-
Rites of Passage #1: Naming Ceremonies
Some time ago, I wrote a piece about Atheopagan Rites of Passage. In it, I described life milestones that might be celebrated by an Atheopagan, and which we as Atheopagan “clergy” (we’re all clergy, since we have none—below, the ritual leader’s role is noted as “celebrant”) might be asked to officiate over. On reflection, it occured to me that just talking about these rites of passage probably isn’t helpful enough: that having some guidelines for each such rite would be helpful to the community. So here goes the first installment in a new series: Rites of Passage. A Naming ceremony is a welcoming ritual for a newly born person. In this…
-
Keeping a Practice Going
As Atheopagans, we have practices: rituals (big or small) we do to remind ourselves of the magnificence of the Earth and Universe, of the beauty of living, and of the values we hold dear. These can include… Daily (or nearly daily) observances, such as lighting candles on a Focus or drawing a Tarot card for reflection Weekly (or nearly weekly) observances such as any ritual activities you may want to do before attending a UU service, for example (if you do that) Monthly observances such as Moon phases, menstrual cycles, etc. Seasonal Sabbaths of the Wheel of the Year Annual observances like the First Big Rainstorm or First Snow, Pi Day (also…
-
Join Us for a Harvest Celebration!
If you’re in the San Francisco Bay Area in the United States, we welcome you to join us for a potluck Harvest celebration on Sept. 22! It will be held from 2 to 6 pm at the Orchard Picnic Area in Tilden Park, Berkeley. Bring a potluck dish to share and something to drink*, your own plates, cups and cutlery, and any items you would like to place on the group Focus to represent your harvested achievements for this year. One of the lessons we learned from Moon Meet this year is to hold events that require less of a time and logistical commitment, so we’re doing Harvest this year in…
- Uncategorized
The Earth is Still the Earth
Absolutely.
-
A Virtual Hug
A little more than two years ago, I wrote a celebration of the feeling of “coming home” that has so frequently characterized people’s responses as they join the Atheopagan community. Since then, the Atheopaganism Facebook group has doubled in size. We have had amazing, informative, stimulating and heartfelt conversations, which have generally remained civil even on fraught subjects. We have supported each other in difficult times. It’s been awhile, so I just want to say how appreciative I am—and how proud—of the community of folks who have gathered around these ideas, this blog and the Facebook group. It helps me stay motivated to continue writing and creating, to continue strategizing ways we can…
-
A Reflection at Dusk
Days are noticeably shorter now. The coastal fog cycle native to my region is sputtering with the weakened power of the Sun, so we have days of heat followed by days half of which are soft and gray, burning off only in the afternoons to sun. Autumn is here. Usually, this is a joyous realization for me. I love the fall, with its colorful leaves, spectacular sunsets, skulls and bones and pumpkins. Autumn feels like the reaping of rewards long striven for, the achievement of the year’s culmination. This year is a little different. It feels as though I have suffered many blows and time is running out to secure…
