My First Wedding?

Talk about weird and unexpected connections! Through Facebook, I had reconnected with a casual friend from high school. I remember her being a very sweet girl, and we had a few classes together, plus she also did some writing. But I think our strongest bond was that we were both the target of bullies in high school. But I haven't seen her since graduation, in over 20 years.

So there is she on Facebook. Now, in that particular guise that I present to the world of Muggles, I don't mention anything about shamanism, my spirit name or anything similar. There are simply lots of people out there who don't understand and make judgments, and I'm not quite ready to expose myself to the questions, etc.

But this girl somehow made the connection to the mystery school! I've never posted about it on Facebook, but there are a few fellow participants who make no secret of their path. All I can guess is that she saw some photo or something and went from there. And that's ok--I believe it was meant to be. So she sends me a message asking about it and just revealing details about her own neo-pagan spiritual path. It was a sweet note, too, about how she felt connected to me back in high school. Of course, I am so excited to find a kindred spirit, especially one of the few who emerged from our Christian school upbringing!

I emailed her back and share more about my own spiritual path. Turns out she's engaged and is looking for a minister to do a pagan/Wiccan ceremony! I mentioned that I'm newly ordained, and she wants me to do the wedding! It'll be on October 31--Samhain/Halloween--and they're hoping to hold the ceremony in a local state park. How wonderful!

I still have yet to meet with her about the details, but I'm so excited how this is unfolding. The universe can truly present some great opportunities when you put yourself out there!

My First Wedding?

Talk about weird and unexpected connections! Through Facebook, I had reconnected with a casual friend from high school. I remember her being a very sweet girl, and we had a few classes together, plus she also did some writing. But I think our strongest bond was that we were both the target of bullies in high school. But I haven't seen her since graduation, in over 20 years.

So there is she on Facebook. Now, in that particular guise that I present to the world of Muggles, I don't mention anything about shamanism, my spirit name or anything similar. There are simply lots of people out there who don't understand and make judgments, and I'm not quite ready to expose myself to the questions, etc.

But this girl somehow made the connection to the mystery school! I've never posted about it on Facebook, but there are a few fellow participants who make no secret of their path. All I can guess is that she saw some photo or something and went from there. And that's ok--I believe it was meant to be. So she sends me a message asking about it and just revealing details about her own neo-pagan spiritual path. It was a sweet note, too, about how she felt connected to me back in high school. Of course, I am so excited to find a kindred spirit, especially one of the few who emerged from our Christian school upbringing!

I emailed her back and share more about my own spiritual path. Turns out she's engaged and is looking for a minister to do a pagan/Wiccan ceremony! I mentioned that I'm newly ordained, and she wants me to do the wedding! It'll be on October 31--Samhain/Halloween--and they're hoping to hold the ceremony in a local state park. How wonderful!

I still have yet to meet with her about the details, but I'm so excited how this is unfolding. The universe can truly present some great opportunities when you put yourself out there!

Wicca as a Punch Line

Have you seen the previews for the new romantic comedy starring Jennifer Aniston and Drew Barrymore? There's one in particular that uses Wicca to get a laugh. Called "He's Just Not That Into You," the movie trails a group of friends trying to find love. I can't find the clip online but it shows Jennifer Aniston on a date with "Dan the Wiccan" (according to film credits). He explains he's a Wiccan, a male witch and Jennifer responds with a sarcastic and disappointing, "Great." In other words, this date's over, you nutcase!

So, doth this offend anyone? Even though I'm not technically Wiccan, it bothered me. If someone substituted "Christian" or "Muslim," the joke wouldn't even be funny. In fact, it might as well be cause for banning the film and burning Aniston in effigy! But Wiccans/witches, well, they're fair game, right? After all, no one takes them seriously!

I'm not one for boycotting films since I think we need free and open discussion through various art forms. And I want to see it anyway--it looks funny overall, and I like the actors (Bradley Cooper!). But it's got me to thinking: While it sucks for your beliefs to be the butt of a joke, you could also see it as evidence that Wicca is gaining more mainstream attention. In the clip, "Dan" is dressed in your basic suit and tie, not exactly the stereotypical image of a modern witch. Assuming there isn't much more to his role, audiences may want to investigate Wicca more. And at least the inclusion of Wicca means one of the writers has actually heard of it.

I'm not advocating the mainstreaming of anything, since that has its own pitfalls. But I think more exposure is important in order to defeat stereotypes and ignorance, which I think all of us "pagans" can agree is sorely needed.

So, will you see it or whip up a hex on the cast?

Wicca as a Punch Line

Have you seen the previews for the new romantic comedy starring Jennifer Aniston and Drew Barrymore? There's one in particular that uses Wicca to get a laugh. Called "He's Just Not That Into You," the movie trails a group of friends trying to find love. I can't find the clip online but it shows Jennifer Aniston on a date with "Dan the Wiccan" (according to film credits). He explains he's a Wiccan, a male witch and Jennifer responds with a sarcastic and disappointing, "Great." In other words, this date's over, you nutcase!

So, doth this offend anyone? Even though I'm not technically Wiccan, it bothered me. If someone substituted "Christian" or "Muslim," the joke wouldn't even be funny. In fact, it might as well be cause for banning the film and burning Aniston in effigy! But Wiccans/witches, well, they're fair game, right? After all, no one takes them seriously!

I'm not one for boycotting films since I think we need free and open discussion through various art forms. And I want to see it anyway--it looks funny overall, and I like the actors (Bradley Cooper!). But it's got me to thinking: While it sucks for your beliefs to be the butt of a joke, you could also see it as evidence that Wicca is gaining more mainstream attention. In the clip, "Dan" is dressed in your basic suit and tie, not exactly the stereotypical image of a modern witch. Assuming there isn't much more to his role, audiences may want to investigate Wicca more. And at least the inclusion of Wicca means one of the writers has actually heard of it.

I'm not advocating the mainstreaming of anything, since that has its own pitfalls. But I think more exposure is important in order to defeat stereotypes and ignorance, which I think all of us "pagans" can agree is sorely needed.

So, will you see it or whip up a hex on the cast?

Papua New Guinea: Hell on Earth for Witches

It's hard to believe that this kind of thing still goes on in our world. I just don't get it. Maybe this will offend some, but I honestly don't believe than anyone possesses any witch-like powers, no matter what they call themselves. It's fine to worship your gods and goddesses, make your sacred circles and whatnot; I find it all quite meaningful. But do I believe in it literally? No.

Yet some people take it very seriously. But it's their own ignorance and fear that is the real problem.

witches and scientists: Suspected Witch Burned Alive

Let's all pray, light a candle or meditate for this poor woman and her remaining relatives. Then let's do the same for the misguided, fearful people who killed her.

Papua New Guinea: Hell on Earth for Witches

It's hard to believe that this kind of thing still goes on in our world. I just don't get it. Maybe this will offend some, but I honestly don't believe than anyone possesses any witch-like powers, no matter what they call themselves. It's fine to worship your gods and goddesses, make your sacred circles and whatnot; I find it all quite meaningful. But do I believe in it literally? No.

Yet some people take it very seriously. But it's their own ignorance and fear that is the real problem.

witches and scientists: Suspected Witch Burned Alive

Let's all pray, light a candle or meditate for this poor woman and her remaining relatives. Then let's do the same for the misguided, fearful people who killed her.

Creepy, Scary, Spooky Post--Week 3: Do You Believe in Spirits or Ghosts?

My wrists and hands are all limbered up and ready to type! And were there sun spots or something yesterday? I had the darndest time getting online and checking my favorite sites.

Is the spirit world real?
So are you a believer in ghosts, spirits or any other unseen (or rarely seen) entities? Many cultures, including some Celtic groups, believed this time of year was a prime time to spot them. They believed that the veil between our world and the spirit world became very thin, so you could cross back and forth easily. Sort of like our border with Mexico! So does that make the spirits illegal immigrants or us mortals?

I digress. Myself, if I had to give an answer, I'd say I don't know. I'm not copping out--I simply don't know. I lean toward "no," but then I've had some experiences I can't explain. And others I know have had experiences. But if I claim there is no God, then how can I claim that spirits, fairies or other beings exist? Like I said, I don't know!

Many neo-pagans believe or accept the possibility of all kinds of unseen things. I'm still skeptical. I think it's fun and part of being human to wonder, but I do not want to base any kind of religious practice or belief system on what can't be seen. That's just me--I already have that T-shirt!

Angels Among Us?
Are these entities real or imaginary? Do we just convince ourselves they're real because we want them to be? Most Christians believe in angels, a devil and demons. I know I once did!

Back one night in college, my roommate and I were sitting across from one another having a great religious discussion. The lights were on in the room, which was located 3 floors up in the dormitory. The blinds on the window were shut. Suddenly in the middle of this deep discussion, we both "saw" a bright light appear near the window, the speed between us across the room and then flash in the mirrors before disappearing completely. We both turned and asked simultaneously: "What was that?" Then this incredible sense of joy washed over us! I can still recall that unexplainable sensation today. Being good Christians, we just thought it must be some messenger of God, an angel sent to visit us during our wonderfully spiritual discussion. I don't know what the angel was supposed to tell us, but well, what else was it? No car lights could reach 3 floors up. There were no search lights in the area. But we both saw something!

Meeting My First Witch (was she a good witch or a bad witch?)
That same year, my roommate began hanging with some weirdo friends--at least, they were weirdos to this sheltered Christian who took everything literally! His new girlfriend was a witch! She was involved in Wicca, which I had never heard of up until this point. He showed me some books on Wicca that she had given to him, and being the concerned fellow Christian, I told him to get rid of them. Those books would draw evil spirits and plunge us into spiritual warfare! (Oh, the irony, if he could only see me today.)

His girlfriend had a guy-friend she always dragged along with her, and looking back, he might have been "her gay." But I was too sheltered to figure anything out back then. Both of them were into Wicca--and I really can't say how serious they were about it, but they did talk about it all the time. And it freaked me out! I prayed all the time for Jesus to protect me and to turn their hearts to the Lord! I was polite, however (I am a good Southern boy, after all).

We would have interesting spiritual discussion, us four, but then one day my roommate's girlfriend said something that sent chills up my spine! I don't remember the context now, but she said she was going to light a candle for me. Dear Jesus, I just knew that meant she was going to cast some evil spell on me to turn me away from the Lord and toward acts of evil! Instead of asking what she intended, I freaked out! Later, I preached to my roommate that, no matter what evil power she might unleash, Jesus was stronger! I was terrified, ya'll.

Well, nothing happened that I can attribute to her "lighting a candle." Can any visiting Wiccans explain what she might have meant? Regardless of whether it was malicious or not, it just shows the power that belief in spirits can have. Even though I had never seen anything or experienced anything, I was caught up in all the stories I had heard. If nothing else, a spirit of fear had me in its grip--and that was of my own creation, not hers.

At the same time, the girl's male friend gave us the scariest jack o' lantern that I have ever seen! He had carved it himself, and the two of them stopped by the dorm to drop of this "present"--all dressed up in black capes and wild outfits around Halloween (this was way before goth was cool). I just knew there was some hex on that pumpkin! His carving was superb--but the evil grin and the frightening countenance on that thing scared the bejesus outta me! So after they were gone, I made my longsuffering roommate smash it on the ground--you know, to break its hellish power!

Well, that romance with Wicca faded for my roommate and his witch friends faded away. I regret my actions and superstitions now that I look back. If I'm honest, they were both interesting, fun people, but I was too wrapped up in my own ignorance and fear to recognize that.

So, what about you? A believer, skeptic or something in between?

Creepy, Scary, Spooky Post--Week 3: Do You Believe in Spirits or Ghosts?

My wrists and hands are all limbered up and ready to type! And were there sun spots or something yesterday? I had the darndest time getting online and checking my favorite sites.

Is the spirit world real?
So are you a believer in ghosts, spirits or any other unseen (or rarely seen) entities? Many cultures, including some Celtic groups, believed this time of year was a prime time to spot them. They believed that the veil between our world and the spirit world became very thin, so you could cross back and forth easily. Sort of like our border with Mexico! So does that make the spirits illegal immigrants or us mortals?

I digress. Myself, if I had to give an answer, I'd say I don't know. I'm not copping out--I simply don't know. I lean toward "no," but then I've had some experiences I can't explain. And others I know have had experiences. But if I claim there is no God, then how can I claim that spirits, fairies or other beings exist? Like I said, I don't know!

Many neo-pagans believe or accept the possibility of all kinds of unseen things. I'm still skeptical. I think it's fun and part of being human to wonder, but I do not want to base any kind of religious practice or belief system on what can't be seen. That's just me--I already have that T-shirt!

Angels Among Us?
Are these entities real or imaginary? Do we just convince ourselves they're real because we want them to be? Most Christians believe in angels, a devil and demons. I know I once did!

Back one night in college, my roommate and I were sitting across from one another having a great religious discussion. The lights were on in the room, which was located 3 floors up in the dormitory. The blinds on the window were shut. Suddenly in the middle of this deep discussion, we both "saw" a bright light appear near the window, the speed between us across the room and then flash in the mirrors before disappearing completely. We both turned and asked simultaneously: "What was that?" Then this incredible sense of joy washed over us! I can still recall that unexplainable sensation today. Being good Christians, we just thought it must be some messenger of God, an angel sent to visit us during our wonderfully spiritual discussion. I don't know what the angel was supposed to tell us, but well, what else was it? No car lights could reach 3 floors up. There were no search lights in the area. But we both saw something!

Meeting My First Witch (was she a good witch or a bad witch?)
That same year, my roommate began hanging with some weirdo friends--at least, they were weirdos to this sheltered Christian who took everything literally! His new girlfriend was a witch! She was involved in Wicca, which I had never heard of up until this point. He showed me some books on Wicca that she had given to him, and being the concerned fellow Christian, I told him to get rid of them. Those books would draw evil spirits and plunge us into spiritual warfare! (Oh, the irony, if he could only see me today.)

His girlfriend had a guy-friend she always dragged along with her, and looking back, he might have been "her gay." But I was too sheltered to figure anything out back then. Both of them were into Wicca--and I really can't say how serious they were about it, but they did talk about it all the time. And it freaked me out! I prayed all the time for Jesus to protect me and to turn their hearts to the Lord! I was polite, however (I am a good Southern boy, after all).

We would have interesting spiritual discussion, us four, but then one day my roommate's girlfriend said something that sent chills up my spine! I don't remember the context now, but she said she was going to light a candle for me. Dear Jesus, I just knew that meant she was going to cast some evil spell on me to turn me away from the Lord and toward acts of evil! Instead of asking what she intended, I freaked out! Later, I preached to my roommate that, no matter what evil power she might unleash, Jesus was stronger! I was terrified, ya'll.

Well, nothing happened that I can attribute to her "lighting a candle." Can any visiting Wiccans explain what she might have meant? Regardless of whether it was malicious or not, it just shows the power that belief in spirits can have. Even though I had never seen anything or experienced anything, I was caught up in all the stories I had heard. If nothing else, a spirit of fear had me in its grip--and that was of my own creation, not hers.

At the same time, the girl's male friend gave us the scariest jack o' lantern that I have ever seen! He had carved it himself, and the two of them stopped by the dorm to drop of this "present"--all dressed up in black capes and wild outfits around Halloween (this was way before goth was cool). I just knew there was some hex on that pumpkin! His carving was superb--but the evil grin and the frightening countenance on that thing scared the bejesus outta me! So after they were gone, I made my longsuffering roommate smash it on the ground--you know, to break its hellish power!

Well, that romance with Wicca faded for my roommate and his witch friends faded away. I regret my actions and superstitions now that I look back. If I'm honest, they were both interesting, fun people, but I was too wrapped up in my own ignorance and fear to recognize that.

So, what about you? A believer, skeptic or something in between?