Community
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Growth is Change
Paganism generally—and Atheopaganism specifically—comprise intersecting sets of growing communities. And as we grow, we change. Generally, for example, the Atheopaganism Facebook group has been a very kind, warm context, but there has been more friction lately, and a need for more hands-on moderation. This is inevitable. When we were a group of 300 people, it was easy for people to know one another and for norms and conduct standards to be implemented organically. But now, there are nearly 2,000 people in the group, with about 20-30 coming in each week. Those folks don’t know the group vibe yet, and some of them are used to an Internet that is pugnacious…
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The Long Game
It’s not looking so great for the future of the world right now, is it? The machinations of Vladimir Putin to stir up nativist and racist sentiments in the UK and US have led to disastrous results: the Trump election and Brexit. Both are systematically destroying the liberal democratic traditions of these countries and threatening spillover into other places like the Middle East. Meanwhile, China is playing go, calmly and methodically placing its stones throughout Africa, Asia and South America to claim resources and subvert democracies in those places…all the while committing its own domestic genocidal campaigns against Muslims, Tibetans and Uighurs. And, of course, there is climate change. These…
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Midsummer Dawn: A Regional Pagan Event
Midsummer Dawn is a low-tech Pagan gathering for those of us who miss events like Ancient Ways. We’ll do a couple of (non-theist) rituals in the evenings, but mostly focus on socializing and building community. Two nights under the magnificent stars in the exquisite Sugarloaf Ridge State Park in Sonoma County, California! There is a waterfall we can hike to, and simply beautiful land to enjoy. PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS A SUNDAY AND MONDAY NIGHT. Saturday was not available. This is a camping event, so bring your gear, and plan to cook for yourself. We will have a potluck shared dinner on the first night (Sunday). Grocery shopping is…
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Join Us for Atheopagan Events at the Final Pantheacon!
I am presenting at the final Pantheacon, Feb. 14-17. I hope that those of you who are also attending will join me for these Atheopagan events. An Introduction to Atheopaganism. Saturday at 12 PM in the Spark Collective hospitality suite, Room 247. What is the Pagan path of Atheopaganism, and how did it evolve? What are its ritual practices, ethical principles and cosmology, and why are these well-suited to people of today? Come hear this introductory talk and ask all your questions! Nontheist Pagan Mixer. Saturday at 2 PM, Spark Collective suite room 247. Wine and snacks served. Enjoy fellowship and conversation with like-minded Pagans! Books will be available for…
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Soapbox On Loan! Call for Submissions
Atheopaganism is getting pretty big. It won’t be long before the Facebook community crosses 2,000 members, and our path is now a topic of conversation and familiarity in many Pagan circles all over the world. Each of us does it a little differently, and that is exactly as should be: our celebrations of the Wheel of the Year will vary based on the climate and ecology of where we live, and our personal aesthetics and interests will naturally color and inform our practices. It has always been my goal that this space be not “my megaphone”, but instead a place where we can share what is interesting about our Atheopagan…
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I’m Gonna Go There: A Rant.
Paganism is a very broad category. It includes a tremendous range of traditions, practices and paths. Which is as should be: people are diverse. They should do what gives them joy and meaning. So it can be about many things. It can be about rituals and “magic”. It can be about the Earth. It can be about gods. It can be about principles for living. It can be about activism. But you know, one thing we can say with confidence is that at its heart, Paganism is not about owning witchy clothes, or fancy tools, or other trappings. It’s not about Harry Potter or goth aesthetics or LOTR or Renaissance…
