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Occasionally I wandered in where I was not wanted and gave truthful answers.
Sometimes I even did it deliberately. A little disruption now can prevent disaster later.
3rd Yearnings

The right thingamajig for the job

Pagan stuff you didn't think was Pagan.

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So does my tool fetish
really qualify as a fetish?

Making technology sing

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Tool fetish

Organizing my books

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Practical thingamabobs

This is a page from the third version of Technopagan Yearnings. There are some formatting differences. Originally published at www.neowayland.com/C1325529963/E20091015080006
Cross posted at www.teknopagan.com/files/TPY-Thingamabobs091015.html

Pagan stuff you didn't think was Pagan.

Sometimes I think that Crow and Magpie split all the franchises on Pagan shops. There's all the bright shiny things. And the soft silky things. And the exotic strange things. And all the rest that hints at Mysterious Lore Only Revealed to the True Seeker. It's romantic, it's unusual, it's meant to catch our attention and our credit cards.

Today I want to tell you about some useful items that aren't necessarily "Pagan" but that I've found useful.

Once I volunteered to help run a Sunship Earth program. That's when I learned about "hard tools." Hard tool is another name for a Sierra cup, one of those massively useful implements that you'll soon wonder how you did without. Forget finding a "portable cauldron," a good Sierra cup is almost made to order for small scale spellcasting. Just make sure you get at least two, one for "working" and one for you to eat and drink from.

"Soft tools" are another legacy of my experience with Sunship Earth . It's another name for a bandanna. I buy them by the dozen in my favorite colors (I love sweatbands in turquoise) from Trader's International. I give a lot away because I do get unusual colors. Besides wiping up sweat and small spills, in a pinch a bandanna can cover a small unconsecrated work area. And it lets you protect the expensive cloths and weavings.

Many Pagan shop sites have mortar & pestle sets, especially if they sell herbs. I have three, one in laboratory ceramic for salts and minerals, one in marble for organics, and one in stainless steel for consumables. The one in stainless steel is food grade and lives in my kitchen away from the other two. If you haven't found a science supply place, try American Science & Surplus, their prices are great. There's Edmund Scientifics, known to generations of American junior high and high school science students and garage tinkerers, but their prices are higher.

A Leatherman, a Swiss army knife, or a good multitool is an absolute must. It's never the "perfect" tool, but it can substitute for many other tools to get the job done quickly. Some people bless theirs and use it an an athamé, I prefer to keep my ritual tools separate.

Muslin tea bags are incredibly useful for small charms and potpourri. I get mine from a tea speciality place in North Carolina.

Cotton and silk thread can be found almost anywhere that sells sewing supplies. The silk is more expensive, but certainly worth it for some spells. Whatever you do, avoid polyester. it doesn't hold a "zap" as well and it smells terrible when burned.

For more substantial needs, go for the satin cord. It's one of the few things I buy from Azure Green. While the cord also comes in 1 yard lengths, I find it's useful to keep a larger spool on hand, at least at home. It's also useful for amulets and pendents. I used to use leather cord for that, but human sweat is mildly salty and acidic. The combination eats the heck out of leather, especially if it's worn daily. I still keep my grandfather's key on leather, but these days the only thing I use leather cord for is wrapping handles on my staves. Leather and satin both hold a "zap" about equally I've found. I have a homemade tool from satin cord to quickly mark circles, from the end of each end loop it is six and a half feet. There are additional loops to mark one and a half, two and a half, three and a half, four and a half, and five feet.

Parachute cord is cheap and rivals duct tape for sheer usefulness. The best and strongest grade, 550 lb test, is only available in limited colors. You won't be swinging off any buildings with this stuff, but it's great for tying things securely, wrapping tool handles, and at least a hundred and eleven other things. Some people keep about fifteen feet or so woven into a bracelet so it's always handy. I've seen the more wild colors and patterns used as shoelaces and walking stick handles. I've had no luck in getting paracord to hold a "zap" for more than a few hours at best.

I use parchment paper and a little sealing wax for packets of herbs and incense I throw in the fire. I prefer to use parchment stationary cut to size and folded into a packet, but cooking parchment will work in a pinch (and is cheaper too). Commercial candle wax has additives and beeswax burns much too hot. Sealing wax has a lower melting temperature. Some people will tell you that you need a signet, but I've found a little spit and a thumbprint works just as well. Plus, you always know where your thumb is.

For someone who's been known to trip over the edge of sunlight and shadow, small glass bottles aren't always the best idea. Recently I've found these plastic test tubes. These actually are two liter soda bottle blanks before they are heated and vacuum molded to full size. Very durable and waterproof, the test tubes work for keeping supplies sorted as well as sample collecting. My mother wants to use them when she collects wildflower seeds. The neighborhood kids absconded with about 3/4's of my first shipment (I was in a good mood that day). And um, truth to tell, these are the closest practical equivalent I've found to the cylinder things on a certain famous utility belt.

Sometimes you need to poke something without touching it and without discharging the "zap." Wood toothpicks work, but if you really want to get the job done, try bamboo skewers. You can probably find them in your local grocery store

I don't smoke, but a lighter is extremely handy. Of course you can get a cheapo Bic from thousands of stores, but you might think about the classic Zippo. It won't blow out in wind, and it stays lit if you set it down. That's handy when you're sealing the end of your paracord, among other things.

Finally, don't overlook the simple pad of paper and a pencil. Very few things work better to sketch, write, and plan. I prefer graph paper myself, but that's me. Just get something where it's okay to make a mistake and scratch stuff out. Leave the fancy papers and the custom BOS for the final version, after you're tested it.

Posted: Thu - October 15, 2009 at 08:00 AM

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Technowhizzes I have known

Calming rituals in my sanctum

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Where did I stick that?

Organizing my books

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Revived 01Sep2019

Rudyard Kipling

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Poking around and organizing

“I haven't found Jesus, but I haven't lost Him either!”

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Reincarnation Neo style

h4 class="blurb">Drama kings and queens and their effect on worship Read More...
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The "war on Christmas" got me thinking

Here's a young lady just drifting in the current.

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Keep Moving Forward

Economics, magick, and life

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Elvis has left the building

Neo admits he's still a bit of a nerd, even after all these years

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Creative destruction

Dualism and modern mythology

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Attention technopagans

These blog entries have been reformatted and entered into the current directories. Redirect pages have been placed in the old locations.

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Looking for good causes

Because there is very little honor left in American life, there is a certain built-in tendency to destroy masculinity in American men.
— Norman Mailer
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Absolutely mythical

This is a page from the third version of Technopagan Yearnings. There are some formatting differences. Originally published at www.neowayland.com/C1325529963/E20071009133622

Dualism and modern mythology

From some reason as I write this, I've got the tune to Robert Palmer's Simply Irresistible running through my head with new lyrics.

When it comes to modern Pagan philosophers, Isaac Bonewits was one of my earliest influences. His writings on the distortions created by dualistic assumptions were some of the best I had ever read. It was one of those "ton of brick" moments, I was struggling with my identity as a Pagan despite being raised Christian. And Bonewits is absolutely right.

Except when it comes to his own politics.

It's common. Those EITHER/OR blinders are a lot more widespread than we comfortably admit. Especially when it comes to ourselves.

My own blinders include prejudices against "fluffy bunnies" and until quite recently otherkin. Part of that was because I didn't make the effort to dig deeper, but mainly because the "noisiest" examples aren't necessarily the people you'd want around you. There are exceptions, but they are difficult to find.

I absolutely love Wren's Nest, I consider it one of the the best Pagan news sources around. But it doesn't take long before a commenter trots out the anti-Christian bit on almost any thread.

One of my hard won life lessons that I am willing to share is very simple. When you see two and only two alternatives, start looking for the third.

In most situations, either/or choices don't work.

A dualistic mind set is one of those REALLY BAD™ ideas.

It doesn't matter if it's Christian vs. Pagan, Democrat vs. Republican, or Freemasons vs. the Elks.

I made that last one up. And that is my point. The myths we choose to talk about and live are the memes that shape our lives, regardless of their "truth."

I want to talk about one of the best known myths of our time, and how it illustrates the Third Way that overcomes dualism. I'm talking about the Star Wars films.

Specifically, I want to concentrate on the differences between the pre-Empire Galactic Republic and the Galactic Empire on the large scale, and between Anakin Skywalker and Luke Skywalker on the small scale.

From the original films, we know that the Galactic Empire is EVIL BAD in capital letters. They destroy entire planets. They make their stormtroopers wear dorky armor that doesn't seem to deflect much blaster fire. They squeeze the economies of their member planets. They send secret operatives to ferret out dissent.

From the prequel films, we know that the Republic are the good guys. They have a democratic tradition which prevents justice and can be manipulated behind the scenes. They make their cloned stormtroopers wear dorky armor that doesn't seem to prevent much blaster fire. They squeeze the economies of their member planets. And they send secret operatives to ferret out dissent.

The Empire has the Death Star, but the Republic is incapable of defending one of it's members from the advances of another. Is it evil to destroy life with the push of a button or with the procedural vote?

Be careful, that is one of those either/or choices I warned you about.

So let's look at how Anakin Skywalker fared under the Galactic Republic.

Time after time, he's told that he has to deny his passions, his connections to other people. It's not pure, it's not the Way of the Jedi. At first, he's even denied the Jedi training. The mighty Jedi Council sits on high, dispassionately evaluating everything and totally blind to the Sith.

The one Jedi Master who thinks outside the box well enough to help Anakin come to terms with his feelings is dead by the end of the first prequel film.

Despite promises of freedom and justice, Anakin's mother remains a slave and is killed without the protection of the Republic. Anakin's visions torment him with visions of his beloved dying in despair. The Jedi Council won't make him a Master, despite his obvious gifts and abilities.

To Anakin, the Republic betrayed him long before he took up the path of a Sith Lord.

Luke Skywalker fared even worse under the Galactic Empire. His guardians were killed by stormtroopers. He knew that Darth Vader had "killed" his father. He watched as Vader sliced his mentor in half. If anyone had a reason for revenge, it was Luke.

As Luke progressed in his training, his teachers stress that he must disassociate his feelings from his actions. Time after time, he is told that only a fully trained Jedi could hope to face Vader and the Emperor.

Yet there was an x-factor, something totally unexpected. Even before Luke knew Leia was his sister, there was a connection that grew only stronger the more time they spent together. Luke could feel how his sister felt about Han Solo, the charming rogue who only became a hero because his friends were in danger.

Anakin didn't have a Han Solo. Luke did.

That's why Luke knew his father could be redeemed. He had already seen Han redeemed.

I'd like to say that the clues were there. Red Flight became Rogue Flight. Han's military and practical experience showed up on Hoth and in the deference that the Rebels gave Han and Chewie. More than anything else, more than the pronouncements of Yoda or the promises of Ben Kenobi, Luke knew that he could count on Han to pull him out of a disaster.

"That's two you owe me, junior."

It was the connection to Leia that let Luke survive his first encounter with Vader. It was Han's willing sacrifice that let Leia, Chewie, Lando, and the droids escape.

Because, you see, even though the good guys won and the Emperor was destroyed, it wasn't done by the way of the Jedi.

It was a man who had mastered the way of the Jedi but chose a path of compassion.

Luke Skywalker looked for the third way beyond either/or. That's what let him win.

That's the real myth of Star Wars. Not good versus evil.

The Sith could only exist because the Jedi were incomplete. And the Sith were doomed because they were the flip side and just as incomplete.

The only lasting solution was to find another way not in the assumptions of either "side." And the man who made it possible wasn't a Jedi, but a good man who chose to be better out of friendship and love.

So how does this relate to us?

Maybe it doesn't. Maybe it is enough to know that there are usually more than two answers. Maybe it is enough to know that sometimes our expectations shape our answers more than any truth.

And maybe it is enough knowing that only two answers mirror each other.

Posted: Tue - October 9, 2007 at 01:36 PM

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Revived 28Jul2019

Nudity is a problem for Americans. It disrupts our social exchange.
— Eric Fischl
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Getting my internet fix

These blog entries have been reformatted and entered into the current directories. Redirect pages have been placed in the old locations.

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Thursday will be Friday, and still the world turns

This is a page from the third version of Technopagan Yearnings. There are some formatting differences. Originally published at www.neowayland.com/C429302356/E20060217050734

Running late again

Just a quick note to let you know that the Thursday entry got pushed back to Friday.

And if you think this week is bad, don't talk to me about next week. I'm going to be lucky to get one on this blog.

Posted: Fri - February 17, 2006 at 05:07 AM

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Reflections

This is a page from the third version of Technopagan Yearnings. There are some formatting differences. Originally published at www.neowayland.com/C429302356/E20060203234434

I'm really beginning to understand why it is so hard to find good Pagan blogs.

I'll spare you the bit about perspectives from a candle flame and catch you up on what has been happening.

I'm really beginning to understand why it is so hard to find good Pagan blogs.

I mean, Pagan news is covered mostly by Wren's Nest and a few others. And I am personally against the cutesy "these are the eight Pagan holidays" introductory basic web sites. Or the ones that give you steps to "cast your VERY OWN SPELL!!!!"

Which, fortunately, do seem to be dying out.

Since Thursday morning, I have tried to write on four separate topics. One of them was so trite I am ashamed of it, the other three, well, I didn't really feel like sharing. So I am going to do some thinking about what I want this blog to say and how I want to say it. One thing I can tell you, three times a week is just too much. I end up pounding my head against the wall trying to come up with something new on Fridays.

My head can take it, but the wall is beginning to get dented. And the paint and plaster takes extra shampoo to wash out.

Anyway, I am going to switch to Tuesdays and Thursdays for this blog. This thing is supposed to be something I enjoy and not something I have to do. Well, I have to do it but by the gods I am going to have fun with it.

Posted: Sun - February 5, 2006 at 07:25 PM

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Revived 24May2019

These blog entries have been reformatted and entered into the current directories. Redirect pages have been placed in the old locations.

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No Monday entry

“In which you are introduced to the life and accomplishments of Alexander the Great, his empire, his horse Bucephalus, the empires that came after him, and the idea of Greatness. Is greatness a question of accomplishment, of impact, or are people great because the rest of us decide they're great?”

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Belonging

Why I haven't been talking about the pagan part of me lately

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Technopaganism

Thinking about Pagan communities

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After the Solstice

What I did for the Autumnal Equinox

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Intensity and withdrawl

Feed2JS messed up this blog too.

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Related to who?

Sorry about that. I wasn't going to load the new stuff until I had all the changes made.

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Keeping vigil

Actual web locations and frame pages

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No Recent Comments or links here either

Non magickal and non religious tips to make your paganism work better

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Oops!

That's all.

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Where to find me

This is a page from the third version of Technopagan Yearnings. There are some formatting differences. Originally published at www.neowayland.com/C429302356/E1269497429

Actual web locations and frame pages

Sorry about the lack of updates, my offline life has interfered in my news reading. And I am WAY behind on my email. Some of the things I have managed to sneak in are working on my homepage and some frame pages to drive traffic here.

My new homepage is not only my browser homepage, but it's intended to let interested folks know where I am on the web and some more of the things about me. It's still under construction though, but this is where you can find it. Actual address is in bold, frame pages are in italics.


While I was at it, I did some frame pages for my blogs. This is where you can find Pagan Vigil. Again, actual address is in bold, frame pages are in italics.



Technopagan Yearnings, my Pagan blog, can be found here. Same deal with the addresses.


Anyway, that is where I have been, and I should be catching up with posting tomorrow and the weekend.

Posted: Thu - November 10, 2005 at 04:51 PM
Cross posted to Pagan•Vigil and Technopagan Yearnings.

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Practicals

This is a page from the third version of Technopagan Yearnings. There are some formatting differences. Originally published at www.neowayland.com/C429302356/E1526042797

Non magickal and non religious tips to make your paganism work better

I've created a new category called Practicals.

Basically it is all the stuff that makes paganism work better without being specific to any one tradition or working.

I've moved my Harassment article there and I will make a couple of more entries tonight.

Posted: Fri - October 14, 2005 at 07:02 PM

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Podcasts in link section

“In which John introduces you to quite a lot of Chinese history by discussing the complicated relationship between the Confucian scholars who wrote Chinese history and the emperors (and empress) who made it. Included is a brief introduction to all the dynasties in Chinese history and an introduction to Confucius and the Confucian emphasis on filial piety, the role the mandate of heaven played in organizing China, and how China became the first modern state.”

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Back again, jiggity jig

Objects or beings in physical or psychic contact with each other continue to interact after separation.
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Links - The Wild Hunt Blog

This is a page from the third version of Technopagan Yearnings. There are some formatting differences. Originally published at www.neowayland.com/C429302356/E4072503

Blog rolls and other creatures

Jason Pitzl-Waters of The WildHunt.org Weblog has been gracious enough to add Technopagan Yearnings to his blog roll.

*mad cackle* My secret plan for domination of the Pagan blogworld is underway!!!

Seriously though, connections to other Pagans is one of our greatest strengths these days, and Mr. Pitzl-Waters writes a prolific and very thought provoking blog. Give him a read, you'll enjoy it.

Posted: Sun - May 22, 2005 at 05:05 PM

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Revived 01Apr2019

“The Hippies Were Right: It's All about Vibrations, Man!”

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Redux: Christians & Pagan Tolerance

A musical interlude because I have a song that won't get out of my head

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Forget the red pill, go for the green drink

Time marches on and the wheel of the year turns

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Solstice snow - updated

Enjoy yours but don't mess with mine

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Do you believe

doesn't touch tomorrow's promise

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Maiden

Ranting

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My Earth Day

Individuals have rights. Groups have power plays.
— NeoWayland, On Pagan Rights
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Yesterday's news…

h4 class="blurb">I don't have a stake in that fight. Or the other three either. Read More...
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On Pagan Rights

An idea worth exploring

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I'm going to leave it alone

Even when we are nude, we hide our bodies in shame. Every minute of every day.
Why Be Socially Nude? from Family Skinnydippers
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On that Pagan community thing

If you promised to be someone else’s “one and only,” you’re off limits. Honor demands nothing less.
— NeoWayland, sex rules
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Memorial Day musings

Although I feel sex and combining sex with religion can be positive, I can't deny abuse by certain pagans.

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A time for Blessings

The river and grass sets off the lady nicely.

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A friend in need

There is no way that a Lady God would be embarrassed if caught nude.

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Revived - November 23, 2018

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In Defense of Technology and Nature

Do you really need them?

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Future

Stuff to hold us together

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In which body modification technology catches me by surprise

Sometimes I forget

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Tools

Great link for calculating the times of the sabbats

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Any suggestions?

A not so smart technical advance

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Stating the obvious

Just look at the sunshine

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Archaeoastronomy

A statement is close to the final version

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An impractical

Inspiring words

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A new balance

Evil spelled backwards is live. That's what I do.
— NeoWayland, October - updated
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Pagans against sexual abuse

Evil spelled backwards is live. And that's what I do.

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“We are the Pagans who have moved on”

These blog entries have been reformatted and entered into the current directories. Redirect pages have been placed in the old locations.

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October - updated

Technically not nude, but close.

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Revived - November 16, 2018

Her hair caught my attention.

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Mark time

You can tell she's a witch by her pendant.

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A Rule of Three

I lost a bet, so now I have to share

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On the Threefold Law of Return

Looking for Pagan fiction? I may not be the guy to give it to you.

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Meant to be used

This is a page from the third version of Technopagan Yearnings. There are some formatting differences. Originally published at www.neowayland.com/C550866538/E20100922133520

Gifts from the gods

No matter how beautiful the form, god inspired crafting is meant to be used. It's dishonorable to receive a gift from the gods and put it on a shelf just to look at on special occasions.
Okay, so yes, it's self-referential.

Doesn't mean it's not true though.

May you find your own god-gifts this equinox.

Posted: Wed - September 22, 2010 at 01:35 PM

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“I dare you to do it better!”
or
Adventures in Mythmaking

Isaac Bonewits is calling for spells to change the outcome of the Senate vote on judicial filibusters.

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Myth ruminations

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Revived - November 9, 2018

As always, the most recently converted entries are at the top of the list at the 3rd Yearnings tag page.

These blog entries have been reformatted and entered into the current directories. Redirect pages have been placed in the old locations.

Sometimes the sad songs do help

Spells for Democracy?

Myth ruminations

“I dare you to do it better!”
or
Adventures in Mythmaking


Meant to be used

On the Threefold Law of Return

A Rule of Three

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Sometimes the sad songs do help

Looking at portrayal of Pagans in horror films

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Pagan Films Part II
- Projecting the Horror

Talkback and trackback

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Pagan films part 1 - updated

What I have been doing.

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New Features

The piece I should have done Tuesday

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Haven't quite vanished

Cool way to measure tablespoons, teaspoons, and ounces.

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Okay, rain break over

We're people, not legends.

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Measure that!

This is a page from the third version of Technopagan Yearnings. There are some formatting differences. Originally published at www.neowayland.com/C1325529963/E20100928130052

Cool way to measure tablespoons, teaspoons, and ounces.

One site I follow regularly is Cool Tools. I'd call it a must for a technopagan or someone with a tool obsession. Like me on both counts.

So last week I was reading about this Mini Measure Shot Glass. I wasn't driving into Flagstaff, but I knew someone who was and I asked her to pick me up two (one for the kitchen and one for the sanctum) . They cost all of $3.50 each in Bed, Bath, and Beyond.

This is one of the best commercial alternatives I've seen to measuring spoons. My hands aren't quite as steady as I would like them to be sometimes.

Posted: Tue - September 28, 2010 at 01:00 PM

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Elite witchcraft

This is a page from the third version of Technopagan Yearnings. There are some formatting differences. Originally published at www.neowayland.com/C1325529963/E20070412051550

Reconsidering the answer to an old post

The thing with Witch School reminded me of a comment from Juliaki on this post.

She asked "Why is elitism bad?"

I suppose it comes down to if the elitism is earned or bestowed.

When it comes to titles, Pagan titles in particular, they really don't tell me much.

"Vice President of Marketing." "Lady of the Inner Circle." "Teacher."

These titles tell nothing.

The virtue isn't in the title you see, the virtue is in the individual.

Titles draw their power from the virtue of the individual.

So what makes an elite?

The actions and choices of an individual.

We recognize elitism all the time. You go to your doctor because you trust him, not necessarily because of those initials behind his name. You call the plumber that you know will show up and fix the problem. You don't go to just any restaurant, you carefully choose.

If witchcraft were a profession, people would want to know about the individual reputation.

Not if a person was a witch or not.

If you had an English sports car, would you take it to just any mechanic? If you want a good quality towel, will you go the the closeout bin at the dollar store? If you need your taxes done, will you use your neighbor's sister's friend?

You may get exactly what you want from these places, but you have no way of knowing which will pay off and which will not. And there is no guarantee that it will pay off more than once.

Thinking about it, over the years we've assumed that there is some sort of egalitarianism in witchcraft and Pagan beliefs. There is not. Not all witches are equal. Not all Pagans are equal. Not all Pagans are witches.

Let's put in another word that is supposed to be a no-no.

Discrimination.

Discrimination is not necessarily evil.

I don't want my Baptist relatives telling me how to practice my faith. I don't necessarily want them telling me how to practice magick either, even though some of them do exactly that, all be it in rather limited circumstances. I'm discriminating because I don't think they know enough to tell me what I need to know.

People are not all equally gifted. Certainly Pagans aren't all equally gifted. Should each be given the same consideration?

All I have got to go on is the individual reputation. And once there is someone I can trust, I am more likely to pay attention to THEIR choices than I am someone I do not know.

So should witchcraft be elite?

Why should it be any different?

Posted: Thu - April 12, 2007 at 05:15 AM

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Revived - November 2, 2018

Every person has the right to control their own sexuality, and nobody else’s.
— Maggie McNeill, Standing in the Rain
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Scrying with the Dark Moon

This is a page from the third version of Technopagan Yearnings. There are some formatting differences. Originally published at www.neowayland.com/C1325529963/E20060627034440

One of my (suitably edited) Dark Moon rites

The Dark Moon is one of my favorite times for reflection.

I'm not particularly gifted in augury, but some methods work to find a meditation focus or settling exercise.

When I can, usually two or three times a year, I like to do a more formal ritual.

I know that the tools aren't strictly necessary, but I find it reassuring to use them when I can.

I start at twilight, when the sun has slipped below the horizon and there is a deep violet at the edge of the horizon. That is when I start cleaning the ritual space. Can't use a circle in this one.

By the time full dark has set in, I am ready. I have a small candle on a small stand at about eye level at about chest height.

My scrying bowl is black with a slightly reflective interior. It sits beside me at first. I put the dry ingredients in a mortar, moon blessed sea salt, cinnamon, a few other things. I grind it into a very small powder. Not much. When the dry has been thoroughly crushed, I put the mortar and pestle down and take up the scyring bowl. Very carefully I hold it up to the stars, letting their light fill it. Then I close my eyes and pour the light into my face.

Very carefully I take a small amount of oil on my finger and draw a quick sign in the bottom of the bowl. I sprinkle the dry ingredients over the sign. Then I breathe on the sign.

Then I light the candle.

Holding the bowl in my lap, I very slowly add water. I crouch over it and look through the candle reflection in the water.

Of course, this description is incomplete. But you can see where it is going.

Posted: Tue - June 27, 2006 at 04:44 AM

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What's in a word?

Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces up, snow is exhilarating; there is no such thing as bad weather just different kinds of good weather.
— John Ruskin
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Study notes

Let the rain kiss you. Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops. Let the rain sing you a lullaby.
— Langston Hughes
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The Word is Not the Thing

The only worthy faiths and beliefs are those freely chosen

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Tree Of Life

These blog entries have been reformatted and entered into the current directories.

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The Magick of Food


Added Days of the Week and cross-referenced lexicon.

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Faith worthy of freedom

“This week on CC Myth, Mike Rugnetta is teaching you about mythical trees. There are lots of trees in myth, and we've touched on some of them before, but today we're going to focus on three trees from three different traditions. We'll talk about the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil from the biblical tradition, Yggdrasil from the Norse Tradition, and Ashvattha, which is important in both Hindu and Buddhist tradition.”

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Revived 12Oct2018

As always, the most recently converted entries are at the top of the list at the 3rd Yearnings tag page.

These blog entries have been reformatted and entered into the current directories. Redirect pages have been placed in the old locations.

A Blast from the Past

Faith worthy of freedom

The Magick of Food

Tree Of Life

The Word is Not the Thing

Basking in the moonlight

Study notes

What's in a word?

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On commitment

droolworthy and then some

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Gnosis Journal

Just what was revealed?

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Charlie's story

These blog entries have been reformatted and entered into the current directories. Redirect pages have been placed in the old locations.

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The Red Book - First Impressions

Ask me no questions and I'll tell you no lies.
— usually attributed to Oliver Goldsmith
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Relics of faith

“Our mythical places series continues, and this week Mike Rugnetta is talking about some stories that revolve around mountains. Mountains loom large in human stories, not least because mountains are, well, large. So ascend with us to the lofty peaks of The Ten Thousand Treasure Mountain in China, and Mount Fuji in Japan.”

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Revived 05Oct2018

As always, the most recently converted entries are at the top of the list at the 3rd Yearnings tag page.

These blog entries have been reformatted and entered into the current directories. Redirect pages have been placed in the old locations.

Relics of faith

The Red Book - First Impressions

Charlie's story

Gnosis Journal

On commitment

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Revived 06Jan2018

🌖 waning gibbous moon
Epiphany - Old Christmas - Feast of the Three Kings - Twelfth Tide

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Last night she bet me I wouldn't do it

Playtime

I'm not yet ready for sex beyond the physical

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hums softly

Playtime

Fog & snow at my home

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“What knife?”

Playtime

Determined to use my weaknesses against me

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Fingers in the hair

Playtime

One of the few style questions that I will answer

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Last night…
I dreamt I walked as a bear

Playtime

New category and new idea. Occasionally Neo reveals his fun side

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Sometimes a certain lady is sneaky

This is a page from the third version of Technopagan Yearnings. There are some formatting differences. Originally published at www.neowayland.com/C1370303428/E20091201142347

Determined to use my weaknesses against me

Playtime
As much as I try to avoid the whole group holiday thing, still there are female-type persons my age who know my weaknesses too well.

Like smoked turkey. And sweet potatoes. And fresh cranberry sauce. And fresh baked bread.

Smoked turkey…

Pardon me while I drool a bit.

Posted: Tue - December 1, 2009 at 02:23 PM

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What's the difference between a ponytail and a beartail?

These older blog entries have been reformatted and entered into the current directories

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Story from a dream

Part of an IM conversation I had with Juliaki tonight. You might find it interesting.

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Revived 03Jan2018

My faith isn't defined by my politics.
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Calling yourself pagan

Faith is a personal choice. So are politics. One does not define the other.

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A funny

My journey to and from a funeral reminds me of the world outside artificial light

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Paganism is not political

This is a page from the third version of Technopagan Yearnings. There are some formatting differences. Originally published at www.neowayland.com/C65989237/E20060103044338

Faith is a personal choice. So are politics. One does not define the other.

I'm getting very annoyed with this idea of "political pagans."

If you are lucky enough not to have had this inflicted on you yet, the idea is that all real pagans are naturally progressive and green. And if you are not progressive and green, then you can't possibly be a real pagan.

I was an environmentalist before the global warming movement hijacked environmentalism. Today you can barely mention environmentalism without bowing down before the global warming altar. Everything environmental must give way to the global warming agenda. When is the last time you saw a news story about water pollution or air pollution? But I have lost track of how many stories I have seen about global warming in the last year.

And of course, if you really care about Mother Gaia and Her children (and you can hear the capitalization in their voices) you are against poverty, injustice, and war. Unless the "enemy" is a wealthy Republican, then all bets are off.

What the blazes does ANY of this have to do with Paganism?

If you are a reconstructionist, I'm willing to bet that there are gods in your personal pantheon who were not only responsible for commerce, but probably invented coinage.

And dice games. Don't forget the dice games. VERY important foundation for commerce.

Now I happen to be very political. But my politics don't come because of my faith or my Patrons. Likewise, my faith isn't defined by my politics.

There are people I identify as part-time pagans and fluffy pagans, but not because of their politics. That is because of how they treat their faith.

Posted: Mon - January 2, 2006 at 07:43 AM

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In the still of the night

This is a page from the third version of Technopagan Yearnings. There are some formatting differences. Originally published at www.neowayland.com/C65989237/E20060525233957

My journey to and from a funeral reminds me of the world outside artificial light

I did some driving in rural Arizona and New Mexico this last week.

One of the big differences between urban areas and rural areas is the amount of light at night. Depending on the size of the town or city, even as little as thirty miles is enough to reveal a whole other world.

Headlights are visible for miles if the road is in view. The shadows wrap around you so you feel like you could just reach out the window and gently stroke it. The desert night air has it's own scents and promises. The plants rustle in your side vision which seems a notch or two sharper. The land hints at it's shape rather than revealing.

And then the stars. Oh gods, the stars.

In a city, you see a few twinkles of the stronger stars, but that is nothing compared to what you see when you get away from the city lights. Suddenly the words "Milky Way" make sense. When I have been away from all the stars, my first instinct on a clear night is to strip down and bathe in all that silver starlight.

It's not just lights. In the desert and away from the roads and cars, you swear you can hear every single sound for miles around. Maybe it's just psychological. You're away from the normal stimulus so you pay extra close attention to the ones you do sense.

There are times I am very much in hermit mode and there are reasons for that. I can't tell you the name of the American Idol contestants. I have no idea what the Top 40 is these days. I have no interest in having Dr. Phil solve my problems on national television. More importantly, I've no real desire to think about these subjects. But they wrap themselves around you, insidiously. It's all that most people talk about.

It's the same with religion, at least for the people who want to get noticed. Folks are so busy making noise for their gold stars that they don't pay attention to the "stillness of the soul." The Blessed recognize that as the place where your inner journey begins, the gateway to your higher selves.

So away from the churches every block, the people mouthing the noise they think the Divine wants to hear, the flood of television and radio evangelism, and away from all those bits that we humans like to wrap ourselves in, that is the where the inner soul can wake and the outer soul can sleep.

I need to go camping again soon I think.

Posted: Thu - May 25, 2006 at 11:39 PM

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“Here I come to save the Day”

This is a page from the third version of Technopagan Yearnings. There are some formatting differences. Originally published at www.neowayland.com/C65989237/E20060802051541

Why do some Pagans believe they are destined to save the world?

The posts on discipline and Indigo kids got me in the mood to go exploring the Pagan web again, just to see what is happening. It's getting harder and harder to do that anonymously, but I still have a few technopagan tricks up my sleeve.

Much of what I saw hasn't really changed in the last few years. There are still very few experienced Pagans who are willing to go online, at least publicly. There are definite trends towards political correctness and silencing dissent. And the most visible Pagans online aren't necessarily the ones that anyone should be listening to.

Although that doesn't just apply to Pagans. Imagine if Christians only listened to Jesse Jackson or Pat Robertson.

To me at least, the most disturbing thing is the growth of the "Pagans will save the World" theme. Save the world from what, I am not quite sure, but there are some out there who are only a few steps away from conquering in the Name of the Goddess for the Betterment of Humanity. Or at least trying.

It always worries me when I can hear the capitals in what other people say, even if it is only what they are typing on a computer screen.

I am not quite sure where this messiah complex comes from. I only know that it is there. I get frustrated when I deal with newbies. Online, my experience is "one upped" by some kid who read the "right" books and started "practicing" six whole months ago. It's times like that when I understand exactly what Oberon Ravenhart-Zell wants to do with his so-called Grey Council.

Intentionally or not, this "save the world" thing comes across as recycled Christianity. I'm not sure that is what they need, although they believe it's what they want.

*sighs*

And that is the rub, isn't? You can't tell them until they are ready to believe it. Even if I could, I am not sure I should stop them from tripping and falling. Although the gods know I am tempted. I understand now what the Blessed who were around me were saying when I "broke out," although I ignored them then.

I'm pretty sure that the World can take care of Herself, maybe with a little help from her Consort.

It's the rest of us I am not so sure about.

Posted: Tue - August 1, 2006 at 06:15 PM

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Flake off

It always worries me when I can hear the capitals in what other people say, even if it is only what they are typing on a computer screen.
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Otherkin

I could handle the backhanded compliments and schoolboy taunts.

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Why do I do it? Internet debates, emails, and online Pagan groups

This is a page from the third version of Technopagan Yearnings. There are some formatting differences. Originally published at www.neowayland.com/C65989237/E20100218113503

I am what I am - updated


Let's face it, getting involved in these prolonged internet debates isn't exactly the healthiest behavior out there. When it comes to relieving frustration, not only to I have perfectly reasonable poly-resin skull to talk to, I have bed companions who are more than willing to let me indulge my odd tastes. Perhaps not as much as I would like, but certainly more than occasionally.

I wrote about it some in Almost the last advocate at Pagan Vigil.

Live and let live works mostly. When that doesn't work, KYFHO comes through. But usually there is no one else willing to make a stand. Unpopular religions? I'll defend them to the end until they impose on someone else. Same with political groups. Or rights groups.

The one thing I insist on is that free choice is a cornerstone. Including the rights of the members to walk away if they choose. As long as they do that and don't force themselves on any others, I believe that they are free to do what they want.

ARE, not should be.

Because that is the right I expect for myself, and it's not a right unless everyone else has it too. Otherwise it's a privilege taken at someone else's expense.

Even though it means that I end up defending ideas and practices that I find questionable at best, I can't do anything else and stay true to myself.

I won't kid you, there's a part of me that grooves on taking someone down a notch or two using nothing more than logic and their own arguments. I've also been known to go searching, well, not exactly for fights but for places where someone is likely to trip over their own words and pretensions and fights will break out. It's sick, unhealthy, and I try to find other ways to handle frustrations these days.

I also know that it's unhealthy to use kinky sex as a substitute, but them's the breaks.

But when it comes to Pagans and small "L" libertarians, I take it personally. Particularly if I care about the group. If anyone should know about the dangers of scapegoating, it's Pagans. We know that Pagans aren't crouching naked in the bushes, waiting to rape your kids or sacrifice your cat under the next full moon. Or maybe it is the other way around.

But we also know that there are more than enough people who believe that Pagans are there to do exactly that. And it doesn't help that some of us are casual about nudity and sex to begin with.

I don't believe that modern Pagans can let ourselves become that which we might fear. Just because someone calling themselves a Christian did something horrible 1739 years ago doesn't mean we can afford to label someone else a monster today.

The thing is, if we insist that someone is innocent until proven guilty, that's a sword that cuts both ways. It means that we can't allow ourselves the luxury of scapegoats, even in the secret places where they will never know we did it. We'll know, and that will be enough to undo our goals.

I've given up internet debates these days unless it is in a REALLY Good Cause. It's not that I don't want to, the gods know that I want it bad. And I am very very good. My own weird sense of ethics and responsibility insists that I tell my opponents I am good. Or maybe it is just my Coyote-warped sense of humor. Let me share something I wrote in a private email.

By insisting that everyone be judged by their actions, I'm also invoking civilized behavior. If I show fair play and they don't play nice, I'm under no obligation to respect their rules as I deal with them. Civilized means that no one can threaten force or try to intimidate someone. Depending on how mischievous I'm feeling, I might even insist on no insults. If they can't compete under those conditions, that doesn't say much for their opinions or their cause.

I just stacked the odds heavily in my favor. I already know I can probably argue most people under the table and three times on Sunday, and that is at even odds.

If someone doesn't "play nice," they just ceded moral authority and I am justified in my actions. No one watching could say otherwise. After all, I dealt with them fairly at first.

Even then, I probably wouldn't "defeat" them or "destroy" them. I wouldn't want to create martyrs. Instead I would defuse them, defang them, render them harmless.

It's hard to scare someone if they are busy chuckling

I know, it doesn't say much for my character and desires that I indulge in these confrontations, even if it's only occasionally.

But wouldn't you rather me do it in support of honor than wily-nily? It's a tradeoff.

I am what I am
And the man that I am
Demands what I dream
I am what I am

Yes, that is one of mine. Great for last stands or True Beliefs. For maximum effect, plant your feet, flex your knees, and face things head on. Say it out loud.

When all your choices are bad, sometimes the only choice is to listen to your heart and embrace your dream.
_____
Update - Yes, the Otherkin thing is an example of how I didn't follow these principles. It's also a mild example of what happens when things go wrong. Lesson learned.

Posted: Thu - February 18, 2010 at 11:35 AM

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Bonewits update

A pagan take on another holiday classic.

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Avalon Cares redux

This is a page from the third version of Technopagan Yearnings. There are some formatting differences. Originally published at www.neowayland.com/C1939071231/E20100201133009

Corrected web address


I should have double-checked and updated this, but I didn't. I missed updating the web address on my previous entry (fixed now).

Avalon Cares is the ongoing non-profit relief effort organized by the Officers of Avalon. It's a benevolent association of Pagan emergency professionals. They've got an effort going for earthquake relief in Hati.

If you want to support the Pagan community and help others, this is a good way to start.

Posted: Mon - February 1, 2010 at 01:30 PM

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Good Journey Isaac

It's Monument Valley! It's amazing clouds!

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Revived 12Dec2017

An amazing shot

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Quarter Moons and Semi-Truths

I want to choose my own

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Snap out of it!

Master the discipline or be mastered by the victimhood.
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Bittersweet honor

This is a page from the third version of Technopagan Yearnings. There are some formatting differences. Originally published at www.neowayland.com/C550866538/E20090803073939

Unexpected and delightful


I had visitors over the weekend. Unexpected ones, but delightful ones all the same.

An old friend and her husband and her 14 year old son dropped in on Wednesday.

She and I had dated and slept together, well, at least fifteen years ago I guess. Probably closer to eighteen. Guess I am getting older. She has aged remarkably well. Originally from Haiti, her lovely accent and marvelous skin color triggered some great memories. Oh, and her scent, can't forget that. If she hadn't married and promised to be a one-and-only, I might have tried again for old times sake.

Her husband is well educated and knows how to use that brain of his. I heartily approve of her choice.

Their boy shows every sign of being just as smart as his parents. So of course he asked if I used to date his mom.

I told him yes.

Then we wandered into one of those awkward social areas that teens (and especially BRIGHT teens) love to nose out. And I could tell that his dad was laughing at his wife and I.

The kid asked if I wanted to sleep with his mom again. Actually he said fuck his mom, I'm sure he was going for the shock value. It's one of the few times I have seen that particular lady embarrassed, and I had the feeling that I missed the first act in this particular drama.

Deep breath. Only one way through this.

My feelings were irrelevant, I told him. My personal beliefs mean that The Lady Always Chooses. She was in a monogamous marriage to his dad. And that is where it stood. What he suggested wasn't even a possibility because her honor was more important to me than my own.

At that point I looked at her. She winked because she knew me well enough to know what I might do next.

In fact, I told the young man, he should be proud of his mom because she had honor and obviously loved his father. Just because she could be an insatiable fuck didn't mean she would make the Two-Backed Beast with just anyone. She chose to fuck me, but she chose to love her husband. And I told the boy that I thought he dishonored both his parents by trying to put his mom on the spot like that.

That was Friday.

Things went much better after that. I spent much of the time trying my darnedest to bend his brain. But his parents had already made things pretty flexible.

This morning, the young man proved he had honor after all. He apologized to his mother, his father, and then to me (which I didn't expect). And then he cooked breakfast.

A few more like him and this world might have some hope after all.

Thanks to Coyote for the lessons.

Posted: Mon - August 3, 2009 at 07:39 AM

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Skeins

There is an old saying that the difficult truths are the only ones that must be told.
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Discipline, the Modern Pagan, and power from victimhood

This is a page from the third version of Technopagan Yearnings. There are some formatting differences. Originally published at www.neowayland.com/C65989237/E20060722013450

What makes the so many modern pagans fluffy? And why don't they seem to want more?

There is an old saying that the difficult truths are the only ones that must be told.

I've tried several times in the last couple of weeks to write this post. It keeps coming out wrong. So I am going to sit here and hammer this one out once and for all so I can concentrate on other things that I want to say. It's probably going to be shorter than I wanted, but there are only so many times I can rewrite the thing.

Before I get too deep, I want to say that I absolutely despise classifying people, their abilities, and their accomplishments based on membership in some group. I am an individualist. As far as I am concerned, we are human. To understand the poisonous mindset, it's necessary to put that viewpoint aside for a bit and wade into meaningless yet influential group distinctions.

I read Shelby Steele's excellent White Guilt. While not a pagan book, it gave me excellent insight into American life over the last few decades, and helped focus some of my own realizations. Most of it doesn't apply in a pagan context, with one very important exception.

The rise of the popular forms of modern paganism are tied into the rise of the feminist movement that followed the success of the 1960s civil rights movement. Feminism (and paganism through feminism) borrowed some of the best and worst ideas of the civil rights movement for it's own purposes.

One idea was power through victimhood because of past crimes committed against one group by members of another.

Before you tell me that doesn't apply, go find someone talking about "Never again the Burning Times!"

For "power through victimhood" to be successful, it's not enough to have an "oppressed victim," there also has to be a public acknowledgment of guilt by the powerful and a lingering guilt. "PTV" gains it's moral authority only through guilt, otherwise it runs smack dab into the morals and ethics of the majority.

To simplify, American blacks had a legitimate grievance. That isn't necessarily so for American feminists, and it probably isn't so for American pagans. It is the difference between oppression and repression.

Paganism was a good way for repressed women to explore the Sacred Feminine and experience the Divine instead of having it handed to them through a patriarchal framework. Since many pagans celebrate the Female Aspects of Divinity, of course we took joy as the ladies took center stage and found themselves.

But all things have destruction wrapped in creation. The power wasn't in the victimhood. It never was. Overcoming victimhood could be the first gate to power. Some took power from the victimhood itself, never realizing that their "strength" depended entirely on the guilty pity of others. Without that guilt and pity, the "moral authority" collapsed.

This wasn't just in paganism of course. Much of Western culture and society was undergoing the same growing pangs. So to preserve the "power through victimhood" of certain groups, permanent victim groups were enshrined. Blacks first. Then other minority groups. Then women (of course). And finally alternative religions. With a pecking order firmly established, it became the Progressive Thing to make sure that the victim groups and the pecking order were universally established. If some members of the victim groups weren't quite good enough, that was okay, they had been through enough. Allowances would be made.

That in turn introduced our second and third tier problems. Members of the victim groups weren't expect to be "as good" as the majority. Excuses were made for their failures. They were never held personally responsible.

Imagine that. By virtue of victimhood and belonging to a recognized victim group, someone could be excused from being an adult and taking responsibility for themselves.

I want to stress that the victimhood was never universal. Many people soon learned to move beyond victimhood and into individual excellence.

But for those who didn't, they never realized it was a trap. Some of them still don't.

Fast forward a few decades.

Now some areas have schools that cherish victimhood of certain groups before the kids are old enough to understand if they are even victims at all. Being a social victim means that others will look out for you and that you are not fully human.

Nor can you be fully trusted. Even if your victimhood grants you "moral authority" and exceptions from the rules.

Other kids see that being a victim is the easy path. Even if you don't know the answers, they will be provided to you in a timely manner. And if you can't be bothered to learn them this time around, that is okay. You've had a hard victimhood.

The end result are people who not only don't know the answers, but expect those answers to be provided on demand. And they want a second chance to take any tests, only this time with crib sheets.

It's not their fault that this is how they were taught.

It's their fault if they do not change once their path demands more.

Master the discipline or be mastered by the victimhood.

Bright & Dark Blessings, everyone.

Posted: Fri - July 21, 2006 at 09:34 PM

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Several rewrites later…

This is a page from the third version of Technopagan Yearnings. There are some formatting differences. Originally published at www.neowayland.com/C550866538/E20100213150023

Dealing with life - updated


I can't be politically correct on this one and writing it has been frustrating. I think the only thing that would be more frustrating would be to shelve it.

So here goes.

Back in 2006, I wrote about Pagans and victimhood. Recently online and IRL, I've been talking with Pagans who believe that Christianity* is a Big Bad Evil that must be confronted.

Here's the thing.

Drawing your power from your victimhood depends on the other recognizing the wrong done and expressing guilt. Without the "oppressor" doing both those things, your victimhood has no power. It also only lasts as long as the Big Baddy feels guilty.

Here's the real scary bit.

As long as you embrace victimhood, you can't possibly be as "worthy" as the person who made you a victim. You'll always need "help."

And yes, you should recognize the abuser/abused pattern here.

I put it simply in my Quick notes to a new seeker.

Beware of anyone who tells you power comes through victimhood. That power can only be borrowed and only at the sufferance of another.
But the real power is not in victimhood. Overcoming victimhood can be the first gate to power because that is your power that you discover.

Do you really want to give the Christians that much power over you?

Find yourself. And remember that like calls to like.

_____
*Okay, so I forgot the word Christianity in the original post. Sorry about that.

Posted: Sat - February 13, 2010 at 03:00 PM

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Magick in the modern world

When someone starts talking about THE truth, it's to exclude the thoughts and ideas they find uncomfortable.
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A Blast from the Past

This is a page from the third version of Technopagan Yearnings. There are some formatting differences. Originally published at www.neowayland.com/C550866538/E1479161501

A selection from the original version of Technopagan Yearnings - updated

By way of making it up to you, I uploaded converted one of my old pages from the original Technopagan Yearnings site.

Not all the links are active, but here is The Affirmation of NeoWayland.

Enjoy!

Posted: Sun - May 15, 2005 at 11:25 PM

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Remember this

This is a page from the third version of Technopagan Yearnings. There are some formatting differences. Originally published at www.neowayland.com/C1982366546/E20100903124219

On a quote binge

Power has to be shared. It is the key to survival.
Andromeda TV series
Sometimes I shouldn't be allowed in my quote file.

In this context, I meant that the magick should be sent back into the world as soon as possible.

Notice I did not say a thing about the lore…

Posted: Fri - September 3, 2010 at 12:42 PM

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Revived 02Dec2017

As always, the most recently converted entries are at the top of the list at the 3rd Yearnings tag page.

These blog entries have been reformatted and entered into the current directories. Redirect pages have been placed in the old locations.

Look out for the stale jokes

Moody

Briefly, another thinkum

Thinkum-a-giggle

The need for mystery

Coyote

Discussion on initiation

In the moment

Strange Thinkum

Good reasoning

One of my better short efforts I think

Remember this


The old category page for Quotes & Thinkums now redirects to quotes & thinkums category page in the current directory.

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One of my better short efforts I think

Life is just a chain of moments strung together by spirit and will.
— Juliaki, In the moment
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Good reasoning

Part of a IM conversation I had with Juliaki.

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Strange Thinkum

Is he like, a good legend, a bad legend, or legendary in his own mind?
— NeoWayland, The need for mystery
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In the moment

Adapted from an IM session, but it is just my words and beliefs

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Discussion on initiation

Sometimes my email is worth it

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Coyote

Popping up. Will be back in a couple of days.

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The need for mystery

The jokes are still pretty stale

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Thinkum-a-giggle

Just doing my part to bring semi-merriment to the internet

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Briefly, another thinkum

Accepting responsibility and doing the honorable thing

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Moody

Friends in dark places

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Look out for the stale jokes

Rattling the windows, singing in anticipation

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Revisiting your truths

This is a page from the third version of Technopagan Yearnings. There are some formatting differences. Originally published at www.neowayland.com/C1982366546/E20090210152635

Accepting responsibility and doing the honorable thing

I would more easily believe that two Yankee professors would lie than that stones would fall from heaven.
     — Thomas Jefferson in an 1808 letter to Daniel Salmon

We certainly are not to deny whatever we cannot account for. A thousand phenomena present themselves daily which we cannot explain, but where facts are suggested, bearing no analogy with the laws of nature as yet known to us, their verity needs proofs proportioned to their difficulty. A cautious mind will weigh well the opposition of the phenomenon to everything hitherto observed, the strength of the testimony by which it is supported, and the errors and misconceptions to which even our senses are liable. It may be very difficult to explain how the stone you possess came into the position in which it was found. But is it easier to explain how it got into the clouds from whence it is supposed to have fallen? The actual fact however is the thing to be established, and this I hope will be done by those whose situations and qualifications enable them to do it.
     — Thomas Jefferson in a later letter to Daniel Salmon, admitting that he doesn't have all the answers
There are reasons that TJ is one of my personal heroes.

And yes, this is a very big hint to a certain reader.

Posted: Tue - February 10, 2009 at 03:26 PM

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In a hole

This is a page from the third version of Technopagan Yearnings. There are some formatting differences. Originally published at www.neowayland.com/C1982366546/E20081216143256

Friends in dark places

A man walks down the street and falls into a hole. The walls are so steep he can't get out. A doctor walks by. The man calls up "Hey doc, can you help me out?" The doctor writes out a prescription and throws it in the hole. Then the doctor leaves. A priest walks by. The man calls up "Father, can you help me out here?" The priest writes out a prayer and throws it in the hole. Then he walks away. The man's friend walks by. "Hey Joe, can you help me out?" The friend jumps into the hole. "Why did you do that? Now we've both trapped."

"Yeah, but I've been here before. And I know the way out."

     — From the West Wing episode, "Noel" that first aired December 20, 2000
Don't have much else to say today, just keeping the fire going and watching the snow.

Posted: Tue - December 16, 2008 at 02:32 PM

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License to thrill

This is a page from the third version of Technopagan Yearnings. There are some formatting differences. Originally published at www.neowayland.com/C1982366546/E20081203160533

Rattling the windows, singing in anticipation

Sometimes I shouldn't play the music too loud...

Jim Steinman is a songmaker, there's no other word for it. He's probably best known for collaborating with Meatloaf, and stars above that man could write.

He is a literate lyricist, and when his songs hit, they hit hard. I still remember my reaction to Making Love out of Nothing at All. Yes, I know I am dating myself, but just because I was one screwed up teen doesn't mean I was passionless.

He wrote a great number called Original Sin, which Taylor Dayne sang for the film The Shadow, a film that almost was. It had all the pieces, but didn't have them put together right. Anyway, this song was the sole reason I sprung for the six bucks when I saw the sound track album in the bargain bin at Wal Mart. When I am really down, it sometimes helps. When I drive at night and I play it, I have to use the cruise control or I go too fast.

Yes, I identify too closely with this song sometimes.

All I wanted was a piece of the night
I never gotta equal share
When the stars are all outside
And the moon is down
The natives are so restless tonight
All I needed was a spot in the light
Never had to get so dark
The natives are so restless tonight

All I needed was a spot in the light…
I’ve been looking for an original sin
One with a twist and a bit of a spin
And since I’ve done all the old ones
Till they’ve all been done in
Now I’m just looking
And I’m gone with the wind
Endlessly searching for an original sin…


But today I cranked it just because I could. And because my voice was good enough today to sing along and rattle the windows.

I'll never be a first rank singer. But I can be enthusiastic.

I’m applying for a license to thrill…
Going out on the edge…
Moving in for the kill
And there’ll be hell to pay someday…
Put it all on the bill…
Cause we’ll always be paying
And paying until…
We're beyond expiration…
With a license to thrill…


I'm meeting someone in a couple hours.

And why am I talking about this on a Pagan blog? Because sometimes raising energy works best the old way, one of the very original ways I'd say. The snake up through each of the chakras. Although those aren't the terms I used when I learned the techniques.

Truthfully I can't think of too much else Pagan related right now. I need an emotional kick in the pants and the lady always chooses.

Original Sin by Jim Steinman
Posted: Wed - December 3, 2008 at 04:05 PM

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Flipping through the quote file

This is a page from the third version of Technopagan Yearnings. There are some formatting differences. Originally published at www.neowayland.com/C1982366546/E20081001145525

My handy dandy Palm provides a couple of thinkums for the day

I hear and I forget; I see and I remember; I do and I understand. In the doing is the learning.
     — ancient Chinese proverb
It is not necessary to know. It is only necessary to try.
     — Babylon 5
That's it for now. After all, philosophy doesn't put OJ and tortillas in the fridge.

Posted: Wed - October 1, 2008 at 02:55 PM

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Been thinking some today

Why is it that the noisiest ones get to define the community?

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Sometimes we forget the obvious

This is a page from the third version of Technopagan Yearnings. There are some formatting differences. Originally published at www.neowayland.com/C1982366546/E20080728070510

A thinkum from times past

Wisdom is where you find it.
— Angus
Thanks Angus, where ever you are now. It had slipped my mind.

Posted: Mon - July 28, 2008 at 07:05 AM

Comments

I agree entirely with this one

This is a page from the third version of Technopagan Yearnings. There are some formatting differences. Originally published at www.neowayland.com/C1982366546/E20070503172653

Wise words from a Pagan musician

We've no problem with Christians, Muslims or any other religious people provided they don't try to force their views on everyone else in the world.  We just think there are a lot more gods than just one...
     — Joe Hennon in an interview with Expatica Belgium

Hat tip Wild Hunt Blog
Cross posted to both Technopagan Yearnings & Pagan•Vigil

Posted: Thu - May 3, 2007 at 05:26 PM

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Observing what others think of “Pagan Community”

Douglas Adams Passing Day

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This week's thinkum

This is a page from the third version of Technopagan Yearnings. There are some formatting differences. Originally published at www.neowayland.com/C1982366546/E20060324050200

Do you live your faith or does your faith live you?

I've been thinking about that a lot this week.

Posted: Thu - March 23, 2006 at 05:02 PM

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Take it seriously

These older blog entries have been reformatted and entered into the current directories

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Happy Towel Day!

Thinking by blogging

I'm doing things behind the scenes that you may not notice.

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Religious Truth

Conversation with Juliaki

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Revived 01Dec2017

(laughing too much to say anything important right now)

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Religion and popular culture

This is what happens when you hit deadline and you can't think of anything to write. You bring out something from your poetry file. This started as a chant and developed into something else along the way.

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❝Why Coyote doesn't give commandments❞

The little things that keep me in this world - updated

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Revived 28Nov2017

Just pointing out one of my favorite coyote sites

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I do not fear the dark

Me and that bird are going to have words

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Feeling

Twice a year it comes and fills the sky

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What makes you think you really know?

Thinking by blogging

Be - updated


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Warm Autumn in Arizona

A Weather.com reading makes me think

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Migration noise

In which I enjoy the weather, the birdsong, and the plants

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Transcending the label

The "fastest growing" becomes one of the fastest collapsing

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“Thunder in the vicinity”

A pagan author and blogger also notices the trendlines

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Spring meditations and ramble

Public service message

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Correllian ripples

American pagans choose something different than the dominant monotheism.

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Polyester, Protestant Pagans?

What you think you know is not what you need to know. Where you are is not where you need to be. Who you believe you are is not who you were meant to be.
— NeoWayland, Systematically
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Witchschool.com no longer affiliated with Correllian Nativist Church International

Thinking by blogging

I don't really do many holidays. It's a long story.

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Knot truth

Going beyond the 101 and even beyond the tradition

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The NeoDen gets a new workroom

Humanity is a colony organism. People cherish their passions. Competition breeds progress and encourages honesty. In the absence of understanding, triviality dominates. Seek paradox for truth. Resist dogma for growth. Beware anyone who offers an absolute.
     — NeoWayland, On Humantics
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Micro spell kit

I got an email asking why I didn't include Pagan music. Long story short, I think we need to look for connections beyond things that are just "Pagan" or Pagan related. There is meaning and life all around us, we do not need to shut ourselves off from it just because it didn't come from an approved source.

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Move through the anger

Some songs work amazingly well as meditation aids, IF it's the right music and the right lyrics.

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Humantics

Musing on assumptions

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Riding the Music Part II

Every home should have a fireplace

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Riding the music

Rainy day musings

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Does the origin determine validity?

When things are messy, actions and answers aren't clear cut. That is when you need faith in yourself.

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Fire

Here are some physical parts of a spell I improvised last night and used this morning. It's one of the better "booster" spells I've come up with in a while. It takes a bit of prep time and you need to greet the sun, but it works.

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The most Pagan thing that happened to me this week was two and a half days of thunderstorms

Opening yourself

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Blessings and ethics

I talk about Christians and Christianity at my political blog Pagan Vigil.

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The Focusing Flame

Harvestpoint differs from Lughnasadh, but that is a good place to begin your studies.

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Simple pleasures

Sometimes ravens leave a primary feather in my yard.

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Kissed by the Lady Moon - updated

When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe.
— John Muir
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The roots of the Old Breed

We have the future we make, nothing more and nothing less

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The Old Breed

Another look at one of my common topics

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Characters

Thinking by blogging

The decline of the written language

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Eyes open and watching carefully

Public face of Paganism

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Community and being a Proper Pagan

Refuge

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Right or Write

Another reason why the peace-love-freedom-happiness bit annoys me

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Disconnect

…and your Journey

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Front door and back door

When I'm stressed, I remember

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Dark Side Instinct

Just a fast one today, I'm packing

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Nature's touch

Wading through the mess

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Crossing the horizon

Some days I want to stay in and never come out

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Quick notes to a new seeker - Updated

It's what brings us together

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The Day After Earth Day

Sometimes it looks like I might know what I am doing and saying

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See the Robot

Thought germs are memes

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Love

You're so determined to struggle nobly against dark forces that you can't see what is casting the shadow.
— NeoWayland
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Lost in the story

You should find it easier to navigate the site

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Terms of understanding

This is a page from the third version of Technopagan Yearnings. There are some formatting differences. Originally published at www.neowayland.com/C410060794/E20091226123859

I know what to call Book People now

This is one of those months I wish I could rip out and forget. I'm thinking things are going to get better by the 12th, but I am not totally sure.

Anyway, some things did go right. Early this morning while thinking about what may become chapter five, I solved a nagging problem that has been bothering me for months.

So working from "The story is not the journey," I've settled on terms.

You see, almost every word I used to describe the book people sounded pejorative. The one I've settled on isn't perfect, but it's a lot better. Here's what I'm using.

Sojourner - experienced faith, active, focused on their own journey.

Wonderer (not Wanderer) - Seeking, but no clear direction or method. "They hear the call, but they haven't found their path yet.

And finally…

Pilgrim - revealed faith, "the answers could be in the very next book." The fable happens to them as they seek to manifest the story in their own lives.

And no, this isn't necessarily about religion or faith.

This also has application to the profile notes I talked about before. I added the descriptions to =profile5 - special interests to use as I need.

Hmm, while I'm "in the neighborhood," I'd like to make another point. I have the same thing for Religion, Clubs or volunteer efforts, Politics, and Community. Let's look at one.

Clubs or volunteer efforts? -
Official? - Active? -
How? - Importance to person? -


Obviously I copy/paste as need. But what the heck do I mean by "official" and "active?"

Official is what they call themselves. "I'm a Rotarian" (there aren't as many as there used to be). Active is how much they put into it. It's the difference between a benchwarmer who is there for the social stuff and the one who stays late to help clean up. For some, the label is the most important part. Others may not even be "official" but they're more than willing to pitch in.

Posted: Sat - December 26, 2009 at 12:38 PM

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Journey of a different color

“”The

After deciding not to work on chapter six anymore today, I'll tell you.

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Do you know what part of the problem is?

“”The

Approaches

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Beyond the details

“”The

Essays on writing have me thinking and remembering

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Chapter One

Earn their respect

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A question for those who read this blog

“”The

Approaches

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Revisiting writing the book

If it’s bad when the People of the Book do it, then why on Earth is it a good idea when neopagans do it?

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Taking full measure

Fiction and nonfiction collide and spawn in my semi-fevered brain

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Dream a little dream for me

An internet quiz to tell how you think

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Strings of universes that work

The dire wound that never heals

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Mulling over the nature of Deity

My web surfing turns up a couple of articles. Irony abounds.

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Male or female?

One of the Blessed found this blog and writes about it

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The price

An excuse to embrace victimhood, or a reason to seize our own power?

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Why the internet may suppress thought

Quick thought from a weirdo

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Touchstones along the path

Adventures in humanity

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“We've got trouble my friends…”

Profiles are just the start to understanding, and programs don't always work

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I suppose it is an inevitable question

A ramble on conversations and shared ideas

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The Robot vs. the trees

Look before you leap

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I've got personality

Tuesday musings

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Synchronicity, coincidence, perception, and perspective

Using Pagan practices as an excuse to collect pelts

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Eclecticism, Discipline, & Mastery

At the end of the day, some things can't be faked.
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Why a Technopagan?

Most people go through life letting the Robot drive

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Perverted

Would you know a pagan if he stood next to you?

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So what's a Technopagan anyway?
And what do they yearn for?

NeoWayland studies what he doesn't agree with

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Sort of

Moon phases and sabbats on a rainy night

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Lightning and ritual

Paganism should spread through experience and art, not theology. The theology comes later, if it comes.
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A little slice of mind

Accept or not as you choose, that doesn't make it less true

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Some thoughts from my
WebTree tradition path - updated

I’m really enjoying this winter season.

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People needing people

A knack you can pick up

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The Authority Problem

Juliaki wrote an pretty good piece on teachers and students in the Craft

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On Pagan Leadership

A rare political rant on my Pagan blog

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Comments on "Teach Me, My Way"

More than you really wanted to know

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Progressively regressive

I may be needing these in a bit.

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How to convince me you're a poseur before I've finished the first page of the preface of your book - UPDATED

Fog

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What is the difference between a crow and a raven?

Thinking by blogging

Separation of faith and politics

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Groups

I don't bow unless I respect

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On Christians and Pagan tolerance

Bet you thought I wasn't going to get one up today. I almost didn't.

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Wisdom and the Three Percent

Emotional vs Rational Discussions

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Of gods and men
(updated)

Worth mentioning with some of the latest posts

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Witchy stuff in the pockets

Sometimes passion is obsession

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Facing the True Believer™

Why some fail all the time and how they can start to turn it around, with a little help from Stan and Ollie

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Golden, Silver, and Iron Rules

Thoughts on an offbeat ritual making the rounds on the net

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Packing away the memory

Another wandering meditation, this time on the crowd that lives inside of you

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Invoking passion for failure or success?

Pulling together the bits on the mind that I have touched on before

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The V ritual

Moving from the politically correct

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Assembly of NeoWayland

Enabling behavior and tolerating the special people

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Another Fine Message

Rambling on moods and modernity

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Love on the rocks

And why your "I" isn't the best thing to have around during sex

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Is the weirdness really wyrd?

The roles of faith and rationality

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Depression and the Modern Pagan

“”The

Sort of progress, still not sure if I am going to do it

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NeoNote — When the universe has it's way with you

Feeling the energy

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Systematically

Frustrated by unspoken expectations

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“In the absence of understanding, triviality dominates.” - UPDATED

Rocket in my garden

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Real flows, direct from the source

Keeping the past alive

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“You're not doing what I wanted you to do!”

Welcome to Winter

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Foolish thoughts

Thinking by blogging

Still here sorta

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Taproot: Open the Way

Thinking by blogging
On stage I make love to twenty-five thousand people; and then I go home alone.
— Janis Joplin
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Taproot: Family, Guests, Ancestors, and Gods

The cycle turns, another step into the abyss

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Left handed wave

Season of water

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Pardon me while I blink in the winter sunlight and get my bearings

It's true! It's true! The crown has made it clear.
The climate must be perfect all the year.

A law was made a distant moon ago here:
July and August cannot be too hot.
And there's a legal limit to the snow here
In Camelot.
The winter is forbidden till December
And exits March the second on the dot.
By order, summer lingers through September
In Camelot.

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There has to be a better way

Sabbat thoughts

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Solar festival

Want some seasoning with that weather?

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Just like clockwork

Fundamental principles

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What's in a name?

Spring Rites

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Something I did not know

Places on the Wheel

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Evangelism

Patterns and flow

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Mistress Moon

The perils of using what we aren't to define what we are

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Horizons

ZAPHOD BEEBLEBROX IV: I mean what exactly are you doing with your life?

ZAPHOD BEEBLEBROX: I'm being attacked by a Vogon Fleet.

ZB IV: Doesn't surprise me in the least.
—The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy radio series, Fit the Ninth
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Wheel

My response to a question about being skyclad. Taken from Wicca: General Chat from the Timerift Forums

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On Being Not

How important is it?

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“I'm being attacked!”

I'm going to watch this one a bit before adding it to the blogroll, but I do agree with the idea.

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NeoNote — Skyclad

"all of that sunshine,
all of that sweet golden sunshine,
that thrills me and fills me and…"

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Are you paying attention?

Sometimes I don't make the connections right away.

Sometimes.

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Craft Check

What I believe and what I think is accepted in the larger “pagan community”

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A sun worshiper welcomes summer

"all of that sunshine,
all of that sweet golden sunshine,
that thrills me and fills me and…"

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Just One

Hopefully the first article under the NeoWayland byline

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Sex & the Modern Pagan

I took a couple of days off and went to the Kaibab for some retreat and renewal

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Touch of a Master - Updated

Didn't plan on it

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Harassment: Avoidance & Confrontation

Adding practicality to my Beltaine

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Greenwood Beltaine - updated

Contemplating modern paganism and my own faith

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Yeah, it got quiet here

Most of the "self-initiated" aren't. We need to find ways to recognize that.

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Hair of the bear

My personal view

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Reflections in a laptop screen

How I think paganism works for me

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Self-initiation

The next step depends on the focus of your faith and your choices. It's not enough to be just Pagan.

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Why are you Pagan?

Where you live and how it shapes you

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“Follow” is not exactly an accurate term

An absolutely serious and scholarly discussion on the details of Pagan belief

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Blessed Journeys

Another thing I wish they had told me

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Ephemeral

Before and after

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How to be Pagan for a day

Bone, Heart, Thought, Deed, and Spirit, I choose to honor these people this season

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Bringing it home

Bone, Heart, Thought, Deed, and Spirit, I choose to honor those who touched my life

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Before Our Worlds Touch

It's not quite... ancestor worship

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Before the Wheel Turns

Here’s the secret to being a pagan

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Before a Winter's Eve

Thinking by blogging

Beware the Egos

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Before me

The sun comes up other there…

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Sunfell Tech Mage Rede Nine Words Serve The Tech Mage Best Keep What Works Fix What’s Broke Ditch The Rest

A narrow slice of life, but now and again pondering American neopaganism, modern adult pagans & the World.

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