Sage Advice

So you’re not where your want to be.
You feel like your supposed to be somewhere else.
Let’s say you could snap your fingers and be exactly where you wanted to be
I bet you would still feel that way, not in the right place.
The point is you can get so hung up on where you would rather be
that you have forgotten how to make the most of where you are.
Take a break from worrying about what you cannot control
and live a little.

What is (NEO)Paganism

What is a NEOPAGAN

Modern Paganism, also known as Contemporary Paganism and Neopaganism, is a collective term for religious movements influenced by or derived from the various  historical beliefs of pre-modern peoples . Although they share similarities, contemporary Pagan religious movements are diverse, and do not share a single set of beliefs, practices, or texts. Most academics who study the phenomenon treat it as a movement that is divided into different religions; others characterize it as a single religion of which different Pagan faiths are denominations.

What is a Pagan

It is crucial to stress right from the start that until the 20th century, people did not call themselves pagans to describe the religion they practiced. The notion of paganism, as it is generally understood today, was created by the early Christian Church. It was a label that Christians applied to others, one of the antitheses that were central to the process of Christian self-definition. As such, throughout history it was generally used in a derogatory sense. – Owen Davies, Paganism: A Very Short Introduction, 2011.

Is (NEO)Paganism a fully recognized religion?

Simple Answer NO it is not fully recognized as a religion within Canada, however there is some headway being gained on this. Currently the Canadian military is recognizing some aspects of Paganism see https://publications.gc.ca/site/eng/385123/publication.html and Correctional Services of Canada has recognized and thereby given status to Pagans within federal correctional facilities. Outside of Canada however there is a Druidic order that has been recognized as an official religious order but they themselves do not refer to their order as “Pagan.”

Why is (NEO)Paganism not a recognized religion?

As per the first two topics covered ‘paganism,’ or ‘neopaganism,’ is colloquial terminology that covers a broad spectrum of polytheistic and some monotheistic belief systems and spiritual beliefs. If one follows the conventions of the early Christianity it was actually a derogatory term assigned to those who did not follow the teachings of Christ.

For further information regarding the hurdles to legitimizing (neo)paganism as a religion I would refer you to this article https://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/creed-freedom-religion-and-human-rights-special-issue-diversity-magazine-volume-93-summer-2012/toward-definition-legitimate-religions for it is long winded.

Omnis

Today I sat down and watched the 2018 version of “Fahrenheit 451” and so many thoughts poured into my mind and it is difficult for my fingers to keep up to my thought processes as I type this out. For the uninitiated the movie is about complete total censorship and the control of thought. for a more detailed break down I suggest if your interested to look up a synopsis or watch the move.

For my self at this time so man things have sprung to mind so many thought processes. I some what understand where the author of the book was going. Written word, independent thought, not blindly going where others want to lead you. “Independent thought” these things scare people. If you have the ability to write well they fear your words as words can be a weapon. Especially if they cannot dominate your thought process and censor you. If you are to independent in your thought, if they cannot control you, if you do not follow blindly without question you become a liability, you are no longer a team player. Your words might just waken other people and cause descension and they cannot have that because they then lose control.

The premise for most censorships is about control. Again going back to the movie the burning of books, the banning of independent thought was initially supported as the removal of certain books was thought good because it removed controversy, removed harmful thought and what people thought and how they behaved. It was believed that it would increase happiness. But in reality it caused the opposite.

Myths

What are your favorite myths, legends or stories? The ones that are not common knowledge, that you would not necessarily find in print. always looking to share materials and to grow knowledge. The things to share while sitting around the campfire with a few good friends.

Have one send it to me via e-mail or post it in a comment. My e-mail address is kevin@unpluggedpagan.com

Why the Raven is Black

Origin of this myth is unknown to me at this time but I found it interesting.

Why the Raven is Black~

Great Spirit decided it was time to give the winged (the birds) their colors. Before this time all of the birds were gray. Their feathers did not carry the beautiful colors they do today. Great Spirit told all of the winged to gather at a special lake which was hidden high in the mountains. All of the winged flew to this magical body of water. Great Spirit told them to dive into the water and they would emerge with beautiful colors in their feathers. Brave little Hummingbird dove in first. He didn’t stay long but when he came out he was a beautiful green and had ruby on his throat. Jaybird was next. He stayed a little longer than Hummingbird had. When he emerged he was a bright blue and had a white throat. He wore a black necklace low on his neck. Wren splashed into the depths. When he got out of the water he was brown with a golden chest. Cardinal flew into the lake. He stayed in a bit longer than the others. When Cardinal broke the surface he was bright red and beautiful. Bluebird splashed into the water and stayed for a while. He came up blue with his beautiful red breast. Indigo Bunting dived in. He stayed linger than any of the previous birds. He came up such a beautiful blue that the other birds gasped at his gorgeous color.

Raven had been watching all of this. He was aware that the longer the birds stayed under the water the more beautiful they were when they emerged and Raven wanted to be the most beautiful of all of the winged.. Raven filed his lungs with air until his chest swelled up much larger than it usually was. He dove into the lake and swam deep into the depths. Raven grabbed a large rock and held onto it so he would not use up his air too quickly. He stayed under water so long that all of the other birds became worried that he would drown. Kingfisher dove into the lake and looked for Raven but could not find him. Kingfisher emerged a pretty blue gray color. Still Raven did not come up. The winged were just about to ask the fishes to help them find Raven when Raven finally broke the surface. He thought he would have the most beautiful colors of all of the winged but he was wrong. Raven had absorbed all of the colors and far too much of them at that. He was as black as a piece of coal and was just as shiny. Though Raven was not happy with his color he had brought something special out of the deep waters of the lake. He had been submerged for a very long time. When he did this Raven had found the opening between this world and the world of Spirit, which lies under the waters of the Earth Mother. Raven brought the secrets of Magic to the surface world. He brought the ability to shape shift and to work magic for healing and to do good for the entire world. This was many years ago and Raven is still black, and he still carries much strong Medicine.

hávamál 127

There have been many interpretations of this stanza in the Hávamál by many people who are by far more educated than myself. The original text of it appears thusly for those who have not seen it, at least this is the text according to those who drafted Declaration 127.

“hvars þú böl kannt kveðu þat bölvi at ok gefat þínum fjándum frið”
English translation
“When you see misdeeds, speak out against them, and give your enemies no frith“

The interpretations of it have been many. But what does it really mean to the lay person? what does it mean to you?

Navigating Festival Changes and Personal Loss

I have been debating this post for a few days, not sure how to put into words my feelings. As this festival season was ramping up and looking to be in the clear and a strong possibility of happening I was myself getting amped. Pulling out the drums, checking fest gear, getting set to book holidays. Looking forward to seeing old friends and planning. This would be my second year on staff of a long running festival. Albeit there were many who believed I was staff since around 2011ish this was not the case.

The last three years have been tough with the suicide of a friend, moving, quitting a job of seven years. Moving in with friends for a year and having that friendship go sideways after i moved out continuing my journey. Dealing with the fall out of that. Then the unexpected death of an old friend. And fucking Covid for the last two damn years. All the while doing the “just keep swimming” thing, trying to keep my head above water and just keep moving forward.

So on to a few days ago, the first post regarding staff meeting for the festival. Sweet!!! there was the standard when should we have it poll. I responded to that thinking we possibly should have more than one as the unexpected death I mentioned earlier was a person who for many many years was an integral part of said festival. Two or so hours past no further commentary, then I receive a message advising me that I have been removed from staff, and the staff group by the festival hosts.

No precursor ‘hey how are you doing’ … ‘what have you been up to?’ First time I have heard from them in months (November to be exact). Apparently I was deemed “not a team player” and “not a good fit.” And this is hilarious as the last time I was there they were having electrical issues, at which time I offered knowledge on the source of said issue, as well as provided answers and suggestions on others.

So for those who may look for me in that familiar role as a fire keeper this year, sadly, that will not be. I wish all the staff there the best, exit stage left.

mother of darkness, mother of light

Mother of Darkness

Lila

Mother of darkness, mother of light
Earth beneath our souls in flight
Songs of love and love of life
Guide us to our hearts
Mother of darkness, mother of light
Earth beneath our souls in flight
Songs of love and love of life
Guide us to our hearts
Mother of darkness, mother of light
Earth beneath our souls in flight
Songs of love and love of life
Guide us to our hearts

Mother of darkness, mother of light
Earth beneath our souls in flight
Songs of love and love of life
Guide us to our hearts
Mother of darkness, mother of light
Earth beneath our souls in flight
Songs of love and love of life
Guide us to our hearts
Mother of darkness, mother of light
(We all come from the Goddess)
Earth beneath our souls in flight
(And to her we shall return)
Songs of love and love of life
(Like a drop of rain)
Guide us to our hearts
(Flowing to the ocean)
Mother of darkness, mother of light
(We all come from the Goddess)
Earth beneath our souls in flight
(And to her we shall return)
Songs of love and love of life
(Like a drop of rain)
Guide us to our hearts
(Flowing to the ocean)
We all come from the Goddess
And to her we shall return
Like a drop of rain
Flowing to the ocean

We all come from the Goddess
And to her we shall return
Like a drop of rain
Flowing to the ocean
We all come from the Goddess
And to her we shall return
Like a drop of rain
Flowing to the ocean
We all come from the Goddess
And to her we shall return
Like a drop of rain
Flowing to the ocean
We all come from the Goddess
And to her we shall return
Like a drop of rain
Flowing to the ocean
We all come from the Goddess
And to her we shall return
Like a drop of rain
Flowing to the ocean

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4jDWuNK9m0

Music in review

I would like to take the opportunity to talk about Raven Black an amazing artist I met years ago at Magik Morn near Kawartha Lakes Ontario . I was drawn to the sound of her voice, raw but real. I have had opportunity to provide drum accompaniment while she performed at Stoneheart out in Coehill Ontario.

This is the bio taken from her ReverbNation account. I would encourage you to take a listen to her album there. Link to listen is at the bottom.

“Raven Black has been playing and composing music since 2008
She’s previously played in many cover bands but is a force to be reckoned with. In 2003 she moved to London ontario and found a kindred spirit Shawn Lint his attitude and haunting Melodic sound gives a whole lot of layers that open each song like a drug we leave you wanting more. Both of them continues to play intensely with love for music. Her influences are folk,country rock and blues inspired. She plays with all of her body and soul! She debuted her self-titled independent CD called Raven Black as an she has sold over 6000 copies!. just by word of I mouth!”