The Otherworld

There is a journey we all make,many times over.It is a journey from this life to the next. A journey to the Otherworld. It has many names , Mag Mell,Tir-na-mBeo,Tir-na-nog,the Land beyond the Ninth Wave.Many other cultures have different names.It is the place where the spirits of our ancestors dwelt.In the mounds and under the menhirs and dolmens.They were heroes who were led by the Gods. in a boat of glass ,in chariots,and as Niamh riding upon a White Horse. There are many stories , myths and legends of the Otherworld. Some can be found in the Mabinogion, others found in various other tomes and places. But there are many similarities in these. The Otherworld is a place of rest, beauty, no suffering, a place of preparation for the next journey, the next life.It is the place where 100 years is as a day.It is a place of honor for men , women , and children of the tribes and clans. Today in this world we see so much pain and hurt,war and destruction.But for those of us who know of the presence and comfort in knowing that we will return, as the Sun rises, as the Moon shines silver upon the seas, we have comfort. The Otherworld is a place, a beginning of knowledge, new knowledge, as we move from existance to existance.Within the Otherworld , we are as a beam of light, growing in radiance and power, thru out the millenia. There are those who fear this transition, when we lose someone we care about , feelings of despair may come, but know this, our loved ones see us, our ancestors hear our crying, they hear our voice as we call out in the night.And by the very thought of ones who have gone before us,they prepare us all for the journeys we take. We become like the Fey. living in the sidhe mounds, Rejoice Pagan children, for life moves ever onward. For my friends i have lost in these years of my life, i honor you, i let your love and strength add to my own virtue. And to those who struggle with there loss. Do not cry tears of sadness, but weep for joy, because they are safe, they are watching over you. And they shall return..!!

Our Sacred Animals

I have been watching the seasons change and for our busy hustle and bustle sometimes we need to take a look at another world. The world of animals, our sacred animals. As Pagans i believe we see all living beings as sacred, and for the greater part of it we focus on our selves. but we should turn to the realm of animals, Not just as familiars and guides but as genuinely sacred for who and what they are. Look at some of the spiritual phrases and images we have that verify this every day. Such as the image of the earth being supported by 4 elephants, the phrase "its turtles all the way down" or "sacred cow" and so on, and so forth. The folklore tied to so many animals of the Gods and Goddesses from cultures around the world. The Norse and Scandinavian cultures with Sleipnir and the Fenris wolf. The Egyptians with Bast and sacred cats. The Celtic culture with the raven of the Morrigan, Epona's horse, the Boar and the hound, the Salmon of Knowledge. The Native Americans with Trickster the coyote. All these animals, all these beings are sacred because they empower us, when we eat of the flesh and bone of an animal we internalize that animal, it gives us renewed life. Sacred animals give us wisdom, we learn as we watch the birds migrate, that winter is coming. We learn by observing their habits lessons of patience, skill and innovation. We are not lords over the animal kingdom, we are on the same footing. Animals give us pleasure, music , and beauty, they inspire stories, poetry, and artistry. Our sacred animals are gifts from the Gods themselves. Even in this modern age we have animals that seem outside the realm of sacredness, but are by far the most sacred. Our family pets, our frisky cats, and our regal and trusting dog friends, who daily make us smile, laugh, and cry. These are our children, entrusted in our care, magick with a furry face, and a soft purr.As Pagans we need to look beyond the fanciful trappings of ritual, spells, and black cats, to the reality of sacredness that is in our homes, and are out there in fields, and forests, the oceans, and the mountain streams. After all, these ARE our sacred animals.

As The World Turns, Pagans at a Crossroads

Here we are, in a world of war, turmoil, disease, strife, and uncertainty. But for Pagans of all traditions, we manage to move onwards. We worship our Gods, and Goddesses, we meditate, we light candles in the darkness. We honor the earth and each other in so many different ways. I have sat and often wondered what would happen if there were no Pagans, No Gods, No Magick. Would the world be better off, or would there be something missing, would there be a significant impact, I dont know the answer to that question, but i do think about it. I often think, do our rituals and traditions make a difference. Or are our society's becoming complacent. I see so much jealousy, infighting, and ego in so many pagan communities, and it makes me sad. But just when im about to give up on Paganism, someone, or something sent by the Gods, or the Universe gives me hope. There are so many awesome pagan traditions, and people within them doing incredible things. That when i see this it makes me want to work harder in my own community, Things are not utopian here, and i doubt they ever will be, reality keeps my head out of the clouds, i just know that somehow there is a reason to strive to work, even if it just in my own circle, The Order of The Standing Oak, or out in the greater Pagan community with my Youtube Channel , A Pagan Perspective. or my show on Blogtalkradio.com Pagan Perspectives. I feel that anything worthwhile is worth fighting for. I want to hear from you, what do you think about the state of Paganism around the world. What do like, what do you think needs to change, and in the end isnt this really about moving ourselves forward spiritually Blessings of the Old Gods till next Blog

The Fall of Freddie the Leaf

Pagan Perspectives Podcast

Hello..Im going with a new venue for podcasting..Give it a listen, comment, leave suggestions. Also if you have a coven or Grove event, Pagan based bussiness feel free to leave youre email, so i can give you details on submitting short copy ads for the new podcast coming up

Why Socialism Works

People decry the Evils of Socialism..Well i say why not try to look at it subjectively.Instead most on the Right side say Socialism will destroy a country.Our own Republican party even convened a special session to vote on calling the Democrats..the Democratic Socialist party.. Well here is a major argument for why Socialism works, and can actually be a good thing



Think about this.. Then give me your arguments for or against

Republican Fascism Things that Make you go What The Fuck

I normally dont post on political subjects.. but as a a pagan its my duty to SPEAK OUT and decry what i see as being fucked up. Call me a leftist, ill take that cigar and smoke it proudly. To be a liberal Democrat, over a neo con or a fascist Republican, Well i REFUSE to goose step with Der Furhers Mccain Palin, or Bush. So you make the call,and this guy on the video kinda says what i wish i could say