pan's respective cults! Fascinating, no?). I've simply never seen a Pan statue that I like, but...if He looks as hunky as the idols I saw at Ancient Ways, I'd buy Him in a HEART-BEAT!!! He'd HAVE to be phallic, however-- anything else would simply be insulting!

Later,
Wade

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 3 replies

Candle Magick Theory...

2007-02-08T03:31:33Z

Just thought I'd start a topic for discussion:

In many books I have seen on Candle Magick, usually not one word is devoted to the topic of "Candle Magick Theory"! So, how would YOU theorize about Candle Magick and explain how is works?

Take Care,
Wade

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 2 replies

Save the Forest this Solstice

2007-02-06T16:54:51Z

Put the Earth Mother first during the Winter Season!
Do you want to help the Redwood Forest while getting your holiday shopping done?
Check out *AVALON RISEN* -- Pagan owned and operated -- with thousands of items:
avalonrisen.mithrilstar.org/
We have spiritual books, jewelry, ritual tools, calendars, kid stuff, clothing, music, statues, crystals, magickal supplies, gifts, curios, and more!

A portion of our profits are donated to campaigns to save the California Coast Redwoods from extinction.

Happy Yule, Winter Solstice, Alban Arthan, Kwanzaa, Chanukah, and Christmas from Cylch Cerddwyr Rhwng y Bydoedd Grove of the Reformed Druids of Gaia!

rdg.mithrilstar.org/

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 1 reply

Goddess worship

2007-02-06T16:49:20Z

I am a Freya worshipper and recently started a tribe dedicated to this love/ sex/ fertility goddess who is said to have introduced (a.o.t.) SEID in the German tribes (in other words she would have been the ´mother´ of European witchcraft).

Anyone who is interested is welcome to join: tribes.tribe.net/clubfreya

Does any of you have nice related artwork or other contributions to share?

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 0 replies

Metals of the Gods...

2007-02-06T16:18:32Z

Hey guys, a friend of mine gave me a book today-- "The Universal Myths: Heroes, Gods, Tricksters and Others", by Alexander Eliot (with contributions by Joseph Campbell & Mircea Eliade; the latter whom Hutton decided to "debunk" in one of his recent books on shamanism, as if yo make his grandfather suck eggs!). Anyway, as I was thumbing through it, I came upon the following passage that I have never heard of, before, in any myths that have come to my attention to date (where the Gods are specifically concerned, as opposed to Renaissance occultism):

"According to classical legend, the minerals common to our planet indicate the erstwhile presence of heavenly bodies here on earth. Iron is the cloak of Mars left behind when he deserted the earth; lead is Saturn's cloak; quicksilver is the claok of Mercury and so on. Gold was the garment of the sun when that burning deity wandered the earth, and silver was the nude moon's headdress" [pp. 94].

So...I was wondering if anyone might know where I might find these specific myths. Hoever, what of Jupiter and tin or Venus and copper *grin*, mythically-speaking? I'd love to find the relavent source-material. *G* When I ran a few search terms through Google this evening, it lead me to a passage from Geoffrey Chacer's The Canterbury Tales; indeed, it has been suggested that one can learn much about the occult prevalent during Chaucer's time from this text. However, the passage in question reads as follows:

"The first of spirits, then, quicksilver is,
The second arsenic, the third, ywis,
Is sal ammoniac, the fourth brimstone.
The seven bodies I'll describe anon:
Sol, gold is, Luna's silver, as we see,
Mars iron, and quicksilver's Mercury,
Saturn is lead, and Jupiter is tin,
And Venus copper, by my father's kin!"
["The Canon's Yeoman's Tale", The Canterbury Tales, stanzas 270-275; c. Thirteenth Century].

Take Care,
Wade

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 1 reply

[Adult!] Crystals for the Horned One?

2007-01-10T00:52:41Z

[I gave this a rather "adult" warning because some facets of ritual will be discussed that many men might find unconfortable, to be polite about it-- although the sheer number of Pagan prudes deeply disturbs me! It seems ironic to be that heterosexual male Pagans would find Paganism so sexually liberating, yet they would be offended, or deeply disturbed, by the mere notion of homosexuality. Sadly, I lost what could have been a great Pagan male friend because of this-- he apparently didn't want to even get to know me because my being Gay made him so phenominally uncomfortable!]:

Hey guys, I'm asking for some advise at the moment. I am researching crystals that are particularly sacred to the Horned One (gemology is *NOT* my strong point, whereas herb-lore *is*!)), as well as various Horned Gods. However, I can only think of three, readily; though, the first two are *somewhat* stretching the boundaries, a bit, so to speak (I'm looking for something uber-specific to a Deity, if at all possible, in my overly pedantic mood):

* Clear Quartz Crystal: According to Scott Cunningham, at regular in tervals, shamans would sprinkle this crystal with deer's blood.
* Amethyst: After the nymph of the same name was mauled by Dionysos' tiger, and subsequenbtly died, she was tansmuted into a cluster of crystals. The lammenting God saught her apology giving her a libation of wine as a token for His sorrow-- it is said to ave absorbed the liquer and turned a deep purple hue as a sign that she forgave Him. This stone contains the essence of wine wgicg was beliueved to be the personification of Dionysos. Hence, when one drunk wine, they were imbibing the God Himself! Reminds one of transubstantiation, don't it? ;o)
* Carnelian: Sacred to the Meditteranian Ram-God, Carneius. He was the son of both Zeus and Europa, as well as one of Apollon's many male lovers. Furthermore, He was conflated with His brilliant par-amour as Apollo-Carneius, or "the Horned Apollo"-- this is thought to have symbolized Their union. While at the island of Thera Carneius was honourd with homoerotic rites.

Anyway, I was planning on getting together with one of a few artisans on-line and commission them to forge a glass dildo for me that I can consecrate to the Horned One.

So, I'm hoping that anyone here might be able to list some crystals that are sacred to Him in many of His guises, as well as why-- and, if you can cite some sources for me, all the better (this is an aspect of my personal education that I would like to further persue).

Take Care,
Wade MacMorrighan
Wade@MacMorrighan.Net
http://MySpace.Com/MacMorrighan

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 0 replies

Pagans in Hawaii

2007-01-02T19:06:06Z

Aloha..

I'm an old soul on a new journey.

Seeking guidance and direction. Anybody know of pagan groups in Hawaii?

Many thanks.

All the best!
Brett

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 0 replies

Reverence for the Phallus...

2006-12-31T22:45:34Z

Hey guys, riddle me this: Why do I see so little reverence for the phallus in our culture? It's as thought it's a part of the male body that is sociologically neutered from our psyche. Though, more to the point, why is the phallus concieved of as being so offensive by women (culturally-speaking), as well as heterosexual men? Hell, have you heard how many women speak about this part of the male anatomy? They speak of it as "icky," "dirty," "gross," etc. Someone even told me that women call Him "turkey neck"! How offensive and disrespectful! And, don't even get them started on forskin-- I've seen some women actualy gag at the thoughts, while some wom,en have already determined that they are going to circumcise their sons before they hgave any because hey are phenominally uncomfortable with the thought of cleaning their penis when he's an infant! And, if you question circumcision to her in any way, she becomes deeply offended!

Even in drunken orgies (not that I have a problem with orgies, mind you) one sees an applicable double-standard in place, such as at Mardi Gras: if a man whips it out even *once*, he gets hauled off to jail, but if a women shows her breasts, she gets a warning, first, and if she does it again, THEN she gets hauled off to jail. Now, if they had limited their law to the showing of one's outward secondary sexual characteristics (ie, breasts for women, and penis for men, and a single offense for each), I wouldn't be harping. But, c'mon!

Why must it be, I wonder, that women's bodies are viewed by Western society as beautiful and sexy (even thier secondary sexual characteristics) but men's parts (even if it's a buldge in his tighty-whities, are viewed as a step away from pornography? Yet, when women are concerned we look the other way... How have we come to this point? How has our culture allowed it?

A friend of mine was telling me, recently, that a woman wrote a letter to the Ed. of The Advocate (a GLBT magazine) because she was offended that there was a buldge in the shorts of the cover model for one month's issue (he happened to be a professional athlete)! My buddy was even telling me that female sports anchores are harping about how "unprofessional" it is that they were changinf in front of her as she was interviewing other players whilst *in* the Locker Room! What the...???

I was just recently (not by choice) reading AOL's headlines the other day when I was confronted with a close-up image of a woman's crotch wearing panties. Now, I know full well that we would NEVER see such exposure of a man! WTF!

Rather, it's as though the aniconic images of the blade and the gun or riffle have come to replace it as a symbol of respect. I mean, I feel as though men have transferred their psycho-sexual (and spiritual) images endemic with respect onto these extended images of violence as a result. They've basically flipped the switch, if you will.

I wonder, if they didn't view their own bodies as gross, or unsexualized they might be able to get back on track. What do you think about the issue?

Take Care,
Wade

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 1 reply

King Warrior Magician Lover

2006-12-29T05:08:43Z

Hi all! I've been reading a book by Robert Moore and Douglas Gillette titled "King, Warrior, Magician, Lover" and found it of interest. I wondered if anyone else has read it and what your thoughts might be if you have.

In case you haven't, the book seems appropriate for discussion by a Pagan men's group because it discusses archetypal "masculine" energy and mythology related to masculinity. One of my favourite insights from the book is that the traditional Patriarchal society is not really based in Mature masculine energy, but rather what the authors refer to as "Boy Psychology." Another topic that seems of particular interest and relevant to a Pagan men's group is the discussion of initiation into a Mature masculine society.

So far I have only gotten about halfway through the book, so these are relatively early insights but I was wondering if anyone else might have comments on the book.

It also seems of interest to those wanting to hold discussions of the Warrior in society, as was mentioned in another thread.

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 7 replies

Ronald Hutton's been served!

2006-12-28T18:26:36Z

LOL... With all due respect to prof. Hutton I've always wanted to be able to say that to someone, regardless of whom. ;o)

Anyway, Hutton apparently wrote an article by the name of: What Did Happen To Lindow Man? Why Britain's best known bog burial can no longer be used as evidence for human sacrifice on Friday, January 30, 2004 [http://www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk/news/articles/TLS_LindowMan.pdf ]. However, in a responce [http://www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk/news/articles/Lindowresponse.pdf ] to this article (on 7 February of the same year; I found these articles purely by accident, btw), one Dr. JD Hill, the curator for the British Museum's British and European Iron Age dept. responded in kind, stating that Hutton made a number of factual errors in his polemic, and was clearly 20 years behind the times and the latest research and evidence!

Hmmm...I wonder what latest research is being advanced (and by what scholars) concerning the theory that the bog bodies are likely evidence for Iron Age Sovereignty Rites?

Personally, I found Hill's responce very refreshing, and would like to thank him some how! After all, it still worries me that no professional scholars of whom I am aware have censured Hutton in any way for his methodological short-comings (that's being polite), or for his sentance structure that implies that he (Hutton) has an omniscient or exhaustive knowledge on a given subject, when, in fact he's simply wrong; or how he refuses to balance the equasion, if you will, by dismising without thought scholars that disagree with the British academic school of thought or institution [eg. Eva Pocs, among many others]; factual errors; how he is allowed to blatantly mischaracterize an author's thesis [eg, Prof. Carlo Ginzburg] as though what evidence Carlo presents isn't really what it means (in other words, he's misinterpreting Ginzburg); as well as refusing to ask some very impoirtant inquestions that should have been evident to him from the very beginning!

These are very important concerns of mine, and I believe that scholars should strive to acknowledge them, because left unchallenged they give a highly misleading impression.

Moreover, I must admit, I find it delightfully ironic that an Archaeologist is repremanding a Historian! After all, it was Hutton in his Stations of the Sun who made the pompous claim that (paraphrasing) Historians simply know more than Archaeologists, because the latter are not Historians!

Of course, I have many, many, reasons for not being able to wholey trust Prof. Hutton-- he was the primary promt that disillusioned me so deeply against Professional Historians (some of these are outlined below):

What bothers me so deeply is how if one dares to question Hutton (regardlessly of how small) they are thoughtlessly dismissed. Sometimes I am called a "History Revisionist" (a term I find particularly offensive), or have been told I'm simply biased, or don't know what I'm talking about, or even, that I'm just pissed because Hutton didn't tell me what I wanted to hear, and so I'm just pitching a fit and looking for any petty excuse to decry him, etc. *sigh* Furthermore, I find it hard to believe that Professional scholars can simply look the other way, and turn a blind eye, to the problems deeply engrained within his texts!

I must admit that the more I learn, the less seriously I am able to take British academia! Yet, British scholars severely come across as though they look down on other geographical branches of academia save theor own-- as though it's seriously them against he world! And, yes, I know that sounds extreme, but I tend to see such an attitude far too often to believe much ese.

Someone asked me, recently (as if it's some sort of sin), why I qualified my endorsement of Ronald Hutton so severely. I should have been more specific than what I was. So, I would like to devote this thread to that. What follows is merely the examples that I could think of, and tack down in his books, within the past few days. Also, I would like to refer the reader to these reviews by Max Dashu and Asphodel P. Long of his The Pagan Religions of the Ancient British Isles; apparently, after Long's review was published, Ronald wrote the journal a letter informing them (according to the Ed., with whom I spoke) that he didn't know enough about the topic before writing about it: http://www.suppressedhistories.net/articles/hutton_review.html (though Hutton stated that Max Dashu "isn't a scholar of any sort!" in a private e-mail that was posted on one Pagan site; the author of said "site" refused to acknowledge Dashu's fair criticism of Hutton, dismissing her thoughtlessly as incorrect purely due to political motives) and http://www.asphodel-long.com/html/pagan_religions.html

Unfortunately, one problem right off the bat is how Hutton is often thoughtlessly dismissive of other scholars that have an opposing view point, as though they're entirely inconsequential. As a result, Hutton's work is sorely in need of an objective stance; he needs to "balance the equasion", if you will... Indeed, he's far too keen on ONLY recommended and advancing those scholars which AGREE with him. It's a shame, however, that many rather gullible Pagans simply wave this through, under the banner of so-called "academic rigour"!!! (Honestly, I'm just a li'l offended by that!) Furthermore, it has come to my attention that Hutton really isn't in the habit of writing a histiography-- other-wise they'd surely be FAR more balanced and objective!-- but works of polemic (there's a major difference)! Here is a list, for ease-of-reference, of many quite egregious problems I have found with his writings:

1.) Ronald Hutton (The Stations of the Sun), in his minimalist zeal, claims that any such notion positing divination within the realms of Samhain were based upon "the flimsy nature" of the evidence gathered by two outstanding British scholars (John Rhys and Keating); evidence which is now believed to be inconsequential in Hutton's *opinion*. Rather, Hutton merely *thinks* that these two academics were in error when gathering the local folk-traditions throughout the British Aisles (an accusation he believes should have been apparent to them from the beginning) because the existence of purification rituals and divination "could be explained either by a connection to the most eerie of Christian feasts (All Saints) or by the fact that they ushered in the most dreaded of all the seasons." Unfortunately, he offers no documented evidence to support his thesis—- just an opinion portrayed as though it were empirical fact. (Where's the evidence, Ron!?!?!) For example, nowhere in this tome does he expressly find any documentation that the Christian feast of All Saints was in any way perceived of as "eerie"—- all we have is his lauded opinion. Nor does Prof. Hutton supply any documentation that portrays the genesis of British divination as one that results from this most "dreaded of all seasons" [Hutton 1996: 363]! Had he bothered to do so, I would have found that to be a far more convincing argument. Hutton's "opinion", here, is clearly unsubstantiated! Why he's putting it forth as fact is anyone guess. Actually, in retrospect, it looks like he's simply selling out, making a name for himself, by brown-nosing the skeptical rationalists! ("Skeptical rationalists" can be defined as those that believe if a thesis can be questioned—- regardless of how feeble their line of questioning or reasoning—- that their thesis is, by default, the correct thesis!) Be that as it may, Hutton apparently believes, privately, that a lack of evidence does not necessarily equate to evidence of non-existance. Gee, you wouldn't know it from his texts! But, I digress... What Hutton also failed to take into account is the endemic folkloric evidence of divination throughout the aisles. Often times divination involves the use of hazelnuts, and often for the purpose of love, rather than survival enquiries, despite how Hutton might paint it. Hazelnuts were sacred to the paleo-pagan Celts and are numerously found in medieval Irish mythological tracts. Furthermore, he seems to have an open disdane for other theories of any kind, yet...he's more than happy (and ready) to supplant his own! Hypocritic, n'est pas?

2.) What bothers me is how Hutton has, rather, engendered a sort of overt form of blind skepticism in modern Pagans where no proof is proof enough to them (perhaps cynicisim might be more apt a denotation)! Now, skepticism is a good thing! However, I don't believe that one should be blindly skeptical. Hutton exemplifies this beautifully when discussing Margaret Murray. As I understand it he basis the demollishion of her as a respectible authority on two primary scholars, Norman Cohn and Kieth Thomas. Well, Cohn is the most problematic of the bunch! Cohn often uses one's age as ammunition to dismiss and critique an author or idea-- and he does likewise to Murray, when he writes, "by the time she turned her attention to these matters she was nearly sixty.[!]" This is discriminatory, and Hutton should have seen this going on in Cohn's book Europe's Inner Deamons—- there's really no excuse in that he ignored it! (Hutton should be ashamed of indirectly endorsing this! In fact, if I recall, back in 1999 in a review of "A Coven Of Scholars" that he wrtote, he actually seems to endorse it when applied towards an unpopular scholar) Then Cohn grossly misrepresents Murray and hence asssassinates her character for generations to come! Cohn accused her of ommitting from the testimony of alledged "witches" anything that would have discredited her-- this is a mendacious lie on Cohn's part! Cohn also accuses her of failing to discuss the problematic nature of certain evidence, which is apparently not the case, for Murray *does* discuss the problematic nature of this "evidence"! Furthermore, if one goes back to compare and contrast what Cohn was saying of Murray with what Murray actually wrote, you would be stupified. In fact, she had apparently not ommitted these passages (as Cohn alleges), but considered them in detail! Indeed, if this is so, it would be practically scandelous that Hutton would be entirely unaware of this, or havng never checked, and just rather blindly relyed upon the "say-so" of another author. (Heck, it's academic suicide, IMO!!!) Now, this is not to say that Murray does not need extensive up-dating; she wrote in the 1930s, after all! But, the scholars that have alledgedly discredited her need to seriously rethink their position. Moreover, during the last week of October I decided to read a little more of my copy of Ginzburg's The Night Battles and read something equally astonishing: According to Prof. Ginzburg, the (now) late Prof. Cohn pretty much pulled the same stunt with Ginzburg's own work! Ginzburg says, "Equally unjustified on the other hand, in my opinion, is the assurance with which [Norman] Cohn, in a polemic with [J.B.] Russell (and also because of a misrepresentation of my book) concluded that, 'the experiences of the benandanti...were all trance experiences.'" [pp. xiv]. However, the late Prof. Cohn would have dismissed this all as illusory and, hence, inconsequential without a second thought! (Hutton himself similarly mischaracterizes Ginzburg's book, albeit more egregiously, as though if he repeats something often enough it'll become fact!) I must admit that I find this pattern deeply disturbing. After all, Hutton's certainly dismissed scholars with whom he fundamentally disagreed for pulling the same crap as Normal Cohn did (even for pulling much less than Cohn and others!). I also find it hard to believe that Hutton could have, in good consciousness, been ignorant of these scholastic failings... That is an unfortunate mistake... Hutton seriously needs to rescind, or at the VERY least, qualify his endorsement of Norman Cohn as a scholar! However, he blatantly refused to do this, even as early as a 2003 issue of [The Cauldron (a British Pagan Journal), despite this evidence. It simply makes Hutton look biased, I'm afraid, and a rather poor scholar, to boot. Honestly, as will be seen again, and again, I have noticed a marked sanctamonious attitude in Hutton's writings—- the rules he applies to others, he does not often apply to himself. A friend of mine that's getting his PhD quipped it to me this way, "Hutton plays fast and loose with the rules."

Heck, Coh lists some very hard to believe reasons for dismissing some entirely uncoerced witchcraft trials! One man was cassually questioned by the authorities, for being what was known as a "Free Spirit", because they were known to practice both male and female homosexuality as they saw the refusal of such desires to be the only "sin". Well, along comes Norman Cohn that completely, without thought, dismissed this account, because the individual was apparently, to him (bearing in mind the man's been dead for centuries, and Cohn has no degree in Psychology!), a "paranoid megalomaniac", "schizophrenic", or "nihilistic"!

No scholars seemed to question Cohn's thinking in *any* way! These seem awefully far-fetched "excuses" for dismissing evidence, to me. I mean c'mon, who's he trying to bull shit!!! In fact, another historian simply dismisses this Medieval individual as "psychopathic"! I, for one, have never seen such abhorrant methodology in all my life, especially when advanced as so-called "academia"!

Refuting other textual documentation that would have refuted Cohn's main thesis (that there were no witches, nor any sense of paleo-pagan "survival") Cohn accuses a few women that freely admitted to attending a sabbat and of night travel of being sinile, when he says of them that this is "something that has hitherto happened in the minds of silly old women." This is not only ageist (his distinctive trade mark), but sexist!

Sadly, Cohn's lies are still repeated by Hutton and other British scholars as though they are empirical facts!

3.) The Stations of the Sun: In a footnote for Chapter 40, Hutton claims empirically of Celticist Dr. John Carey, that he has been yielding astonishing results about paleo-pagan Samhain beliefs and practices from a paper he delivered at The Institute of Historical Research, as well as in an issue of the academic Journal Eriu, which he was not able to acquire. Despite Hutton's claim, according to the above-mentioned friend of mine which has as his academic advisor, Prof. Carey—- not only did the article at hand not deal with Samhain in any significant way, but Carey has never set foot onto "that learned Institution" [ie, The Institute of Historical Research]! (Carey's still curious about why Hutton made this claim.)

4.) In Pagan Religions, Ronald says, "...Odin sacrifices himself to himself, and so gains arcane wisdon. It is one of the most haunting passages in Norse literature, in which readers can at least feel close at least to the inner world of norther European paganism. Or can they? Can it be that the entire episode is the Crucifixion translated into Scandinavian myth? Christ and Odin are both hanged upon a tree (the latter being the common medieval term for a scaffold, applied very often to the cross). Both are pierced by spears, thirst, cry out and are resurrected with infinately greater glory (Odin after nine days, Christ after three). All this is surely too much to be coincidental, and although present-day scholars are divided over whether it is a Chrstian poem or not, it seems beyond question that its form was heavily influenced by Christianity. So, after all, it seems to tell us little about the nature of the older religions of Scandinavia" [pp. 296-7; 1991]. However, rather hypocritically, if you ask me, Hutton bases his conclusions only on the similarities, rather than acknowledging their fundamental differences-- an offense he levied upon such "poor" scholars as Frazer, for example! After all, had any other researcher claimed that the similarities between Osiris, Adonis, Dummuzi, etc. were the most likely authentic anecedants to the Christ myth (because they were obviously "too much to be coincidental") you can be sure that he would have stomped them into the ground with scorn! Indeed, Hutton almost seems too eager to casually default to a Christian explaination—- and it does often appear that Hutton has shifted the burdon of proof (see what I wrote of "skeptic rationalists, above). It is also interesting to note that the Catholic Church has, astonishingly, made many Encyclopedia publishers alter texts that do not portray them in anything but a positive light! But, I digress... Of course, at first glance, it sounds amazingly convincing, for those that don't know much about shamanism (or any topic with which Hutton concerns himself—- he appears to may an iron-clad concincing case to those that don't know any betetr), or even Indo-European studies (something Hutton never brings into play throughout this specific text), etc.! However, I have to wonder if, at this point, Hutton was familiar the works of Mircea Eliade (particularly his master-work, Shamanism: Archaic Techniques of Ecstacy—- a book he later treats as flawed and inconsequential in future writings)? So many contemporary-early, as well as modern (recent) scholars seem to go on about Heathenism being drenched in a various form of shamanism—- yet, this is all but denied in Hutton's book dealing with the subject. One wonders why this corpus of academia is being ignored? To briefly excerpt Davidson Gods & Myths of the Viking Age: "It was thought at one time that this image of the suffering god hanging from the tree must have been derived from the Christian Crucifixion. But, despite certain resemblences, it would seem that here we have something whose roots go deep into heathen thought, and which is no late copy, conscious or unconscious, of the central mystery of the Christian faith. By hanging on a tree, Odin is not sharing in the suffering of the world or saving men from death, but he is there to win the secrets of the runes..." [pp. 144; 1964]. She also goes on to relate that a variety of shamans are "made" by climbing the World Tree (or axis muni), which is a strong "northern" motif. While, other shamanic parallels are also noted: Like the shamans of the Mongols, both they and Odin tethered their respective horses to their percieved "World Trees". This scene is also clearly one in which Odinn is being "sacrificed" in the manner pre-dating the Viking age. For example—- this pre-viking practice entailed that prisoners/sacrifices be hung onto trees which was continued clear up until the 10th. century at Uppsala. I also believe that there may be an echo between Frejya teaching Odinn Her especial Magick, and the Yakut "Bird Mother of Prey" who carries off the prospective shaman to learn his abilities to "shamanize". Indeed, if we accept that this is actually an axis mundi (as Hutton seems hesitant to do, well...actually refusing to acknowledge), than we can clearly see the death and rebirth theme embodied in the psychological transformation of "Authentic"/"Spontanious Initiation"! Davidson also states that Odinn is depicted hanging from a tree in an early Swedish rock art—- though, of what date, I have no idea. Would it be fascinating to find this out? Abso-freakin'-lutely! This is one fascinating claim that I would, personally, love to research! But, unfortunately, in this particular text, Davidson did not relate any information about this stone with which one may use to find further information concerning it. Too bad... But, to back-track slightly, because Odinn is undergoing this horrific experience, I would definately be willing to assert that it is an Initiation experience, due to the fact that He is acquiring a special form of knowledge embodied in a very masculine form of old Norse Magick, known as galdr, which is respectively idetified with the casting of runes. The shamanistic extent by which Odinn is certainly identified is noted in a great many prose tales in which the God appears. Another VERY important question that Hutton should address—- otherwise, I think he's making some rather grand methodological leaps!—- is if this medieval term for a cross/scaffold is found in Germany/Scandinavia; or if it's only found in English/British areas (of which he is, generally, a scholar)? Ater all, if it doesn't appear in Germany or Scandinavia, than Hutton's reductionist theory—- a school of thought that is now rather untenible—- would be impossible to accept! Something else leaps to mind that Hutton also seems to have glossed over: the Christ was NOT "hanged" on a tree; he was nailed to a cross and crucified! Now, Odinn, however—- he WAS literalled "hanged" from a tree. They apparently, so far as I will advance, two completely differenbt modes of dying/death! And, still, I remain skeptical of Hutton's beliefs concerning the World Tree upon which Odinn is hung as being code-word for the cross, unless he could demonstrate that it was similarly known by such language in Germany/Scandinavia when, and especially WHERE, this particular poem was WRITTEN. Now, to my knowledge, he didn't do this—- we're merely supposed to accept him at his word. My own opinions to the side, according to a friend of mine with Asatruar connections, Hutton is apparently 150 years behind the times. "The idea that the Norse myths were substantially affected by either Christianity or Classical Learning was argued by Sophius Bugge. In a series of famous debates with Viktor Rydberg, Bugge's position was defeated, and Rydberg was considered to have fairly won the debates. Rydberg was able to demonstrate the strong Indo-European base to the Germanic myths" [pers. comm.]

5.) Hutton says, again, in Pagan Religions: "None of these images ['Green Man' carvings] could have been a beloved pagan deity, placed in churches by popular demand. The context of this idea was destroyed with the collapse of the Murray thesis, but like that thesis it could hardly have been argued at all by anybody with a real knowledge of the Middle Ages. No churchmen across the entire span of the period described them as such. St. Bernard, in a passage most accessibly printed by Sheridan and Ross, did inveigh against the burgeoning fashion for Romanesque at the beginning of the twelfth century; but his invective does not in fact prove the point suggested by these authors, for he condemned the images as grotesque, silly and expensive, not as pagan. There is abundant evidence, mostly from the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, for the sort of people who paid the masons and comissioned the carvings. Occassionally the whole parish did so, but much more often those responsible were churchmen (above all bishops and abbots), landowners and wealthy merchants. The central point in The Witch Cult in Western Europe was that ordinary people remained adherants to the 'Old Religion' while the ruling class was Christian. And it was that class that determined how churches were decorated. The Wild Man, Sheela-na-Gig and Green Man were all products of that tremendous upswelling of of medieval culture which has been called the Twelfth-Century Renaissance. And like the more famous later Renaissance it ws a Christian movement, even though it drew upon ancient ideas and images" [pp. 316]. However, Medievalist Samantha Riches, in her monograph St. George [Sutton, 2000] argues the following point: "The haunting image of the 'Green Man'-- the foliate face, redolent of the natural world, which sits so uneasily in Christian churches-- has been identified as a pre-Christian form of St. George. It acts as a reminder of his role as an icon of natural fertility; in fact, 'Green George' is a name sometimes given to this image, which may act as a symbol of the return of spring after the temporary triumph of winter. An interesting echo of this aspect of St, George is found in an Islamic analogue known as 'Al khidr', 'Al Khadir', 'El Khudr', 'Khizr' or 'Jiryis Baqiya'. This figure is particularly associated with the area around Palestine, Lebanon and Syria. He is also recognized by Jews under the name 'Eliyahu ha Navi', who is considered to be a special guardian of Israel, and by local Christians as 'Mar Jiryis'; much of the rebuilt church over the shrine at Lydda was converted to a mosque, and it seems that the tomb was positioned squarely between the two sections of the building, and was thus available to both Christian and Moslem devotees. The various names applied to this holy character equate to terms such as 'Living One', 'the Green One' and 'the Ever Green One'; he is thought to derives from the Greek sea god Glaucos, whose name means 'the Blue One' or 'the Green One', a fisherman who achieved immortality, and hence the status of a god, after eating a seashore herb that he had noticed restored his fish to life. Utnapishtim, a charachter in the Gilgimesh epic, attained immortality in a remarkibly similar way, and this parallel may indicate another influence.

"Al Khidr (and his alternative appelations) is reputed to have found the Fountain of Youth, or the Well of Life, which is said to be located near the confluence of the Mediterranean and the Red Sea. Drinking from the fountain confers immortality, and it is claimed that Al Khidr has been repeatedly killed and resurrected; one story involves the martyrdom at the behest of a pagan king. Some traditions state that Al Khidr bathed three times in the Well of Life: in consequence, his skin and all his apparel turned entirely green, and he leaves green foot prints wherever he goes. [...]" [pp. 33] Not only would it appear that we have an image of a paleo-pagan Deity from Indo-European consequence, but...Hutton appears to be angaging in intimidation tactics. According to another friend of mine, scholars all over the place—- though, seemingly more so in the US and UK—- practice intimidating other academics from voicing a difference in scholastic opinion (usually that of the minority). Stating that "no one with a real knowledge of the Medieval period" would say such-and-such is clearly intimidating! Indeed, this is often why scholars cannot follow protocol and admit that there are reputible views that differ from their own, because there is a large tactic of suppression taking place.

6.) In Triumph of the Moon I found this interesting tidbit, that never seemed to add-up. Basically, Hutton seems to be claiming that there's no evidence for the iconography of The Devil having stemmed from paleo-pagan images from other Deities: "The half-animal nature of the horned god, after all, gave him a much more obvious parallel in Christian mythology than the figure of Jesus, and one absolutely opposed. There is here, indeed, a fascinating possibility which must be left open, because at present we appear to lack a propper study of images of the Devil in modern culture, to complement a large amount of first-rate scholarship upon those in ancient and medieval times. Between 1100 and 1700, both artistic representations and confessions extracted from alleged witches certainly portray Satan at times as half-goat, and often with horns. More often, however, the horns are those of a bull, and his most common characteristics are clawed feet, long ears, and wings (or a bat or a dragon). He is also featured combined with a wide range of other animals, dogs and snakes being the most common, or a a black, or black-clothed, man. It does seem as if the standard modern conception of the Devil as a being with cloven hooves, goat's horns and pointed beard is a ninteenth-century creation, representing a growing Christian reaction towards the importance of Pan as an alternative focus for the literary imagination." [pp. 46]. Yet, in J.B. Russell's 1977 monograph, The Devil (a scholar with whom Hutton is certainly familiar), we find the following statement in numerous transmutations: "The goat form of the Devil derives primarily from the image of Pan. From such theriomorphic ancestors the Devil inherited his claws, cloven hooves, hairiness, huge phallus, wings, horns, and tail" [pp. 254]. Hence, it seems to me that Huttons is severely down-playing this "transferrence", if you will.

7.) Hutton, unfortunatelty, is rather thoughtlessly dismissive of Hungarian Prof., Eva Pocs. In her lit.—- as well as the majority view amongst European scholars—- (from reading Hutton, however, it almost seems like it's the British scholars against the world!), she has found a distinct shamanistic antacedent in Medieval witchcraft belief. She investigated over 2000 records and documents, trials and testimonies from the time (the largest in recent history) to come to this conclusion! In fact, the vast majority of these documents would not be available to the Enghlish-speaker were it not for Prof. Pocs. In a PROPER historiography, Hutton should have at LEAST made mention that most scholars in Europe believe she does, and naming those scholars that are spear-heading this popular European thesis. Yet, such a converse thesis is "conveniently" ignored in Hutton's lit., as though such a disagreeing thesis from any scholar did not exist! However, (finally) in responce to it, Hutton only engages in pure *pedantry* in that 2003 ed. of The Cauldron. In fact, it takes him so long to respond to the mention of Pocs that one wonder's if he'd even read her lit. or merely taken the say-so of another collegue. Rather, Hutton entirely dismisses Pocs. as inconsequential because, "like most British scholars" he *believes* she uses the word "shamanistic" incorrectly—- he believes it can *only* be applied to the tribal spiritual practices of the Arctic north, such as Siberia, never mind that her use of the term is only a freaking similie rather than a blatant metaphore of any sort! Am I the only one that finds this shocking and ill-educated on Hutton's part? Hutton seems, at least to me, to be scraping for any reason to reject a scholar or thesis! I, personally, find that *highly* insulting to my intelligence! Though, most of Hutton's dismissals I find highly insulting to my intelligence, for that matter.

8.) And, finally, a couple other points that really seemed to come to the surface this week, because they bothered me so desperately (I happened to by a new book last weekend by Peter Beresford Ellis that supplied a lot of tested-and-true evidence to the contrary; it's what brought this particular facet to mind, I believe): "...it may be seen already that there is a strong possibility that the whole concept of the Tuatha de Danaan was invented by storytellers, perhaps working in the early Christian era and influenced by the Graeco-Roman myths.... Goddesses rarely feature in the Irish literature as maternal or nurturing, being more often aggressive and vorascious in their sexuality and bloodlust. Whether they represented role models for self-assertive Celtic women, or the fantasies of pagan Celtic male warriors, or the nightmares of the Christian monks who wrote the stories, is an open questiion" [pp.152]. While on page 296 pf The Pagan Religions Hutton further claims, "It is very likely that when writing of the Tuatha de Danaan, the Irish were not recording something in which their ancestors believed but fitting old deities into a structure inspired by the Greek pantheon." He even makes the following claim back on page 152, "...there is no trace in the Irish or Welsh literature of any deity associated with the sun (or moon)." Well, what pf Graine(sp?), whose name means "Sun"? Etymologically, The Daghdha even seems certainly associated with the Sun, when many of his epithets are taken into account, as well, according to Dr. Daithi O hOgain. So, I must wonder what he is denoting as "evidence", and what has so convinced him? Hutton certainly doesn't say, and I believe he *should* have... I certainly would be fascinated in the reasons! But, I digress... Early Hutton seems to be claiming, in essence, is that what insular narrative literature we have on record [eg, The Tain] is purely a case of the mediaval Irish monks re-telling Greek myths! Whereas, Ellis states that several scholars are firm in their acknowledgement that insular narrative literature contains certain direct parallels to Indic/Hindu religion, culture and mythology...not just through linguistics. Now, Ellis has said something similar to this before, such as in his book The Druids, but it was confined seemingly to Celtic culture and linguistics. Here, he is far more forceful and applies it, also, to mythology, etc.! According to Ellis' The World of the Ancient Celts, Celticist Myles Dillon made this statement around 1977; there are scholars that have found similar seemingly-direct parallels through inscriptions, that only seem to reflect Hindu mythological themes, etc. Also, concerning the sexuality of the Celtic Goddesses, he doesn't seem very well versed in the Celtic Goddess as Sovereign-Goddess and Land-Goddess, which can explain such occurances, rather than male warrior fantasies, or Christian nightmares! In fact, amongs Celticists, this theory is as old as about the middle of the 20th century. *sigh* Looks like you're way behind the times, Ron!

Also of interest, an Alexandiran from New Zealand I've located has been tracking down and reading all of Hutton's sources in his Triumph Of The Moon, and found gross mischaracterization, as he relates two examples:

"1.) Hutton paints Leland as a crank and a forger, claiming that Aradia (Herodias) is clearly a figure from Christian not pagan theology and that no other Italian folklorist has found evidence for the Vangel. At this critical point in assassinating Leland's character, he neglects to mention that the eminent Italian historian Carlo Ginzburg famously identified the Benandanti, a cult with more than passing resemblance to the beliefs Leland recorded. Ginzburg also clearly demonstrated the non-Christian origin of the name Herodias ("Hera-Diana", which was normalised by the Church to "Herodias"). Despite Hutton purporting to critique Ginzburg's work elsewhere in TotM, he is either unaware of the main contents of Ginzburg's work, or he purposely ignores it. Other, more detailed scholarly analyses of Aradia, or the Gospel of the Witches since have arrived at much more balanced conclusions (see the article). (Note that I'm not claiming there is a link between the Benandanti and Leland's strega, just that Hutton has misrepresented the facts.)

"2.) One of Hutton's most pivotal claims in TotM is that modern pagan witchcraft cannot be historically-based, because there was no witchcraft, or even any form of pagan religion on which witchcraft could be based, still existing by the early modern era. Apparently not a single person persecuted was a practitioner of a pagan religion. His main support of this is simply citing seven of his creme-de-la-creme of modern scholars, with very little supporting discussion. Some of these are in foreign language, but of those in English, at least two directly contradict Hutton, freely talking about the influences of old pagan religious practices. A particularly juicy chapter is in the cited book by Monter (I think it was Monter, not Midelfort, I don't have any of this in front of me), about white witchcraft, which evaluates the beliefs of witches in France and England, and describes how the "green devils" in the woods were probably old pagan gods and the saints' shrines to which ill people were sent were probably actually dedicated to old pagan gods with a Christian veneer. Of the other books he cites (that are in a language I can read) none make the claim that Hutton does. They demonstrate that most accused "witches" were normal Christians, but they certainly don't go as far as saying "not a single person accused...". A moderate familiarity with the current academic work on the witch-trial period actually reveals Hutton's position as extreme and atypical. (Note that this is not support for a widespread organised witch-cult in Europe, such as Margaret Murray proposed, just another instance of extreme oversimplification and misrepresentation of other authors.)

"These are two examples of extreme over-generalisation and oversimplification, a lack of balance, a bias or a POV if you will. I can't comment on Hutton's motives, but I've found similar fallacies and misrepresentations scattered through his work. Dashu, despite being labelled as a "feminist", has so far seemed remarkably balanced, and is, as far as I have been able to ascertain, solidly grounded in fact."

But, what I would REALLY like to know is why scholars have failed to censure Hutton, as though they're afraid of doing so, for fear of tarnishing their "reputations"! Where is the "check-and-balance" system? Of course, I could surely find further errors, if I went back to re-read every page he's ever written cover-to-cover! There are likely even those that I have forgotten over the eyars, such as this gem that comes to mind:

According to Hutton, in The Pagan Religions, the Gardnerian/Alexandrian (of course, he's citing Janet & Stewart Farrar) cocept of the Goddess cannot be attributated to paleo-paganism in any way—- but it stems soley from Zoroastrian, and by extension to Christianity. This is simply incorrect information and proves that he knows nothing about Zoroastrianism! Rather, Zoroastrianism deals with a seperate and distinct God of Light pitted against a seperate and distinct God of Evil! This is simply not found within the Thealogy of modern Pagan Witchcraft! Hence, Hutton is attempting to complicate Neo-Pagan religious thought more than it is; he is seperating a single Goddess into two, in essence. This simply shows his lack of understanding—- strange, however, given that he was a Gardnerian when writign this text! He even dedicated it to the Clan of the Oak—- albeit he qualified it with a blatant lie. Hutton wrote in the preface that he was accepted into this Clan, and many opther Groups, because he was a professional Historian! However, according t these groups that have since spoken out about the claim, Hutton was allowed into their practices because he was a vouched-for Gardnerian Witch! This is, yet, another example of his mendacity, I fear.

Okay, rant mode off... ;o)

Happy Holidays,
Wade
myspace.com/MacMorrighan
MacMorrigaine@AIM.Com

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 0 replies

An Intro.

2006-12-28T05:19:00Z

I'm a Witch, yes, a Witch-- just don't tell that to my folks that, or they'll accuse you of not being able to spell! LOL... Okay, that's my bad attempt at a joke that I ripped off-- err, ugh...I mean was "inspired by"-- Bell, Book, and Candle. *G*

I have been studying/practicing Witchcraft [not "Wicca," per se] for nearly a decade. However, my journey to this religion was quite an interesting one, to say the least. At first they seemed like random coincidence, however, when you have more than one coincidence right after the other, you have what is known as "synchonicity", which basically means that it was meant to happen. Even Carl Jung, who was a student of Freud, believed in synchonicity! He defines it as, "The coincidence in time of two or more causally unrelated events which have the same meaning."

It began with a life long interest in The Occult; a life-long "calling" if you will. I was never reared into many of the Christian trappings of guilt, even though my parents went to church on the extremely odd occasion (like, once every 10 years, or so)-- and for that I consider myself greatful. And, so, my jorney began... (Yeah, I can be heavy on metaphores!)

While I attended Junior High School I became quite environmentally aware (I was always a hippy at heart); and, also, quite interested in Native American religion, including my own Irish-Celtic heritage; much like many Witches that I know, I also absorbed all of the mythology that I could get my hands ahold of throughout Jr. High, etc. Two of my favourite books-- at that early time-- were the clasics: Bulfinch's Mythology and Brian Froud's Fairies. Though, these were really all I could really find in my very limited school district!

These formative years were quite literally years of progression: Because I was always pretty "psychic", from a very early age, I saught to explain these abilities-- I should also mention that I'm a dyed-in-the-wool skeptic at heart! So, I hit the books, trying to quench my desire for knowledge, which wasn't easy in the small town that I grew-up in, as the libraries were equally as small and sorely under stocked. I wanted to know how to explain them-- their physiological basis.

It seemed shortly after my initiation into the realms of parapsychology that my family & myself began to study the Mormon faith. And, it was also during this treatise, that my whole spiritual perception was forever changed: I, being the cheaky 12 year old I happened to be, took it upon myself to seriously question what I was told and asking some very advanced questions-- for any age, really! One such life-altering example occured one evening when the missionaries stopped by for their weekly "lesson". And, so, because we had been taught from the beginning that we are Jesus's brothers and sisters, and that we are God's children (literally), and having a basic working knowledge of genetics & family structure, I asked, 'Well, if we are God's children, and Jesus is our brother... Does God have a wife?', using the words and knowledge available to me at the time, for I had never really given time to thinking of (nor been exposed to) the feminine pronoun of "God" as "Goddess" per se, as a practical aspect of religion-- this was before my later interest in ancient religions. So, I simply used the word "wife". Their answer? "We believe He does, but...He loves Her so much that He does not reveal Her name to us!" Strange seeing as how they taught us that His actual Name was "Jehova"-- an ancient Pagan Name of the God from the Middle East who probably had a bull-cult! But, they admonished me with the following, "But, we don't pray to Her!" What the...?!?! Why in the world not?!?! "Nuts to that," I thought! And, it was from that moment that I began to pray to the Goddess.

But, my formal introduction into the religion of Witchcraft would wait until my first year of college. It was through a friend, naturally enough. She was performing some research on it, herself, and when I saw the word "Wicca" (having never been exposed to that term before) I simply asked her what it was. And, so began my journey into The Craft. Because, it pulled together everything I had experienced & believed & researched so much earlier in my life... It was truly a Home Coming!

I do consider myself lucky, however, because I knew that Witchcraft was nothing "evil" or in any way associated with any "devil" or other such nonsense. (It is interesting to note that the word demon was origionally Greek and, rather than referring to something "evil" originally denoted a genus, or spirit, with implications of "divine wisdom"; while in Latin, when rendered as daemon, it means "divinity" or "spirit"; and the word devil, actually means "little god".) Thanks, in no small part, to Leonard Nimoy's old 70s series 'In Search Of...' (I love that show; I still gladly make time to watch it whenever I catch it airing on Sci Fi). On one episode it did, in fact, detail a coven of American Witches and interviewed them so that we may walk away with a wonderful understanding of another religion, quite different from those that most knew. Incidentally, [perhaps this is synchronicity at work, again, as we will see?] the Coven of Witches was those presided over by Laurie Cabot!

But, I digress... My friend had only a passing interest in it, and soon dropped it altogether, which leads me to believe that I may have, perhaps, been lead down this Path from the very beginning-- because I firmly believe that many things happen for a reason-- call it "synchronicity"! Even physicists believe in synchronicity!-- Dr. F. David Peat defines it as: "coincidences that are so unusual and so psychologically meaningful they don't seem to be the result of chance alone." Thus, it is through synchronicity that we may be able to glimpse a deeper order to reality!

I found it utterly fascinating, and felt the calling of the Goddess, and that of my ancient Celtic heritage, once again, since all those long years ago. So, I began to further research it (as best I could, anyway). And, eventually found it frustrating, because I wasn't finding the answers to many of the questions I was asking-- questions which many books, at the time, seemed to avoid, with such dodgy answers as "You have to believe in spells for them to work!" without giving any rational, logical, or left-brained reason "to believe".

And so, in the time that I began to doubt my "faith" (relatively-speaking), I raised my voice in a silent petition to the Gods asking for Their guidance in answering the questions that I saught! (You have to realize that I come from a world in which "spells" are given over to the world of dreams and "fairy tales", with no factual basis in reality.) And, They did! A book found its way to me, as an answer to that humble prayer. It described, using Quantum Mechanics, a world and Universe that makes sense to the Witch! Having, since then, read a number of books on physics, I came up with the following analogy: The more I read about it, the more the Universe seems like the film The Matrix, if you've seen it (I happened to be reading a book on physics [The Holographic Universe], one evening, while The Matrix was airing on HBO, I believe, when this conclusion occured). But, I digress... The book-- which still holds a highly place on my book shelf and those that I can in good consciousness recommend-- was Laurie Cabot's The Power of the Witch: A Witch's Guide to Her Craft. (The two chapters, "Alpha" and "The Science of Witchcraft" are worth the cost of the book alone!)

Soon after, however, my Matron-Goddess, The Morrighan ["Great Queen"] came to me upon one Lughnasadh Eve. It's quite a lovely story, and I hope you enjoy it [it's actually one of my favorite stories to tell!]:

"Generally-speaking, if you ask most ol'-time Witches, they'll tell you that the Gods choose us, rather than the other way around. I live in a small town (a farming community) surrounded on all sides (for miles) by farms, fields & farmers! And, in the field in front of me, off in the distance (on the Eve prior to Lughnasadh) I was treated to a spectacular fireworks display! I have often wondered if the farmers new that this was the Eve of a Sabbat, or that it was at least a Harvest Feastival!?!?!? So, soon after the last whisp of light faded into the warm embrace of the night, I went back inside, and retired to bed. That night, one of The Morrighan's triplicities (whom is also frequently honoured on Lughnasadh) came to me in a dream; She came to me in the guise of the Macha ['Plain' or 'Field']! And, because I'm sure The Goddess knows how stubborned and left-brained I can sometimes be, She came to me on the Eve after Lughnasadh; this time as The Morrighan, dressed in Her dark robes & vestments. That was enough for me to take the hint! I have worshipped Her ever since! And, since, I have heard music in the call of the crow...felt Her black wings of protection & love! After all, we worship the Old Gods because we love Them." Also, contrary to what modern Pagans like to believe, She was not (and is not) a War-Goddess, but an Earth-Goddess-- at least according to to modern academia, as I have reseaarched Her.

Furthermore, my "Pagan name", if you will, came via similar means, as well. Albeit, a very few years there after. It is merely a spiritually adopted surname: Wade MacMorrighan [Ir., "Wade Son of The Morrighan"*]. It came to me, one quiet night, during a light state of trance. And, being as stubborn, as I often am, I could not accept it at face value. So, I had to validate it, rather than seem somewhat foolish in adopting a senseless spiritual name. And, it so happens that it was correct! As with all things, I neither chose this name, nor the Goddess whom I serve!

* Similar to other such Irish-Gaelic names, although this patronymic happens also to be Scottish-Gaelic, as Manannan mac Lir [Ir., Manannan "Son of the Sea"], Aengus Mac Og [Aengus the "Son of Youth"] or Mac Grinene [Ir., "The Son of the Sun"], etc.

Oh, and, incidentally, because of my belief in synchronicity, I am in the process of writing a few books, too (more than a few, actually)! For about 3 months straight, I'd talk to several fellow pagans, or dear friends of mine (this was about 3 years ago), and talk about this-or-that, and each one would say to me, "You should write a book!" So, I am! I'm actually co-authoring two with a well known British Pagan author-friend of mine, and have permission to use the local history museum, and the Museum of Witchcraft in Boscastle, England, to perform some further research! I can't wait!

Other than that, the only other bit of information I have to add is this: I'm a Consecrated Priest of the Irish Earth-Goddess, The Morrighan (don't take my word for it, look it up if you don't believe me-- please; often people don't, despite the current thinking that's so often dismissed as "inconsequential"!). And, unlike some other posers that are skulking about the cyberspace, She chose me to serve Her, rather than so many Buffy Bunnies (and Fluff Bunnies) invoking Her to their pedantic ends, or what they think She is based upon specious, "fixed," late 19th. century pseudo-scholarship.

But, I really am a nice guy, honest! I just tend to get upset by all of the posers that plague modern Pagan Witchcraft these days. Especially the anti-Fluffy Fundamentalists (despite the fact that I'm as anti-Fluffy as all get-out, but not to such an extreme!) which are just as bad as the Fluffy Bunnies in many respects (they like to tell everyone how wrong they are, or claim one's research is crap, despite the shifting winds of academia or methodology), or enact out-and-out character assassination for no other reeason than their own selfish Egos. Another personal quibble I only very generally admit to having is that such individuals refuse to, for example, question what they are "taught," taking it for granted as some "holy writ"! "Initiation" is a prime example of this: Far too many so-called "Pagans" (and un-Initiated, too boot!) are under the impression that it denotes a membership into a secret club, to learn said "secrets". In other words, this is the ONLY acceptible definition of "Initiation". Well, this is only an erroniously simplistic definition as far as I'm concerned. And, for this reason, I have differentiated what I term "Ritual Initiation" from "Authentic Initiation"-- an "Authentic Initiation" (which may include "Spontanious Initiation") being that which cannot be bestowed upon by anyone else, but can only, ultimately, come from within; The Charge of the Goddess even speaks of this! In fact, the author of The Charge Of The Goddess, Doreen Valiente, also questioned the Initiatory-mandate that "only a Witch can make a Witch"!-- she's my hero (another hero of mine is UCLA Archaeologist, Marija Gimbutas, because she dared to interprate)! I also recommend Mircea Eliade's Shamanism: Archaic Techniques In Ecstacy for an examination of a shamanistic-Initiation cycle.

I really have to grind my teeth when the "Occult Police" take to throwing their weight around! So, enough of my ranting...I'm sure you're sick of it by now!

Albeit I do not consider myself "Wiccan"-- despite the fact that this was the method through which I came to The Craft-- structurally-speaking (it even applies to the 8 Sabbats that I personally celebrate-- hey, I'd be mad to turn down a chance to party! LOL) I follow "Wiccan" proceedures to an extent, while following at the heart of my practice what may best be described as Gaelic Traditionalism (i.e., Reconstructionism). So, I guess one could define me as a cross between a Witch-Priest and a Gaelic Traditionalist/Reconstructionist!

Thanks for letting me ramble, a bit!

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 0 replies

Has Anyone Else Noticed a Change?

2006-12-24T09:12:49Z

Does anyone else feel a change or shift today? I feel "lighter," more focused, like a weight has been lifted. I woke up like this and it's stayed with me all day. I feel like nothing can bring me down (emotionally and mentally). I even feel better physically than I have in months, and it's been cold, rainy and dark all day.

Has anyone else noticed this? It just so happens today is the actual Winter Solstice. Coincidence?

Blessings,

Raven Knight Magick

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 2 replies

ISO A "Chalice"... ;o)

2006-12-16T07:31:44Z

Okay, now this may sound like a somewhat vague, and way-too-open-ended question, but... I am-- as time and funds allow-- searching for a very specific chalice! Now, granted, I already own one (you may view it on my Blog or Profile at: http://MySpace.Com/MacMorrighan ), but...I merely settled for "less than best" in this situation. Heck, I just don't have it within me to appreciate most of the chalices that I see for sale in Pagan stores in the US. *shrugs* Although, to your credit, I must admit that I do see an aweful lot of superior and beautiful ritual Regalia throughout the UK! But, I digress...

If someone here could turn to their copy of Janet and Stewart Farrar's brilliant The Witches' Goddess, and find photographic plate #18, that reads: "Arianrhod Ritual: The Dark Goddess and (on the right) the Bright Goddess." This same chalice also makes frequent appearances in their Witches Bible compilation. This is, asthetically-speaking, what I have been looking for in a "Chalice", but simply haven't seen one around.

And, so, I wrote a polite e-mail to them (that is to say I wrote Janet and Gavin) enquiring about their lovely chalice! Unfortunately, I seem to have lost that-- I saved it, but cannot seem to locate it anywhere... Anyway, they told me that in England they are popular wedding gifts (or, perhaps, they were at least when they wrote these books). So, they said I should check some stores about a certain posh-sounding area of London...but, of course, I'd lost that e-mail, and cannot recall the area or stores they recommended any clearer.

So...I was wondering if anyone here might recognize this sort of chalice (preferribly if it's real silver!) in any shops or even on-line (heck, preferribly if said "shop" has a web-site!). In fact, I thought to ask because I know so few Pagans from the UK, or many with such connections. Hey, it can't hurt, after all.

Okay, enough from me this evening...

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 0 replies

Prof. Ronald Hutton

2006-12-16T04:05:07Z

Hey guys, I was just wondering if anyone, here, has had any problems with the polemical literature put out by Prof. Ronald Hutton? I must admit that the more I learn, the less seriously I am able to take British academia! Yet, British scholars severely come across as though they look down on other geographical branches of academia save theor own-- as though it's seriously them against he world! And, yes, I know that sounds extreme, but I tend to see such an attitude far too often to believe much ese.

Someone asked me, recently, why I qualified my endorsement of Ronald Hutton so severely. I should have been mre specific than what I was. So, I would like to devote this thread to that. ]:) What follows is merely the examples that I could think of, and tack down in his books, within the past few days. Also, I would like to refer the reader to these reviews by Max Dashu and Asphodel P. Long of his The [i]Pagan Religions of the Ancient British Isles[/i]; apparently, after Long's review was published, Ronald wrote the publication a letter informing them (according to the Ed.) that he didn't know enough about the topic before writing about it: www.suppressedhistories.net/arti....html and www.asphodel-long.com/html/pa...ons.html (Personally, I can't wait until Max's several volume series on "The Secret History of the Witches" is published!) www.suppressedhistories.net/secr...html)

Unfortunately, one problem right off the bat is how Hutton is, often, thoughtlessly dismissive of other scholars that have an opposing view point, as though they're entirely [b]inconsequential[/b]. As a result, Hutton's work is sorely in need of an objective stance; he needs to "balance the equasion", if you will... Indeed, he's far too keen on ONLY recommended and advancing those scholars that AGREE with him. It's a shame, however, that many rather gullible Pagans simply wave this through, under the banner of so-called "academic rigour"!!! (Honestly, I'm just a li'l offended by that!) Furthermore, it has come to my attention that Hutton really isn't in the habit of writing a histiography-- other-wise they'd surely be FAR more balanced and objective!-- but works of [i]polemic[/i]! Here is a list, for ease-of-reference, of many quite egregious problems I have found with his writings:

[b]1.)[/b] Ronald Hutton ([i]The Stations of the Sun[/i]), in his minimalist zeal, claims that any such notion positing divination within the realms of [i]Samhain[/i] were based upon "the flimsy nature" of the evidence gathered by two outstanding British scholars (John Rhys and Keating); evidence which is now believed to be inconsequential in Hutton's opinion. Rather, Hutton merely thinks that these two academics were in error when gathering the local folk-traditions throughout the British Aisles (an accusation he believes should have been apparent to them from the beginning) because the existence of purification rituals and divination "could be explained either by a connection to the most eerie of Christian feasts (All Saints) or by the fact that they ushered in the most dreaded of all the seasons." Unfortunately, he offers no documented evidence to support his thesis—- just an opinion portrayed as though it were empirical fact. (Where's the evidence, Ron!?!?!) For example, nowhere in this tome does he expressly find any documentation that the Christian feast of All Saints was in any way perceived of as "eerie"—- all we have is his lauded opinion. Nor does Prof. Hutton supply any documentation that portrays the genesis of British divination as one that results from this most "dreaded of all seasons" [Hutton 1996: 363]! Had he bothered to do so, I would have found that to be a far more convincing argument. Hutton's "opinion", here, is clearly unsubstantiated! Why he's putting it forth as fact is anyone guess. Actually, in retrospect, it looks like he's simply selling out, making a name for himself, by brown-nosing the skeptical rationalists! ("Skeptical rationalists" can be defined as those that believe if a thesis can be questions, regardless of how feeble their questioning, that there is, hence, the correct thesis by default!) Be that as it may, Hutton apparently believes, privately, that a lack of evidence does not necessarily equate to evidence of non-existance. Gee, you wouldn't know it from his texts! But, I digress... What Hutton also failed to take into account is the endemic folkloric evidence of this divination. Often times it involves the use of hazelnuts, and often for the purpose of love divination, rather than survival, as Hutton might paint it. Hazelnuts were sacred to the paleo-pagan Celts and are numerously found in medieval Irish mythological tracts. Furthermore, he seems to have an open disdane for other theories of any kind, yet...he's more than happy (and ready) to supplant his own! Hypocritic, [i]n'est pas[/i]?

[b]2.)[/b] What bothers me is how Hutton has, rather, engendered a sort of overt form of blind skepticism in modern Pagans where no proof is proof enough to them! Now, skepticism is a good thing! However, I don't believe that one should be blindly skeptical. Hutton exemplifies this beautifully when discussing Margaret Murray, as I understand it... He basis the demollishion of her as a respectible authority on two primary scholars, Norman Cohn and Kieth Thomas. Well, Cohn is the most problematic of the bunch! Cohn often uses one's age as ammunition to dismiss and critique an author or idea-- and he does likewise to Murray! He says of her, "by the time she turned her attention to these matters she was nearly sixty." This is discriminatory, and Hutton should have seen this going on in Cohn's book [i]Europe's Inner Deamons[/i]-- there's really no excuse in that he ignored it! (Hutton should be ashamed of indirectly endorsing this! In fact, if I recall, back in 1999 in a review of "A Coven Of Scholars" that he wrtote, he actually seems to endorse it) Then Cohn grossly misrepresents Murray and hence asssassinates her character for generations to come! Cohn apparently accused her of ommitting from the testimony of alledged "witches" anything that would have discredited her-- [i]this[/i] is a mendacious lie on Cohn's part. Cohn also accuses her of failing to discuss the problematic nature of certain evidence, which is apparently not the case, for Murray [i]does[/i] discuss the problematic nature of this "evidence"! Furthermore, if one goes back to compare and contrast what Cohn was saying of Murray with what Murray actually wrote, you would be stupified! In fact, she had apparently not ommitted these passages, but had considered them in detail! Indeed, if this is so, it would be practically scandelous that Hutton would be entirely unaware of this, or havng never checked, and just rather blindly relying upon the "say-so" of another author. (Heck, it's academic suicide, IMO) Now, this is not to say that Murray does not need extensive up-dating; she wrote in the 1930s, after all! But, the scholars that have alledgedly discredited her need to seriously rethink their position. Moreover, during the last week of October I decided to read a little more of my copy of Ginzburg's [i]The Night Battles[/i] and read something equally astonishing! According to Prof. Ginzburg, the late Prof. Cohn pretty much pulled the same stunt with Ginzburg's own work! Ginzburg says, "Equally unjustified on the other hand, in my opinion, is the assurance with which [Norman] Cohn, in a polemic with [J.B.] Russell (and also because of a misrepresentation of my book) concluded that, 'the experiences of the benandanti...were all trance experiences.'" [pp. xiv]. However, the late Prof. Cohn would have dismissed this all as illusory and, hence, inconsequential without a second thought! (Hutton himself similarly mischaracterizes Ginzburg's book, as though if he repeats something often enough it'll become fact!) I must admit that I find this pattern deeply troubling. After all, Hutton's certainly dismissed scholars with whom he fundamentally disagreed for pulling the same crap as Normal Cohn did. I also find it hard to believe that Hutton could have, in good consciousness, been ignorant of theses scholastic failings... That is an unfortunate mistake... Hutton seriously needs to rescind, or at the VERY least, qualify his endorsement of Norman Cohn as a scholar! However, he blatantly refuses to do this, even as early as a 2003 issue of [i]The Cauldron[/i], a British Pagan Journal, despite this evidence. It simply makes Hutton look biased, I'm afraid, and a rather poor scholar, to boot. Honestly, as will be seen again, and again, I have noticed a marked sanctamonious attitude in Hutton's writings-- the rules he applies to others, he does not often apply to himself.

Heck, Coh lists some very hard to believe reasons for dismissing some entirely uncoerced witchcraft trials! One man was cassually questioned by the authorities, for being what was known as a "Free Spirit", because they were known to practice both male and female homosexuality as they saw the refusal of such desires to be the only "sin". Well, along came Norman Cohn that completely, without thought, dismissed this account, because the individual was apparently, to him (bearing in mind the man's been dead for centuries, and Cohn has no degree in Psychology!), a "paranoid megalomaniac", "schizophrenic", or "nihilistic"!

No scholars seemed to question Cohn's thinking in any way? They seem awefully far-fetched "excuses" for dismissing evidence, to me! After all, not even a detective or attorney would buy such blanket statements imposed upon one that's been dead for 100s of years! I mean c'mon, who's he trying to bull shit!!! In fact, another historian simply dismisses this Medieval individual as "psychopathic"! I, for one, have never seen such abhorrant methodology in all my life, especially when advanced as so-called "academia"!

Refuting other textual documentation that would have refuted Cohn's main thesis (that there were no witches, nor any sense of paleo-pagan "survival") Cohn accuses a few women that freely admitted to attending a sabbat and of night travel of being sinile, when he says of them that this is "something that has hitherto happened in the minds of silly old women." This is not only ageist (his distinctive trade mark), but sexist!

Sadly, Cohn's lies are still repeated by him and other British scholars as though they are empirical facts!

[b]3.)[/b] [i]The Stations of the Sun[/i]: In a footnote for Chapter 40, Hutton claims empirically of Celticist Dr. John Carey, that he has been yielding astonishing results about paleo-pagan Samhain beliefs and practices from a paper he delivered at The Institute of Historical Research, as well as in an issue of the academic Journal [i]Eriu[/i] which he was not able to acquire. Despite Hutton's claim, according to a friend of mine-- a Pagan that is in the process of attaining his PhD. in Celtic Studies, who has as his academic advisor, Prof. Carey-- not only did the article at hand not deal with Samhain in any significant way, but Carey has never set foot onto "that learned Institution" [ie, The Institute of Historical Research]! (Carey's still curious about why Hutton made this claim.)

[b]4.)[/b] In [i]Pagan Religions[/i], Ronald says, [i]"...Odin sacrifices himself to himself, and so gains arcane wisdon. It is one of the most haunting passages in Norse literature, in which readers can at least feel close at least to the inner world of norther European paganism. Or can they? Can it be that the entire episode is the Crucifixion translated into Scandinavian myth? Christ and Odin are both hanged upon a tree (the latter being the common medieval term for a scaffold, applied very often to the cross). Both are pierced by spears, thirst, cry out and are resurrected with infinately greater glory (Odin after nine days, Christ after three). All this is surely too much to be coincidental, and although present-day scholars are divided over whether it is a Chrstian poem or not, it seems beyond question that its form was heavily influenced by Christianity. So, after all, it seems to tell us little about the nature of the older religions of Scandinavia"[/i] [pp. 296-7; 1991]. However, rather hypocritically, if you ask me, Hutton bases his conclusions [i]only[/i] on the similarities, rather than acknowledging their [i]fundamental[/i] differences-- an offense he levied upon such "poor" scholars as Frazer, for example! After all, had any other researcher claimed that the similarities between Osiris, Adonis, Dummuzi, etc. were the most likely authentic anecedants to the Christ myth (because they were obviously "too much to be coincidental") you can be sure that he would have stomped them into the ground with scorn! Indeed, Hutton almost seems too eager to casually default to a Christian explaination-- and it does often appear that he has shifted the burdon of proof. It is also interesting to note that the Catholic Church has, astonishingly, made many Encyclopedia publishers alter texts that do not portray them in anything but a positive light! But, I digress... Of course, at first glance, it sounds amazingly convincing, for those that don't know much about [i]shamanism[/i], or even Indo-European studies, etc.! However, I have to wonder if, at this point, Hutton was familiar (as in, having absorbed) the works of Mircea Eliade (particularly his master-work, [i]Shamanism: Archaic Techniques of Ecstacy[/i]-- a book he later treats as flawed and inconsequential in future writings)? So many contemporary-early, as well as modern (recent) scholars seem to go on about Heathenism being drenched in a various form of shamanism-- yet, this is all but denied in Hutton's book dealing with the subject. One wonders why this corpus of academia is being ignored? To briefly excerpt Davidson [[i]Gods & Myths of the Viking Age[/i]]: [i]"It was thought at one time that this image of the suffering god hanging from the tree must have been derived from the Christian Crucifixion. But, despite certain resemblences, it would seem that here we have something whose roots go deep into heathen thought, and which is no late copy, conscious or unconscious, of the central mytery of the Christian faith. By hanging on a tree, Odin is not sharing in the suffering of the world or saving men from death, but he is there to win the secrets of the runes..."[/i] [pp. 144; 1964]. She also goes on to relate that a variety of shamans are "made" by climbing the World Tree (or [i]axis muni[/i]), which is a strong "northern" motif. While, other shamanic parallels are also noted: Like the shamans of the Mongols, both they and Odin tethered their respective horses to their percieved "World Trees". This scene is also clearly one in which Odinn is being "sacrificed" in the manner pre-dating the Viking age. For example-- this pre-viking practice entailed that prisoners/sacrifices be hung onto trees which was continued clear up until the 10th. century at Uppsala. I also believe that there may be an echo between Frejya teaching Him Her especial Magick, and the Yakut "Bird Mother of Prey" who carries off the prospective shaman to learn his abilities to "shamanize". Indeed, if we accept that this is actually an [i]axis mundi[/i] (as Hutton seems hesitant to do, well...actually refusing to acknowledge), than we can clearly see the death and rebirth theme embodied in the psychological transformation of "Authentic"/"Spontanious Initiation"! Davidson also states that Odinn is depicted hanging from a tree in an early Swedish rock art-- though, of what date, I have no idea. Would it be fascinating to find this out? Abso-freakin'-lutely! This is one fascinating claim that I would, personally, love to research! But, unfortunately, in this particular text, Davidson did not relate any information about this stone with which one may use to find further information concerning it. Too bad... But, to back-track slightly, because Odinn is undergoing this horrific experience, I would definately be willing to assert that it is an Initiation experience, due to the fact that He is acquiring a special form of knowledge embodied in a very masculine form of old Norse Magick, known as [i]galdr[/i], which is respectively idetified with the casting of runes. The shamanistic extent by which Odinn is certainly identified is noted in a great many prose tales in which the God appears. Another VERY important question that Hutton should address-- otherwise, I think he's making some rather grand methodological leaps!-- is if this medieval term for a cross/scaffold is found in Germany/Scandinavia; or if it's English/British (of which he is, generally, a scholar)? Ater all, if it doesn't appear in Germany or Scandinavia, than Hutton's reductionist theory-- a school of thought that is now rather untenible-- would be impossible to accept! something else leaps to mind that Hutton also seems to have glossed over: the Christ was NOT "hanged" on a tree; he was nailed to a cross and crucified! Now, Odinn, however, he WAS literalled "hanged" from a tree. They apparently, so far as I will advance, two completely differenbt modes of dying/death! And, still, I remain skeptical of Hutton's beliefs concerning the World Tree upon which Odinn is hung as being code-word for the cross, unless he could demonstrate that it was similarly known by such language in Germany/Scandinavia when, and especially WHERE, this particular poem was WRITTEN. Now, to my knowledge, he didn't do this-- we're merely supposed to accept him at his word. My own opinions to the side, according to a friend of mine with Asatruar connections, Hutton is apparently 150 years behind the times. [i]"The idea that the Norse myths were substantially affected by either Christianity or Classical Learning was argued by Sophius Bugge. In a series of famous debates with Viktor Rydberg, Bugge's position was defeated, and Rydberg was considered to have fairly won the debates. Rydberg was able to demonstrate the strong Indo-European base to the Germanic myths"[/i] [pers. comm.]

[b]5.)[/b] Hutton says, again, in [i]Pagan Religions[/i]: [i]"None of these images ['Green Man' carvings] could have been a beloved pagan deity, placed in churches by popular demand. The context of this idea was destroyed with the collapse of the Murray thesis, but like that thesis it could hardly have been argued at all by anybody with a real knowledge of the Middle Ages. No churchmen across the entire span of the period described them as such. St. Bernard, in a passage most accessibly printed by Sheridan and Ross, did inveigh against the burgeoning fashion for Romanesque at the beginning of the twelfth century; but his invective does not in fact prove the point suggested by these authors, for he condemned the images as grotesque, silly and expensive, not as pagan. There is abundant evidence, mostly from the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, for the sort of people who paid the masons and comissioned the carvings. Occassionally the whole parish did so, but much more often those responsible were churchmen (above all bishops and abbots), landowners and wealthy merchants. The central point in The Witch Cult in Western Europe was that ordinary people remained adherants to the 'Old Religion' while the ruling class was Christian. And it was that class that determined how churches were decorated. The Wild Man, Sheela-na-Gig and Green Man were all products of that tremendous upswelling of of medieval culture which has been called the Twelfth-Century Renaissance. And like the more famous later Renaissance it ws a Christian movement, even though it drew upon ancient ideas and images"[/i] [pp. 316]. However, Medievalist Samantha Riches, in her monograph [i]St. George[/i] [Sutton, 2000] argues the following point: [i]"The haunting image of the 'Green Man'-- the foliate face, redolent of the natural world, which sits so uneasily in Christian churches-- has been identified as a pre-Christian form of St. George. It acts as a reminder of his role as an icon of natural fertility; in fact, 'Green George' is a name sometimes given to this image, which may act as a symbol of the return of spring after the temporary triumph of winter. An interesting echo of this aspect of St, George is found in an Islamic analogue known as 'Al khidr', 'Al Khadir', 'El Khudr', 'Khizr' or 'Jiryis Baqiya'. This figure is particularly associated with the area around Palestine, Lebanon and Syria. He is also recognized by Jews under the name 'Eliyahu ha Navi', who is considered to be a special guardian of Israel, and by local Christians as 'Mar Jiryis'; much of the rebuilt church over the shrine at Lydda was converted to a mosque, and it seems that the tomb was positioned squarely between the two sections of the building, and was thus available to both Christian and Moslem devotees. The various names applied to this holy character equate to terms such as 'Living One', 'the Green One' and 'the Ever Green One'; he is thought to derives from the Greek sea god Glaucos, whose name means 'the Blue One' or 'the Green One', a fisherman who achieved immortality, and hence the status of a god, after eating a seashore herb that he had noticed restored his fish to life. Utnapishtim, a charachter in the Gilgimesh epic, attained immortality in a remarkibly similar way, and this parallel may indicate another influence.

"Al Khidr (and his alternative appelations) is reputed to have found the Fountain of Youth, or the Well of Life, which is said to be located near the confluence of the Mediterranean and the Red Sea. Drinking from the fountain confers immortality, and it is claimed that Al Khidr has been repeatedly killed and resurrected; one story involves the martyrdom at the behest of a pagan king. Some traditions state that Al Khidr bathed three times in the Well of Life: in consequence, his skin and all his apparel turned entirely green, and he leaves green foot prints wherever he goes. [...]"[/i] [pp. 33] Not only would it appear that we have an image of a paleo-pagan Deity from Indo-European consequence, but...Hutton appears to be angaging in [b]intimidation tactics[/b]. According to another friend of mine, scholars all over the place-- though, seemingly more so in the US and UK-- practice intimidating other academics from voincing a difference in scholastic opinion usually that of the minority). Stating that "no one with a real knowledge of the Medieval period" would say such-and-such is clearly intimidating! Indeed, this is often why scholars cannot follow protocol and admit that there [i]are[/i] reputible views that differ from their own, because there is a large tactic of suppression taking place.

[b]6.)[/b] In [i]Triumph of the Moon[/i] I found this interesting tidbit, that never seemed to add-up. Basically, Hutton seems to be claiming that there's [b]no evidence[/b] for the iconography of The Devil having stemmed from paleo-pagan images from other Deities: [i]"The half-animal nature of the horned god, after all, gave him a much more obvious parallel in Christian mythology than the figure of Jesus, and one absolutely opposed. There is here, indeed, a fascinating possibility which must be left open, because at present we appear to lack a propper study of images of the Devil in modern culture, to complement a large amount of first-rate scholarship upon those in ancient and medieval times. Between 1100 and 1700, both artistic representations and confessions extracted from alleged witches certainly portray Satan at times as half-goat, and often with horns. More often, however, the horns are those of a bull, and his most common characteristics are clawed feet, long ears, and wings (or a bat or a dragon). He is also featured combined with a wide range of other animals, dogs and snakes being the most common, or a a black, or black-clothed, man. It does seem as if the standard modern conception of the Devil as a being with cloven hooves, goat's horns and pointed beard is a ninteenth-century creation, representing a growing Christian reaction towards the importance of Pan as an alternative focus for the literary imagination."[/i] [pp. 46]. Yet, in J.B. Russell's 1977 monograph, [i]The Devil[/i] (a scholar with whom Hutton is [i]certainly[/i] familiar), we find the following statement in numerous transmutations: [i]"The goat form of the Devil derives primarily from the image of Pan. From such theriomorphic ancestors the Devil inherited his claws, cloven hooves, hairiness, huge phallus, wings, horns, and tail"[/i] [pp. 254]. Hence, it seems to me that Huttons seems to be severely down-playing this "transferrence", if you will.

[b]7.)[/b] Hutton, unfortunatelty, is rather thoughtlessly dismissive of Hungarian Prof., Eva Pocs. In her lit.-- and the majority view amongst European scholars-- (from reading Hutton, however, it almost seems like it the British scholars against the world!), she has found a distinct shamanistic antacedent in Medieval witchcraft belief. She investigated over 2000 records and documents, trials and testimonoes from the time (the largest in recent history) to come to this conclusion! In fact, the vast majority of these documents would not be available to the Enghlish-reader were it not for Prof. Pocs. In a PROPER historiography, Hutton should have at LEAST made mention that most scholars in Europe believe this, and [i]what[/i] scholars are spear-heading this popular European thesis. However, in responce to it, Hutton only engages in pure pedantry in that 2003 ed. of The Cauldron. In fact, it takes him so lonmg to respond to the mention of Pocs that one wonder's if he'd even read her lit. or merely taken the say-so of another college. Rather, Hutton entirely dismisses Pocs. as inconsequential because, "like most British scholars" he believes she uses the work "shamanistic" incorrectly-- he believes it can only apply to the tribal spiritual practices of the Arctic norht, never mind that her use of the term is only a freaking similie rather than a blatant metaphore of any kind! Am I the only one that finds this shocking? Hutton seems, at least to me, to be scraping for any reason to reject a scholar of thesis! I, personally, find that highly insulting to my intelligence.

[b]8.)[/b] And, finally, a couple other points that really seemed to come to the surface this week, because they bothered me so desperately (I happened to by a new book last weekend by Peter Beresford Ellis that supplied a lot of tested-and-true evidence to the contrary; it's what brought this particular facet to mind, I believe): [i]"...it may be seen already that there is a strong possibility that the whole concept of the Tuatha de Danaan was invented by storytellers, perhaps working in the early Christian era and influenced by the Graeco-Roman myths.... Goddesses rarely feature in the Irish literature as maternal or nurturing, being more often aggressive and vorascious in their sexuality and bloodlust. Whether they represented role models for self-assertive Celtic women, or the fantasies of pagan Celtic male warriors, or the nightmares of the Christian monks who wrote the stories, is an open questiion"[/i] [pp.152]. While on page 296 Hutton further claims, [i]"It is very likely that when writing of the Tuatha de Danaan, the Irish were not recording something in which their ancestors believed but fitting old deities into a structure inspired by the Greek pantheon."[/i] He even makes the following claim back on page 152, [i]"...there is no trace in the Irish or Welsh literature of any deity associated with the sun (or moon)."[/i] Well, what pf [i]Graine[/i](sp?), whose name means "Sun"? Etymologically, The Daghdha even seems certainly associated with the Sun, when many of his epithets are taken into account, as well, according to Dr. Daithi O hOgain. So, I must wonder what he is denoting as "evidence", and what has so convinced him? Hutton certainly doesn't say, and I believe he should have... [i]I[/i] certainly would be fascinated in the reasons! But, I digress... Early Hutton seems to be claiming, in essence, is that what insular narrative literature we have on record [eg, [i]The Tain[/i]] is purely a case of the mediaval Irish monks re-telling Greek myths! Whereas, Ellis states that several scholars are firm in their acknowledgement that insular narrative literature contains certain direct parallels to Indic/Hindu religion, culture and mythology...not just through linguistics. Now, Ellis has said something similar to this before, such as in his book [i]The Druids[/i], but it was confined seemingly to Celtic culture and linguistics. Here, he is far more forceful and applies it, also, to mythology, etc.! According to Ellis [[i]The World of the Ancient Celts[/i]], Celticist Myles Dillon made this statement around 1977; there are scholars that have found similar seemingly-direct parallels through inscriptions, that only seem to reflect Hindu mythological themes, etc. Also, concerning the sexuality of the Celtic Goddesses, he doesn't seem very well versed in the Celtic Goddess as Sovereign-Goddess and Land-Goddess, which can explain such occurances, rather than male warrior fantasies, or Christian nightmares! In fact, amongs Celticists, this theory is as old as about the middle of the 20th century. *sigh*

But, what I would REALLY like to know is why scholars have failed to scrutenize Hutton, as though they're afraid of doing so, for fear of tarnishing their "reputations"! Where is the "check-and-balance" system?

Okay, rant mode off... ;o)

Take Care,
Wade

P.S.--Although, I must admit, I take particular offense when some Pagans say, rather belligerantly, some variation of the following, "You're just pissed because Prof. Hutton's not telling you what you WANT to hear!" And, despite the education others might have put into any given topic, others are quick to point out any reason they can think of to discredit other writers that might disagree with Hutton. One Pagan took offense to Harvard educated independant scholar Max Dashu, for no other reason than that she is a feminist, and completely disregarded anything she might have to say, despite the evidence she was supplying.

So, basically, if ya' REALLY wanna' offend me, just call me a "history revisionist"! Oy vey! ;o) A scant few have sadly done so, usually in the heat of the moment, and I immediately see RED! I, personally, take great offense to it, as I respect the field of history greatly! Rather, such glib dismissals usually serve as an intimidation tactic meant to silence those that disagree. *sigh*

In all honestly, I bring up such personal problems regarding the field of History because I believe it is capable of so much more! I wouldn't state such if I didn't care, after all. Honestly, I guess you could say that I've been deeply disillusioned as a result. After all, I thought we were supposed to trust scholars and accept them at their word-- but, I found that not to be the case. I was shocked, and a little offended (because I don't appreciate stuff that insults my intelligence as such), when I so often see unsubstantiated claims put forth as fact, or opinions that are, also put forth as empirical fact.

Just thought I'd clear up any questions others might have concerning my motives-- I bring this up only becauise I care so deeply, and I believe that Hutton is capable of so much better!

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 0 replies

Phallic Cakes for the Horned One?

2006-12-13T20:55:06Z

Hey guys, I was wondering if anyone here has ever thought of baking Sabbat Cakes and Cookies of any kind for the Horned One that are, in any way, phallic in shape? ;o) You better believe that I've long thought of doing such! *EG* Maybe perhaps some yummy phallic gingerbread cookies iced in an appropriate manner (endemic of semen, and all). Heck, this Beltane I was thinking of making a Honey Cake batter including some pure rose extract, candied rose and violet petals, with a bit of cinnamon, and baked in phallic cupcake tins that are not only appropriately iced, but cream-filled!

Ah...what can I say, I have a passionate obsesion for the Horned One!!!

Hey, here's a curious question for ya'. Do you think heterosexual Pagans might be offended by being offered or served phallic cakes and cookies for the Sabbat? Would one openly refuse such? And, why?

Gods, I can't believe I'm thinking of Beltane already! Heh heh heh... Hey, I've found a great cookie cutter (if one Google's "Devil's Head" + "Cookie Cutter") that would be GREAT for Horned God cookies!

Geeze, there ought to be more of a variety of cake tins, cookie cutters, presses and molds of a Pagan nature, IMHO.

And, while I'm thinking abnout it, if anyone has any recipes developed for the Sabbats, or the Horned One, please share 'em!

Take Care,
Wade MacMorrighan

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 7 replies

Happy Guadalupe Day!

2006-12-12T19:31:50Z

As many of you undoubtedly know, the twelfth day of the twelfth month is the traditional festival day for that syncrenistic North American icon known as the Lady of Guadalupe! Curious souls can learn more at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Our_Lady_of_Guadalupe

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 0 replies

personal tailsmans of positive intention and empowerment

2006-12-12T06:54:32Z

I have posted a couple of examples of the tailsman peices I create... I have over 100 designs... at very resonable prices if anyone is interested... please let me know what you might like...
Will I am

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 0 replies

Greetings from Phoenix

2006-12-05T06:47:24Z

Everything I have tried to write either sounded too stuffy and formal or to juvenile. So here is the readers digest version....... Im 42 , married , 6 kids, pagan for about 10 years(longer but I didnt know the name for it), moved to Az from Fla about 6 years ago and am struggling with myself here.....Im like a fish out of water literally. I havent made any significant connections in the pagan community here(Az), probably because Im not into the circus shock value scene that so many are fond of. I like my drums and love my Jeep, both of which have been neglected of late. I cant really classify myself into one particular brand or group, there is so much that I find spiritually useful, but I tend to find myself leaning towards the Chaos mindset. Im not really a public ritual kinda person, but there are a few people here I will join my energies with in circle. There was a rumor the a mens group was starting here, but that was a few years ago, so my journey continues, to your hearth for a while. Good to meet you all!

Pete aka PapaDragon

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 0 replies

Chthonic versus Olympian

2006-12-05T04:49:48Z

Many of us know and appreciate the distinction between the Greek chthonic figures such as Hades, Iacchus/Bachhus and Pan as compared to the Olympian gods such as Apollo and Zeus. In reading through Aaron Kipnis' 1991 book _Knights Without Honor_, though, I found a reading of the three main masculine dieties which put them in a different light than I previously had. Below is the section, from page 158, in the hopes that it will be of interest to you as well.

--- begin quoted text ---

ZEUS: THE UNITIATED SKY FATHER

One of the earliest father gods in ancient Greece was Kronos, who had the habit of swallowing his children. His wife, Rhea, was upset about this. She conspired to keep her last son, Zeus, from this fate by feeding Kronos a stone dressed like the child. Later, Kronos was forced to regurgitate all the children and was overthrown by Zeus.

This myth has been interpreted by numerous writers as an example of hte horrible nature of patriarchal fathers: they swallow up their children's autonomy, and have to be overthrown by a son who is under his mother's control. However, there is another perspective on this story.

Swallowing is NOT the same as devouring. In this story there was no digestion but rather a gestation, a sort of male pregnancy and rebirth for the children. Zeus was denied this experience by his mother and was improperly fathered as a result. Zeus' two brothers, however, Hades and Poseidon, went through this process. We've already talked about Poeidon and the wild depth of feeling he represents. His other brother, Hades, became another nonheroic, soulful god, a god of the underworld. Something happened to Zeus' elder brothers through being held within their father's body: they became potent gods of depth.

Zeus, however, who conspired with his mother to overthrow the father, missed this nurturing developmental period in the masculine field of the father. He became one of the primary sky-father images: the patriarchal tyrant who is disconnected from the earth. Zeus' relationships with women were also full of conflict. The overmothered, underfathered Zeus became the image of an uninitiated man who seizes power through force, domination, and control - a patriarchal male.

--- end quoted text ---

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chthonic

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 0 replies

B.O.T.A . Homophobia

2006-12-01T07:30:43Z

The Builders of the Adytum (B.O.T.A) holds itself out to the public as a Mystery School offering instruction in Qabalah and the Hermetic Tradition. Initiation into the Mystery School tradition requires receptivity and trust. If you are a sexual minority and/or are committed to promoting social justice, there is reason to question B.O.T.A.'s worthiness on both counts. I posted this because I thought that this might be of interest to some of the people here who share these values.

On SBACE (http://celestialearth.tribe.net/thread/fe37477e-797e-45a9-88a6-7f3caa650b45 ), I provided evidence showing that BOTA's policy excluding sexual minorities from higher initiations was kept secret from BOTA's membership as of 1990 and possibly as late as 1997. The rationale for this policy was elucidated by a former officer in B.O.T.A., whose letter claiming that barring gays from higher initiations was an "act of mercy" is available for public viewing. I believe that B.O.T.A.'s justification for this destructive policy was pretextual and that the real driver was homophobia. The thread contains a number of cogently presented arguments that support that view.

B.O.T.A.'s policy can hardly be kept secret from its membership or the public anymore. In September 2006, I asked B.O.T.A. to publicly repudiate this policy and clarify whether it is still in effect. What I am endeavoring to do in these crossposts and other posts on the Internet is force the issue from an advocacy perspective. Updates will follow as appropriate.

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 12 replies

Hello - I need some relationship help from a man's point of view - please answer a few questions :)

2006-11-01T03:41:22Z

1. What's the one big issue that people seperate or break up over besides something like cheating? Be specific.

2. What's the one issue couples have to work on the most to make a relationship work?

3. How do you deal with bordom in a relationship?

4. What do you do if the passion and romance dies out yet the love is still there?

5. Who is responsible for intamacy, the man or woman or 50/50?

6. Does living together kill romance? Would it be better to live seperately?

7. Is arrguing healthy? You know, getting it all out?

8. How would you feel and what would you do if someone said "I haven't been happy since I moved in with you?"

9. What's the secret to a happy relationship?

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 3 replies

Searching for Wizards Robes and Cloaks

2006-10-17T06:28:43Z

I am interested in purchasing Wizards Robes and cloaks. I am not sure if anyone would know where to purchase them, or if you might make them yourself. I am looking for something very particular and am willing to work closely with someone that is decent at tailoring. If you or someone you know does this type of work, or knows of a company that makes good robes. Please send them my way. This may end up being a very lucrative endeavor for the person especially if they are personally tailoring them, as I know others that would gladly purchase more if I am happy. Send some love my way.

BJ

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 1 reply

Gay Pagan/or Spiritual/Meditation or Arts Retreats? Help Me Find One Plaese.

2006-10-11T19:33:20Z

Actor,artist, healthy POZ writer here from Maine.I was commissioned by Portland Stage Company to write/create a piece on the poet Longfellow for the Bicentennial of his birth..It has already been workshopped once and is being worked on again this coming May with a production goal in the fall of 2007 here and in Harvard/Boston and Bowdoin.I really would like to escape for at least a week this month for some quiet editing/writing time and/or some peace of mind...either commune of gay men or nude retreat or writing retreat or just a quiet place...I have a committment to a play(acting) for Nov/Dec but after that I could do a month or a few weeks somewhere....I have been under a crazed schedule as of late and have not had more than 3 days off in a row in 15 years,,need a mini spiritual boost...my partner committed suicide 6 years ago and I am starting to get out into the spiritual world of brothers again...any one know any gay retreats? a cheap ,cheap rental or work exchange anywhere? America,elsewhere? I will help work if is a commune or what ever,,,I need a break and not much money here until my grants come in (NEA etc) Laid back ...but high energy respected and well liked peaceful soul here...thanks Daniel

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 4 replies

Anger Management

2006-10-06T04:54:49Z

Does anybody know where a man with no to low income can find anger management help in the Portland area (prefer West side)?

I'm thinking either a mens group or counselor with pagan or buddhist background. Something along those lines and i'm open to other ideas. I'm looking for tools to nip the anger before it blows outward, and find other ways to release it that won't get me into trouble. I've come a long ways with it on my own, but I need to accelerate the process...

And before anybody suggest that I start such a group myself, I just don't have the energy/time/desire to do so. But I will attend another. :-)

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 4 replies

Help Save Tara!

2006-08-20T23:18:49Z

Please help save Tara (Irelands most sacred place) by signing the worldwide petition at the link below and stop them from building the Motorway through Tara. All info is in the petition. Be sure to cut & paste this petition on all your Pagan groups & Forums. get your Covens & Groves to sign it. This is very important! PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF THE GODS SIGN! Thank You!

http://www.petitiononline.com/hilltara/petition.html

go na Tiarna agus Bantiarn coill glas beannacht glas tu!
(Irish Gaelic for)
May the Lord and Lady of the Green Wood Bless you!

/|\ Gypsy /|\

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 0 replies

i want to serve a Pagan group fully

2006-08-19T17:25:45Z

i have some dark fantasies about serving men without limit, full use as sewer/ more SIRS

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 0 replies

Inseminating the earth

2006-07-21T01:36:55Z

Can anyone tell me how common was the practice of men going out to the fields on a certain day and jerking off in order to make the ground more fertile. I've herad it mentioned a few times but haven't heard much. I am aware of perhaps the mroe common practice of having sex at planting time to insure a good harvest. Anyone see "Wicker Man?"

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 6 replies

Welcome All!

2006-07-16T00:23:17Z

Merry meet, Ive started this room to help bring men together from various trads or solitaires in order togather discussions that affect us. i invite any and all to discuss the mysteries that many of us may not know. rites of passage, healings rituals for our gender, and issues that we can safely chat about here on the web. bring also humor, an open mind and an open heart if you can spare it to our brother pagans.
Peace, eryn

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 9 replies

Hi from Australia

2006-07-14T07:39:22Z

Just looking for any gay Pagan men in Australia. i am 28yo and seeking friends for ritual and stuff.

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 2 replies

Poems

2006-06-14T06:21:23Z

Hey guys,

These poems are free for you to use here and there.
Please print my name at the bottom if you use them as txt.
No credit required if read at a festival/event.

After Us

When this life it over,
for those who do remain
what do we leave behind
what shall they retain

the lessons we have learned
the stories that we live
We leave to them our secrets
this is what we give

fortunes they can make make themselves
And fortunes they can lose
Leave them with your wisdom
So they can choose

Myles White

To Nathan
(writen to say to my son at sam hain)

Evil exists in the world - like shit
and good exists like gold
Evil may bring you riches
but the act will leave you cold.

Stand you by the fire boy
watch the embers glow
Stand you there alone sometimes
against the common flow

But others have stood before you
More will when your gone
So stand you be the fire son
and let the good go on.

Myles White

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 1 reply

Seeking a "Warrior" workshop

2006-06-14T03:59:30Z

I'm in search of a mens ONLY organization and workshop on dealing with the Warrior within during our modern times. I know that such things exist as I have read books on the subject in years past (wish I still had those books for reference!).

If you know of any such group or organization that sponsors similar, please let me know.

Thanks
Rev

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 5 replies

Thrid Gender

2006-06-05T13:56:51Z

I've been hearing some talk, here and there, about how gay men and women are a third gender. This would account for why we are so often mystically inclined. Has anyone else heard about this line of thinking?

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 4 replies

Favorite Quotes on Masculinity

2006-06-02T14:56:13Z

I was wondering if folks had any quotes on Pagan masculinity (or masculinity generally) that they particularly enjoy and might care to share here. What is yours?

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 2 replies

Straight Pagan Men.

2006-05-08T03:41:17Z

Is there a place on tribe that they belong..?

It seems that every male Pagan tribe is full of gay guys... or is it just that MacMorrighan posting the exact same messages across most pagan tribes makes it appear that way?...

If I'm in the wrong place... where do the straight male pagans hangout?

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 15 replies

Men Sex and Pagan beliefs

2006-05-08T02:01:10Z

Okay...

The witches are standing in the circle too, and you see something across the way that perks a natual instinct deep within you.

She sees that you're looking and smiles... nothing needs to be said- you both know.

Later in the evening you are sitting together and getting to know and like each other more and more.

What, if any, of your pagan beliefs come into play here..?

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 3 replies

topics for mens group

2006-05-04T18:54:04Z

so im moving to salem soon and after i get setteled one of the things im going to do is start a mens group. i have a few ideas for topics to study but i would like to hear what you guys might come up with. it will help with the flow untill we get established. peace and light. tiny

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 0 replies

Pagan USA!!!

2006-05-04T17:26:21Z

Help create a living map of our national community
www.frappr.com/paganusa
Peace,
Otter

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 3 replies

SAB aftermath

2006-05-02T04:09:30Z

Feathers mentioned about creating an SAB May King tribe for discussing Men's mysteries. There is also a discussion about moving SAB, or about creating wards (both magickal and physical).

I had a fun time, and I am very happy Feathers lost the May King lottery for me (All hail King Feathers, he could use our support).

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 0 replies

Speaking of Lingam...

2006-03-18T04:35:38Z

In most of the photogaphs I've seen of the Phallus Worship centered upon a Lingam image-- and many other Idols, too, such as the Kali Ma, I seem to recall in one instance-- there are flowers of many different colours strewn. I'd love to know what they are! I'm pressuming they're native to India, or there abouts-- however, they look almost like a sort of large marigold: some are yellow, others are crimson, and more red, while others are a definate orange! Several idolitrous images (lingams-- or perhaps just the yonic portion is intended-- and statues of Goddesses such as Kali as I recall) have a beautiful red pwder strewn and rubbed onto them. Anyone know anything more about this; what flowers these may be, or what this powdered substance is (as well as its purpose)?

Take Care,
Wade MacMorrighan

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 1 reply

An Earth-Shattering Book!

2006-02-27T05:30:38Z

Hey, I just got three ***FASCINATING*** books yesterday!!! One is about Neolithic North America, though it deals more with material cultural remains rather than religion of rites and gods/goddesses, etc. It's called, "Ancient North America: The Archaeology of a Continent" Fourth Edition. By, Brian Fagan. The other far more interesting tomes are:

Before Scotland: The Story of Scotland Before History -- Alistair Moffat Deals with pre-historic Scotland and the CFelts in general; though focussing on Scotland, primarily. Yet, religion takes a back-seat, again.

This is the book which is truly (I do NOT say this lightly!) earth-shattering to the academic community!!! Inside the Neolithic Mind -- David Lewis-Williams and David Pearce. The sequal to The Mind in the Cave-- I haven't read this prior text, yet; it will have to wait until I get some money! Anyway, according to the authors, we are able to, with relative certainty, interprate the meanings for many of the carvings in Neolithic caves and upon burial mounds, etc. They seem to be pictographs based upon what one would have experienced in a hallucinogenic trance/state; these seem to be common with all people on earth, much like an "archetype" if you will. Earlier academics, unfortunately, much like Hutton [Ronald] and his ilk (and probably still do) would claim firmly--stating there are no answers possible to their accusations-- that this is either "pseudo-science" (a term of insult used even by modern Pagans to write off research they happen not to agree with), and that any conclusions about what the Neolithic people meant when they carved these symbols, for example, eludes us-- that it MUST elude us permanently, until we have the impossible ability to contact the creators directly and ask them! They seem to scorn at those whom interprate any evidence-- however, ironically, they seem to do a lot of interprating themselves (particularly Hutton)! Basically, they say, "We can't know with ANY degre of certainty, so why bother!" In other words, we should leave it a mystery becase we "cannot know" and, thus, should not adance any theories or hypotheses, which would be a severe lapse in a sort of meathodology, it would seem. Indeed, it seemed to-- for a very long time-- be a a field of study that is no loger (and is not) respectible. And, for these reasons I call this book EARTH-SHATTERING!!!

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 0 replies

The Horned One & Gay Men...

2006-02-10T19:39:54Z

Just thought I'd start a thread re: the relationship of Gay men with the Horned-God.

Take Care,
Wade MacMorrighan

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 1 reply

Celtic Ritual Human "Sacrifice"?

2006-02-08T16:05:15Z

Wow! I was watching a fabulous U.S. programme last night-- not sure if you chaps from the UK get it or not-- called "Nova" [http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/bog/]! It was about bog bodies, and the question of "Why?" Well, the most convincing reason put forth by the programme had to do with Sacral Kingship, where the Chieftain was "married" to the feminized land-- the Goddess of his Tribe (or Nation, as the Native peoples of the U.S. would rather be called today). The reason being was that the land probably did not prosper, or some such, during his "reign". But, of course we have a great deal of evidence fo Sacral Kingship-- this programme was fascinating!

However, so often I notice people screaming "HUMAN RITUAL SACRIFICE" [i.e., a strict offering to the Gods, as if it were a regular, and expected, part of their religious observences] when bog bodies are discussed. Or, they alternatively bring up the bog bodies to prove their personal belief that the Celts engaged in ritual human sacrifice to the Gods, despite how little supportive evidence there actually is for such a thesis. Even Peter Berresford Ellis delivers a severely crippling blow to this all too matter-of-fact belief in his recent book "The Druids". Indeed, I think he makes a fairly convincing case! Most people (researchers included) generally seem to take this for granted, that it's a fact that the Celts performed ritual human "sacrifice".

Although, I will be, eventually, investigating every case for a bog mummy throughout insular and continental Europe.

Incidentally, the way in which we generally use the term "Sacrifice," is, in fact, a misuse-- etymologically-speaking-- being that it means "to make holy" in the origional Latin!

Take Care,
Wade MacMorrighan

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 0 replies

Sacred King, Modern Throne

2006-02-06T05:30:42Z

Yesterday I went to the Magickal Winter Weekend ( http://www.magickalwinterweekend.org ). I went to a worksop/discussion called Sacred King, Modern Throne presented by Angerona. It was quite good & she is writing a book on the subject. Want to help her? Below is a call for help from her.

/|\ Gypsy /|\

Greetings, all.

I'm a lifelong Wiccan who has recently begun writing a book on the archetype of the Sacred King and how it relates to the work that Wiccan priests do. This concept grew out of a lecture I recently gave on this topic at a spiritual conference, after which I was beseiged by requests to turn it into a book. I know a sign from the Gods when I see one, so...

I'm looking to interview Wiccan priests - any tradition, any age, any background - about their experiences leading groups. I am particularly interested in talking to men who used to lead groups but are not doing so now. The groups can be covens, networking organizations, pagan public awareness groups, or anything of that ilk. If your group uses the image or metaphor of a King or Kingdom in your practices, I would especially like to talk to you. I'm not looking for details about your group's practices: I'm more interested in how Wiccan group leadership affects men who assume the HP role.

If you are a priest willing to share your experiences, please email me at angerona@earthlink.net and put "Sacred Kings" in the subject line. If you are not an HP but would like to share your experience, please contact me. I will respond to all emails.

Thank you,
Angerona
angerona@earthlink.net

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 0 replies

The Horned God in My Own Image!

2006-02-05T16:49:19Z

Well, here's how-- generally-- I envision my Horned Lord. How doi you guys see Him, physically? Now, I know that the Gardnerian Horned God is the Stag-God, but...I wonder how they strictly envision Him (pressuming they do). And, Asterion (who's likeness adorns much Minoian currency; whom Rhea loved so much she forbid Him the love of any woman, whereby Poseidon-- the Earth-Shaker-- is said to have succumned to His lusts...this may mirror the role between the Minos [the Minoan H.P.] and his "Server" [the working partner and fellow H.P. of the Minos]) of the Minoan Brotherhood too, for example. Anyhoo...here's how I "see" Him:

* He'd be ripped, and buff! Hey, I'm Gay, and have certain proclivities regarding the male form, akin to that of Classical Greece. Take a look at str8 adult porn stud Colt Steel for more detail concerning the God from the neck down, generally-speaking. I also see Him with the sexiest back-side imaginable! I knew a guy back in college [a baseball Jock that rode his bike EVERYWHERE] with rump like that, which actually took my breath away!!!
* There should also be something-- to be determined later, when the sacred inspiration [or imbis forosnai] comes upon me-- relating Him, also, as the Dread Lord of Death, as appears to be the origional concept in Traditional Wica [note the singular "C"].
* He'd have a set of Stag antlers, each of seven tines [or points] to represent the King Stag.
* I envision Him with a goatee, rather than the "traditional beard". First, because they're quite fetching on most men. And, secondly, it is commonly believed that earlier cultures could not have had groomed facial hair! However, this has proven to be a false assumption. The Celts, for instance, were a deeply festidious band of tribes! The archaeological record attests to the fact that they took great pride in their appearance, having had combes and mirrors, and other such personal grooming devices. This, more than likely, extended to men's facial hair, as well, rather than the "wild," tattered, massive beards we so often envision due to popular culture [and indeed, this idea is far too often promulgated amongst modern Paganism]. Hey, the beard may have been rebeliously "stylish" back during the 60s, but no longer... Ditto with with the long ex-hippie hair-do!
* He'd proudly display various personally designed tribal tattoos across His torso, and body; perhaps spirals of rebirth [i.e., His dying/rising Aspect]. Perhaps gleaned via meditation and skrying... And, maybe, wreathed around each bicep could be witnessed-- such as the tribal/barbed wire motif so popular today-- a tattoo of intertwining holly and oak.
* Some very "shamanic" accoutrements would adorn His Holy visage, such as a necklace, ear rings [nipple rings? Prince Albert piercing? ], an anklet, perhaps a torque, or other jewelry, as well as a staff or stang, etc.
* No "goatfoot" God for me, thank you! Cloven hooves would recall Pan, rather than the Horned God of the Celtic-type, I believe.
* I am certainly no prude, nor are any of the Traditional Witches from Gardner's renaisance. However, modern Pagans seem very close minded, sexually, and where the human body is concerned. My image of the Horned God would definately, like most Horned Gods, be ithyphallic [even Patricia Crowther, Gardnerian HPs, called Him such in one of Her chants, when she sang, "Ithym phallus Thou do bear!"], and proportionately-so. But, an uncircumcised phallus, at that! Now, I cannot speak for all modern Pagans, but I should think that they should be opposed to this so-called "common" proceedure [i.e., circumsision]. Also, It will have to be a LARGE phallis, but nothing cartoonishly-huge!
* I should rather He at least be cast in the "Bone finish" as my beloved Morrighan statue, for no other reason than to asthetically compliment Her upon Their Holy altar.

Hmmm...can anyone else think of any other ideas worth "adding" to Him? I was also considering rummaging for some photos of men to get His physical form "just right". You know, take these pics. to Artisan X and say, "Now, I want Him to have his arms, oh, and this guy's rump, and this blokes jaw and cheek bones, oh, and his pecs!", etc. Heh heh heh...

Take Care,
Wade MacMorrighan

posted in Pagan Mens Lodge - 0 replies