We are a group of Wiccans and Witches with a good sprinkling of Pagan practices that was founded in Philadelphia, PA in 2002. In 2012 we celebrated our tenth anniversary as a working and celebrating coven.
Kitty Boston was my paternal grandmother who passed from this plane just months before I was born. I have been raised on stories of her activism and her struggles to secure justice and fairness, especially for women and labor groups. The values of the coven are the same values Kitty stood for and shared with her community. In my place as High Priestess and mentor I truly feel that I am carrying out the mission left to me by my grandmother—and it’s occurred to all of us more than once that perhaps I am Kitty reincarnated. Personally, I rely on the inspiration of the former and simply enjoy the fascinating possibility of the latter.
Our coven has expanded to accommodate a much larger member base through an online presence. This way anyone from anywhere who feels moved to join our numbers may do so easily. We have not yet looked closely into forming hive covens from online groups, but the discussion is certainly open.
The basic purpose of this coven is explained in the Goddess Quartet.
Whatever path we walk, we have four main objectives:
TO KNOW
We cannot serve the powers if we remain content to wallow in ignorance. Therefore we must always be on the alert, always ready to learn and work to understand. Knowing is perhaps our greatest tool.
TO WILL
Our strength comes from our determination and our perseverance. As is said elsewhere, there are no shortcuts, only shortcomings. We must have the tenacity to see what we have begun carried through to its completion, and completion must be our greatest desire.
TO DARE
Moving forward in our personal quests is a test of our inner courage. We do not avoid such tests, as they are an essential part of spiritual growth. There are no easy answers and often there are no predictable outcomes, but we go forward all the same.
TO KEEP SILENT
There is great power in keeping our explorations and achievements to ourselves. In this way we develop our inner self, our inner most thoughts. We don’t need to share everything we do with everyone.
CREED UNLIMITED
Children of the Unlimited, the future is yours.
Leave those who prefer to cleave to old ways have their peace. No one is correct, no one is incorrect. Always bear in mind the importance of history and past learning, for it is these which are the building blocks of the future. But above all, never forget that the Unlimited Way faces the future. Our question is not what has been, but what will be, and how will we affect circumstances.
Our goddess is not a literal goddess. Rather, She is the embodiment of the “divine” essence that exists within everything and everywhere in the universe–our kind of panthiesm. She is all ideas of deity.
To be an Unlimited witch is to bear a great and pervasive responsibility–but never without deep rewards. By accepting this Creed you promise that you shall be a steward of all things–your fellow man, other life forms, your planet, other planets, the universe itself. In return you will find that you have capacities and capabilities far beyond usual human scope. You will, in reality, begin to see yourself not just as an earthling, but as a resident of the universe.
Assuming responsibility is your first obligation. The second involves studying and practicing a holistic kind of healing. One example is the practice of healing by touch. The majority of our healing comes in herbal form. We do not discount professional medical care. But we do understand that being healthy begins with taking care of ourselves–by being our own practitioners.
Kitty Boston Coven requires that you take up causes dear to Her and be an active participant in any way you can. The continuing erosion of spiritual freedoms affects all of us who practice non-standard paths. Support environmental reforms and projects. Endangered animals need our concern and protection. Take care of your earth and your fellow man.
Living is a constant exercise in magic. We have made “magic” such a normal part of our lives that it is virtually second nature. Much of the power of our magic comes from our own instincts and our own divinity within us. To this end, we do not do much in the way of spellwork, although we do create talismans and amulets. The study of magical texts from every tradition and every time period is a crucial part of existence. Never stop learning.
As you study magic, study also the language of the skies–astronomy. We embrace far beyond our own world. Know the stars and the planets. Pay attention to moon phases. Celebrate the four solar points of the year at the Winter Solstice, the Spring Equinox, the Summer Solstice, and the Autumnal Equinox. Remember that to us there is life on planets other than the earth. Be open to the endless possibility of the stars.
At the same time, never neglect your obligation to teach from your own knowledge. You are free to teach the Unlimited Way to those who strike you as good candidates, but education goes far beyond that. Do everything you can, by whatever means you can, to see that good, factual information is disseminated. Knowledge is more than just power–knowledge is everything.
All paths are valid to those who walk them. Do your best to engage those on other paths in a most diplomatic way. We build bridges, we do not burn them.
Finally, in everything, let compassion be your guiding hand.
Showing posts with label Social. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Social. Show all posts
Friday, October 14, 2016
Principles of Wiccan Belief (1974)
Seventy three Witches formed the Council of American Witches in 1974. In April of that year, at the Spring Witchmeet in Minneapolis, MN, (1974-APR-11 to 14), they adopted the following document. At the time, Wicca and other Neopagan religions were greatly misunderstood in North America. This document helped to set the record straight.
The thirteen statements are necessarily vague. They do not precisely and completely match any one Witchcraft tradition. But they do provide an introduction to the full range of belief systems called “Wicca.”
The Council disbanded later in 1974.
In seeking to be inclusive, we do not wish to open ourselves to the destruction of our group by those on self-serving power trips, or to philosophies and practices contradictory to those principles. In seeking to exclude those whose ways are contradictory to ours, we do not want to deny participation with us to any who are sincerely interested in our knowledge and beliefs, regardless of race, color, sex, age, national or cultural origins, or sexual preference.
Principles of Wiccan Belief:
We acknowledge a depth of power far greater than that apparent to the average person. Because it is far greater than ordinary it is sometimes called “supernatural”, but we see it as lying within that which is naturally potential to all.
We conceive of the Creative Power in the universe as manifesting through polarity-as masculine and feminine-and that this same Creative Power lies in all people, and functions through the interaction of the masculine and feminine. We value neither above the other, knowing each to be supportive of the other. We value sex as pleasure, as the symbol and embodiment of life, and as one of the sources of energies used in magickal practice and religious worship.
We recognize both outer and inner, or psychological, worlds — sometimes known as the Spiritual World, the Collective Unconscious, Inner Planes, etc. — and we see in the interaction of these two dimensions the basis for paranormal phenomena and magickal exercises. We neglect neither dimension for the other, seeing both as necessary for our fulfillment.
We do not recognize any authoritarian hierarchy, but do honor those who teach, respect those who share their greater knowledge and wisdom, and acknowledge those who have courageously given of themselves in leadership.
We see religion, magick and wisdom-in-living as being united in the way one views the world and lives within it — a world view and philosophy of life which we identify as Witchcraft, the Wiccan Way.
Calling oneself “Witch” does not make a Witch — but neither does heredity itself, nor the collecting of titles, degrees and initiations. A Witch seeks to control the forces within her/himself that make life possible in order to live wisely and well without harm to others and in harmony with Nature.
We believe in the affirmation and fulfillment of life in a continuation of evolution and development of consciousness, that gives meaning to the Universe we know, and our personal role within it.
Our only animosity towards Christianity, or toward any other religion or philosophy of life, is to the extent that its institutions have claimed to be ‘the only way,’ and have sought to deny freedom to others and to suppress other ways of religious practice and belief.
As American Witches, we are not threatened by debates on the history of the Craft, the origins of various terms, the origins of various aspects of different traditions. We are concerned with our present and our future.
We do not accept the concept of absolute evil, nor do we worship any entity known as “Satan” or “the Devil”, as defined by Christian tradition. 4
We do not seek power through the suffering of others, nor do we accept that personal benefit can be derived only by denial to another.
We believe that we should seek within Nature that which is contributory to our health and well-being.”
The thirteen statements are necessarily vague. They do not precisely and completely match any one Witchcraft tradition. But they do provide an introduction to the full range of belief systems called “Wicca.”
The Council disbanded later in 1974.
In seeking to be inclusive, we do not wish to open ourselves to the destruction of our group by those on self-serving power trips, or to philosophies and practices contradictory to those principles. In seeking to exclude those whose ways are contradictory to ours, we do not want to deny participation with us to any who are sincerely interested in our knowledge and beliefs, regardless of race, color, sex, age, national or cultural origins, or sexual preference.
Principles of Wiccan Belief:
We practice rites to attune ourselves with the natural rhythm of life forces marked by the phases of the Moon and the seasonal Quarters and Cross Quarters.
We recognize that our intelligence gives us a unique responsibility towards our environment. We seek to live in harmony with Nature, in ecological balance offering fulfillment to life and consciousness within an evolutionary concept.
We acknowledge a depth of power far greater than that apparent to the average person. Because it is far greater than ordinary it is sometimes called “supernatural”, but we see it as lying within that which is naturally potential to all.
We conceive of the Creative Power in the universe as manifesting through polarity-as masculine and feminine-and that this same Creative Power lies in all people, and functions through the interaction of the masculine and feminine. We value neither above the other, knowing each to be supportive of the other. We value sex as pleasure, as the symbol and embodiment of life, and as one of the sources of energies used in magickal practice and religious worship.
We recognize both outer and inner, or psychological, worlds — sometimes known as the Spiritual World, the Collective Unconscious, Inner Planes, etc. — and we see in the interaction of these two dimensions the basis for paranormal phenomena and magickal exercises. We neglect neither dimension for the other, seeing both as necessary for our fulfillment.
We do not recognize any authoritarian hierarchy, but do honor those who teach, respect those who share their greater knowledge and wisdom, and acknowledge those who have courageously given of themselves in leadership.
We see religion, magick and wisdom-in-living as being united in the way one views the world and lives within it — a world view and philosophy of life which we identify as Witchcraft, the Wiccan Way.
Calling oneself “Witch” does not make a Witch — but neither does heredity itself, nor the collecting of titles, degrees and initiations. A Witch seeks to control the forces within her/himself that make life possible in order to live wisely and well without harm to others and in harmony with Nature.
We believe in the affirmation and fulfillment of life in a continuation of evolution and development of consciousness, that gives meaning to the Universe we know, and our personal role within it.
Our only animosity towards Christianity, or toward any other religion or philosophy of life, is to the extent that its institutions have claimed to be ‘the only way,’ and have sought to deny freedom to others and to suppress other ways of religious practice and belief.
As American Witches, we are not threatened by debates on the history of the Craft, the origins of various terms, the origins of various aspects of different traditions. We are concerned with our present and our future.
We do not accept the concept of absolute evil, nor do we worship any entity known as “Satan” or “the Devil”, as defined by Christian tradition. 4
We do not seek power through the suffering of others, nor do we accept that personal benefit can be derived only by denial to another.
We believe that we should seek within Nature that which is contributory to our health and well-being.”
Welcome to Wicca Discovery!
Before you pick up the broomstick…
Before you cast a spell…
Before you seek a favor from the powers that be…
Before you wear a pentagram around your neck…
Before you call yourself Wiccan…
Check out WiccaDiscovery–and know!
We will go where we’re needed, offering unbiased-as-possible learning and teaching to folks who want and need it the most–or just for anyone!
Welcome to Wicca Discovery, a teaching and learning tradition emphasizing the basic principles of the Wiccan religion in a straightforward and accessible fashion. Wicca Discovery is for everyone regardless of interest, a place where Wicca is presented in general and universal terms that can be understood by anyone making the effort to learn.
It might seem like there are so many websites about Wicca and associated spiritual paths already that no one could read them all in a given lifetime, much less make sense of the content or come away with a practical understanding. But this is not one of those websites. This is Wicca Discovery, a blogsite written by a humble priestess with a desire to teach and the ability to explain what sometimes seems beyond explaining. This is taking Wicca in the context of global spirituality as a true religion with deep roots and joyful meaning. Most importantly, this is presenting Wicca in a simple fashion, in a way anyone with an interest could read these pages and somehow feel better educated. Many people are curious about the Wiccan path. Wicca Discovery explores the details.
I have been serving the community as a teacher and an itinerant speaker since 1994. In those earlier days, I was more focused on helping people live Wicca in a hostile society. When the population at large can’t or won’t accept something, humans will hide their fear behind rash behavior and alarmist speech. And so were Wiccans and many of our sisters and brothers on other paths called “devil worshippers”. It’s a misconception that still is alive and healthy today, and we still need to tread carefully in strange doorways. But closed minds don’t change. Closed minds were never ready to accept any of us. To my thinking there still has been a slow change. Many more people are interested in learning the truth, whether they plan to become Wiccan or just better informed. This is a great opportunity for us, a window in which our efforts against hatred can be seen by anyone. A world of acceptance begins with us.
Of course, we might wonder what circumstances have changed–and is it tolerance or apathy?
Wicca is a religion. It is no different from Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, or any other religious tradition in validity. There have been debates on this subject, such as the famous Helms Amendment threat of the mid-1980’s. Wicca may part ways with the mainstream. Over the last twenty years or so Wicca has undergone a series of changes, not the least of which is an improved popular opinion and attempts at understanding. We’ve come a long way, but there remains a long way ahead.
As we reach this crossroads,`I began to think about Wicca, its place in the world, and the thousands of people seeking to learn. I’ve been teaching Wicca–Wicca as I understand it, complete with exploring the depths of its origins as well as the spiritual practices of human beings from thousands of years ago. It’s a deeper, more inclusive kind of Wicca, the sort that some may say is not Wicca at all. I say these folks shouldn’t sell Wicca short. I may go in different paths, explaining the workings of Wicca from a universalist perspective, but the essentials of what Wicca is are intact.
Wicca Discovery is teaching without hubris, reaching out to the seekers with genuine interest and desire to learn. Wicca Discovery may lead to your decision to pursue the Wiccan path, or it may just provide some important information on what was once a “secret” religion. Stepping back and doing nothing will not help Wicca defeat the naysayers, those people who would shackle our religion to negativity, crime, violence, and worse. Action is what will attain acceptance and tolerance.
Wicca Discovery proposes to help interested people learn about the Wiccan religion. In doing so, Wicca Discovery will embrace five principles of operation and progress.
1) Wicca is a valid and established religion and spiritual path. We’re not so much interested in proving our validity to other people as we are in living the path and making its relevance and value clear.
2) No money will ever be exchanged for information or teachings. As it has been said, how can one charge for a spiritual existence which in itself cannot be bought?
3) Wicca Discovery stresses the importance of peaceful co-existence with other faiths and with the greater society as a whole. Each of us is an ambassador of the path and those who walk it.
4) Everyone is welcome here at Wicca Discovery. Whether you’re seeking like minds, starting your practice, or just curious as to what it’s all about, Wicca Discovery welcomes you.
5) Live the path, for the path is life!
Here’s to a great fulfilling and rewarding adventure!
Before you cast a spell…
Before you seek a favor from the powers that be…
Before you wear a pentagram around your neck…
Before you call yourself Wiccan…
Check out WiccaDiscovery–and know!
We will go where we’re needed, offering unbiased-as-possible learning and teaching to folks who want and need it the most–or just for anyone!
Welcome to Wicca Discovery, a teaching and learning tradition emphasizing the basic principles of the Wiccan religion in a straightforward and accessible fashion. Wicca Discovery is for everyone regardless of interest, a place where Wicca is presented in general and universal terms that can be understood by anyone making the effort to learn.
It might seem like there are so many websites about Wicca and associated spiritual paths already that no one could read them all in a given lifetime, much less make sense of the content or come away with a practical understanding. But this is not one of those websites. This is Wicca Discovery, a blogsite written by a humble priestess with a desire to teach and the ability to explain what sometimes seems beyond explaining. This is taking Wicca in the context of global spirituality as a true religion with deep roots and joyful meaning. Most importantly, this is presenting Wicca in a simple fashion, in a way anyone with an interest could read these pages and somehow feel better educated. Many people are curious about the Wiccan path. Wicca Discovery explores the details.
I have been serving the community as a teacher and an itinerant speaker since 1994. In those earlier days, I was more focused on helping people live Wicca in a hostile society. When the population at large can’t or won’t accept something, humans will hide their fear behind rash behavior and alarmist speech. And so were Wiccans and many of our sisters and brothers on other paths called “devil worshippers”. It’s a misconception that still is alive and healthy today, and we still need to tread carefully in strange doorways. But closed minds don’t change. Closed minds were never ready to accept any of us. To my thinking there still has been a slow change. Many more people are interested in learning the truth, whether they plan to become Wiccan or just better informed. This is a great opportunity for us, a window in which our efforts against hatred can be seen by anyone. A world of acceptance begins with us.
Of course, we might wonder what circumstances have changed–and is it tolerance or apathy?
Wicca is a religion. It is no different from Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, or any other religious tradition in validity. There have been debates on this subject, such as the famous Helms Amendment threat of the mid-1980’s. Wicca may part ways with the mainstream. Over the last twenty years or so Wicca has undergone a series of changes, not the least of which is an improved popular opinion and attempts at understanding. We’ve come a long way, but there remains a long way ahead.
As we reach this crossroads,`I began to think about Wicca, its place in the world, and the thousands of people seeking to learn. I’ve been teaching Wicca–Wicca as I understand it, complete with exploring the depths of its origins as well as the spiritual practices of human beings from thousands of years ago. It’s a deeper, more inclusive kind of Wicca, the sort that some may say is not Wicca at all. I say these folks shouldn’t sell Wicca short. I may go in different paths, explaining the workings of Wicca from a universalist perspective, but the essentials of what Wicca is are intact.
Wicca Discovery is teaching without hubris, reaching out to the seekers with genuine interest and desire to learn. Wicca Discovery may lead to your decision to pursue the Wiccan path, or it may just provide some important information on what was once a “secret” religion. Stepping back and doing nothing will not help Wicca defeat the naysayers, those people who would shackle our religion to negativity, crime, violence, and worse. Action is what will attain acceptance and tolerance.
Wicca Discovery proposes to help interested people learn about the Wiccan religion. In doing so, Wicca Discovery will embrace five principles of operation and progress.
1) Wicca is a valid and established religion and spiritual path. We’re not so much interested in proving our validity to other people as we are in living the path and making its relevance and value clear.
2) No money will ever be exchanged for information or teachings. As it has been said, how can one charge for a spiritual existence which in itself cannot be bought?
3) Wicca Discovery stresses the importance of peaceful co-existence with other faiths and with the greater society as a whole. Each of us is an ambassador of the path and those who walk it.
4) Everyone is welcome here at Wicca Discovery. Whether you’re seeking like minds, starting your practice, or just curious as to what it’s all about, Wicca Discovery welcomes you.
5) Live the path, for the path is life!
Here’s to a great fulfilling and rewarding adventure!
--Emilie J. Conroy
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
The Sanctity of Laughter
A funny thing happened at my high school reunion.
With great Pagan panache, I appeared in a purple gown cut along the lines of a classical Greek robe. I wore what I call my Pagan bling bling, a pentagram about the diameter of a Big Gulp cup sprinkled with amethyst chips. After all, I had no reason to disguise what I was under a cloak of the mundane. These were people who had known me back when I was a caterpillar. Now I was a caterpillar with wings.
Anyway, I got a drink of Generic Punch X and went to join a cluster of people. It took twenty seconds for the question to hit. "When did you convert?"
Once I figured out he was talking to me, I tried making the most vacuous face I possibly could. "Convert?"
"Yeah. To Judaism." Politely he motioned to my above-mentioned bling bling. "That's a pretty Star of David you've got."
This wasn't the first time. I mean I understand how a star is a star unless you know that there's a vital difference. Maybe other Pagans would take this opportunity to expound upon the ancient history of the pentagram, continuing long after any interest has waned. I didn't. "It's a symbol of natural religion," I said by way of clarification. That seemed to be enough. The evening went on and I discovered that all of the ritual work in the world would never make me a dancer.
A few mornings later I was relating this story to a Wiccan friend on the subway. To my surprise, she covered her mouth with a silver-decked hand and gasped. "You must have been so offended!"
Offended? Well actually, I wasn't. How could I be? My reunion chums were familiar with the Star of David but not with the pentagram. As none of them are Pagan, I wouldn't have expected them to recognize the pentagram. Regardless, I'd gotten a good laugh out of the event. I couldn't quite understand why my aforementioned friend found more offense than humor.
"He who laughs last didn't get the joke."
With great Pagan panache, I appeared in a purple gown cut along the lines of a classical Greek robe. I wore what I call my Pagan bling bling, a pentagram about the diameter of a Big Gulp cup sprinkled with amethyst chips. After all, I had no reason to disguise what I was under a cloak of the mundane. These were people who had known me back when I was a caterpillar. Now I was a caterpillar with wings.
Anyway, I got a drink of Generic Punch X and went to join a cluster of people. It took twenty seconds for the question to hit. "When did you convert?"
Once I figured out he was talking to me, I tried making the most vacuous face I possibly could. "Convert?"
"Yeah. To Judaism." Politely he motioned to my above-mentioned bling bling. "That's a pretty Star of David you've got."
This wasn't the first time. I mean I understand how a star is a star unless you know that there's a vital difference. Maybe other Pagans would take this opportunity to expound upon the ancient history of the pentagram, continuing long after any interest has waned. I didn't. "It's a symbol of natural religion," I said by way of clarification. That seemed to be enough. The evening went on and I discovered that all of the ritual work in the world would never make me a dancer.
A few mornings later I was relating this story to a Wiccan friend on the subway. To my surprise, she covered her mouth with a silver-decked hand and gasped. "You must have been so offended!"
Offended? Well actually, I wasn't. How could I be? My reunion chums were familiar with the Star of David but not with the pentagram. As none of them are Pagan, I wouldn't have expected them to recognize the pentagram. Regardless, I'd gotten a good laugh out of the event. I couldn't quite understand why my aforementioned friend found more offense than humor.
"He who laughs last didn't get the joke."
In recent months I've encountered a growing number of Pagans who seem to have misplaced their senses of humor. It's my hope that I'm just running into killjoys and not a representative population. We're not really in a humor crisis, are we? One of the things I like about Pagan paths is the sense of humor and the idea that spirituality should be fun. I like being able to laugh at myself. There's nothing so serious that an injection of good humor won't improve it. That being said, is it any wonder that I just have to shrug at Pagans full of their own importance, Pagans who won't deign to have a good laugh?
Laughter is a gift from the divine. It is the divine expressing joy and elation through us. Every laugh is a thank-you to the Powers That Be for life and the ability to enjoy life. Through laughter, not only is the divine served, but we serve ourselves as well. We've all heard the adage about laughter being the best medicine. Humor is good for us. A good chuckle reduces stress and raises the level of endorphines in the body, leaving us to feel especially good. Perhaps best of all, humor helps to keep the episodes of life in good perspective.
When I was learning the Wiccan path I had the benefit of a close-knit group and circle elders who understood the sanctity of humor. The woman who was both priestess and mentor always reminded us to laugh at ourselves. If I forgot the words to my Full Moon oration, I learned to have a good "D'oh!" and then go back to dip into the endless cauldron of inspiration. Ritual may be sacred, but it is also a circus begging for messes to occur. People are going to spill the libation and knock over candles. Rain can soak the most devoted of celebrants, turning a grand outdoor observance into an ad libbed indoor rite. Maybe the person baking the esbat cakes used the driest recipe possible.
This is all part of what makes the celebration dynamic and personal. There are a lot of opportunities for things to go wrong, in that the Powers That Be have given us built-in openings for humor and laughter. To err may be human, but to be able to get up and laugh at one's self is a gift.
All right then, so somebody explain to me why someone - anyone - would abandon the gift of humor. You can be serious about your path without taking yourself too seriously. Are people choosing to give up humor in exchange for dry observation and almost mechanical experience? I cannot tell if people are not getting subtle humor or if they are refusing to roll in the mud of laughter and silliness. Recently, I've come to wonder if this isn't the price all of us as a community must pay after decades of endless challenges from more orthodox religious traditions. Has all the fighting knocked the laughter out of us? I don't believe it.
Everybody, listen up! We're not like the traditions that focus more on the negative aspects of being human. The spiritual world touches us all, and engaging with the spiritual world is fun! Celebrate with laughter the hours of the day and the seasons of the year. Giggle at what strikes you funny. Take a good look at yourself and ask if you might be taking yourself too seriously. Does a question from a newcomer inspire you to a relaxed explanation or to indignant frustration?
Laughter is a gift from the divine. It is the divine expressing joy and elation through us. Every laugh is a thank-you to the Powers That Be for life and the ability to enjoy life. Through laughter, not only is the divine served, but we serve ourselves as well. We've all heard the adage about laughter being the best medicine. Humor is good for us. A good chuckle reduces stress and raises the level of endorphines in the body, leaving us to feel especially good. Perhaps best of all, humor helps to keep the episodes of life in good perspective.
When I was learning the Wiccan path I had the benefit of a close-knit group and circle elders who understood the sanctity of humor. The woman who was both priestess and mentor always reminded us to laugh at ourselves. If I forgot the words to my Full Moon oration, I learned to have a good "D'oh!" and then go back to dip into the endless cauldron of inspiration. Ritual may be sacred, but it is also a circus begging for messes to occur. People are going to spill the libation and knock over candles. Rain can soak the most devoted of celebrants, turning a grand outdoor observance into an ad libbed indoor rite. Maybe the person baking the esbat cakes used the driest recipe possible.
This is all part of what makes the celebration dynamic and personal. There are a lot of opportunities for things to go wrong, in that the Powers That Be have given us built-in openings for humor and laughter. To err may be human, but to be able to get up and laugh at one's self is a gift.
All right then, so somebody explain to me why someone - anyone - would abandon the gift of humor. You can be serious about your path without taking yourself too seriously. Are people choosing to give up humor in exchange for dry observation and almost mechanical experience? I cannot tell if people are not getting subtle humor or if they are refusing to roll in the mud of laughter and silliness. Recently, I've come to wonder if this isn't the price all of us as a community must pay after decades of endless challenges from more orthodox religious traditions. Has all the fighting knocked the laughter out of us? I don't believe it.
Everybody, listen up! We're not like the traditions that focus more on the negative aspects of being human. The spiritual world touches us all, and engaging with the spiritual world is fun! Celebrate with laughter the hours of the day and the seasons of the year. Giggle at what strikes you funny. Take a good look at yourself and ask if you might be taking yourself too seriously. Does a question from a newcomer inspire you to a relaxed explanation or to indignant frustration?
Somewhere you have your own Pagan bling bling. You have your own story to tell of a path-related incident that made you laugh. This is the Powers That Be touching you and letting you know of their love. Embrace that sense of humor and laugh out loud to the stars. Laugh until you don't have the power to laugh anymore. This is message sent and received. This is the appreciation of the cosmic gift.
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