Let me start by saying that I'm a cat lover, and always have been. At this point I'm still in mouring for a beloved feline friend who passed away three months ago. With that said, I cannot ignore this: http://abcnews.go.com/US/roaming-cats-kill-billion-birds-year-american-bird/story?id=13194701
This article was posted on Witchvox's facebook news page, and some of the comments were just shocking to me. People who claim to follow a nature-based religion should realize the harm that pets can do to the environment, and be responsible pet-owners. This includes spaying and neutering, and minimizing our furry friends' impact on the local ecosystem.
We shouldn't let our sentiment blind us to the truth that in many areas our domestic cats are an introduced species; and, if left to roam, they can cause damage to an ecosystem that hasn't had the necessary time on an evolutionary level to adapt to their presence. In places like Australia, and other island ecosystems, the feral cat problem has become very serious, and roaming felines are hunting indigenous species which have no natural defenses against such foreign predators.
I implore other cat-lovers who read this to become aware of the situation. We, as pet-owners, have a responsibility to ensure that our pets do not contribute to the problem.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Friday, January 14, 2011
It's Been Awhile
I know. Don't tell me. I've been a failure at keeping up with this blog. I confess my sins and seek absolution.
Life's been a damned whirlwind lately. I shall begin with the most recent. My parents have full custody of my nephew and the state is no longer actively involved in the process. If my sister and her boyfriend want their kid back, they have to take my parents to court and prove not only their own stability, but also that my parents are incapable of raising the boy. Yeah, good luck with that. The idiots have moved four times this year and are now currently staying with a friend who goes through a revolving door at rehab. They can barely feed themselves half the time, much less their son. Oh yeah, and my parents haven't seen a dime from them since the $300 they coughed up because of court several months ago. Way to be responsible.
I married my friends in November. No, not in the polygamist way. I officiated their marriage despite having little to no voice and feeling dreadfully sick. Baltimore actually makes the legal process really easy. I just filled out the form that the couple got from the courthouse and mailed it back. Simple and sweet.
I'm still watching the baby from 5:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. every Tuesday through Friday, and helping my dad on Saturdays. The kid has a couple teeth now and is gibbering and saying words. He'll be walking soon too. I just wish the child would take naps. He's active the entire time.
My big thing this year is to focus on myself. I don't mean that in a narcissistic way. I want to focus on my health, happiness, and sanity. I'm going to stick to my duties and obligations to others, but I want some "me" time as well. I want to start taking long walks in the park, getting glamoured up for no particular reason, and paying attention to my own needs and desires.
Life's been a damned whirlwind lately. I shall begin with the most recent. My parents have full custody of my nephew and the state is no longer actively involved in the process. If my sister and her boyfriend want their kid back, they have to take my parents to court and prove not only their own stability, but also that my parents are incapable of raising the boy. Yeah, good luck with that. The idiots have moved four times this year and are now currently staying with a friend who goes through a revolving door at rehab. They can barely feed themselves half the time, much less their son. Oh yeah, and my parents haven't seen a dime from them since the $300 they coughed up because of court several months ago. Way to be responsible.
I married my friends in November. No, not in the polygamist way. I officiated their marriage despite having little to no voice and feeling dreadfully sick. Baltimore actually makes the legal process really easy. I just filled out the form that the couple got from the courthouse and mailed it back. Simple and sweet.
I'm still watching the baby from 5:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. every Tuesday through Friday, and helping my dad on Saturdays. The kid has a couple teeth now and is gibbering and saying words. He'll be walking soon too. I just wish the child would take naps. He's active the entire time.
My big thing this year is to focus on myself. I don't mean that in a narcissistic way. I want to focus on my health, happiness, and sanity. I'm going to stick to my duties and obligations to others, but I want some "me" time as well. I want to start taking long walks in the park, getting glamoured up for no particular reason, and paying attention to my own needs and desires.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
The Wonders of Con Life
So, I just got back from a thrilling four days staffing at an anime convention. As I arrived in our "dungeon" department Thursday, I noticed that there's no one in our area and there seemed to be construction work of some kind going on. My department head in the next hall informed me that sewage had leaked into our department area in the basement of the convention center and was dripping down one of our support pillars. Shit was quite literally falling from the ceiling. This problem was corrected for the most part before we actually opened the convention to the public though.
Saturday we had a fire alarm go off and had to evacuate the convention center. We had to herd the attendees and artists outside and let them back in once the threat of fire had been investigated. That pushed our schedule back an hour, and Saturday night's teardown was stressful.
We started out understaffed (last-minute cancellations are fun) and had a few more staff leave during the convention due to violent illness; which reminds me, my stomach is still the battlefield of some kind of war due to the fact that I lived on mostly vendor food for four days.
I got the same asinine questions from people about information that is already provided to them in our registration forms. I managed to have one pen left after the convention, which was a first. People do love to steal our pens, even though we need them for the other attendees and artists to fill out registration forms.
I may post in more detail later, but I am exhausted tonight and sleep will be most welcome.
Saturday we had a fire alarm go off and had to evacuate the convention center. We had to herd the attendees and artists outside and let them back in once the threat of fire had been investigated. That pushed our schedule back an hour, and Saturday night's teardown was stressful.
We started out understaffed (last-minute cancellations are fun) and had a few more staff leave during the convention due to violent illness; which reminds me, my stomach is still the battlefield of some kind of war due to the fact that I lived on mostly vendor food for four days.
I got the same asinine questions from people about information that is already provided to them in our registration forms. I managed to have one pen left after the convention, which was a first. People do love to steal our pens, even though we need them for the other attendees and artists to fill out registration forms.
I may post in more detail later, but I am exhausted tonight and sleep will be most welcome.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Who's a Witch?
Reading an essay on witchvox.com, I came across someone referring to William Shakespeare as a witch/sorcerer. This is not the first time I've seen such a statement made. I'd like to know exactly what they're basing this information on.
I've also read about St. Joan of Arc being a very powerful witch, even after her conviction was posthumously overturned and her canonization in the Roman Catholic Church. I personally admire St. Joan and believe that she was a Christian mystic, but still Christian all the same. The church even admits that the accusations made against her were false, and as a saint she is considered by Roman Catholics to be a paragon of Christian virtue.
There are even mentions of Thomas Jefferson being a witch, and it boggles the mind.
Is it not possible to believe that great works and deeds can come from actual devout Christians (or in Jefferson's case, a Deist)? Must people take all the great figures from history and give them the title "witch" to make themselves seem superior because obviously they're counted among them?
I believe that it's offensive. By calling St. Joan a witch, we are perpetuating the accusations made against her which led to her execution. We are dishonoring her memory by dishonoring her true beliefs. The same goes for the Salem gimmick. Those poor people were not witches at all, and people do them a disservice by making outrageous claims about having "power" descended from them, or by capitalizing on their accusations and deaths.
I know that people in the Pagan community have a right to believe and say what they want, but there are times when I am actually embarrassed by what I read coming out of the community. We clamour and rant about not being shown respect by the mainstream religions and the public at large, but we can say some stupid shit sometimes.
I've also read about St. Joan of Arc being a very powerful witch, even after her conviction was posthumously overturned and her canonization in the Roman Catholic Church. I personally admire St. Joan and believe that she was a Christian mystic, but still Christian all the same. The church even admits that the accusations made against her were false, and as a saint she is considered by Roman Catholics to be a paragon of Christian virtue.
There are even mentions of Thomas Jefferson being a witch, and it boggles the mind.
Is it not possible to believe that great works and deeds can come from actual devout Christians (or in Jefferson's case, a Deist)? Must people take all the great figures from history and give them the title "witch" to make themselves seem superior because obviously they're counted among them?
I believe that it's offensive. By calling St. Joan a witch, we are perpetuating the accusations made against her which led to her execution. We are dishonoring her memory by dishonoring her true beliefs. The same goes for the Salem gimmick. Those poor people were not witches at all, and people do them a disservice by making outrageous claims about having "power" descended from them, or by capitalizing on their accusations and deaths.
I know that people in the Pagan community have a right to believe and say what they want, but there are times when I am actually embarrassed by what I read coming out of the community. We clamour and rant about not being shown respect by the mainstream religions and the public at large, but we can say some stupid shit sometimes.
Monday, July 12, 2010
A New Year's Prayer of Gratitude
As the new Hellenic year is beginning, I've decided to post my prayers of thanks to the Olympians.
To Zeus Ktesios, the protector of provisions, I am grateful for the bounty of food that has been provided to me.
To Hera Ourania, queen of the sky, I am grateful for the cool breezes on otherwise unbearably hot days.
To Ares Laossous, he who rallies the fighting men, I am grateful for the motivation to accomplish the things I've had to do this year.
To Aphrodite Kallisti, fairest of them all, I am grateful for the beauty and skincare tips I've found.
To Hephaestus Klytotechnes, he who is famed for crafts, I am grateful for my talents in soapmaking.
To Athena Alalkomene, the repeller of danger, I am grateful for being safe while walking through the city.
To Poseidon Pelagaeus, the king of the sea, I am grateful for a renewed appeciation for the aquatic ecosystem in my area.
To Demeter Karpophoros, she who brings forth fruit, I am grateful for the excellent quality of the strawberries this summer.
To Apollon Paean, the healer, I am grateful for the good health I've enjoyed this month.
To Artemis Lokhia, the protector of childbirth, I am grateful for the health of my nephew.
To Hermes Logios, the guardian of speech, I am grateful for my ability to articulate my feelings and my advice to others along my path.
To Dionysus Agrios, the wild one, I am grateful for being able to have fun with friends and enjoy a good celebration.
Finally, to Hestia, lady of the hearth, I am forever grateful for a loving family both in blood and friendship.
To Zeus Ktesios, the protector of provisions, I am grateful for the bounty of food that has been provided to me.
To Hera Ourania, queen of the sky, I am grateful for the cool breezes on otherwise unbearably hot days.
To Ares Laossous, he who rallies the fighting men, I am grateful for the motivation to accomplish the things I've had to do this year.
To Aphrodite Kallisti, fairest of them all, I am grateful for the beauty and skincare tips I've found.
To Hephaestus Klytotechnes, he who is famed for crafts, I am grateful for my talents in soapmaking.
To Athena Alalkomene, the repeller of danger, I am grateful for being safe while walking through the city.
To Poseidon Pelagaeus, the king of the sea, I am grateful for a renewed appeciation for the aquatic ecosystem in my area.
To Demeter Karpophoros, she who brings forth fruit, I am grateful for the excellent quality of the strawberries this summer.
To Apollon Paean, the healer, I am grateful for the good health I've enjoyed this month.
To Artemis Lokhia, the protector of childbirth, I am grateful for the health of my nephew.
To Hermes Logios, the guardian of speech, I am grateful for my ability to articulate my feelings and my advice to others along my path.
To Dionysus Agrios, the wild one, I am grateful for being able to have fun with friends and enjoy a good celebration.
Finally, to Hestia, lady of the hearth, I am forever grateful for a loving family both in blood and friendship.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Polyamory and The Marriage Battle
I was reading an article a few days ago on Witchvox.com about a battle for the recognition of polyamorous marriage in Canada. While I personally have nothing against polyamory, I do have to say that a battle such as this would have a very difficult time being fought here in the United States, and not just because of the current "popularity" issues that are holding back the advancement of gay marriage.
The battle for gay marriage is (or should be) a relatively simple one. At its core, it is a matter of gender of one of the partners. The same legal structure behind the privileges of marriage would be kept in place with exception to that one detail. Amazing how this enormous fuss can get boiled down to that one little point, isn't it? Gay spouses have no more or less privileges than heterosexual spouses in states that allow same-sex marriage. It really is just a matter of gender.
Those who wish for the legal recognition of polyamorous relationships would have a more difficult fight on their hands because of those legal privileges and assumptions already in place relating to marriage. Things like inheritance in the absence of a will, or the ability for a spouse to make medical decisions for an unconscious spouse, or even end of life decisions in the absence of legal documents such as a living will. When there is more than one surviving spouse, the legal issues do become a lot more complex. How would pension or social security benefits for a widow/widower be handled if there is more than one per deceased spouse?
For this battle to be fought here, our entire system behind what marriage means (on a legal level) would have to change. (Let's face it, despite what opponents of gay marriage say, the issues of what any marriage constitutes should not be defined on a religious level in a country that claims to have freedom of religion.)
The battle for gay marriage is (or should be) a relatively simple one. At its core, it is a matter of gender of one of the partners. The same legal structure behind the privileges of marriage would be kept in place with exception to that one detail. Amazing how this enormous fuss can get boiled down to that one little point, isn't it? Gay spouses have no more or less privileges than heterosexual spouses in states that allow same-sex marriage. It really is just a matter of gender.
Those who wish for the legal recognition of polyamorous relationships would have a more difficult fight on their hands because of those legal privileges and assumptions already in place relating to marriage. Things like inheritance in the absence of a will, or the ability for a spouse to make medical decisions for an unconscious spouse, or even end of life decisions in the absence of legal documents such as a living will. When there is more than one surviving spouse, the legal issues do become a lot more complex. How would pension or social security benefits for a widow/widower be handled if there is more than one per deceased spouse?
For this battle to be fought here, our entire system behind what marriage means (on a legal level) would have to change. (Let's face it, despite what opponents of gay marriage say, the issues of what any marriage constitutes should not be defined on a religious level in a country that claims to have freedom of religion.)
Friday, June 4, 2010
Sacred Sex and the Temple of Aphrodite
I just finished Laurelei Dabrielle's book In Her Service: Reflections from a Priestess of Aphrodite. I was pondering writing a review for it on a forum I'm involved with, but the nature of the book does deal with mature themes, so I figure I'll do a small review here and see how that goes.
I have to say the book was well worth buying. Laurelei explains in the beginning that her practice is not 100% Hellenic, but a blend of Neo-Pagan Traditions. This was refreshing to me, because there are a few writers in the Pagan community who like to fudge the truth when it comes to where and when their practices originate from. Having said that, there is a lot of historical evidence supporting many of her practices from a Hellenic viewpoint.
The books deals with serving a Goddess of Love, and what that entails. There is a great discussion on the sacredness of sexuality within ritual, and the function of Aphrodite's historical priests and priestesses (particularly in places such as Corinth) as "temple prostitutes". To have sex with one of these servants of Aphrodite was to be in the presence of the Goddess herself. Laurelei also mentions that in ancient times, this role of temple prostitute was usually not a choice made by the person. In the ancient world of slavery and subjugation, this practice was to be expected, but it is possible to reclaim this role and adapt it to our modern sensibilities and social evolution. Group sensual touching, the sacred marriage, and even sexual exploration of the self are mentioned as ways of reclaiming the practice of sacred sexuality.
More importantly, Laurelei stresses that the duties of a priestess of Aphrodite go beyond sex, and in fact there are many who serve Aphrodite who never engage in ritual sex. Pleasure and love come in many forms, not just sexual. A priestess could be a sympathetic ear in times of trouble, or a comforting hug.
The book contains a good bit of information about Aphrodite from a standpoint of the mythology surrounding her. It deals with her many lovers, her children, and her wrath. While the book focuses on Aphrodite's role as Goddess of Love, Laurelei also mentions her role as Sea-Goddess and the instigator of war.
The rituals outlined in the book have a fair amount of Wiccan and Druidic influence, but can be adapted to more closesly fit the historical ritual of Hellenic practice. Laurelei even begins her rituals with a purification by khernips, the lustral water used in Hellenic practice.
I would recommend this book to those interested in the worship of Aphrodite from both Hellenic and Neo-Pagan standpoints, and those who are mature enough to deal with the themes of ritual sexual expression.
I have to say the book was well worth buying. Laurelei explains in the beginning that her practice is not 100% Hellenic, but a blend of Neo-Pagan Traditions. This was refreshing to me, because there are a few writers in the Pagan community who like to fudge the truth when it comes to where and when their practices originate from. Having said that, there is a lot of historical evidence supporting many of her practices from a Hellenic viewpoint.
The books deals with serving a Goddess of Love, and what that entails. There is a great discussion on the sacredness of sexuality within ritual, and the function of Aphrodite's historical priests and priestesses (particularly in places such as Corinth) as "temple prostitutes". To have sex with one of these servants of Aphrodite was to be in the presence of the Goddess herself. Laurelei also mentions that in ancient times, this role of temple prostitute was usually not a choice made by the person. In the ancient world of slavery and subjugation, this practice was to be expected, but it is possible to reclaim this role and adapt it to our modern sensibilities and social evolution. Group sensual touching, the sacred marriage, and even sexual exploration of the self are mentioned as ways of reclaiming the practice of sacred sexuality.
More importantly, Laurelei stresses that the duties of a priestess of Aphrodite go beyond sex, and in fact there are many who serve Aphrodite who never engage in ritual sex. Pleasure and love come in many forms, not just sexual. A priestess could be a sympathetic ear in times of trouble, or a comforting hug.
The book contains a good bit of information about Aphrodite from a standpoint of the mythology surrounding her. It deals with her many lovers, her children, and her wrath. While the book focuses on Aphrodite's role as Goddess of Love, Laurelei also mentions her role as Sea-Goddess and the instigator of war.
The rituals outlined in the book have a fair amount of Wiccan and Druidic influence, but can be adapted to more closesly fit the historical ritual of Hellenic practice. Laurelei even begins her rituals with a purification by khernips, the lustral water used in Hellenic practice.
I would recommend this book to those interested in the worship of Aphrodite from both Hellenic and Neo-Pagan standpoints, and those who are mature enough to deal with the themes of ritual sexual expression.
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