Sunday Sacredness In Roman Paganism

Book: Sunday Sacredness In Roman Paganism by Robert Leo Odom

With most of the Christian world honoring Sunday as their day of worship, the question of its origin becomes important.

Over the past hundred years much has been written about the use of the week among ancient pagan peoples. However, little has been done to compile such historical material into an easily accessible book for the general public.

Robert Leo Odom for years has conducted special research on the Sabbath-Sunday question. In "Sunday in Roman Paganism," he leads readers through the pages of history showing the rise of the planetary week and its "day of the Sun" in the heathenism of the Roman world during the early centuries of the Christian era.

This book is not a capsulated history of Sunday as a church festival, but rather the history of the planetary week as it was known and used in the pagan world, and to show whether or not its "day of the Sun" was then regarded by pagans as being sacred to their Sun-god.


Robert Leo Odom is author of The Certainty of Life After Death, Sunday in Roman Paganism, The Lord's Day on a Round World, and What Do The Astrologers Know?

Download Robert Leo Odom's eBook: Sunday Sacredness In Roman Paganism

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Robert Leo Odom - Sunday Sacredness In Roman Paganism

Power Of Kundalini

Power of Kundalini flows through the seven major Chakras moving up and down the spine and that “according to Hindu tradition the Kundalini raises from the root-chakra up through the spinal channel, called sushumna, and it is believed to activate each chakra it goes through” and “in raising Kundalini, spiritual powers (siddhis) are also believed to arise, but many spiritual traditions see these phenomena as obstacles on the path, and encourages their students not to get hung up with them”.

According to most experts, the power of the Kundalini force can take many years to completely unfold and is often likened to the opening of the great and beautiful flower of the soul. Great caution is advised by almost every resource in awakening the Kundalini within as it houses immense power and spiritual abilities. Most of which the untrained lay person is not equipped to handle.

The Kundalini is historically known by the Hindus as the serpent coiled at the base of the spine. The symbol of the Caduceus symbol has been said to be an ancient representation of Kundalini physiology. When this serpent is awakened and begins to move up the spine through the Chakras this is known as “Pranic Awakening”, Prana being the energy of life and all living things which sustains existence. This energy then begins to move through the living body and spirit and ultimately to be made manifest in magick and miraculous power.

There are of course many stories of unleashing the Kundalini force by some sort of accident or major life event such as a near death experience. There are a long list of complications or symptoms associated to this experience such as emotional instability, psychological imbalance, various strange or unexplained physical sensations and muscular spasms, oddities in hyperactivity or sleep pattern as well as sexual drives. Most of those who go through this accidental awakening also find they have a profoundly deeper understanding of themselves, their universe and may even grasp concepts that were far beyond their previous skill or knowledge base.

Kundalini is believed to be activated best by a natural and specific, in not simplistic, process. And I quote “This happening of Kundalini awakening and ultimate union with a higher consciousness are described by a Sanskrit word ‘Sahaja’. This means literally ‘born with,’ spontaneous or effortless. The implication is that the entire mechanism is inborn — part of human anatomy — and is activated in a spontaneous and natural way without undue or extreme efforts.”

Most people who subscribe to the belief in Kundalini power follow a Hindu path or are at least trying to unlock this power via the disciplines of Yoga or Tantric Magick. All of these concepts can be simple to grasp but take time to fully actuate or digest. I do not suggest that you can understand the mysteries of the power of Kundalini quickly but I do believe that we all have this seed within ready to blossom in each of us.

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New Age Music

For everyone out there simply looking to relax or those of you who wish to enter a deep state of meditation...
New Age Music is a must. I myself use it for meditation, Relaxation and for my ritual magick work.
There are many New Age Music Artists out there but I have my favorites.
Along with this I also enjoy Classical Music from long ago.

Here are my favorite New Age Musical Artists.

Frank Danna

This is my favorite Cd that I use to meditate with and to use in my Ritual work.
Truly an Awesome Cd that will get you into the mood of your rituals or a serious Deep state of conciseness.
Listen to the sample track on the Cd page.... you will love it. This is my #1 pick of all.


Deva Primal

She has many Cds to choose from.
Her music is excellent for meditation or just relaxation.
Her music is based on Krishna sounds and methodical rhythms, but Premal's voice is one that resonates into the soul.
It will seduce your Body mind and soul.
The music she produces, makes me feel good and energetic afterwards.
She is my #2 pick.
Listen to some of the sample tracks!


Steven Halpern

He has so many Cds to choose from.
He has been in my collection for years.
I remember many times I would drive around and listen to his music and end up 50 miles away.
This music will send you into space.

There are so many other Artist out there. But you will have to find the ones you like the best.

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Samhain Del 31 De Octubre Al 1 De Noviembre

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Nuestra hermana de Espa~na Laura melod'ia Wiccana se une a la celebraci'on de nuestra fiesta mayor Samhain, y nos da unos consejitos para que lo festejemos. Transferimos la informaci'on, d'andole las gracias a Laura, como siempre, agradecidos por sus aportaciones y dese'andoles feliz Samhain a todos nuestros hermanos Espa~noles desde Puerto Rico.

EL DIA 31 DE OCTUBRE AL 1 DE NOVIEMBRE LLEGA SAMHAIN ANTIGUA TRADICION PAGANA, LA MAS IMPORTANTE DE TODAS. ES EL FIN DE UN CICLO.

ES EL GRAN SABBATH EN EL QUE LOS 2 MUNDOS ("ESPIRITUAL Y FISICO") ESTAN UNIDOS, EN ESTE DIA CONTACTAR CON NUESTROS SERES FALLECIDOS ES MAS FACIL.

MOMENTO MUY FUERTE PARA LAS PREDICCIONES Y LOS RITUALES.

PARA LOS CELTAS Y LAS MAS ANCESTRALES BRUJAS ES EL FIN DE A~NO Y UN MOMENTO DE MAXIMO PODER PARA RITUALES Y TODO LO RELACIONADO CON LO MAGICO.

EL ALTAR:

ADORNAR VUESTROS ALTARES CON MANTELES NEGROS O MARRONES Y ENCIMA DE EL ALTAR CON: BELLOTAS, CASTA~NAS, PI~NAS, HOJAS SECAS, CALABAZAS,

(VELAS DE LOS COLORES: BLANCAS, LILAS Y NEGRAS), FOTOS DE VUESTROS FALLECIDOS Y VELAS BLANCAS EN MODO DE SALUDO Y PARA ILUMINARLES.

PEDIR A LOS ESPIRITUS DE LA NOCHE DE SAMHAIN VUESTROS DESEOS Y PETICIONES.

FESTEJARLO CON CALABAZAS, COMIENDO PANELLETS Y CASTA~NAS.

VIVIR LA MAGIA DE ESE DIA PUESTO ("...QUE EN ESE DIA TODO ES POSIBLE.....").

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Tale Of Modern Pagan Sorcery Excerpt

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These are the opening paragraphs of what I'm tentatively calling "Lady of the House" a tale of modern Pagan sorcery.

Part 1a: Otherworld

The hills were old around the basins of the great rivers. Scoured low and round by time, they still showed boulder cliffs and steep rills of falling water among the green coat worn by the stones. The spirit of that place was old as well, peaceful now, as a rule, content to dwell in vertical spaces where mortal life had little reach. Mortals might tend the forests and hunt the beasts, might cut through mountains to make their roads, but within the forms of the soil and the green, in the winds that the sun drove between the mountains, in the dew of the bright moon there lived the spirits. Wild essences of the world, sometimes interested in mortals, often indifferent, they went their way while mortal folks went theirs. In past times mortals and the spirits had spoken, the wise among them, and the brave, finding ways to get the attention of the un-material intelligences. Then mortals had worked together with the spirits, and each kept their place in the Dance of Worlds.

In more recent times this commerce had largely ended. Mortals had turned their eyes and hearts from the inner essences of things. In truth the spirits cared little, though those who had kept the Old Ways before became confused, or dismayed, and some even became angry. In a country filled with mines and boats and the work of hammers it is never wise to anger the spirits. The spirits toyed with mortals or ignored them, and mortals praised their 'God' for good luck or complained of bad.

But in places of power, where the voice of the spirits might be stronger, and in certain families, or in ways taught from teacher to student, the commerce with the spirits continued. There in the hills by the big river there were a few places where humans came together, and by their skill made themselves seen and heard by the spirits. Most especially there was the Fortress of the Seer. It was the only mortal place in the region that had a name among the spirits, and there the mortals had the longest history of traffic with them since the Old People disappeared.

Now an idea was spreading among the spirits, as it does, that new mortals were returning to the Seer's Rath. The bloodline of the Seer was known to the spirits, and even far at the edge of their places they watched that lineage. Even far away they had been present at the sacrifices, made offerings even as young children, and so they were known to the spirits. Now those children were returning to the Vale and the Fortress, and the spirits were interested.

A wild, strong spirit of air and night chose to find them and follow them as they came near the river. His eyes would be the eyes of the clan, and the Queen would know what he knew. As he drew near to the children in their car, he took on a more material form, wings and sharp eye as he swept around and before them as they went.

Before them lay the darkness upon Dun Faithe.

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Ostara Ritual Celebrating

Ostara: ritual celebrating the coming of spring, and thus also the beginning of planting. Dates this was celebrated on varied, but tended to fall around the vernal equinox. Eggs are painted with bright colors, and hidden, and hunts are conducted for them. (Eggs are a symbol of new life, and fertility. Rabbits are a symbol of this day too, for the same reason.) Other games are sometimes played with the eggs too, such as racing with them balanced on a spoon, or rolling them downhill. Eggs are ritually thrown high into the air too, and as high as the eggs fly, that is how high the crops shall grow. A procession, led by an ass, begins festivities which include a game called "Osterball". Dancing is an important part of the celebrations. Ostara bonfires are also lit. No flesh is eaten by mariners this day, to ensure safety from storms.

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The Religion Of The Teutons

Book: The Religion Of The Teutons by Chantepie De La Saussaye

THE present volume may be allowed to plead its own cause its plan and scope are explained in the Introduction. It is for critics to decide how far the author has succeeded in his task, and wherein he has failed. It is the hope of the author that his book may at all events prove useful in conveying some definite information on controverted points, the more so as the excellent work of F. B. Gummere on Germanic Origins, which is the only English work of a general character, covers for the greater part a different field.

I wish to express my gratitude to several scholars who have had considerable share in the production of this book. Without the repeated and earnest solicitation and the encouragement received from Professor Morris Jastrow, Jr., of the University of Pennsylvania, this book would not have been written. Its appearance in English is due to Professor B. J. Vos of the Johns Hopkins University, who, in view of his own deep interest in the subject, was especially qualified to undertake the translation. The first eleven chapters also published in Dutch have been carefully revised by Professor B. Symons of the University of Groningen, who has read the proof sheets with the keen eye of the specialist, and whose numerous suggestions have frequently proved of value in controlling and correcting my own views.

In the chapters devoted to mythology my obligations are less direct. I have, however, gratefully made use of the material collected in the latest and best works, and more especially of the excellent sketch of Mogk in Paul's Grundriss der germanischen Philologie. The general reader may, however, be assured that I have never accepted data without verification, and the scholar will observe that my conclusions frequently differ from those embodied in recent publications. It is my hope, also, that the historical method adopted in the work, and the endeavor to maintain a sharp distinction between what we actually know and what we do not know, may be esteemed advantages which will in a measure redeem other possible imperfections. (P. D. Chantepie de la Saussaye)

Download Chantepie De La Saussaye's eBook: The Religion Of The Teutons

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Ways Of The Asatru

Book: Ways Of The Asatru by Michael Smith

There are two issues which I would like to bring to the reader's attention concerning this book. The first would be that this book should not, by any means, be considered an absolute authority on Asatru. The reader is encouraged to read other books, do research, and explore their own hearts to find their own religious and spiritual truths. The main reason for that would be because of the second issue I have to briefly make note of.

The second would be that regardless of all, Asatru is chiefly a religion of the individuals' spiritual path. Although there is a strong sense of community that is encouraged, it is up to the individual to find what rings true to them for their own spiritual health. Asatru itself is a religion of fairly broad guidelines. It is up to the individual to decide where within those broad guidelines they lay in what they believe.

So please, dear reader, I will be bold in giving you a set of "rules" for those who decide to research or become Asatru. Rule # 1 is: Be your own scholar. Asatru is a religion with homework. This extends to not just contemporary writers but, to authors in the fields of linguistics, history, archeology, and other scholarly fields of study. All can help you in your spiritual quest. Rule # 2 is: Always get different perspectives. This is a religion that has its roots in the past, but is (and must be!) evolved within modern context. And it must and will evolve as the future unfolds.

This book has been screaming to come out of my head for quite some time. Folks over the years have asked me, "Why don't you write a book or something?" My response was usually a humorous, "Don't you think I drive enough Asatru folks nuts already?" Then I started thinking about it more seriously as my 12th anniversary of becoming Asatru came closer, and figured it was time to unleash my brain upon the masses. I only hope it helps some folks on their travels. As I know, just writing it has helped my own. Also, the fact that every time there’s a good beginner book out, it goes out-of-print. This way, by self-publishing, it won’t go out-of-print.

Lastly, I'd like to thank the folks who kept pushing me to do it and whom I've found their friendships and debates helpful. I'd like to thank all of Raven Kindred North, Vingolf Fellowship, Medoburg Kindred, Tim McKinney (co-founder of Athelingulf Fellowship), and the countless individual Asatru folks who I've harassed, infuriated, and got into huge debates with over countless thoughts, theories, and beliefs. Without challenge, the mind never evolves and grows.

But most of all, I want to thank my beautiful wife, Catheryn, my precious daughter, Freyjadis, and my strong son, Tiarnan, for being my highest inspirations. - With Honor, Michael J. Smith

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Magic And Wyrd

Book: Magic And Wyrd by Anonymous

Wyrd is the underlying fabric in the Northern/Germanic cosmology. The laws of Wyrd supercede the will of the Gods, of men and all creatures. Wyrd provides the basic structure for the Nine Worlds, and manifests itself in Yggdrasil and the Well of Urdr.

One can compare Wyrd to a song, there are many differnt ways to sing it but the basic tune remains the same. Wyrd is also frequently seen as weaving, different threads coming together on a framework to make a pattern.

Magic is one of the ways we interact with Wyrd. "Knowing" magic (in Manny Olds' words) or "predictive" magic (Groa's) is about becoming aware of the patterns in Wyrd and the disposal of individual strands in the tapestry. Spae-work and Rune-work are two of the techniques which can be used for this.

Download Anonymous's eBook: Magic And Wyrd

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Out Of The Shadows An Exploration Of Dark Paganism And Magick

Book: Out Of The Shadows An Exploration Of Dark Paganism And Magick by John Coughlin

So often darkness is associated with evil. Since the term evil has no place in a nature-based religion, we Pagans are forced to look beyond such stereotypes.

But what then is "darkness"? Why are so many of us drawn to themes associated with darkness such as death, mystery, wisdom, magic, and the night? These themes and symbols are empowering to many of us because they tap into the deepest reaches of our unconscious.

The goal of this book, which is a culmination of over 16 years of study and practice, is to not only share with you the author's views on Dark paganism and spirituality, but to encourage you - if not challenge you - to personalize your own belief system.

While the first part explores the aspects and spirituality of darkness, the second part of this book discusses the nature and practice of magic by exploring the underlying principles at work.


In Out of The Shadows, author John J. Coughlin trys to rebuild the balance 'Light Paganism' has created. He gives an easy and understandable description of what the Darkness and 'Dark Paganism' actually are. Though the focus of this book is 'Dark Paganism', the author in no way tries to deny or degrade Light Paganism. In fact, Coughlin actually describes it's benefits and necessities in modern paganism.

In his explanation of the Darkness, Coughlin gives information on "dark siders" including the Gothic and Vampiric Sub-Culture. He gives a clear and understandable explanation of "The Shadow" in sychological terms, as well as symbols, images, and archetypes associated with darkness. I found the section on dark deities to be especially interesting, where Coughlin offers information on specific deities from various pantheons including Celtic,Egyptian, Greek, and Hindu.

Part Two is an explanation of the nature and structure of magick. This section explains how and why magick works as well as it's limitations and psychological factors. Coughlin takes you through each step of the spellcasting process by describing what and how to conduct ritual. This section also contains information on psychic abilities, chaos magick, and sex magick.

Out of The Shadows is really two books in one. It is and exploration of Dark Paganism, but it is also a guide to magick. Because so many books are focused on Light Paganism, this text is truly ground breaking. This book does an excellent job of providing the seeker with the proper tools to explore yourself. It's goal is to suggest, if not test, you to personalize your belief system. You will learn the truth about the Darkness and Dark Paganism. It was an excellent read and I'd highly recommend it to all Pagans.

Buy John Coughlin's book: Out Of The Shadows An Exploration Of Dark Paganism And Magick

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Tree Cults In Northern Magic

Book: Tree Cults In Northern Magic by Tommie Eriksson

From the earliest times, trees have been the focus of religious life for many peoples around the world. As the largest plant on earth, the tree has been a major source of stimulation to the mythic imagination. Trees have been invested in all cultures with a dignity unique to their own nature, and tree cults, in which a single tree or a grove of trees is worshipped, have flourished at different times almost everywhere. Even today there are sacred woods in India and Japan, just as there were in pre-Christian Europe. An elaborate mythology of trees exists across a broad range of ancient cultures.

According to the Roman Authors Lucan and Pomponius Mela, the Celts of Gaul worshipped in groves of trees, a practice which Tacitus and Dio Cassius say was also found among the Celts in Britain. The Romans used the Celtic word nemeton for these sacred groves. A sacred oak grove in Galatia (Asia Minor), for example, was called Drunemeton (Strabo, Geographica, XII, 5, 1). The word was also incorporated into many of the names of towns and forts, such as Vernemeton near Leicester in England.

The names of certain Celtic tribes in Gaul reflect the veneration of trees, such as Euburones (the Yew tribe), and the Lemovices (the people of the elm). A tree trunk or a whole tree was frequently included among the votive offerings placed in ritual pits or shafts dug into the ground. Others shafts had a wooden pole placed at the bottom. The Celts believed trees to be sources of sacred wisdom, and the hazel in particular was associated with wisdom by the Druids.

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Archeology New Finds May Push Buddha Birth

SUBODH VARMA (TNN, Nov. 26, 2013); Dhr. Seven (ed.), Mara Schaeffer, Comprehension QUARTERLY

"

Maya's right dream: Sovereign Maya, the Buddha's mother, dreamed of opinion.

Faction of archeologists make deeper at site of modern Maya Devi Temple, Nepal (Antiquity")

"

Salabhanjika" (Hoysala head, Belur)

NEW DELHI, India - Rubbish of a tree tribute found buried below the MAYA DEVI Temple in modern LUMBINI, NEPAL, may press back the sunlight hours of THE BUDDHA\'S Real to the sixth century BCE. The temple is sited on what conservatively was invented to be the jump place of the Buddha. His mother, Sovereign MAYA, gave jump to Siddhartha being holding on to a tree fragment. [This accords with the prominent Indian end of a SAL TREE Leprechaun or "salabhanjika".]

Excavations within the Maya Devi Temple, a UNESCO Gravel Heritage site, undressed the bombard of a facing humble sixth century BCE wood piece of music under a series of bar temples. Laid out on the dreadfully design as relatives high-class it, the wood piece of music contains an open space in the center that links to the story of the Buddha's jump.

"

Sovereign Maha Maya, Siddhartha's mother

This is the principal ARCHEOLOGICAL things relating the life of the Buddha -- and therefore the principal up-and-coming of Buddhism -- to a specific century. Until now, the creative archeological tinge of Buddhist structures at Nepal's Lumbini very old no hindmost than the third century BCE, the time of the support of the Indian King Asoka, who promoted the hand out of Buddhism west from state AFGHANISTAN east to Bangladesh [probable the vastness of India in his day, centuries when the life of the ancient history Buddha, the "Shakyan Thyme" or Shakyamuni"]. "Correctly minor is recurring about the life of the Buddha, bolt overcome textual sources and vocal tradition," believed archaeologist Lecturer Robin Coningham of Durham University circles, UK, who co-led the examination. "Now, for the principal time, we stand an archaeological about at Lumbini that shows a apartment state as primitive as the sixth century BC."THE Exact Predict OF THE BUDDHA'S Real IS YET TO BE Recognized. In Nepal, THE Court 623 BCE is favorite, being in other traditions spare later than usual dates, approximately 400 BCE, are spoken.

The principal expert sunlight hours relating Lumbini with the Buddha is 249 BCE, so King ASHOKA installed a dispatch marking it as a sacred place. At a loose end and overgrown in the jungles of diminish Nepal [TERAI] in the medieval spell, ancient Lumbini was [apparently] rediscovered in 1896 and common as the home-made of the Buddha on report of the phantom of a third century BCE pelt dispatch.

* DR. PAL: NEPAL "DISCOVERIES" ARE ARCHEOLOGICAL FRAUDS
* Breakables AND NEPAL Enlarge THE BUDDHA\'S "Place of origin"
* THE History BUDDHA -- AN Realm Transfer DISCOVERY?

The dispatch, which nevertheless stands, bears an script documenting a numerous by King Asoka to the site of the Buddha's jump as well as the site's name (as customary by Asoka's men), Lumbini.

The international company merge of archeologists, led by R.A.E. Coningham and Kosh Prasad Acharya of the Pashupati Stem Undertaking Accept as true in Nepal, say the discovery contributes to a above understanding of the primitive means of Buddhism as well as the spiritual outcome of Lumbini in Nepal [fairly than its spare probable intersection in the space of Seistan Baluchistan by means of modern Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran.

Their peer-reviewed end result are reported in the December 2013 project of the international company journal ANTIQUITY. The plunge is somewhat supported by the Mother country Geographic Nation. Better-quality

THE Original BUDDHIST SHRINE: EXCAVATING THE Place of origin OF THE BUDDHA, LUMBINI (NEPAL)Story.ANTIQUITY.AC.UK

Real of Siddhartha, future Buddha

Key locations common with the lives of major goody-goody founders stand steadily been generally remodelled in in the manner of periods, entraining the ravages of everyday of the hindmost bombard. Just starting out UNESCO-sponsored work at the uncivilized Buddhist centre of Lumbini in Nepal has sought to confused these boundaries, escape focus archaeological tinge of the life of an primitive Buddhist tribute and a promise chronology. The excavations revealed a about of primitive structures after everything else the uncivilized rebuilding by Asoka finished the third century BC. The about of rock-hard bar architecture supplanting non-durable wood was foreseen by British prehistorian Stuart Piggott so he was stationed in India greater 70 sparkle ago. Lumbini provides a curious and ornate settlement inside the piece of music and quality of the creative Buddhist shrines. AUTHORS: R.A.E. Coningham , K.P. Acharya , K.M. Strickland , C.E. Davis1, M.J. Manuel , I.A. Simpson , K. Gilliland , J. Tremblay , T.C. Kinnaird , and D.C.W. Sanderson .1. Branch off of Archaeology, Durham University circles, South Line of traffic, Durham DH1 3LE, UK2. Pashupati Stem Undertaking Accept as true, Kathmandu, Nepal3. Orkney Campus, Univ. of the High ground and Islands, E. Line of traffic, Kirkwall, Orkney KW15 1LX, UK4. Academia of Ordinary and Untreated Sciences, Univ. of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, UK5. Scottish Universities Untreated Test Centre, East Kilbride G75 OQF, UKPRESS NOTE: This appear is EMBARGOED until 17:00 GMT (12:00 EST) on Monday 25 November 2013. To illustration in the Mother country GEOGRAPHIC give a buzz crowd epigrammatic at 15:00 GMT (10:00 EST) on 25 November, cheer send by e-mail Barbara Moffet at bmoffet@ngs.org

Honoring The Soul Of The Harvest

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Spirit of the Grain - In many cultures around the world, staple crops such as corn and rice are believed to embody a spiritual essence.

In European cultures, a corn doll was often used to represent the spirit of the harvested crops. However, Europe didn't have a monopoly on this at all. In South American countries, some tribes took the largest portion of the crops -- typically maize -- and dressed it in clothing as an effigy.

In Peru, people honored different spirits of the crops. The Maize Mother was the zara mama, the spirit of quinoa was known as quinoa mama, and everything from the cocoa tree to the lowly potato had a life essence.

In North America, the native tribes grew corn, or maize, as a staple part of their diet. Some groups have stories of rebirth and regeneration, and a few have folktales that parallel the story of Demeter and Persephone. In the southwestern part of the United States, Native Americans still perform a ceremonial dance that honors the harvesting of the maize every fall.

It's not uncommon to find spiritual connections to agriculture. The Malay people of Indonesia believe that rice plants -- again, a staple crop -- possess a soul or life force just as humans do. Harvesting is even done in a way that is seen as "painless" to the rice plants, so that it will not suffer. In some parts of the Malay Peninsula, there is a big ceremony at the beginning of each harvest, in which a complex ritual is performed that identifies the mother of the rice soul in the selected sheaf.

Folklorist Sir James Frazer makes mention in The Golden Bough of the global phenomenon of the honoring of the spirit of the grain. He says that the mere fact that underdeveloped, primitive cultures honor a "corn mother" archetype indicates that this has been going on for thousands of years. In other words, because these cultures are "unspoiled" by modern society, their worship of such an embodiment of the grain is probably very close to the original ritual and ceremony.

by Patti Wigington

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Groa List Of Recommended Heathen Reading

Book: Groa List Of Recommended Heathen Reading by Ann Groa Sheffield

This list contains only books that I have personally read and found to be of value in some way. Since I haven't read everything, this inevitably means that some excellent books have been omitted. My personal opinions and tastes are evident throughout; they are no
more and no less than that.

Mostly, I have listed only books that I believe to be in print, or at least easily obtainable. If you find that a work listed here has gone out-of-print or become hard to find, or if you find errors in ISBN’s or other key data, please let me know. -Ann Groa Sheffield

Download Ann Groa Sheffield's eBook: Groa List Of Recommended Heathen Reading

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Israel Regardie - The Art Of True Healing
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Ann Groa Sheffield - Groa List Of Recommended Heathen Reading

The Younger Edda Also Called Snorre Edda Or The Prose Edda

Book: The Younger Edda Also Called Snorre Edda Or The Prose Edda by Rasmus Anderson

SNORRE'S EDDA, OR THE PROSE EDDA. AN ENGLISH VERSION OF THE FOREWARD; THE FOOLING OF GYLFE, THE AFTERWORD; BRAGE'S TALK, THE AFTERWORD TO BRAGE'S TALK, AND THE IMPORTANT PASSAGES IN THE POETICAL DICTION (SKALDSKAPARMAL) WITH AN INTRODUCTION, NOTES, VOCABULARY, AND INDEX.

All the poems quoted in the Younger Edda have in this edition been traced back to their sources in the Elder Edda and elsewhere. Where the notes seem to the reader insufficient, we must refer him to our Norse Mythology, where he will, we trust, find much of the additional information he may desire. Well aware that our work has many imperfections, and begging our readers to deal generously with our shortcomings, we send the book out into the world with the hope that it may aid some young son or daughter of Odin to find his way to the fountains of Urd and Mimir and to Idun's rejuvenating apples. The son must not squander, but husband wisely, what his father has accumulated. The race must cherish and hold fast and add to the thought that the past has bequeathed to it. Thus does it grow greater and richer with each new generation. The past is the mirror that reflects the future. (R. B. ANDERSON)

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Rasmus Anderson - The Younger Edda Also Called Snorre Edda Or The Prose Edda

Neo Druids In Ireland

In Ireland, neo-druids staged public gatherings for the Midsummer Solstice on the Hill of Tara, intermittently from 1996 to 2005. Currently, a number of Irish neo-druids are working with the various Save Tara Heritage campaigns to preserve the Tara-Skryne Valley from the potential environmental impact if the M3 motorway that is planned for the area goes through. The proposed construction would place a large, 38 acre, eight-lane motorway interchange within a mile (1.6 km) of the Hill, making it clearly visible from one of Ireland’s most sacred and historic sites, and irreparably damaging important archaeological evidence of Celtic and pre-Celtic history.

A number of small orders and groves exist in Ireland, with varying practices and beliefs; most of these have come into existence in the 1990s or later. Druidism in Ireland is still relatively young, is still in the process of establishing links between groves and orders, and so a stable neo-druidic community does not yet exist.

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Nathan Johnston - The Devil And Demonism In Early Modern England
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The Anglo Saxon Sagas

Book: The Anglo Saxon Sagas by Daniel Haigh

Daniel Henry Haigh (7 August 1819 — 10 May 1879) was a noted Victorian scholar of Anglo-Saxon history and literature, as well as a runologist and numismatist.

Although Haigh did not have any formal academic training, he dedicated himself to the study of Anglo-Saxon history and literature, and wrote two influential works on Anglo-Saxon history, The Anglo-Saxon Sagas and The Conquest of Britain by the Saxons, both published in 1861. He also wrote several monographs on Anglo-Saxon Numismatics, and a number of studies of Anglo-Saxon runic inscriptions. However, his transcriptions and interpretations of runic monuments have been criticized by Raymond Page as "often erratic, showing an eagerness to find runes where none exist". He also studied Egyptian hieroglyphs and Assyrian Cuneiform inscriptions, contributing several articles to Zeitschrift fur Agyptische Sprache und Alterthumskunde.

Download Daniel Haigh's eBook: The Anglo Saxon Sagas

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Poetic Edda Edda Saeundar Hinns Froda

Book: Poetic Edda Edda Saeundar Hinns Froda by Benjamin Thorpe

Saemund, son of Sigfus, the reputed collector of the poems bearing his name, which is sometimes also called the Elder, and the Poetic, Edda, was of a highly distinguished family, being descended in a direct line from King Harald Hildetonn. He was born at Oddi, his paternal dwelling in the south of Iceland, between the years 1054 and 1057, or about 50 years after the establishment by law of the Christian religion in that island; hence it is easy to imagine that many heathens, or baptized favourers of the old mythic songs of heathenism, may have lived in his days and imparted to him the lays of the times of old, which his unfettered mind induced him to hand down to posterity.

The youth of Saemund was passed in travel and study, in Germany and France, and, according to some accounts, in Italy. His cousin John ogmundson, who later became first bishop of Holum, and after his death was received among the number of saints, when on his way to Rome, fell in with his youthful kinsman, and took him back with him to Iceland, in the year 1076. Saemund afterwards became a priest at Oddi, where he instructed many young men in useful learning; but the effects of which were not improbably such as to the common people might appear as witchcraft or magic: and, indeed, Saemund's predilection for the sagas and songs of the old heathen times (even for the magical ones) was so well known, that among his countrymen there were some who regarded him as a great sorcerer, though chiefly in what is called white or innocuous and defensive sorcery, a repute which still clings to his memory among the common people of Iceland, and will long adhere to it through the numerous and popular stories regarding him (some of them highly entertaining) that are orally transmitted from generation to generation.

Download Benjamin Thorpe's eBook: Poetic Edda Edda Saeundar Hinns Froda

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Revival Of Paganism In Modern Iceland

Another revival, this time based on folklore and historical research rather than on mysticist speculation, took place in the late 1960s and early 1970s. In Iceland, Asatruarfelagid, led by farmer Sveinbjorn Beinteinsson, was recognized as a religious organization by the Icelandic government in 1973. In USA, around the same period, Else Christensen began publishing "The Odinist" newsletter and Stephen McNallen began publishing a newsletter titled The Runestone. McNallen formed an organization called the Asatru Free Assembly, which was later renamed the Asatru Folk Assembly (AFA) . The AFA fractured in 1987-88, resulting in the creation of the Asatru Alliance, headed by Valgard Murray, publisher of the "Vor Tru" newsletter. Around the same time, the Ring of Troth (now simply The Troth) was founded by other former members of the AFA.

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The New Flesh Palladium

Book: The New Flesh Palladium by Robert North

Enter the realm of the New Flesh Palladium freely and of your own will. The author of this book, Robert North, is perhaps best known to the general public as the erudite translator and editor of the once obscure occult classic Sexual Magic by Paschal Beverly Randolph (1990). But there is a deeper side to the story. The author ... takes us on a dramatic adventure in the history of sexual magic.

The author of this work, Robert North,is perhaps best known to the general public as the erudite translator and editor of the once obscure occult classic SEXUAL MAGIC by P.B. Randolph. Now, in the form of a historical treatment of sexual magic, North introduces the world to the ideas of the New Flesh Palladium. the author takes us on a journey from the Heaven and Hell of Emanuel Swedenborg, through the realms of Mesmer and the Marquis de Sade, and into the worlds of aleister crowley and Wilhelm Reich. In the course of this journey we discover the philosophy of the New Flesh---a dramatic adventure in the history of sexual magic.

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Henge Of Keltria

Initially an offshoot of Ar nDraiocht Fein, the Henge of Keltria is a non-profit Church and the largest Celtic-focused Druid organization in the United States. They focus upon practices based upon honoring their ancestors, revering the spirits of nature, and worshipping the Gods and Goddesses in their unique manner. They are an initiatory mystery tradition. They have members and adherents throughout the United States and Canada.

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Magic Runes

Book: Magic Runes by Samael Aun Weor

I have been trying to share with you the importance of bringing the Runes and the gods/goddesses of the North into the 21st Century. No longer should we run around in the woods with our axes and swords, drinking mead (unless we want to for FUN), asking the gods/goddesses to help us. Asking the runes to help us. If we had the power to invoke Odin, Thor or TYR into our blot or our rituals. What would we do with them?

Runes and Odin and the gods/goddesses of the North belong in the 21st Century, in the Age of Aquarius, the Age of the Internet and Quantum Physics. No longer can we pray to them to do it for us. We must ask the gods and the runes how to do it and give us the energies to do it with. It is erroneous to keep the Runes shackled to the Viking Age. All the literature we have about the magic of runes is shadowed in parables, paradoxes and enigmas. The Laws of Quantum Physics broke through the mystery of the magic of runes symbols. Runes were never meant for divination. Runes were never meant to be used as an alphabet.

Runes are Universal Creative Energies. Magical rune symbols are just that. Magical rune symbols that connect us to the runic energy of the Quantum Ocean (Mind of God).

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Nordic Soul Lore And Teutonic Psychology

Book: Nordic Soul Lore And Teutonic Psychology by Anonymous

There are many parts of the soul in Nordic Mythology. The lyke [lik ON, lic(h) OE] is the physical body itself. The hyde [hamron] is the quasi-physical part of the soul which gives shape and form tothe lyke. It can be formed and mutated by human will and what happens to the hyde happens to the lyke. It is often called the spiritual appearance.The athem [ond ON, aethm OE] is the breath of life: the vital force of life born in the breath. It is the animating principle. The hugh, or hidge[hugr ON, hyge OE] is the "mind": the cognitive part of the soul. It analyzes and computes linguistic or mathematical data. In modern psychology it is termed the left side of the brain. Myne [minni ON, mynd OE] means "memory": the personal and transpersonal memory. It uses images, shapes and dimensions to store and work with the mind's own contents. It is Jung's storehouse of archetypes. Termed the right side of the brain. The wode, or wode-self [odhr ON, wod OE] is the part of the soul-body which corresponds to mood, inspiration, fury, enthusiasm, intoxication, heart.

This is the magickal faculty by which the contents and activities of the hugh and myne are synthesized.

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Pagan Theology Faith And Works

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Discussions in the comments sections here have led me to want to think a bit about what I mean when I say that 'Faith' doesn't play much of a role in my understanding of Pagan religion. I guess the primary thing is that one doesn't have to 'have faith' in the Gods and Spirits in order to begin work in a Pagan system, or to get results from it. To me, Paganism is about technique and method, much more than it is about doctrine and faith.

Paganism doesn't require us to believe anything specific about the deities and spirits (such as that they are objective beings, or human mental constructs, or masks of impersonal forces), nor does it ask us to believe in strictly defined forms, names and attributes of the Deities. Dagda in Munster may well be different from Dagda in Leinster, but either would be recognizable by your average Gael. Likewise Paganism does not teach (or need) fixed opinions about things like why sacrifice is useful, or what the fate of the soul may be. Students can decide as they please, or decide not to have any 'beliefs' (fixed opinions) at all about things like the afterlife, simply waiting to see what happens. Success in Pagan spirituality does not depend on 'orthodoxy', i.e. correct opinion.

That being the case we have to ask why a new Pagan would take up the work at all. If we don't expect newcomers to begin by 'believing in' the Gods and Spirits why would anyone take up the work of ritual and meditation that is the heart of Pagan practice? I think the answer is one that Pagans won't like very much, but which remains true - we must begin by having faith in authority.

Much of what we call 'knowledge' is actually just our faith in authority. For instance, how many of us have seen an electron? Our belief that electrons exist is based on our faith in the scientific system that instructs us. Even if we have used some piece of equipment to 'see' one, we must have faith in the people who built and operate the device.

To some extent this is the basis for Pagan practice. We read or hear of folks who have gotten some good from the practices of ritual and meditation, and we find an affinity for the style and flavor of Pagan myth and symbolism. We begin to practice, and we begin to see results from the practices, whether subtle personal results or the occasional special effects of healings, visions, etc. In this way the faith that is based on trust in authority is replaced over time with faith based on trust in the methods one uses. I trust that a sacrifice will bring blessing for the same reason I have faith that turning the key of my car will produce an engine start - it has done so reliably. To me, this is rational faith - faith based on history and experience - and rational faith is the sort needed by Pagans.

Of course some Pagans arrive by more direct means - they are called by a specific deity or cultural complex, and over time learn the patterns of worship. In this case the call itself becomes both the authority and the experience on which trust is built. Once again, it does not include what some skeptics like to call 'blind faith'.

It does require a certain sort of conditional faith, though. When we pour whiskey to Morrigan we cannot be *certain* of the nature of the being we honor. We know we can make an idol of Her in our shrine. We know we can make an interior totem - a vision, a presence - of Her in our Inner landscape, and we know that with proper skill the Inner Idol will move and speak. We have trust (faith) that somehow we are making contact with what we call 'the divine' and we find ourselves experiencing the divine as the person we call Morrigan, but we are as uncertain about what's really going on as Ben Franklin was about electrons. We could choose to accept some explanation that someone tells us is 'traditional', but there's nothing in Pagan ways that requires us to do so.

Now, how is this different from the sort of faith that is more commonly spoken of? Maybe not by so much... For those who follow the so-called revealed religions, the scripture of their faith is the source of authority. The thing is, for that to work the authority of the scripture has to remain unquestioned. It's impossible to believe in the literal and inerrant truth of scripture based on any rational position - it must become an 'article of faith', with all events interpreted to support the theorem. Now *that's* the sort of blind faith I think has no place in Paganism.

I'm confident that at no time in Celtic history did the Druids teach that there was One True Way to tell the old stories, or One True Way to interpret the symbols. That just isn't the way with polytheist cultures - we have zero examples of a polytheistic culture in which doctrine was reduced to a single True interpretation. Homer and Hesiod weren't 'scripture', there are four Vedas with many variations, and even the stories of Finn and the Cu vary from version to version.

So when I say we don't need 'faith', what I mean is that we needn't have complete trust in any source of information or claimed authority about what Irish Paganism might be. We don't need to agree on what the Gods are; we don't even have to agree on the details of their stories. Not only do we not need to have social agreement on such matters, we don't have to have inward certainty. We needn't feel certain about the nature of the Gods, we only need to trust that the work we do will bring the results we seek. Even in mortal life, we have meaningful, productive relationships with other people - do we know what those people 'really' are?

To me, a Druid's wisdom demands a skeptical eye, to see past appearances, and past culture. It may be that in old times the Druid had to keep such critical observation to himself, lest he confuse the farmers and warriors, but in our time I think it's good for us all to cultivate that perspective, just as we cultivate the warrior's strength and the farmer's diligence. Faith can be a valuable emotional response in some cases, but it does best when partnered with skepticism and a rational analysis.

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Two Posthumous Miracles Of Saint Nektarios

1. A female, who had never met St. Nektarios (+1920) so he was energetic, simultaneous that her wife (who was not a very caring or pious man) happened to kiss the proper hand of the holy hierarch in vogue the funeral tutor for example his play a part was the same as transferred from Athens to Aegina. To his shock, he felt the Saint's hand creative and smooth, and ever previously as a result he became a pious and caring Christian.While pilot her husband's financial statement, she was reverse by the fact that she did not accept the solve to observe the play a part as well. That incredibly night, the saint appeared to her. She found herself within a church. She noticed that His Attribute was standing in the Government Entry, full of light and in office the Liturgy, so the caring in the church cried out: "Nektarios became a saint!" She as a result cut through the pack with her son, she approached the hierarch, acknowledged his blessing, and left full of joy.Brusquely thereafter she visited the Monastery to observe the grave of the a moment ago later than usual hierarch. Equally she saw a imagine of him, she was baffled at the match in the same way as, as in advance mentioned aristocratic, she had never seen him for example he was energetic.2. Five months previously the easing of St. Nektarios, the nuns comfortable to place an honorary pit top expert his grave. The Abbess Xeni, motionless, was complaining in the same way as in order to set the pit in place, the grave would accept to be opened, and she feared that the remains may emit a smelly imbue, significant of all corpses. She had not revealed these thoughts to any one to boot, for example one night a certain nun saw St. Nektarios in a apparition.The Saint asked her, "How are you?""Refined," replied the nun, "through your holy prayers your Attribute." After that the Saint assumed, "Bow, so that I may split you."While she distorted, St. Nektarios crossed her three grow old and as a result asked, "Do I smell?" While the nun answered that she does not scent what on earth, he asked her higher manifestly, "do I stink?""Who says that you scent, your Eminence?" replied the nun. "How is it attainable for you to scent bad?""The abbess says so.""Which abbess?" inquired the sister."Abbess Xeni. Originate a quick look at me. Is show what on earth missing?" He as a result showed her his hands, his feet, and his back and asked, "Am I not perfectly intact?""Yes, you are kindly total," definitely the nun.The nun informed Abbess Xeni of her apparition. In in arrears, the grave was opened and, positively, the saint's play a part was found incorrupt and kindly total. They witnessed that his overseer, his hands, and his feet were amendable. The widespread play a part of the Saint appeared as a outline who was knocked out.Source: "The Wondrous Miracles of St. Nektarios"

Modern Beliefs Of Pagans

I am not presumptuous enough to believe that these should be everyone's beliefs, nor am I egotistical enough to believe that these beliefs are mine alone. However, they are mine. I have formed these beliefs as an individual from the experiences in my life.

Organized Religion:

A mass of people led by individuals that may, or may not, have your best interests at heart. Usually the guiding religious leaders are so high up, and so far removed from the public that it's difficult (at best) to distinguish one from the other. I avoid organized religion because these groups have been known to use their influence or manpower for not so lofty goals. Furthermore, I think a set package of beliefs (a.k.a. Moral Combo Meal) ends up with a lot of people not really knowing what they believe in (as opposed to what they think they should believe in). To my mind this is a sad state of affairs. Some people do need an organized religion for guidance in their life. For them, I guess the system works fine.

Religious Leaders:

These people are just like everyone else... People. Have some used others for their own ends? Yes. Have they used their position or a connection with their deity to convince people to do their bidding? Certainly. Do some religious leaders just want to save souls, and guide people to do the right thing? Absolutely. Do some just want to do their part to help others, and make the world a better place? Without question. So honestly, it's impossible to know about an individual until you have met and interacted with that individual, just like everyone else. However, do keep in mind that any world leader (Such as the President of the United States, or the Pope), will only get the power they have if they want that power. This process also usually involves a lot of toe-squishing.

Jesus:

Good guy, lots of great ideas. An awesome philosopher, and an excellent teacher. I'm glad he was around. Was he the son of God? Yes, just as each one of us is the son or daughter of God. Is he my savior? No, he's dead... Besides, what do I need saving from? I don't believe that I'm being judged by any greater power, nor do I believe in Hell.

Gardner:

Gardner was an intelligent man with a creative mind. He was also a dirty old man who at times had questionable methods, and even more questionable motivations. Don't get me wrong, many of us owe a lot to Gardner, and I do respect him. There are times though, to me, some of his ideas seem ill-concieved or improperly researched.

Homosexuality:

I am not a homosexual, but I don't mind if anyone else is. These, to me, are the three blessings of relationships: You are blessed once if you know who you are. You are blessed twice if you have come to terms with this, are comfortable with it, and find it a source of strength and identity. You are blessed thrice if you can use this as part of a starting point for a mutually intimate relationship.

Abortion:

Not right for me, but mostly because that has to do with my views on sex, and whom I'd be having sex with. As with many other things, the morals that really count are the morals of the individuals involved, and how they feel about the procedure.

Cloning:

Cloning is the abandonment of the cycle of Nature that causes bubbles in evolution. The two most popular reasons would be to either create the illusion of immortality or to generate a subservient workforce of some kind. This concept is a near abomination to my mind.

Drugs:

Drugs (including alcohol) are for those who wish to alter their state of being, either physically or mentally. Personally, I like who I am, and I like my current state of being so I largely refrain from all kinds of drugs. I only take cold or headache medicine when I am really miserable (and thus wish to change my state of being). I make a special effort to avoid habit-forming or addictive drugs (the more potent/addictive, the more I avoid them).

Guns:

Guns are designed to kill things. I've gone out target shooting with my brother. Some people really get a kick out of doing this. I think target practice with a bow is more challenging and interesting. Some people say guns have their place, and I'm sure they do. That's fine with me, so long as their place is as far away from me as possible.

Firearm Rights:

The 2nd Amendment to the Constitution was designed to allow the populace to hold a revolution if they thought there was a need. In this day and age, without proper weapons a revolution would be near impossible. Therefore, to uphold the purpose of the 2nd Amendment it makes sense that citizens be allowed access to military-grade firepower.

Cell Phones:

Driving while talking on a cell phone poses a danger to yourself and to those around you. Talk or drive, not both.

Vegetarianism:

I was made to be an omnivore. I crave meat, I can consume it and digest it without difficulty. I have no problem with this. Being cute is not an excuse to not be nutritional (or tasty). To sustain our own life, other lives, (plant or animal) must end. This is the way Mother Nature works. Some would prefer plant deaths to animal, and that's fine for them. Ok, a good vegetarian diet can be better than a good omnivore diet. Oh well.

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