May Day Or Walpurgis

May Day or Walpurgis: Mayflies and buttercups are gathered. If farmland is not yet turned for the planting, Walburgs are made and set up. A Walburg is a scarecrow with a spade in its hand and seems to be a representation of a land-wight. A May-pole is set up, and woven with bright ribbons. Men and women alternately take up an end of a ribbon and dance around the pole. Young women are chased by young men. If they are caught they are scourged with birch twigs, as this will make them fertile. Birch is placed everywhere as decoration, and this is a festival of the birch goddess. Her procession, described above, takes place. Dancing and revelry occurs, and games. A bonfire is lit. A May-queen and May-king are chose, an bedecked with flowers and greenery so that they are almost completely hidden by it. The Sigrblot (victory blessing) was held, asking Odin's aid in upcoming struggles.

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Heathenry

Heathen (Old English h?den, Old Norse heidinn) was coined as a translation of Latin paganus, in the Christian sense of "non-Abrahamic faith".

In the Sagas, the terms heidni and kristni (Heathenry and Christianity) are used as polar terms to describe the older and newer faiths. Historically, the term was influenced by the Gothic term *haili, appearing as hai?no in Ulfilas' bible for translating gune Hellenis, "Greek (i.e. gentile) woman" of Mark 7:26, probably with an original meaning "dwelling on the heath", but it was also suggested that it was chosen because of its similarity to Greek ethne "gentile" or even that it is not related to "heath" at all, but rather a loan from Armenian hethanos, itself loaned from Greek ethnos.

The Miercinga Rice Theod and several other groups, narrow the sense of the word to Germanic Neopaganism in particular, and prefer it over Neopagan as a self-designation.

Heathenry is used for strictly polytheistic reconstructionist approaches, as opposed to syncretic, occult or mysticist approaches. While some practitioners use the term Heathenry as an equivalent to Paganism, others use it much more specifically. It is used by those who are re-creating the old religion and world view from the literary and archaeological sources. They describe themselves as "Heathen" in part to distinguish themselves from other pagans whose rituals come from more modern sources.

Heathenry is now the most widespread term for Germanic Paganism in the UK and is promoted by UK groups such as Heathens For Progress.

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Race And Religion Creating A Group Identity

Religion plays a large part in many white supremacist movements. Not just because it seems to be an easy scapegoat and, especially in the United States, an easy way to claim discriminatory speech is protected. Social movements generally contain elements that challenge the way a dominant system works, and so new sub-cultures are created as an answer to the prevailing system. This is also a result of peoples’ tendency to seek identity within a group setting—religion offers an easy way to do that. Dobratz writes, “Although religion may be viewed as an individual matter, it is mainly a shared experience that links one human being to others; bond and tradition are major concepts associated with religion…they [religions] can also be used to foster collective identity in various social movements.” Odinism is not at all unique in its use of religion to inspire ethnic conflict. This is a tactic we often see used against Judaism, the idea that the Jews are somehow “different.”

In 2001, a Professor of religious History at the University of Stockholm minced no words when asked about neo-paganism, and more specifically Odinism, in white supremacy. He asserted that, in the 1990’s, neo-paganism had overtaken Christian Identity movements in white supremacy. In The Role of Religion in the Collective Identity of the White Racialist Movement, Odinism is specifically named as one of the three religious affiliations that has been most influential in influencing and developing the white nationalist/racialist movement. This article makes a separation between racial Odinism and other neo-pagan religions. While most other neo-pagan groups tend to see their religion as somehow “universal” in scope and would normally be classified as quite liberal, Odinists, “do not believe in universal religions…unlike most other neopagans, support neotribalism, emphasize racial purity.” It is important to note that the lack of belief in a universal religion is something generally attributed only to Folkish Odinists. There is much Universalist literature suggesting belief in the idea that the Old Norse gods are simply different iterations, or even only different names, of the same pagan gods worshiped worldwide.

It has been suggested that, “religion, broadly conceived, offers the most promising path toward realization of the white nationalist dream” (Dobratz). As a broad category, religion is very helpful in recruiting for new movements. It works to provide a common history and group identity, something very attractive to potential recruits. While they may privately compete among themselves, the number of different religions that have parts in the white supremacist/white nationalist movement actually serves to attract more members than if it were homogenous. Dobratz writes, “The different religious views provide alternatives from which people can choose.”

Lately, however, Odinism seems to have become the go-to religion of white supremacists who are disillusioned with Christianity. As churches have become both more liberal and more accepting of changing societal norms (such as homosexuality or women clergy), more and more interest in Odinism and other “ancestral religions” has popped up. Frank DeSilva, a member of the Silent Brotherhood, argues that a break from Christianity in favor of Odinism is occurring within white supremacy. “Religion is for the race-culture that created it. In consequence to this, the movement is becoming increasingly non-Christian.” He goes on to cite the fact that religions are become more integrated or “non-white” as a main reason for this shift. The idea of Christianity as a Jewish plot is also gaining popularity. In a rare case of reasoning that is (somewhat) logical, one reason for white supremacists reject Christian movements is explained—

“I’m an Odinist, and I really wish that all this Christian Identity stuff would just like fade away…me and a lot of my friends just think that it’s the stupidest thing around—Christian Identity. I mean, I believe Christianity is Jewish. I mean, in nature, Jesus Christ was Jewish—it comes from the Middle East—it’s a Middle Eastern religion. I don’t think it’s for us as a racial movement—why should we take a Jewish religion if we’re so anti-Semitic?”

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Pan Celtism And What It Means For Us

In the past decade or two, there has been an amazing spread of Celtic identity throughout the world. Celtic festivals are common all over Western Europe, North America, Australia, etc. We now have the Celtic League, the International Celtic Congress, and a major international Celtic festival (which was held in Valle d'Aosta in 2009). The question is: where do we fit into this Pan-Celtic milieu?

We would have to fit in somewhere, as much of the spirituality and even the Celtic knotwork is tied to Padania. "Cisalpine Gaul," of course, was the name given to Padania by the Romans, which means in Latin: "Gaul south of the Alps." The Trophy of Augustus was the Roman trophy to the conquest of the Celto-Ligurian tribes.

One interesting commonality of the Celtic peoples throughout history is their struggle against encroaching Teutonic and Roman armies. In the movie 'Braveheart', Celtic Scots are depicted defending their homeland against basically Anglo-Saxon/Norman English. The Roman Julius Caesar conquered Celtic Gaul. These are just two of the more well-known examples. Many compare the Roman invasion of Cisalpine Gaul to the invasion of the English against the Scots.

Unlike many other European cultures, Padania doesn't have the definitive "one ancient culture" that it can draw most of it's inspiration from. Lega Nord chose the Celts. The Etruscans were too tied into Roman (Italian) identity, and the Langobards were invaders from somewhere else. At least some of this was based on political reasoning. We do not have the answer to this equation yet.

Actually, Cisalpine Gaul was demographically "Celto-Ligurian," as we have covered before. That is, a mix of both proto-Alpine and Celtic tribes. The Trophy of Augustus lists both Alpine and Celtic tribes.
Another factor is the spiritual component to all of this. The worship of the horned god Cernunnos has been co-opted by the Wiccan faith, along with other traditions from many cultures, into a universalist religion. Some social engineers of Wicca have long touted their religion as a leftist movement to contrast with the perceived right wing Christian movement. That is something we have to look harder at in the future. This worship of Cernunnos is heavily linked to the Cisalpine Gauls, but also widespread in ancient Gaul, and even Scandinavia.

The Pan-Celtic identity is such a good fit, as we are not really southern or northern European, and not Eastern European. Quite frankly, the region of Padania is/was historically located at the crossroads of Roman/Mediterranean (south), Germanic/Norse (north), Celtic/Gaulic (west) and Slavic (east) worlds. In viewing the greater scope of things, in both ancient and modern concepts, we're more Western European. Like the French, we're basically Romanized Gauls.

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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?

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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

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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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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Armanen Runes

Book: Armanen Runes by Karl Hans Welz

Rune Magic is extra power for you! It is ancient technology. You can use this extraordinary method now by harnessing the Ur-energies (original energies) of the universe. These energies provide you with your personal gate to the powers of creation !!!

Using the creative powers of the Runes for your psychic development and spiritual advancement, you can naturally gain control of love, money, business, sports, status, and life itself.

- You can harness the powers of Runeyoga to control the flow of life force for stamina, endurance, and an abundance of creative mental and physical energy.
- The Basic Rune Course leads you on your path to become a Rune Master.
- The Rune Reading Course is an introduction to the art of reading the Runes!
- Become a member of the Knights of Runes!
- The Rune Magic Book - basic information about the Armanen Runes .
- The Rune Ceremonial Book - an introduction.

Because of their power, Runes or Rune-like symbols, have been part of religious systems in the past as well as they are in present times. Therefore Runes cannot be considered to be the "proprietary system" of any specific religious creed, even if they were or are an important part of such a creed. Keep in mind that THE BASIC TECHNOLOGIES OF RUNE MAGIC ARE INDEPENDENT FROM ANY RELIGIOUS BELIEF STRUCTURE. TRUE RUNE MASTERS encourage incorporation of Runic practice in any religious system, provided that its teachings and actions encompass tolerance and love. We know that RUNES ARE FOR EVERY INTELLIGENT BEING IN THE UNIVERSE! The Eighteen Sacred Futhork Runes are a symbolism that represents universal cosmic structures.

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Practical Candleburning Rituals Spells And Rituals For Every Purpose

Book: Practical Candleburning Rituals Spells And Rituals For Every Purpose by Raymond Buckland

This trusted guidebook by popular author Raymond Buckland has introduced candle magick to more than 300,000 readers. From winning love to conquering fear, obtaining money to improving relationships, Practical Candleburning rituals is filled with simple candle rites that get real results.

Newly updated and re-organized, this edition includes thirty-seven rituals-adapted for Christians and Pagans-that can be performed at home with readily available materials. No prior magickal knowledge is necessary. Diagrams and simple instructions make this candle magick primer an ideal practical guide for beginners.

Ray Buckland has been actively involved in the occult for over fifty years and was responsible for introducing Gardnerian Wicca to the United States. He has written over two dozen books; has had numerous Articles published in magazines and newspapers; has appeared on many TV shows; and has worked as a technical advisor on movies and stage productions. I am very lucky to know Ray, and the metaphysical world should be thankful that he shares his learning with us.

Practical Candleburning Rituals is one of his most popular books, and rightly so. Hundreds of thousands of people use it as a guide to simple, practical, powerful, and usable magic on a daily basis. There are three reasons you should use this book, too.

First, if you have never done any sort of magic before, this book is an ideal introduction to the subject from a practical point of view.
Second, although many people are involved in Pagan religions, many others are involved in Christianity. Most of the rituals in this book are presented in two ways, one for Pagans and one for Christians. This book can really be used by just about anyone.

Third, by practicing the techniques in this book, you'll learn the underpinnings of magic. In no time you'll be able to come up with your own rituals based on the ones listed.
When you can design your own rituals, and be successful with them, you will truly be a magician. And the place to start is with this book.

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The Lay Of Sigrdrifa

Book: The Lay Of Sigrdrifa by Wh Auden

Sigrdrifumal or Brynhildarljod is one of the heroic poems of the poetic Edda. It relates the meeting of the valkyrie Sigrdrifa with the hero Sigurdr and largely consists of Sigrdrifa's advice to him, which includes cryptic references to Norse mythology and magical runes. The metre is fornyrdislag.

The beginning of the poem is preserved in the Codex Regius where it follows Fafnismal. The end is in the lost part of the manuscript but it is preserved in later copies. The Volsunga saga describes the scene and contains some of the poem.

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The Pagan Credo

1. Paganism is a religion (or field of related religions) in its own right, being traceable from prehistoric times through most ancient and modern cultures and making a continuing contribution to the spiritual evolution of our species.

2. It is not rigid or dogmatic in form, its exact expression depends on the individual Pagan, or willing cooperating group of Pagans. This credo is therefore itself not dogmatic but an attempt to describe the mainstream characteristics of Pagan philosophy.

3. Paganism aims to offer a way to recognise and attune with the manifold forces of nature, which already exist within and without us and which are vital to our survival, fulfilment and evolution. By celebrating the seasons and becoming one with other living creatures Pagans synchronise intimately with the planet, liberate their personalities and magnify their perceptions and talents in the interests of themselves, their groups and communities and humankind as a whole.

4. Paganism believes in the same Divine Creative Force as anyone else, because if there is one there can only be one. Like any other religion, Paganism personifies this Ultimate as a means to attuning oneself to it, because it cannot be apprehended directly, except perhaps be brief flashes of intuition.

5. Paganism's basic personification of this Ultimate is in its creative polarisation of male and female aspects, as the Father God and Mother Goddess. The God represents the fertilising, energising, analysing, intellectual, left-brain-function aspects. The Goddess represents the formative, nourishing, synthesising, intuitive, right-brain-function aspects.

6. As above so below; this basic Divine polarisation is the primal cause of all manifestation and it is reflected at all levels of being, including ourselves.

7. Pagans make use of many different God and-Goddess forms as tuning signals to different aspects of the essential God and Goddess. These forms vary according to cultural, geographical and personal backgrounds and are 'usually' (and naturally, since men and women aspire to emulate them) envisaged in perfected human form; but they are all valid. They are real in the sense that if one attunes oneself to them sincerely, they are vitalised and empowered by the Ultimate of which they represent aspects. They are not idols but are the numinous, archetypal symbols which are vital (or in everyday language, "God-given") components of the human Collective Unconscious.

8. Pagans do not worship the Devil; that would be totally incompatible with the principle of paragraphs 4 and 7 above. the Devil of monotheistic religion does not exist in Pagan philosophy. Pagans regard evil as an imbalance to be corrected, not as an independent force or entity.

9. Like all religions, Paganism believes in multi-level reality. These levels are generally defined in Pagan thinking as the spiritual, mental, astral, etheric and physical levels. Each level has its own laws but the laws of different levels do not conflict with each other; as for example the laws of mathematics, chemistry and biology are different but do not conflict with each other. Pagans believe that be understanding these laws and their interaction one can achieve results generally defined as magical.

10. Pagans regard all these levels as equally holy, and essential parts of the cosmic spectrum of manifestation. They totally reject the Dualistic concept which equates the spiritual with good and matter with evil.

11. Pagan philosophy and worship therefore tends to be strongly Nature-based. Mother Earth is not a temporary stopping-place, but our home, of which we are a vital living part, and for the health and protection of which we bear a constant responsibility.

12. The Pagan view of the Cosmos is essentially organic. The Ultimate is its creative life-force; but all manifestation is part of the total organism. Our own planet can be regarded as one limb or organ of it, and we ourselves (and all Earth's other creatures and components) as cells within that limb or organ. Our health depends on its health and vice versa.

13. Paganism therefore does not envisage a gulf between Creator and Created. The spectrum is continuous and interdependent. Each individual is of the same nature as the Source and is capable of being a channel for it.

14. On the basis of all the foregoing, most Pagans regard all sincere religions as different paths to the same truths. The particular Deity-personifications, symbology and meaningful mythology which suit one person as tuning-signals to the Ultimate may not suit another. Pagans are therefore essentially ecumenical, non-proselytising and tolerant.

15. This does not mean that Pagans cannot voice constructive criticism of the attitudes of some dogmatic systems. Pagans reject as dangerous and destructive, in particular, the belief that one's own religion is the only true one, and that all others are devilish and therefore to be condemned and persecuted.

16. Pagans lay more emphasis on continuing spiritual development than one instant revelation, though they accept that the latter can sometimes happen - usually as a breakthrough to consciousness of a longer unconscious accumulation.

17. Most Pagans believe in reincarnation in one form or another. This belief further strengthens Pagans' attitude to Earth as our continuing home for the foreseeable future, rather than as a temporary and restrictive stopping place. It is also a powerful moral force because it emphasises that all offences against other individuals, the community or the Earth and all failure to learn lessons must ultimately be put right by oneself, and cannot be evaded by bodily death.

18. Pagans' ethical attitude is often summed up in one sentence: "An it harm none, do what you will." this means achieving full self-development while accepting equally full responsibility towards one's fellow- humans, one's fellow-creatures and the Earth itself. Love for all of these is the foundation-stone of Paganism. In particular, Pagans feel a special responsibility towards the young; their vulnerability must not be abused and they must be helped to develop themselves according to their own natures, so that when they are mature they can choose their own paths - and their own religious forms - with maximum awareness and without pressurisation from their elders.

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Harold Macgrath - The Pagan Madonna

Politicians And Paganism A Look At Bohemian Grove

The Mysterious Bohemian Grove, place for politicians to worship the Canaanite god Moloch or just a summer vacation spot for the political elite? While researching this topic I have learned that the original bohemian club founded in 1872, was a group of artist and writers that got together to share ideas than slowly over time they were replaced by prominent business men and political leaders.

But who exactly is involved and what goes on there? The membership list according to one source has included every Republican U.S. president since 1923 (as well as some Democrats), many cabinet officials, directors and CEOs of large corporations including major financial institutions. Major military contractors, oil companies, banks (including the Federal Reserve), utilities (including nuclear power) and national media (broadcast and print) have high-ranking officials as club members or guests the motto of the grove is weaving spiders come not here which indicates that business nor outside concerns should enter into the grove.

However the Grove is particularly famous for a Manhattan Project planning meeting that took place there and is quite frequently mentioned to new attendees with great pride. While disturbing that here’s another forum where high level decisions are made, it’s not near as disturbing as the pagan symbolism, and the influence over this group of leaders it has. Could it be possible that in front of us they claim to be Christian while in the shadows there real master is the devil? What ceremonies are performed there, what rituals disguised as plays. Who is Moloch/ I hope to answer some of these questions throughout this article as we go deeper into the Bohemian Grove.

Since the founding of the club, the Bohemian Grove's mascot has been an owl, symbolizing Moloch. A statue of moloch stands at the head of the lake in the Grove; the Owl Shrine was designed by sculptor and two-time club president Haig Patigian and built in the 1920s. Since 1929, the Owl Shrine has served as the backdrop of the yearly Cremation of Care ceremony.

So who’s Moloch? Moloch according to my source, the bible was an Egyptian or Canaanite God that Babies were sacrificed to by burning. He is mentioned in the book of Leviticus and a few other places throught the Bible. heres one of the verses from Leviticus

Lev 18:21 And thou shall not let any of thy children pass through the fire to Moloch, neither shalt thou prophane the Name of thy God: I am the Lord.

So you ask what the hell does that have to do with politicians and CEOs camping in the woods? Well to answer that we need to look at the cremation of care ceremony. Here’s a photo of the ritual that is held at the grove every year sense 1893.

The ceremony involves the poling across a lake of a small boat containing an effigy (typically resembling a small baby or child) of Care (called "Dull Care"). Dark, hooded figures receive from the ferryman the effigy which is placed on an altar and at the end of the ceremony, is set on fire. This "cremation" symbolizes that members are banishing the "dull cares" of conscience

The ceremony takes place in front of a 45-foot (14 m) high hollow owl statue made of concrete over expanded metal framing and steel supports. The moss- and lichen-covered statue simulates a natural rock formation, yet holds electrical and audio equipment within it. During the ceremony, a recording of the voice of Walter Cronkite, a member of the Bohemian Club, is used as the voice of The Owl. Music and pyrotechnics accompany the ritual for dramatic effect.

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Rodolfo Amadeo Lanciani - Pagan And Christian Rome

Celtic Tradition Gives Us A Model Of Underworld Religion And Magic

Celtic tradition gives us a fine model of UnderWorld sacro-magical understanding and practices . It is not a coherent model or a “complete system”, as this notion of completeness is entirely modern; instead it is diffuse, organic, prolific, protean. The Celtic model serves as an example to demonstrate traditions which are found world wide; all spiritual and magical traditions begin with the UnderWorld. All entrances to, and passages within, the earth were sacred: caves, wells, springs, gorges, chasms, volcanic craters. Each had its story, myth, or spiritual presence. (Classic reference sources are Dr Ann Ross: pagan Celtic Britain ; Alwyn and Brinley Ress: Celtic Heritage) We find such traditions worldwide, at the root of every religion, dating from older times before that religion was founded and formalized. Often they are disguised, as in the typical examples of local saints at ancient sacred sites, who were once gods and goddesses of the shrines. Ireland, most of all, still lives and breathes her own version of this ancient wisdom.

The legends that have been handed down in ancient texts, and in oral traditions, all relate to themes of transformation and growth through the powers of the UnderWorld, and not through the influence of the sun and sky. Sometimes such themes are on a large scale, the appearances of races, orders of life, mountains, rivers, oceans and so forth. Sometimes they are embodied in the life story of one individual…or of a group of people on a journey. After certain mythic characters have traveled through the UnderWorld, they often find a resting place among the stars: but the UnderWorld of Earth comes first. (Many examples are found in Robert Graves, Greek Myths)

The Cauldron of Regeneration, so central to Irish and Celtic legends is nothing less than the regenerative power of the Land, of the Planet Earth herself. Nothing could be more important for us today than a sense that the Earth is sacred, and a source of spiritual power. Indeed, we must return to this: it is our greatest and most redemptive truth. The time for either materialist indifference or ethereal escapism is over and the time for realization is upon us. Kill the earth, and we kill ourselves.

So what about the Light ? In the pagan myths and legends, and in folk tales that persisted well into historical times, the UnderWorld which includes but is not limited to the Faery Realm, is a Place of Light. To reach this Light, we pass first through essential nourishing darkness, sacred to the Dark Goddess who is known by many names. As the Qabalistic writer Dion Fortune said : we can only come to the White Isis by way of the Black Isis.

This process of finding light within the Earth, after passing through darkness, is also one of inner regeneration for the individual. When the spiritual consciousness is told that divinity, that the Source, is “up there” and a long way away, we become closed to the nearest source of light, grace, healing, regeneration, which is just beneath our feet. This source of Earth light rises through the body, and energizes our inner meditations, our vitality, our own individual UnderWorld of consciousness, imagination, spirit. If only we pay attention to it.

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The Children Of Odin The Book Of Northern Myths

Book: The Children Of Odin The Book Of Northern Myths by Padraic Colum

Master storyteller Padraic Colum's rich, musical voice captures all the magic and majesty of the Norse sagas in his retellings of the adventures of the Gods and Goddesses who lived in the Northern paradise of Asgard before the dawn of history.

Here are the matchless tales of All-Father Odin, who crosses the Rainbow Bridge to walk among men in Midgard and sacrifices his right eye to drink from the Well of Wisdom; of Thor, whose mighty hammer defends Asgard; of Loki, whose mischievous cunning leads him to treachery against the gods; of giants, dragons, dwarfs and Valkyries; and of the terrible last battle that destroyed their world.

These ancient stories from Northern Europe, which make up one of the great myth cycles of Western civilization, spring to life in The Children of Odin. This classic volume, first published in 1920 and reissued in 1962, is now available for the first time in paperback, illustrated with the original line drawings by Willy Pogany, to inspire a new generation of readers.

The late Padraic Colum was a poet, playwright, founder of the Irish Review and a leader of the Irish Renaissance, but he is perhaps best known today for his outstanding books for children. He was awarded the Regina Medal in 1961 for his "distinguished contribution to children's literature," honoring works like The Children's Homer, The Golden Fleece (a Newbery Honor Book), The Arabian Nights, The King of Ireland's Son and Roofs of Gold.

Padraic Colum (1881-1972) was a poet, a playwright, and a leader of the Irish Renaissance, but he is best known for his works for children, including The Children of Odin and The Golden Fleece (a newbery honor book).

Download Padraic Colum's eBook: The Children Of Odin The Book Of Northern Myths

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Padraic Colum - The Children Of Odin The Book Of Northern Myths

The Legend Of The Red Deer

The following legend may be related to the Deer Man, and is provided here for those who love the old tales:

"Long ago the bear and the red deer lived together in mutual respect of their great strength and power. The deer wore a pebble on its crown between its antlers. This pebble was called the Stone of Belzoar (bezoar), and originated from within the deer itself.

A time came when serpents overwhelmed the region in which the deer and bear lived. The stone of Belzoar made the deer immune to the venom of the serpents, but the bear wa left in danger. Therefore the bear left his home and went away in exile. The red deer gave thanks to the stone of Belzoar and he remained as the only master of the forest and the mountain.

The Bear, living far away in its forced exile, grew envious and resentful of the red deer. One day he returned and killed the deer. A man witnessed the event and later removed the antlers of the deer, tossing the carcass into the deep waters of a lake. The man took the stone of Belzoar away to his home.

One day as the bear was running through the forest he became impaled on the deer’s antlers. Unable to free himself he eventually died of starvation.

According to legend the spirit of the red deer emerges from the lake on certain nights and seeks his antlers and the stone of Belzoar. His complaining sounds can be heard in the night"

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Pagans And Blasphemy

Question: Pagans and Blasphemy

"I was at a pagan event last month, and dropped a candle - I seriously thought I was going to set my robe on fire. I said, "Oh my goddess!" and was immediately jumped on by a woman who scolded me for being blasphemous. I told her that I didn’t think my goddess really cared if I said something like that, but she told me that "taking the goddess' name in vain" was wrong. This sounds an awful lot like Christianity, which I left recently. Am I missing something? Is there really a rule that says I can't say "oh my goddess" if I feel like it?"
Answer:

The concept of blasphemy is one that's common to the Abrahamic faiths, but is not widely found in other religions.

For many religions, certain words are never used, because it's considered blasphemous to do so. In some orthodox branches of Judaism, one is not permitted to write the name of God - if you're jotting down His name, you might write it as G-d, to avoid being seen as blasphemous. For Catholics, the sin of blasphemy includes blasphemy against the Holy Spirit -- the questioning of whether the actions of the Holy Spirit might be attributed to some other being or entity.

Some groups take blasphemy to an even more strict level. For example, in Islam, it's seen as disrespectful to draw a picture of the prophet Mohammed, and you could easily find yourself under a fatwa if you scribble out a cartoon with his image. Certain fundamentalist Christian groups see the celebration of any religious holiday with secular aspects as blasphemous -- colored eggs at Easter, or Santa Claus during Christmas would fall under this heading.

However, it's important to note that if you're not part of a religion, it's rather unreasonable for its members to hold you to their standards. In other words, Jews don't expect non-Jews to never write out the word "God," because it's a rule for them, that's found in their holy writings.

The dictionary defines blasphemy as disrespect - or at the very least, irreverence - towards something sacred or holy. Much like sin and obscenity, disrespect is typically in the eye of the beholder. In the Abrahamic religions, the criteria are pretty well established as part of doctrine.

In many Pagan religions, however, the deities are not seen as stern taskmasters, or angry old men who rule through fear rather than love. In fact, many Pagan gods and goddesses are a lot of fun -- they are often viewed as having a bit of a sense of humor, and not concerning themselves overmuch with the day to day activities of their worshippers, unless we specifically address them.

So here's the question for you -- do you think the goddess of your tradition finds it disrespectful for you to say "oh my goddess" when you drop a candle? Do you think that it so enrages her that she's going to stop what she's doing and somehow make you suffer? Or do you think maybe she's having a little giggle over the whole thing, and then going on about her business?

You're going to encounter fundamentalists in every religion -- and that includes Paganism. Don't let a negative experience with one of them color your entire perception of Pagan religion. You'll meet far more people who believe that the gods have a sense of humor, and that they don't especially care if you blurt out "oh my goddess" when you're about to set your ritual robe on fire. Honor your deities the way your heart calls you to do, and don't let anyone bully you about it.

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Pagans Groups

While solitary practice is acceptable, many Pagans do affiliate with others, typically in small groups that are either governed by consensus or some form of democratic process. These groups are known as circles, groves, tribes, or covens (a term used mostly by wiccans and witches). Some groups (particularly traditionalist covens) have established leadership structures, although the small size of these groups supports direct accountability between the leaders and the membership. Despite a romantic notion that covens of witches should be limited to thirteen members (promoted by early Authors like Gerald Gardner), in practice wiccan and other pagan groups can have anywhere from three to five or up to 100 or more members. Often larger groups will "hive" or split into smaller groups, thus enabling the religion to grow and allowing new leadership to emerge.

Some groups are part of lineages or traditions, established by students of Pagan elders who go on to form their own groups, but remain under the tutelage of their mentors. Other groups are newly formed by enterprising individuals who read books on the religion and simply start their own gathering. On the regional or national level, umbrella organizations like the Covenant of the Goddess or the Pagan Federation enable independent Pagan groups to join together for common purposes, such as networking or political advocacy.

Requirements for joining Wiccan or other Pagan groups vary. Some groups can only be joined through a ritual initiation, which typically occurs after a period of study. Other groups, such as the druid organization Ar nDraiocht Fein, are membership-based: one joins simply by submitting an application. Some groups have a dues structure; others ask for pledges; others do not require financial contributions but expect members to shoulder their share of group-related work.

Groups typically engage in educational and ritual work: elders teach younger and newer members the theology and spirituality of Pagan religion in general and of their tradition in particular; communal rituals help the group members to put their spirituality into practice. Groups also often will engage in fellowship and community-building activities, as well as service projects, often oriented toward environmental preservation.

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Aleister Crowley - Poems
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Facets Of Wiccan Neopaganism

As denominations in orthodox religions differ, so do those of NeoPagans. Some are monotheistic, (belief in one god) others, dualistic (belief in the goddess and the god) and others, polytheistic (belief in more than two deities). Pagan means non-Christian people who lived in the country. As people were converted to Christianity, many of them held onto the old ways. Some NeoPagans try to reconstruct the Old Religion. Because of the persecution of witches, practitioners practiced their spirituality in secret and it is very possible that old writings exist, having been handed down over the centuries. Others have reinvented the old ways, creating new religions.

Many people think of Wicca as the Pagan religion and use the term interchangeably. There are other Pagan religions. Wiccans believe that one existed before time and created the Goddess and the God. The emphasis is on the Goddess. The most well known forms of Wicca follow.

The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn is Ceremonial Wicca that was formed during the occult revival of the1800s in Europe. Its roots are in Freemasonry, Rosicruciana, the Qabala, Hermeticism, angel magick, ancient Egyptian religion, Eliphas Levi and Pagan beliefs of the Renaissance.

The most notorious member was Aleister Crowley himself “the Great Beast” and practiced aspects of Satanism. There are NeoPagans whose practices and beliefs are based on Crowley’s writings and his Thoth Tarot Deck.

The Waite-Rider Tarot Deck is the most commonly known writing of the Golden Dawn which Arthur Edward Waite created and Pamela Colman Smith illustrated. The deck was based on an old European deck that was created centuries before and survived the witchcraft persecutions.

Gardnerian Witchcraft was founded in the mid 1950s in England by Gerald Gardner and further developed by Doreen Valiente. It was influenced by ceremonial magick, Freemasonry and Tantric Hinduism. High priestesses head the covens. There is a Goddess and a horned God. Emphasis is on the cycle of life: birth, death, rebirth…. The covens are skyclad, nude, during rites. Rites are closed. Raymond and Rosemary Buckland brought this tradition to the US in the 1960s.

The Wiccan Rede is a guiding principle. Do what you will, but harm no one. Most scholars attribute this to Gardner.

Alexandrian was established in England in the 1960s by Alexander Sanders with its roots in Gardnerian. There is more emphasis on the Qabalah, Ceremonial Magic and angels. Covens meet on the Full and New Moons and Sabbats. Participants are skyclad.

One branch of Dianic covens worships only the Goddess, Diana, and is composed of women. Rediscovering female power and divinity and the raising of consciousness are emphasized. The rituals are eclectic. The other branch honors the Horned God, Diana’s consort and allows men in covens.

Another Wiccan branch is called faerie, feri, fairy and/or Faery, formed by Victor and Cora Anderson. There is an African influence. The belief is in the Goddess and her brother, son and lover, the Divine Twins. The deities are perceived as real spirits like human ones. The emphasis is on polytheism, self development, magick, sensuality and direct communication with the deities, not fertility.

Stregheria is the Italian form of the Craft and practices nature spirituality. Goddesses and gods are worshipped as representative of the forces of nature. Its roots are in the Pagan religion of the Romans and the Etruscans. This was first revived by the peasants who were persecuted in 14th century Italy.

There are eclectic covens that combine aspects of different forms of Paganism. There are solitary practitioners. Each person believes in the form of spirituality that best satisfies the spiritual needs for herself and himself.





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