Beltane & Busyness

LOVE this photo. You can just see the little bud sprouting, plus you have what appears to be some sort of altar on the ground.

This weekend, many nature-lovers and pagans will celebrate Beltane, the half-way point between spring and summer. Looks like I'm going to be busier than a one-armed wallpaper hanger, however. Lots to write, still more painting at the house, and need to visit my mom after she had a short hospital stay. I'm not even going to whip up my usual altar or ritual this time. Feels like I need something different, another way to mark the occasion.

Since Beltane is opposite Samhain (Halloween), many say this time of year is also when the veil between the worlds is thin. I've always felt that way at Samhain, so I'd like to find time to meditate on that this weekend. We'll see.

Hope you all have a chance to get outside and enjoy spring!

Beltane & Busyness

LOVE this photo. You can just see the little bud sprouting, plus you have what appears to be some sort of altar on the ground.

This weekend, many nature-lovers and pagans will celebrate Beltane, the half-way point between spring and summer. Looks like I'm going to be busier than a one-armed wallpaper hanger, however. Lots to write, still more painting at the house, and need to visit my mom after she had a short hospital stay. I'm not even going to whip up my usual altar or ritual this time. Feels like I need something different, another way to mark the occasion.

Since Beltane is opposite Samhain (Halloween), many say this time of year is also when the veil between the worlds is thin. I've always felt that way at Samhain, so I'd like to find time to meditate on that this weekend. We'll see.

Hope you all have a chance to get outside and enjoy spring!

Working Away While the Gulf Burns

It's frustrating for me to be super busy while there are so many things I want to blog about! Like the recent oil mess in the Gulf of Mexico. Did you hear that the well is gushing more than 40,000 gallons a day! Sweet lord above--and Obama wants to open more drilling off the East Coast.

Oh well, no time to worry over that. I may be gone a bit but I'm here and doing fine! Until then, peace & light.

Working Away While the Gulf Burns

It's frustrating for me to be super busy while there are so many things I want to blog about! Like the recent oil mess in the Gulf of Mexico. Did you hear that the well is gushing more than 40,000 gallons a day! Sweet lord above--and Obama wants to open more drilling off the East Coast.

Oh well, no time to worry over that. I may be gone a bit but I'm here and doing fine! Until then, peace & light.

Today is Boob Quake Day! (and why is it always about sex?)

I'm sure Pam Anderson is to blame...

If you haven't heard, today is officially Boob Quake Day, started by blogger Jen McCreight in response to yet one more fundie who says too much flesh is causing all these volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and other assorted natural phenomenon. This time it was an Iranian cleric, saying that immodest women and the power of their boobs have EARTHSHATTERING effects!

Why is it that fundies always blame sex when something bad happens? One minute it's boobs, the next it's homosexuals. After all, there are other "sins" out there. Maybe Mother Earth is reacting to humans polluting her world, have they ever thought about that? Maybe Gaia is opening up to swallow us whole because we are damaging her body! Or, maybe some deity is punishing us because of all the violence and abuse we heap on each other. Isn't that a sin, all those murders and wars? Or what about greed, lying and hatred?

No,  oddly, it's always about sex. Just wait for the next natural disaster and some fundie will blame it on the gays or the loose women. Of course, it's NEVER the men. Perish the thought!

Seriously, somebody needs to be slapped.

I love Jen's reaction and her Boob Quake Day. Let's see if we can really rock the world today! (And, yes, guys can join in, too!)

Today is Boob Quake Day! (and why is it always about sex?)

I'm sure Pam Anderson is to blame...

If you haven't heard, today is officially Boob Quake Day, started by blogger Jen McCreight in response to yet one more fundie who says too much flesh is causing all these volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and other assorted natural phenomenon. This time it was an Iranian cleric, saying that immodest women and the power of their boobs have EARTHSHATTERING effects!

Why is it that fundies always blame sex when something bad happens? One minute it's boobs, the next it's homosexuals. After all, there are other "sins" out there. Maybe Mother Earth is reacting to humans polluting her world, have they ever thought about that? Maybe Gaia is opening up to swallow us whole because we are damaging her body! Or, maybe some deity is punishing us because of all the violence and abuse we heap on each other. Isn't that a sin, all those murders and wars? Or what about greed, lying and hatred?

No,  oddly, it's always about sex. Just wait for the next natural disaster and some fundie will blame it on the gays or the loose women. Of course, it's NEVER the men. Perish the thought!

Seriously, somebody needs to be slapped.

I love Jen's reaction and her Boob Quake Day. Let's see if we can really rock the world today! (And, yes, guys can join in, too!)

Archie Goes Gay!

If Archie Comics is adding a gay character, then my dastardly "homosexual agenda" must be working! I've always been a comics fan, but "Archie" always seemed like the safest, most white-bread thing around, so it was never tops on my reading list.

But now, Veronica falls for the new gay guy in Riverdale--Kevin! And he's kinda cute.

You just know some fundies are gonna get their panties all in a tight bunch over this! Read below as Kevin comes out to Jughead.

Archie Goes Gay!

If Archie Comics is adding a gay character, then my dastardly "homosexual agenda" must be working! I've always been a comics fan, but "Archie" always seemed like the safest, most white-bread thing around, so it was never tops on my reading list.

But now, Veronica falls for the new gay guy in Riverdale--Kevin! And he's kinda cute.

You just know some fundies are gonna get their panties all in a tight bunch over this! Read below as Kevin comes out to Jughead.

Hug Mama Earth Today

You probably already knew it was Earth Day--but what are you doing about it? I confess, I'm quite busy but I am getting out today for a long walk. It may not sound like much, but walks keep me aware of what Mother Nature is up to, it's good exercise and it keeps my feet on solid ground, so to speak.

For more Earth Day ideas, click here. And if miss today, there's always tomorrow or the day after...

Hug Mama Earth Today

You probably already knew it was Earth Day--but what are you doing about it? I confess, I'm quite busy but I am getting out today for a long walk. It may not sound like much, but walks keep me aware of what Mother Nature is up to, it's good exercise and it keeps my feet on solid ground, so to speak.

For more Earth Day ideas, click here. And if miss today, there's always tomorrow or the day after...

Azaleas Are Ablaze!

This is my first spring in Latham Grove--and it's beautiful! There are so many azaleas blooming in whites (my favorite), pinks, reds and rusty orange. And because the apartments in which I live are so old, the azaleas are a nice size, too.

Otherwise, life is good but quite busy. Thanks for stopping by--and if I've been negligent in visiting my favorite blogs, I apologize! I'll be back soon.

Azaleas Are Ablaze!

This is my first spring in Latham Grove--and it's beautiful! There are so many azaleas blooming in whites (my favorite), pinks, reds and rusty orange. And because the apartments in which I live are so old, the azaleas are a nice size, too.

Otherwise, life is good but quite busy. Thanks for stopping by--and if I've been negligent in visiting my favorite blogs, I apologize! I'll be back soon.

Sounds for Healing

Last week a friend who I met through last year's Shamanic Mystery School invited me for a sound healing session. Not that I seemed to need it necessarily, but she's starting her own healing practice and wanted, well, guinea pigs. If it's free--I'm there!

(No, this isn't my friend below, but I thought she looked friendly.)

I've had a wee bit of experience with sound healing, but this was my first private session. In order to be a good client, I put some thought into what I might need healing for, and of course, I thought about my relationship with my partner, but also healing for what I perceive as a tendency to hold back and be too much of a pleaser. Sounds minor, but this tendency can turn crippling.

The idea with sound healing is that everything, including us, is made up of energy at various frequencies. Think string theory! So if something is off in your vibration, that could lead to illness, emotional dependencies and all sorts of other problems. If those vibrations can be put back in tune--sort of like tuning an old piano--then you'll be as good as new. Sure, I don't know if I buy into all of it, and yet I know how a favorite song--those particular sounds--can put me in a happy mood or a sad one. Sound does affect us in ways we often take for granted.

Any sounds can be used: bells, gongs, tuning forks, quartz crystal bowls--even the human voice. My biggest surprise during the session came when my friend--a rather quiet, mousy person--started toning with her voice. Out of this little woman came a deep, masculine tone; at first, I thought it was a recording. Her voice changed throughout, from deep to high-pitched, from loud, throaty hums to soft whispers. All the while, she's using her various instruments. Meanwhile, my job is to relax and pay attention to any images or impressions I receive. Afterward, we'd both discuss our experience--and then wait for the healing to take effect.

I won't bore you with all the images and impressions, but the session did give me something to think over. Maybe all those sounds will help me preserve my "personal power," if you will. Overall, the experience was powerful, I do have to say. It's an intimate experience, to allow a person to tone for you in this way, to reveal something about yourself beyond an upset tummy or whatever. Oddly, just lying there listening to my friend's powerful voice and the bold sounds of the instruments chipped away at my own reticence--encouraging me to let my own power and abilities to shine forth. So, I guess it did work! And my friend also offered me another session--for free! I think I'll go back in a few weeks and give it another try.

If you're ever curious about sound healing, I would recommend Zacciah Blackburn, who offers workshops around the country, so there may be one offered near you.

Sounds for Healing

Last week a friend who I met through last year's Shamanic Mystery School invited me for a sound healing session. Not that I seemed to need it necessarily, but she's starting her own healing practice and wanted, well, guinea pigs. If it's free--I'm there!

(No, this isn't my friend below, but I thought she looked friendly.)

I've had a wee bit of experience with sound healing, but this was my first private session. In order to be a good client, I put some thought into what I might need healing for, and of course, I thought about my relationship with my partner, but also healing for what I perceive as a tendency to hold back and be too much of a pleaser. Sounds minor, but this tendency can turn crippling.

The idea with sound healing is that everything, including us, is made up of energy at various frequencies. Think string theory! So if something is off in your vibration, that could lead to illness, emotional dependencies and all sorts of other problems. If those vibrations can be put back in tune--sort of like tuning an old piano--then you'll be as good as new. Sure, I don't know if I buy into all of it, and yet I know how a favorite song--those particular sounds--can put me in a happy mood or a sad one. Sound does affect us in ways we often take for granted.

Any sounds can be used: bells, gongs, tuning forks, quartz crystal bowls--even the human voice. My biggest surprise during the session came when my friend--a rather quiet, mousy person--started toning with her voice. Out of this little woman came a deep, masculine tone; at first, I thought it was a recording. Her voice changed throughout, from deep to high-pitched, from loud, throaty hums to soft whispers. All the while, she's using her various instruments. Meanwhile, my job is to relax and pay attention to any images or impressions I receive. Afterward, we'd both discuss our experience--and then wait for the healing to take effect.

I won't bore you with all the images and impressions, but the session did give me something to think over. Maybe all those sounds will help me preserve my "personal power," if you will. Overall, the experience was powerful, I do have to say. It's an intimate experience, to allow a person to tone for you in this way, to reveal something about yourself beyond an upset tummy or whatever. Oddly, just lying there listening to my friend's powerful voice and the bold sounds of the instruments chipped away at my own reticence--encouraging me to let my own power and abilities to shine forth. So, I guess it did work! And my friend also offered me another session--for free! I think I'll go back in a few weeks and give it another try.

If you're ever curious about sound healing, I would recommend Zacciah Blackburn, who offers workshops around the country, so there may be one offered near you.

It's Spring in the Grove!

I've been snapping some pics lately of all the spring color here in Latham Grove. There's an entire row of these purple things growing along a fence. Looks like garden phlox to me, but regardless, it's a wonderful shade of purple!

It's Spring in the Grove!

I've been snapping some pics lately of all the spring color here in Latham Grove. There's an entire row of these purple things growing along a fence. Looks like garden phlox to me, but regardless, it's a wonderful shade of purple!

Day of Silence

No matter how far we think we've come in our society, GLBT students are still bullied and harassed in schools. It happened to me as a kid, and it still happens today. The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) is asking bloggers to keep a Day of Silence today to draw attention to this issue. Compared to some GLBT kids, I had it easy in high school, but it still got so bad that I would get physically sick before school and would make excuses to stay home. However, the root problem--homophobia--wasn't actually addressed because I attended a Christian school.

So, no more posts today. Make yourself aware and help where you can. Thanks.

Day of Silence

No matter how far we think we've come in our society, GLBT students are still bullied and harassed in schools. It happened to me as a kid, and it still happens today. The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) is asking bloggers to keep a Day of Silence today to draw attention to this issue. Compared to some GLBT kids, I had it easy in high school, but it still got so bad that I would get physically sick before school and would make excuses to stay home. However, the root problem--homophobia--wasn't actually addressed because I attended a Christian school.

So, no more posts today. Make yourself aware and help where you can. Thanks.

"Marvel-ous" Meditation

A friend says to me the other day, "Just ride whatever spirit is offering you."

And I thought of this guy, the Silver Surfer! Which is totally groovy. He's a bit of a tragic character, but I like what the Wiki has to say about the Surfer's abilities:

"The Silver Surfer wields the Power Cosmic, granting him superhuman strength, stamina, durability, senses and the ability to absorb and manipulate the universe's ambient energy for a variety of effects. The Surfer can navigate through interstellar space, dimensional barriers, and hyperspace, which he can enter to exceed the speed of light when flying on his board, and has even proven capable of time travel."

 Yep, this guy's definitely a rad shaman with a surfboard! 

"Marvel-ous" Meditation

A friend says to me the other day, "Just ride whatever spirit is offering you."

And I thought of this guy, the Silver Surfer! Which is totally groovy. He's a bit of a tragic character, but I like what the Wiki has to say about the Surfer's abilities:

"The Silver Surfer wields the Power Cosmic, granting him superhuman strength, stamina, durability, senses and the ability to absorb and manipulate the universe's ambient energy for a variety of effects. The Surfer can navigate through interstellar space, dimensional barriers, and hyperspace, which he can enter to exceed the speed of light when flying on his board, and has even proven capable of time travel."

 Yep, this guy's definitely a rad shaman with a surfboard! 

An Artful Pause: Wolf Kahn

I recently discovered German-American painter Wolf Kahn for the first time--and he's amazing! Still going strong in his 80s, too. I love his deep, saturated colors and his love of painting forests, fields and other natural landscapes. Click here for more.

An Artful Pause: Wolf Kahn

I recently discovered German-American painter Wolf Kahn for the first time--and he's amazing! Still going strong in his 80s, too. I love his deep, saturated colors and his love of painting forests, fields and other natural landscapes. Click here for more.

Time Out!

Work has really ramped up all of a sudden, so don't be shocked if I don't post for a while. That and I'm trying to get painting and yard work done at the old house so that we can put the baby on the market!

Be back soon!

Time Out!

Work has really ramped up all of a sudden, so don't be shocked if I don't post for a while. That and I'm trying to get painting and yard work done at the old house so that we can put the baby on the market!

Be back soon!

My Great Grandfather Was a Dowser!

So maybe these shaman skills run in the family! Which is something I've always wondered. It's probably more common than anyone realizes or recognizes or admits, but I think sometimes spirit will keep skipping around in a family until someone raises their hand and says, "Pick me!"

Some families have all sorts of stories about "wacky" relatives, but not mine. Until now! It isn't much, but I'll take what I can get. Over Easter/Ostara weekend, I wanted to go in search of the cemetery where my maternal grandmother's family is buried. Through online census records, I uncovered the location of the church and the names. So my mom, my partner and I set off in the car, with GPS activated.

We found the rural Methodist church and its small cemetery just south of the county line. Thank goodness we didn't have hundreds of graves to search! There were several stones bearing my maternal grandmother's family name, and within just a minute or so we had found her parents and her paternal grandparents (theirs was one of the oldest graves, so they must have founded the church in the 19th century).

My mom then tells me that she remembers her mother's parents, Arthur and Ida, but they were already quite elderly at the time. Specifically, she remembers Arthur taking her and her siblings out into a field to show them how he found water with a dowsing rod. She said she remembers the stick moving around (she didn't say if they actually found water), but it certainly made an impression on her--and of course, it caught my attention!

Stories about old Southerners using a dowsing rod aren't all that odd, actually. Sure, maybe people were more superstitious back then, or it could be they were more open to things before science (and religion) educated the wonder right out of us. I wonder if great-grandpa Arthur had to keep it a secret from his Methodist brethren? But in the countryside, these sort of things were often tolerated as long as it didn't attract too much attention. Sometimes the dowser didn't even consider his "skill" all that special but more something fun to play around with and impress the children (like my mother).

Just one little story, but it's something!

My Great Grandfather Was a Dowser!

So maybe these shaman skills run in the family! Which is something I've always wondered. It's probably more common than anyone realizes or recognizes or admits, but I think sometimes spirit will keep skipping around in a family until someone raises their hand and says, "Pick me!"

Some families have all sorts of stories about "wacky" relatives, but not mine. Until now! It isn't much, but I'll take what I can get. Over Easter/Ostara weekend, I wanted to go in search of the cemetery where my maternal grandmother's family is buried. Through online census records, I uncovered the location of the church and the names. So my mom, my partner and I set off in the car, with GPS activated.

We found the rural Methodist church and its small cemetery just south of the county line. Thank goodness we didn't have hundreds of graves to search! There were several stones bearing my maternal grandmother's family name, and within just a minute or so we had found her parents and her paternal grandparents (theirs was one of the oldest graves, so they must have founded the church in the 19th century).

My mom then tells me that she remembers her mother's parents, Arthur and Ida, but they were already quite elderly at the time. Specifically, she remembers Arthur taking her and her siblings out into a field to show them how he found water with a dowsing rod. She said she remembers the stick moving around (she didn't say if they actually found water), but it certainly made an impression on her--and of course, it caught my attention!

Stories about old Southerners using a dowsing rod aren't all that odd, actually. Sure, maybe people were more superstitious back then, or it could be they were more open to things before science (and religion) educated the wonder right out of us. I wonder if great-grandpa Arthur had to keep it a secret from his Methodist brethren? But in the countryside, these sort of things were often tolerated as long as it didn't attract too much attention. Sometimes the dowser didn't even consider his "skill" all that special but more something fun to play around with and impress the children (like my mother).

Just one little story, but it's something!

It's That Time of Year: The Shirts Are Coming Off!

Ah, spring! Saw my first shirtless jogger this morning while out walking in the Grove. 

The weather today is beautiful here--I love living in the South!

(pic from Just Beautiful Men)

It's That Time of Year: The Shirts Are Coming Off!

Ah, spring! Saw my first shirtless jogger this morning while out walking in the Grove. 

The weather today is beautiful here--I love living in the South!

(pic from Just Beautiful Men)

Don't Call Me Riverwolf Anymore!

That's it--I'm so embarrassed by a certain news report that I'm ditching my spirit name, Riverwolf. Why, you ask? What cataclysmic event would cause me to take this drastic action?

Naturally, those media whores Spencer and Heidi Pratt have now adopted Native American spirit names! That's right, the same couple who have so flaunted their "Christianity" that Jesus himself has become an atheist to save face are now calling themselves White Wolf (Heidi) and Running Bear (Spencer).

The whole spectacle has outraged some Native American groups, and I'm right here with them. If I for a moment believed that any of this was sincere, I'd back 'em up--but I don't. I don't know what kind of crazy train these 2 are running, but it is out of control. And if you're scratching your head because you have no idea who I'm talking about--you have been blessed, my child. Take pride in your ignorance!

I'm sure some Native Americans would also have a problem with me calling myself "Riverwolf." However, I'm not claiming it's an authentic Native name of any sort. It simply came to me in a dream, I diligently try to live out what that name symbolizes for me, and I don't go bragging about it to everyone I know! And barely anyone in the "real world" even knows about it. I completely doubt the Pratt's motivations, and it mocks all those of us who have taken similar names as an expression of something we try and live out with integrity every damn day.

And look at me, sitting here trying to justify my name because of Heidi and Spencer! Ack! (But no, I'm really not changing my spirit name because of these 2 goobers.)

Don't Call Me Riverwolf Anymore!

That's it--I'm so embarrassed by a certain news report that I'm ditching my spirit name, Riverwolf. Why, you ask? What cataclysmic event would cause me to take this drastic action?

Naturally, those media whores Spencer and Heidi Pratt have now adopted Native American spirit names! That's right, the same couple who have so flaunted their "Christianity" that Jesus himself has become an atheist to save face are now calling themselves White Wolf (Heidi) and Running Bear (Spencer).

The whole spectacle has outraged some Native American groups, and I'm right here with them. If I for a moment believed that any of this was sincere, I'd back 'em up--but I don't. I don't know what kind of crazy train these 2 are running, but it is out of control. And if you're scratching your head because you have no idea who I'm talking about--you have been blessed, my child. Take pride in your ignorance!

I'm sure some Native Americans would also have a problem with me calling myself "Riverwolf." However, I'm not claiming it's an authentic Native name of any sort. It simply came to me in a dream, I diligently try to live out what that name symbolizes for me, and I don't go bragging about it to everyone I know! And barely anyone in the "real world" even knows about it. I completely doubt the Pratt's motivations, and it mocks all those of us who have taken similar names as an expression of something we try and live out with integrity every damn day.

And look at me, sitting here trying to justify my name because of Heidi and Spencer! Ack! (But no, I'm really not changing my spirit name because of these 2 goobers.)

If I Lived In Bahrain, Would I Be Arrested for Sorcery?

So the Middle Eastern nation of Bahrain has made "sorcery" a crime, although they didn't exactly say how sorcery is described. Except to say it could be anything defined as "paranormal" by scientific and religious beliefs. Um, doesn't that present a problem. I mean, science might say that any religion is in itself "paranormal,"--so by that logic you might be considered a sorcerer for just being a good Muslim. And of course, it's very convenient when one religion has the power to label another set of beliefs "paranormal." After all, Muslims can't prove they're praying to the One True God any more than I prove that the images in my head are really animal totems.

Which brings me back to my question. Yes, I suppose I would be arrested if I lived in Bahrain, performing all my rituals, meditations and such. Ridiculous! Set aside the concept of religious freedom for a moment. Sure, we should all respect each other, but that isn't what bothers me most.

What bothers me most is that all religions and spiritual beliefs can be considered "sorcery" depending on your perspective. And none of it can be proven--not praying to Allah or Jesus or holding ceremonies for Mother Earth or Isis. Personally, I don't think any of it is "real" in the way most people conceive it. Let me explain. Say I decide to "curse" my neighbor because his cat pooped in my flower bed, and so I mix some herbs and potions together and light a candle and say a spell. Honestly, I don't think it has any effect on my neighbor--or his cat--unless that neighbor is aware of my intention. If he is aware, then he might begin to associate my "curse" with some bad luck that comes his way--but did my "curse" really work or was it simply the power of suggestion?

I think prayer is the same way. I think if you know people are praying for you or sending good thoughts or whatever, that makes you feel better. But me sitting in my house praying for people in Africa does no good whatsoever, except maybe to make me more aware of Africa, which might lead me to take real action.

Years ago, I examined my Christian faith and decided it didn't work as advertised. So why bother? But I do like ritual, and I can't shake my spiritual bent, so if I'm going to be all crazy religious, then I should at least get something out of it--and so shamanism and nature-based philosophy works for me. But just because I burn sage and ring chimes doesn't make me Harry Potter. Even if I really believe deep down in my heart that I'm tapping into something mystical or paranormal, that still doesn't make it real. For me, I have to walk that fine line and keep that balance. It keeps me grounded, helps me retain my sense of humor and prevents me from falling right back into some crazy fundie literalism like before.

I know this is just me ranting, but I can't help it. It's just so sad when cultures or nations like Bahrain are so entrenched in their worldview that they cannot see their own folly. European cultures have already been through this, and maybe every culture has to do it in order to evolve. There are true crimes in this world that need to be punished--murder, rape, theft and so on--but "sorcery?"

If I Lived In Bahrain, Would I Be Arrested for Sorcery?

So the Middle Eastern nation of Bahrain has made "sorcery" a crime, although they didn't exactly say how sorcery is described. Except to say it could be anything defined as "paranormal" by scientific and religious beliefs. Um, doesn't that present a problem. I mean, science might say that any religion is in itself "paranormal,"--so by that logic you might be considered a sorcerer for just being a good Muslim. And of course, it's very convenient when one religion has the power to label another set of beliefs "paranormal." After all, Muslims can't prove they're praying to the One True God any more than I prove that the images in my head are really animal totems.

Which brings me back to my question. Yes, I suppose I would be arrested if I lived in Bahrain, performing all my rituals, meditations and such. Ridiculous! Set aside the concept of religious freedom for a moment. Sure, we should all respect each other, but that isn't what bothers me most.

What bothers me most is that all religions and spiritual beliefs can be considered "sorcery" depending on your perspective. And none of it can be proven--not praying to Allah or Jesus or holding ceremonies for Mother Earth or Isis. Personally, I don't think any of it is "real" in the way most people conceive it. Let me explain. Say I decide to "curse" my neighbor because his cat pooped in my flower bed, and so I mix some herbs and potions together and light a candle and say a spell. Honestly, I don't think it has any effect on my neighbor--or his cat--unless that neighbor is aware of my intention. If he is aware, then he might begin to associate my "curse" with some bad luck that comes his way--but did my "curse" really work or was it simply the power of suggestion?

I think prayer is the same way. I think if you know people are praying for you or sending good thoughts or whatever, that makes you feel better. But me sitting in my house praying for people in Africa does no good whatsoever, except maybe to make me more aware of Africa, which might lead me to take real action.

Years ago, I examined my Christian faith and decided it didn't work as advertised. So why bother? But I do like ritual, and I can't shake my spiritual bent, so if I'm going to be all crazy religious, then I should at least get something out of it--and so shamanism and nature-based philosophy works for me. But just because I burn sage and ring chimes doesn't make me Harry Potter. Even if I really believe deep down in my heart that I'm tapping into something mystical or paranormal, that still doesn't make it real. For me, I have to walk that fine line and keep that balance. It keeps me grounded, helps me retain my sense of humor and prevents me from falling right back into some crazy fundie literalism like before.

I know this is just me ranting, but I can't help it. It's just so sad when cultures or nations like Bahrain are so entrenched in their worldview that they cannot see their own folly. European cultures have already been through this, and maybe every culture has to do it in order to evolve. There are true crimes in this world that need to be punished--murder, rape, theft and so on--but "sorcery?"