I found an absorbing and complex review of the book by Kevin van Bladel - The Arabic Hermes: From Pagan Sage to Prophet of Science - from Oxford University Press, 2009. For the Neoplatonist Monist Theurgists in our community this will be an interesting, expensive at $74.00, and controversial book.
Here is the review from Bryn Mawr Classical Review.
"...As for the Harranians, they must be divided into two quite different groups. Those who remained in Harran did indeed maintain their astral cult well into the eleventh century, if not longer, though we possess precious few details. On the other hand, the Harranians who relocated to Baghdad, while proudly maintaining their "Sabian" identity, were highly acculturated to the higher circles of the Islamic society in which they lived. It is this group alone, of whom the most prominent was the mathematician and philosopher Thabit ibn Qurra, whose writings have survived, and they betray almost no "Hermeticism". In sum, Hermes was just one among many prophets recognized by the Harranian star-worshipers, and no extant Hermetic texts--applying here van Bladel's strict construction of the category--can be connected to the Sabians of Harran. On the other hand, later on in the book (196 ff.), van Bladel makes a strong case for viewing a "new" Hermetic text, the Testament to Ammon, as essentially a calque of Islam (my phrase, not his), with Hermes the prophet authorizing a religious code; this was done by a Baghdad Harranian who was anxious to present the Sabians as a legitimate religion in the eyes of the Caliph."...(Cont.)...
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Milo the Witch files a discrimination complaint in Orange County CA
If you think the Patrick McCollum case has no effect on us because it is about prisoners then think again. Milo Shiff, a Witch in Orange County, CA. filed a discrimination case with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing. This is what he was told as reported in OC Weekly:
"Shiff called the department’s Santa Ana office in September 2009 to file his complaint. He says he was told by two employees that because witchcraft is not a “religious creed” or “established religion” under state law, they couldn’t do anything. A few weeks later, Shiff says, they reconsidered, thanks to his repeated urging."...(Cont.)...
"Shiff called the department’s Santa Ana office in September 2009 to file his complaint. He says he was told by two employees that because witchcraft is not a “religious creed” or “established religion” under state law, they couldn’t do anything. A few weeks later, Shiff says, they reconsidered, thanks to his repeated urging."...(Cont.)...
Friday, February 26, 2010
Christian conservatives are shaping how US history is taught in public schools.
Here is some disturbing information from Religious Right Watch:
"...The Religious Right greatly influences the Texas Board of Education, and the Board hugely impacts what is written in school textbooks that are also used in nearly all of the rest of the country. The article quoted above highlights the movement by social and political conservatives to not only rewrite American history, especially as it regards our republic's founding, but change how it is taught to America's public schoolchildren. Talk To Action, including contributers Bruce Wilon and Chris Rodda, have been bringing attention to his movement for some time, and Right Wing Watch has followed the recent Texas situation...."
Here is a book on the subject - Liars For Jesus: The Religious Right's Alternate Version of American History Vol. 1
And then there is this - Through a glass, darkly: How the Christian right is reimagining U.S. history,by Jeff Sharlet, a long article in Harpers Magazine.
And finally a view of American history that I can get behind - Freethinkers: A History of American Secularism by Susan Jacoby.
"...The Religious Right greatly influences the Texas Board of Education, and the Board hugely impacts what is written in school textbooks that are also used in nearly all of the rest of the country. The article quoted above highlights the movement by social and political conservatives to not only rewrite American history, especially as it regards our republic's founding, but change how it is taught to America's public schoolchildren. Talk To Action, including contributers Bruce Wilon and Chris Rodda, have been bringing attention to his movement for some time, and Right Wing Watch has followed the recent Texas situation...."
Here is a book on the subject - Liars For Jesus: The Religious Right's Alternate Version of American History Vol. 1
And then there is this - Through a glass, darkly: How the Christian right is reimagining U.S. history,by Jeff Sharlet, a long article in Harpers Magazine.
And finally a view of American history that I can get behind - Freethinkers: A History of American Secularism by Susan Jacoby.
British Pagans call for reburial of ancient bones to respect dead
Here is a video report by Madeleine Holt of the BBC:
"Pagan groups are increasingly asking for human remains and grave goods from pre-Christian burials to be returned to the ground, and their voices are being taken increasingly seriously in the museum world."
"Pagan groups are increasingly asking for human remains and grave goods from pre-Christian burials to be returned to the ground, and their voices are being taken increasingly seriously in the museum world."
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Longest Total Eclipse of the 21st. Century
Here is a great shot of last July's total solar eclipse from Scientific American
(click on photo to enlarge)
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Blog o’ Gnosis - Patrick McCollum’s Fight For Your Religious Rights
One of our members from Northern California is Anne Hill. She has a long running and well respected Pagan blog. Just recently she did an interview pod cast with Pagan Chaplin - Patrick McCollum. So, check out the audio interview on Anne's great blog - Blog o’ Gnosis
"Patrick McCollum’s legal challenge against the State of California may sound like it just concerns the religious freedom of prisoners, but make no mistake: the outcome of his case will affect every one of us, and determine whether our Constitutional right to freedom of religion is conditional or absolute.
There have been several great articles written about Patrick recently, by Jason Pitzl-Waters at the Wild Hunt, Gus diZerega at Beliefnet, and this Llewellyn article by Donald Michael Kraig. Today I sat in for my friend and colleague Peter Laufer on his Sunday morning KOWS radio show, which gave me the opportunity to interview Patrick on the air about his case. If you have not educated yourself about the case and what is at stake, now is your chance to listen to Patrick explain it in his own words."
Here is more information on McCollum from The Wild Hunt
Here is a written interview from the Alternative Religions Educational Network
Here is an editorial from Starhawk
And one from Gus diZerega
"Patrick McCollum’s legal challenge against the State of California may sound like it just concerns the religious freedom of prisoners, but make no mistake: the outcome of his case will affect every one of us, and determine whether our Constitutional right to freedom of religion is conditional or absolute.
There have been several great articles written about Patrick recently, by Jason Pitzl-Waters at the Wild Hunt, Gus diZerega at Beliefnet, and this Llewellyn article by Donald Michael Kraig. Today I sat in for my friend and colleague Peter Laufer on his Sunday morning KOWS radio show, which gave me the opportunity to interview Patrick on the air about his case. If you have not educated yourself about the case and what is at stake, now is your chance to listen to Patrick explain it in his own words."
Here is more information on McCollum from The Wild Hunt
Here is a written interview from the Alternative Religions Educational Network
Here is an editorial from Starhawk
And one from Gus diZerega
CoG members visit oldest known temple in the world
Here is another archaeology story with CoG members indirectly participating. Over a year ago Don Frew, Anna Korn, and Glenn Turner from Northern California Local Council visited the Gobekli Tepe site in Turkey just now being covered by this story in Newsweek:
"They call it potbelly hill, after the soft, round contour of this final lookout in southeastern Turkey. To the north are forested mountains. East of the hill lies the biblical plain of Harran, and to the south is the Syrian border, visible 20 miles away, pointing toward the ancient lands of Mesopotamia and the Fertile Crescent, the region that gave rise to human civilization. And under our feet, according to archeologist Klaus Schmidt, are the stones that mark the spot—the exact spot—where humans began that ascent.
Standing on the hill at dawn, overseeing a team of 40 Kurdish diggers, the German-born archeologist waves a hand over his discovery here, a revolution in the story of human origins. Schmidt has uncovered a vast and beautiful temple complex, a structure so ancient that it may be the very first thing human beings ever built. The site isn't just old, it redefines old: the temple was built 11,500 years ago—a staggering 7,000 years before the Great Pyramid, and more than 6,000 years before Stonehenge first took shape. The ruins are so early that they predate villages, pottery, domesticated animals, and even agriculture—the first embers of civilization. In fact, Schmidt thinks the temple itself, built after the end of the last Ice Age by hunter-gatherers, became that ember—the spark that launched mankind toward farming, urban life, and all that followed." ...(Cont.)...
I believe that Don has a detailed PowerPoint presentation with quite a few pictures that he and Anna took at the site.
Here is more information on Gobekli Tepe from Archaeology Magazine
"They call it potbelly hill, after the soft, round contour of this final lookout in southeastern Turkey. To the north are forested mountains. East of the hill lies the biblical plain of Harran, and to the south is the Syrian border, visible 20 miles away, pointing toward the ancient lands of Mesopotamia and the Fertile Crescent, the region that gave rise to human civilization. And under our feet, according to archeologist Klaus Schmidt, are the stones that mark the spot—the exact spot—where humans began that ascent.
I believe that Don has a detailed PowerPoint presentation with quite a few pictures that he and Anna took at the site.
Here is more information on Gobekli Tepe from Archaeology Magazine
Monday, February 22, 2010
A video tour of Zominthos - a Minoan site in Crete
Here is some interesting archaeology news.
A tour of Zominthos, a Minoan site in Crete, by archaeologist Yannis Sakellarakis.
A tour of Zominthos, a Minoan site in Crete, by archaeologist Yannis Sakellarakis.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Proposed Willowman Festival in England for Summer Solstice 2010
If any of our members or readers are planning to be in England around this years Summer Solstice you might wish to check out this proposed festival as reported by the Northern Echo...
"...Mr Williams, of Viking Light and Sound, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, wants to stage the festival over the summer solstice weekend – June 18 to 20.
The ex-musical director of Scotland’s Wickerman Festival, which won the Best Grassroots Event in 2007, decided to launch the North Yorkshire equivalent after branching out on his own.
He chose the venue because of the success he has enjoyed there for the past four years with his Viking Volksfest, and he hopes the local community will support it.
The Willowman Festival is aimed at families and people over 40. “It is classed is a festival, but some people think either the best or the worst of them, depending on who they are,” said Mr Williams." ...(Cont.)
Here is some information from the Willowman Festival web site:
"The Willowman Festival is situated at Lenthor Farm just off the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors near the beautiful village of Osmotherley. Lenthor Farm is full of magic and earthly atmosphere.
The custodian of the land, "Mad Farmer" Derek Plews has constructed his own Pagan Stone Circle at the top of the site. It is called “Sentry Circle” and is used by local and visiting Pagans from far and wide."
"...Mr Williams, of Viking Light and Sound, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, wants to stage the festival over the summer solstice weekend – June 18 to 20.
The ex-musical director of Scotland’s Wickerman Festival, which won the Best Grassroots Event in 2007, decided to launch the North Yorkshire equivalent after branching out on his own.
He chose the venue because of the success he has enjoyed there for the past four years with his Viking Volksfest, and he hopes the local community will support it.
The Willowman Festival is aimed at families and people over 40. “It is classed is a festival, but some people think either the best or the worst of them, depending on who they are,” said Mr Williams." ...(Cont.)
Here is some information from the Willowman Festival web site:
"The Willowman Festival is situated at Lenthor Farm just off the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors near the beautiful village of Osmotherley. Lenthor Farm is full of magic and earthly atmosphere.
The custodian of the land, "Mad Farmer" Derek Plews has constructed his own Pagan Stone Circle at the top of the site. It is called “Sentry Circle” and is used by local and visiting Pagans from far and wide."
Here is a list of over 200 upcoming festivals in England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland for 2010 along with maps, reviews, pricing and more from the Festivals Guide site.
Pagan weddings now allowed in Ireland
Here is some good news from Ireland as reported from the Irish Central site...
"Following a five-year campaign the Irish state has now recognized the right of the Pagan Federation Ireland to perform weddings.
Couples will now be able to be legally married after a ceremony that concludes with jumping over a broomstick to mark crossing over from an old life to a new one." ...(Cont.)...
Here is more information from Pagan Federation Ireland.
"Following a five-year campaign the Irish state has now recognized the right of the Pagan Federation Ireland to perform weddings.
Couples will now be able to be legally married after a ceremony that concludes with jumping over a broomstick to mark crossing over from an old life to a new one." ...(Cont.)...
Here is more information from Pagan Federation Ireland.
Alaska village lifts native dancing ban
Here is an interesting story from the Boston Globe on the return of native traditional dancing to villages in Alaska...
"NOORVIK, Alaska—Bobby Wells has lived all his life in this remote Alaska village, where the Eskimo dancing of his ancestors was banned by Quaker missionaries a century ago as primitive idolatry...
The belief of traditional dancing as somehow evil, however, remains deeply ingrained in scores of Native villages around the state. But some communities have broken away from that ideology in recent decades. One by one, they have resurrected the old dances and songs of the long ago past, along with culture camps and language immersion programs." ...(Cont.)...
The belief of traditional dancing as somehow evil, however, remains deeply ingrained in scores of Native villages around the state. But some communities have broken away from that ideology in recent decades. One by one, they have resurrected the old dances and songs of the long ago past, along with culture camps and language immersion programs." ...(Cont.)...
CoG poster at Pantheacon 2010
Tri-fold poster at Pantheacon 2010
(you can click on each photo to enlarge them)
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Viking attacks on Europe were self-defence, scholar writes
Here is an interesting article about Vikings from Medieval News:
"A new theory about what drove the Vikings to raid Western Europe in the late eight and ninth centuries has been published. It suggests that the Vikings in Denmark were reacting to a threat from the Carolingian ruler Charlemagne, who was seeking to destroy their society and impose Christianity on them.
The theory was put forward by Robert Ferguson in an article for the December 2009 issue of BBC History Magazine. His book, The Hammer and the Cross: A New History of the Vikings, was also published in November." ...(Cont.)...
Here is a podcast interview with Robert Ferguson from BBC History Magazine.
"A new theory about what drove the Vikings to raid Western Europe in the late eight and ninth centuries has been published. It suggests that the Vikings in Denmark were reacting to a threat from the Carolingian ruler Charlemagne, who was seeking to destroy their society and impose Christianity on them.
The theory was put forward by Robert Ferguson in an article for the December 2009 issue of BBC History Magazine. His book, The Hammer and the Cross: A New History of the Vikings, was also published in November." ...(Cont.)...
Here is a podcast interview with Robert Ferguson from BBC History Magazine.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Pantheacon - CoG interfaint presentation in the news
Our National Interfaith Reps. presentation at Pantheacon got some good coverage in the pagan blogosphere. Here is what Jason from The Wild Hunt had to say:
PantheaCon Day 2
"I had some decent sleep the night before, so (relatively) bright-eyed and bushy-tailed I began my second day at PantheaCon. First, after a rather pricey bowl of oatmeal, I attended the 9am panel discussion “Pagans in Global Interfaith Work” led by Don Frew, National Interfaith Representative for C.O.G., and featuring contributions by Rowan Fairgrove, T. Thorn Coyle, and others. It was an interesting history of how modern Pagans started getting involved in interfaith work, with a lot of attention was (understandably) given to the recent Parliament of the World’s Religions. The point was made of how large interfaith gatherings have allowed Pagans to network and dialog with indigenous religions, Hindus, and other minority faiths that they might not have be able to otherwise."
My wife - Rachael Watcher was also on that panel and discussed indigenous issues related to the Parliament.
The Wild Hunt is the second most popular Pagan site on the web after The Witches Voice. Thousands of Pagans and others read Jason's Blog daily. Our continued presence there is a very positive step indeed.
Jason's workshop - (Pagans and the New Media) was well attended for its 9:00 p.m. slot on the busy Saturday Night. It was very informative while Jason made quite humorous uses of his microphone. He mentioned the loss of many Pagan magazines, and the problems in this new media environment of "static" web sites that do not change for long periods of time, or offer interactive features. He mentioned CoG directly in this regard as an example of the problem. He did give us a positive acknowledgement for our two new blogs, but said they should be a direct part of the CoG site itself. Of course I agree. He said that Pagan organizations should be using Facebook and Twitter as well. In the case of Facebook there are now about three hundred million members around the world.
PantheaCon Day 2
"I had some decent sleep the night before, so (relatively) bright-eyed and bushy-tailed I began my second day at PantheaCon. First, after a rather pricey bowl of oatmeal, I attended the 9am panel discussion “Pagans in Global Interfaith Work” led by Don Frew, National Interfaith Representative for C.O.G., and featuring contributions by Rowan Fairgrove, T. Thorn Coyle, and others. It was an interesting history of how modern Pagans started getting involved in interfaith work, with a lot of attention was (understandably) given to the recent Parliament of the World’s Religions. The point was made of how large interfaith gatherings have allowed Pagans to network and dialog with indigenous religions, Hindus, and other minority faiths that they might not have be able to otherwise."
My wife - Rachael Watcher was also on that panel and discussed indigenous issues related to the Parliament.
The Wild Hunt is the second most popular Pagan site on the web after The Witches Voice. Thousands of Pagans and others read Jason's Blog daily. Our continued presence there is a very positive step indeed.
Jason's workshop - (Pagans and the New Media) was well attended for its 9:00 p.m. slot on the busy Saturday Night. It was very informative while Jason made quite humorous uses of his microphone. He mentioned the loss of many Pagan magazines, and the problems in this new media environment of "static" web sites that do not change for long periods of time, or offer interactive features. He mentioned CoG directly in this regard as an example of the problem. He did give us a positive acknowledgement for our two new blogs, but said they should be a direct part of the CoG site itself. Of course I agree. He said that Pagan organizations should be using Facebook and Twitter as well. In the case of Facebook there are now about three hundred million members around the world.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Happy Maha Shivaratri - February 12
Many Hindu's will be celebrating Maha Shivaratri tonight as reported on by the BBC:
"Mahashivratri (also known as Shivaratri) is a Hindu festival dedicated to Shiva, who destroys the universe, one of the deities of the Hindu Trinity.
Night and day
While most Hindu festivals are celebrated during the day, Mahashivratri is celebrated during the night and day that come just before the new moon.
Each new moon is dedicated to Shiva, but Mahashivratri is especially important because it is the night when he danced the 'Tandav', his cosmic dance.
It also celebrates the wedding of Shiva and Sati, the mother divine. Night represents evil, injustice, ignorance, sin, violence, and misfortune.
Tradition says that Shiva, like his symbol the new moon, appeared in order to save the world from darkness and ignorance, before the world entered complete darkness." ...(Cont.)...
Here is more information on Mahashivratri
Celebrate Shivaratri 2010 on 12th February
Maha Shivaratri - Wikipedia
About Maha Shivaratri
12th Feb: Maha Shivaratri 2010
and on Lord Shiva
Shiva - Wikipedia,
Lord Shiva
"Mahashivratri (also known as Shivaratri) is a Hindu festival dedicated to Shiva, who destroys the universe, one of the deities of the Hindu Trinity.
Night and day
While most Hindu festivals are celebrated during the day, Mahashivratri is celebrated during the night and day that come just before the new moon.
Each new moon is dedicated to Shiva, but Mahashivratri is especially important because it is the night when he danced the 'Tandav', his cosmic dance.
It also celebrates the wedding of Shiva and Sati, the mother divine. Night represents evil, injustice, ignorance, sin, violence, and misfortune.
Tradition says that Shiva, like his symbol the new moon, appeared in order to save the world from darkness and ignorance, before the world entered complete darkness." ...(Cont.)...
Here is more information on Mahashivratri
Celebrate Shivaratri 2010 on 12th February
Maha Shivaratri - Wikipedia
About Maha Shivaratri
12th Feb: Maha Shivaratri 2010
and on Lord Shiva
Shiva - Wikipedia,
Lord Shiva
Plans for 400th anniversary of Pendle Witch trials
Here is an interesting story from merry old England from the Lancashire Telegraph. So, perhaps mark 2012 on the calendar for a visit to Pendle and Lancaster, UK.
"A YEAR-long programme of events is being proposed to mark the 400th anniversary of the trial and execution of the Pendle witches.
Adrian Lord, the man behind Pendle Witch Camp, wants to organise the series of events to take place in 2012.
He has offered to chair a committee aimed at securing funding for the festivities and coming up with ideas.
Coun Allan Buck, who leads on tourism in Pendle, said plans were already in place to commemorate the trials. " ...(Cont.)...
Here is some more information on The Pendle Witches
Pendle Witches - Wikipedia
The History of Lancaster Castle Pt2 - The Pendle Witch Trials
"A YEAR-long programme of events is being proposed to mark the 400th anniversary of the trial and execution of the Pendle witches.
Adrian Lord, the man behind Pendle Witch Camp, wants to organise the series of events to take place in 2012.
He has offered to chair a committee aimed at securing funding for the festivities and coming up with ideas.
Coun Allan Buck, who leads on tourism in Pendle, said plans were already in place to commemorate the trials. " ...(Cont.)...
Here is some more information on The Pendle Witches
Pendle Witches - Wikipedia
The History of Lancaster Castle Pt2 - The Pendle Witch Trials
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Native Greek Paganism today
How about some native Greek Paganism today:
Here are some more video links...
New Greek Temples
greek pagan
Greek Polytheists Today (Greece)
The Story Behind my Faith
First modern greek polytheistic Temple in Greece
ANCIENT HELLENIC RELIGION..27 JUNE 2009
Proud to be a Hellenic pagan
Authentic Greek - Hellenic Pontian Dance
Christian Persecutions against greek Polytheists
shrine of Gaia: another generation
Music - Daemonia Nymphe - Nocturnal Hecate
Daemonia Nymphe Dance of the Satyrs
DAEMONIA NYMPHE-Summoning Divine Selene
Daemonia Nymphe "The Calling of Naiades"
H ΕΠΙΚΛΗΣΙΣ ΤΟΥ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟΥ ΑΛΦΑΒΗΤΟΥ
O teleutaios xrhsmos - The last prophecy by Pythia at Delphoi
Ο ΤΕΛΕΥΤΑΙΟΣ ΧΡΗΣΜΟΣ ΤΗΣ ΠΥΘΙΑΣ * THE LAST ORACLE OF DELPHI
ΕΛΕΥΣΙΝΙΑ ΜΥΣΤΗΡΙΑ - ELEUSINIAN MYSTERIES * ΔΗΜΗΤΗΡ - DEMETER / CERES
Here are some more video links...
New Greek Temples
greek pagan
Greek Polytheists Today (Greece)
The Story Behind my Faith
First modern greek polytheistic Temple in Greece
ANCIENT HELLENIC RELIGION..27 JUNE 2009
Proud to be a Hellenic pagan
Authentic Greek - Hellenic Pontian Dance
Christian Persecutions against greek Polytheists
shrine of Gaia: another generation
Music - Daemonia Nymphe - Nocturnal Hecate
Daemonia Nymphe Dance of the Satyrs
DAEMONIA NYMPHE-Summoning Divine Selene
Daemonia Nymphe "The Calling of Naiades"
H ΕΠΙΚΛΗΣΙΣ ΤΟΥ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟΥ ΑΛΦΑΒΗΤΟΥ
O teleutaios xrhsmos - The last prophecy by Pythia at Delphoi
Ο ΤΕΛΕΥΤΑΙΟΣ ΧΡΗΣΜΟΣ ΤΗΣ ΠΥΘΙΑΣ * THE LAST ORACLE OF DELPHI
ΕΛΕΥΣΙΝΙΑ ΜΥΣΤΗΡΙΑ - ELEUSINIAN MYSTERIES * ΔΗΜΗΤΗΡ - DEMETER / CERES
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Westboro Baptist protest met head on San Francisco style
Here is an interesting response to the the Westboro Baptist Church attempt to protest in front of the offices of Twitter. Their signs of hate were drowned out by funny and absurdest signs. Here see for yourself:
WBC Tries to Protest at Twitter from Ed Hunsinger on Vimeo.
WBC Tries to Protest at Twitter from Ed Hunsinger on Vimeo.
Margot Adler to appear in Stockton, CA tonight
If anyone reads this and is around Stockton, CA tonight then you should check out this news from Recordnet.com. It is good to see that Margo is out and about and here in California.
"STOCKTON -- Margot Adler, an author and correspondent for National Public Radio, will lecture about paganism in America at 8 p.m. next Tuesday at the Long Theatre at University of the Pacific....
Adler's lecture, "Paganism: Religion, Not Superstition," is part of Pacific's Colliver Lecture Series on religion.
The event is free and open to the public. Adler will conduct a book signing after the lecture. For more information, visit www.pacific.edu."
Where: Long Theatre, Stockton Campus
University of the Pacific
3601 Pacific Avenue
Stockton, California 95211
"STOCKTON -- Margot Adler, an author and correspondent for National Public Radio, will lecture about paganism in America at 8 p.m. next Tuesday at the Long Theatre at University of the Pacific....
Adler's lecture, "Paganism: Religion, Not Superstition," is part of Pacific's Colliver Lecture Series on religion.
The event is free and open to the public. Adler will conduct a book signing after the lecture. For more information, visit www.pacific.edu."
Where: Long Theatre, Stockton Campus
University of the Pacific
3601 Pacific Avenue
Stockton, California 95211
Saturday, February 6, 2010
"Air Force Pagan Circle Invites God's Judgment", Says Pastor
Hera is a fairly well balanced article on the Air Force Pagan Circle controversy in The Christian Post
"What we label today as 'pluralism,' God called 'idolatry,'" said Dr. Robert Jeffress, pastor of First Baptist Church of Dallas, in a commentary in The Washington Post. "The first commandment from God was, 'You shall have no other gods before Me.'
"To openly violate this most basic law is to invite God's judgment upon our nation."
The Air Force Academy, located near Colorado Springs, currently has worship areas accommodating Protestants, Catholics, Jews, Muslims and Buddhists. The Earth-centered worship area – located atop the hill overlooking the Cadet Chapel and designated with a circle of stones – is scheduled to be dedicated next month." ...(Cont.)...
"What we label today as 'pluralism,' God called 'idolatry,'" said Dr. Robert Jeffress, pastor of First Baptist Church of Dallas, in a commentary in The Washington Post. "The first commandment from God was, 'You shall have no other gods before Me.'
"To openly violate this most basic law is to invite God's judgment upon our nation."
The Air Force Academy, located near Colorado Springs, currently has worship areas accommodating Protestants, Catholics, Jews, Muslims and Buddhists. The Earth-centered worship area – located atop the hill overlooking the Cadet Chapel and designated with a circle of stones – is scheduled to be dedicated next month." ...(Cont.)...
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Murder in Washington and the "Wiccan Blood Oath"
Newspapers in Washington and media outlets across the country are giving a lot of coverage to the murder of Sherry Harlan, stabbed to death and allegedly dismembered by her jealous ex-boyfriend Eric James Christensen. While such serious crimes are often covered in local papers, this one is getting extra attention for its brutality, and a somewhat more sensational twist - the "Wiccan Blood Oath".
"(Feb. 3) -- Prosecutors in Everett, Wash., say a Gold Bar man murdered his former girlfriend last month because she broke a "Wiccan blood oath" to break off a relationship with another man.
Eric Christensen, 40, was charged Jan. 29 in Snohomish County Superior Court with first-degree murder in the slaying of 35-year-old Sherry Harlan. On Monday, Christensen entered a not guilty plea and remains jailed on $5 million bail. His trial is set to begin March 19."
Christensen has a long criminal record and a history of violence that predates any connection he may have had with Wicca.
The local NBC affiliate King5 did some balanced and better reporting by seeking out a member of the Everett Pagan community for comment on the story. Jeri Schaible, who had once dated the abusive Christensen confirms that both were studying Wicca, but goes on to state, "he is not a Wiccan, okay"
"Jeri Schiable, a Wiccan, says both Harlan and Christensen had been exploring the religion. Wiccan services are held at a church tucked in the quiet hills of rural Snohomish County.The message there was one of love and harmony. "The number one rule is, 'and it harm none -- do what you will,'" said Schiable...
Schaible says, despite what some might believe, Wiccans are peaceful.
"Lest in self defense it be. This was clearly not self defense," said Schiable....
Schaible says a true Wiccan could not have been so evil.
"He is not a Wiccan, okay. He does not live by the Wiccan reed. He does not live a Wiccan lifestyle," said Schiable."
Unfortunately, when when Wicca or other forms of Paganism are related to such brutal cases the media seems to go off track somewhat and sensationalize the "strange occult connections." We all can help bring balance to such reporting by making comments in the sections provided by many news outlets that go along with each story. Such comment sections have replaced the "letters to the editor" parts of many media sources. I would invite local pagans and members of COG from the Everett, Washington area to write their media outlets if they continue to see biased coverage against Wicca regarding this case.
As Jason over at The Wild Hunt blog says:
"Will the press step up here? I can’t imagine a killer invoking a “Christian blood oath” without local Christian clergy being consulted. As for Sherry Harlan, may her spirit find rest, may her killer be punished, and may her friends and family find closure."
"(Feb. 3) -- Prosecutors in Everett, Wash., say a Gold Bar man murdered his former girlfriend last month because she broke a "Wiccan blood oath" to break off a relationship with another man.
Eric Christensen, 40, was charged Jan. 29 in Snohomish County Superior Court with first-degree murder in the slaying of 35-year-old Sherry Harlan. On Monday, Christensen entered a not guilty plea and remains jailed on $5 million bail. His trial is set to begin March 19."
Christensen has a long criminal record and a history of violence that predates any connection he may have had with Wicca.
The local NBC affiliate King5 did some balanced and better reporting by seeking out a member of the Everett Pagan community for comment on the story. Jeri Schaible, who had once dated the abusive Christensen confirms that both were studying Wicca, but goes on to state, "he is not a Wiccan, okay"
"Jeri Schiable, a Wiccan, says both Harlan and Christensen had been exploring the religion. Wiccan services are held at a church tucked in the quiet hills of rural Snohomish County.The message there was one of love and harmony. "The number one rule is, 'and it harm none -- do what you will,'" said Schiable...
Schaible says, despite what some might believe, Wiccans are peaceful.
"Lest in self defense it be. This was clearly not self defense," said Schiable....
Schaible says a true Wiccan could not have been so evil.
"He is not a Wiccan, okay. He does not live by the Wiccan reed. He does not live a Wiccan lifestyle," said Schiable."
Unfortunately, when when Wicca or other forms of Paganism are related to such brutal cases the media seems to go off track somewhat and sensationalize the "strange occult connections." We all can help bring balance to such reporting by making comments in the sections provided by many news outlets that go along with each story. Such comment sections have replaced the "letters to the editor" parts of many media sources. I would invite local pagans and members of COG from the Everett, Washington area to write their media outlets if they continue to see biased coverage against Wicca regarding this case.
As Jason over at The Wild Hunt blog says:
"Will the press step up here? I can’t imagine a killer invoking a “Christian blood oath” without local Christian clergy being consulted. As for Sherry Harlan, may her spirit find rest, may her killer be punished, and may her friends and family find closure."
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Irish Goddess Brigid - Holiday and Music
Staying with the YouTube theme and the holiday season check out these videos -
Irish Goddess Brigid
Gabhain Molta Bhride (Brigid's Song)
Gabhain Molta Bhride (Brigid's Song)
Canción a Brede, Brigid
Brighids Kiss - Triniti
Brighid - Sisters by the Flame
LISA THIEL song to Brighid
Lisa Thiel - Imbolc (Candlemas)
Hymn to Bridget by Isaac Bonewits (Irish Gaelic)
Irish / Celtic Mythology: The Tuatha Dé Danann
Nos Gwyl Fair Ψ Imbolc Imbolc 2009- Italia
Imbolc
Imbolc
Imbolc
Imbolc
Imbolc- February 2nd
Spring, Imbolc, Candlemas, Lent
PaGaian Imbolc 2008
Candlemas '08 Ritual Blessing with Marion Weinstein
Sabbat: Imbolc
Hedgewitch Hollow: Episode 9-Imbolg
Irish / Celtic Gods & Goddesses (Part 1)
Irish / Celtic Gods & Goddesses (Part 2)
The Song of Amairgin (Amergin)by Lisa Gerrard
THE DOLMEN - Song of Amergin
And then there is the language, poetry, and music of her people:
Dan Ar Braz - Language of the Gaels with lyrics
Celtic Legend - Song of Tomorrow
Cecile Corbel - live performance - Je m'endors - celtic harp
Altan - Súil Ghorm
Altan - Bó Mhín na Toitean - Dark haired lass INSTRUMENTAL
Canan Nan Gaidheal - Karen Matheson
Capercaillie - Ailein Duinn
Capercaillie - M'Ionam
Gaelic song - Ar Éirinn Ní Neosfainn Cé Hí
Sinead O'Connor - Óró 's é do bheatha 'bhaile (Live, Dublin)
Irish song - Éirigh Suas a Stóirín (Clannad)
Róisín Dubh
Sharon Shannon - Blackbird
Sharon Shannon - Live At Dolans - Bag Of CatsString Sisters
Celtic Connections 2009-Lunasa
Guitar Artistry of Tony McManus
Kathryn Tickell
Davy Spillane Caoineadh Cu Chulainn Uilleann Pipes Riverdance
Riverdance - Reel Around The Sun
Riverdance - Countess Cathleen / Women of the Sidhe
Feet of Flames - Celtic Dream
Feet of Flames - Fiery Nights
Caledonia sung by Eileen Laverty - Scotland 2009
The Other side of Sorrow, Alasdair Fraser
The Spark. Alasdair Fraser & Skyedance with Joxan Goikoetxea
Niamh Parsons - Clohinne Winds
BBC Four Sessions: June Tabor
Maddy Prior & June Tabor - Four Loom Weaver (2008)
Shadow of the Hare - Maddy Prior
Thomas The Rhymer / Steeleye Span
Sandy Denny - Listen, Listen
Who Knows Where the Time Goes Sandy Denny Fairport DEMO
Sandy Denny - Fhir A Bhata
The Quiet Joys of Brotherhood - Sandy Denny
Matty Groves : Dirty Linen / Fairport Convention
Richard Thompson - Mystery Wind
Richard Thompson - 1952 Vincent Black Lightning
Mary Black, Frances Black, and Karen Matheson - A Woman's Heart
Mary Black - Óró 'sé do bheatha 'bhaile - Highland Sessions
Mary Black - Siúil A Rúin [The Highland Sessions]
Mary Black Song For Ireland
Mary Black - Columbus
Enya - Smaointe
Enya book of days,, LIVE!!!
Enya - The Mists Of Avalon - Viviane
Enya & Lorena Mckennit - Highlander
Lisa Gerrard - Swans
Lisa Gerrard & Hyperborea DEVOTION
Lisa Gerrard - Now we are free
LOREENA MCKENNITT THE MUMMERS' DANCE
Loreena McKennitt - The Lady of Shalott (LIVE)
Loreena McKennitt- The Highwayman
Wolf song (Celtic Women)
Mary Black with Emmylou Harris - The Loving Time
Emmylou Harris, Mary Black Dolores Keane : Sonny
Reel Union & Dolores Keane - Craigie Hills, 1982
Dolores Keane & John Faulkner - Slieve Galleon Braes
Lullaby for Harp and Whistle
Sharon Shannon & Steve Earle Galway Girl Live
Maura O'Connell with Karen Matheson - Down by the Salley Gardens
Maura O'Connell w/ James Grant & Nanci Griffith - Blue Train
Dick Gaughan with Emmylou Harris - Both Sides The Tweed
Mark Knopfler & Emmylou Harris - I Dug up a Diamond
Raglan Road - Mark Knopfler with Donal Lunny
Brothers in Arms - Dire Straits
Dire Straits - Sultans Of Swing (Live)
The Chieftains & Alison Krauss - Molly Ban
Alison Krauss and Robert Plant in Please Read the Letter
Battle of Evermore Live! Plant Krauss jazz fest New Orleans
Sinead O'Connor - I Am Stretched On Your Grave
Sinéad O'Connor - She moved through the Fair - Sult 1997
The Pogues - Lorelei
Young Ned Of The Hill - The Pogues
The Pogues - If I Should Fall from Grace with God
The Pogues - 05 - Thousands are Sailing
Roger Waters & Sinead O'Connor - Mother
Irish Goddess Brigid
Gabhain Molta Bhride (Brigid's Song)
Gabhain Molta Bhride (Brigid's Song)
Canción a Brede, Brigid
Brighids Kiss - Triniti
Brighid - Sisters by the Flame
LISA THIEL song to Brighid
Lisa Thiel - Imbolc (Candlemas)
Hymn to Bridget by Isaac Bonewits (Irish Gaelic)
Irish / Celtic Mythology: The Tuatha Dé Danann
Nos Gwyl Fair Ψ Imbolc Imbolc 2009- Italia
Imbolc
Imbolc
Imbolc
Imbolc
Imbolc- February 2nd
Spring, Imbolc, Candlemas, Lent
PaGaian Imbolc 2008
Candlemas '08 Ritual Blessing with Marion Weinstein
Sabbat: Imbolc
Hedgewitch Hollow: Episode 9-Imbolg
Irish / Celtic Gods & Goddesses (Part 1)
Irish / Celtic Gods & Goddesses (Part 2)
The Song of Amairgin (Amergin)by Lisa Gerrard
THE DOLMEN - Song of Amergin
And then there is the language, poetry, and music of her people:
Dan Ar Braz - Language of the Gaels with lyrics
Celtic Legend - Song of Tomorrow
Cecile Corbel - live performance - Je m'endors - celtic harp
Altan - Súil Ghorm
Altan - Bó Mhín na Toitean - Dark haired lass INSTRUMENTAL
Canan Nan Gaidheal - Karen Matheson
Capercaillie - Ailein Duinn
Capercaillie - M'Ionam
Gaelic song - Ar Éirinn Ní Neosfainn Cé Hí
Sinead O'Connor - Óró 's é do bheatha 'bhaile (Live, Dublin)
Irish song - Éirigh Suas a Stóirín (Clannad)
Róisín Dubh
Sharon Shannon - Blackbird
Sharon Shannon - Live At Dolans - Bag Of CatsString Sisters
Celtic Connections 2009-Lunasa
Guitar Artistry of Tony McManus
Kathryn Tickell
Davy Spillane Caoineadh Cu Chulainn Uilleann Pipes Riverdance
Riverdance - Reel Around The Sun
Riverdance - Countess Cathleen / Women of the Sidhe
Feet of Flames - Celtic Dream
Feet of Flames - Fiery Nights
Caledonia sung by Eileen Laverty - Scotland 2009
The Other side of Sorrow, Alasdair Fraser
The Spark. Alasdair Fraser & Skyedance with Joxan Goikoetxea
Niamh Parsons - Clohinne Winds
BBC Four Sessions: June Tabor
Maddy Prior & June Tabor - Four Loom Weaver (2008)
Shadow of the Hare - Maddy Prior
Thomas The Rhymer / Steeleye Span
Sandy Denny - Listen, Listen
Who Knows Where the Time Goes Sandy Denny Fairport DEMO
Sandy Denny - Fhir A Bhata
The Quiet Joys of Brotherhood - Sandy Denny
Matty Groves : Dirty Linen / Fairport Convention
Richard Thompson - Mystery Wind
Richard Thompson - 1952 Vincent Black Lightning
Mary Black, Frances Black, and Karen Matheson - A Woman's Heart
Mary Black - Óró 'sé do bheatha 'bhaile - Highland Sessions
Mary Black - Siúil A Rúin [The Highland Sessions]
Mary Black Song For Ireland
Mary Black - Columbus
Enya - Smaointe
Enya book of days,, LIVE!!!
Enya - The Mists Of Avalon - Viviane
Enya & Lorena Mckennit - Highlander
Lisa Gerrard - Swans
Lisa Gerrard & Hyperborea DEVOTION
Lisa Gerrard - Now we are free
LOREENA MCKENNITT THE MUMMERS' DANCE
Loreena McKennitt - The Lady of Shalott (LIVE)
Loreena McKennitt- The Highwayman
Wolf song (Celtic Women)
Mary Black with Emmylou Harris - The Loving Time
Emmylou Harris, Mary Black Dolores Keane : Sonny
Reel Union & Dolores Keane - Craigie Hills, 1982
Dolores Keane & John Faulkner - Slieve Galleon Braes
Lullaby for Harp and Whistle
Sharon Shannon & Steve Earle Galway Girl Live
Maura O'Connell with Karen Matheson - Down by the Salley Gardens
Maura O'Connell w/ James Grant & Nanci Griffith - Blue Train
Dick Gaughan with Emmylou Harris - Both Sides The Tweed
Mark Knopfler & Emmylou Harris - I Dug up a Diamond
Raglan Road - Mark Knopfler with Donal Lunny
Brothers in Arms - Dire Straits
Dire Straits - Sultans Of Swing (Live)
The Chieftains & Alison Krauss - Molly Ban
Alison Krauss and Robert Plant in Please Read the Letter
Battle of Evermore Live! Plant Krauss jazz fest New Orleans
Sinead O'Connor - I Am Stretched On Your Grave
Sinéad O'Connor - She moved through the Fair - Sult 1997
The Pogues - Lorelei
Young Ned Of The Hill - The Pogues
The Pogues - If I Should Fall from Grace with God
The Pogues - 05 - Thousands are Sailing
Roger Waters & Sinead O'Connor - Mother
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