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O Holy Death: Santa Muerte
Although Santa Muerte is not a Pagan figure at all, this increasingly popular symbol of death is attracting some degree of notice among the Pagan community. Why? Because if you’re part of a Pagan path that honors the cycle of life, death, and rebirth, then deities of death and the underworld from a variety of other cultures and religions are worth discussing. Santa Muerte, or Saint Death, has been in the news lately because of her association with Mexican drug cartels. In a Huffington Post article, Professor of Religious Studies R. Andrew Chesnut says of Santa Muerte, “Media coverage, especially TV news, has overwhelmingly portrayed her as a sinister narco-saint,…
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When Tarot Readings Fail… And They Do.
A reader says: I’ve been reading Tarot cards for a few years now and have been practicing on family members and friends. Last week, I was asked to do a reading for someone I had never read for before, and it was a disaster! None of the cards made any sense, and I felt terrible afterwards. Is this normal? While I wouldn’t go so far as to say it’s normal–because that word can mean a lot of different things–it’s definitely not uncommon. Really, it does happen, and it happens for a variety of reasons. Sometimes you, as a reader, may just be having an “off” day. Maybe you’re tired, not…
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Pagans with Disabilities, and the Need for Inclusiveness
Did you know that there are a significant number of people in today’s Pagan community who have a disability? Pagans with disabilities find themselves facing a unique set of issues that able-bodied people don’t have to content with. While non-disabled people may automatically assume that “disabled” means “in a wheelchair,” often disabilities are something that we cannot see. Because of this, there are sometimes conflicts between event or ritual organizers, and members of the disabled community. While the Americans with Disabilities Act created a set of guidelines for businesses, employers and other organizations, many people with disabilities are still limited in how much participation they have in their community. Please…
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Need Time to Learn? Create a Daily Study Plan!
Okay, I get it. It’s hard to find the time to dedicate to your spiritual growth. After all, you’ve got a job, kids, a life… who has time to read, right? Well, the fact is that you’ve got the same 24 hours in your day as everyone else. It’s up to you to decide how to spend it. If your spiritual growth is truly important to you, you’ll prioritize things so you’ll have the time you need to learn and study. Many people find that by setting up a daily plan of study, they can develop good habits that help them make time for their spiritual education. So what are…
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Magical Favors for Your Handfasting Guests
It’s become traditional to give each of your guests a small wedding favor. Typically, these are small trinkets with either the date of the event or the couples’ names on them. However, if you’re having a Pagan handfasting, rather than a traditional wedding ceremony, why not come up with an idea that celebrates your spiritual path, as well as announcing your commitment to the community? In some traditions, it’s become popular to have a besom wedding. Decorate small brooms with ribbons, flowers and a bundle of fresh herbs. You can usually pick up little brooms at the craft store, or you can make your own. Make a magical charm for…
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The Cat Ate My Tarot Card and Other Weird Things
A reader says, “I found a deck of Tarot cards that I had forgotten about, and one of the cards looks really weird. It’s got a tear across one edge and it feels strange. Maybe my cat got hold of it and nommed on it. Maybe my toddler did, because he’s three and eats everything. Okay, honestly I really don’t know what happened to it. Can I use it?” You win the Internet today, because I don’t think I’ve ever gotten an email before with the Tarot equivalent of “the cat (or the baby) ate my homework,” and yet here we are. There’s a first time for everything. However, it’s…
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The Hobby Horse Tradition
Beltane is in just another six weeks, and one of my favorite traditions of this time of year is that of the Hobby Horse–or, if you’re in Cornwall, England, the ‘obby ‘oss. In England, the hobby horse tradition goes back to the island’s early Pagan roots, as the hobby horse welcomes in the fertility season. Although the specific origins of the hobby horse rituals aren’t known for sure, imagine, if you will, early farmers going out to do their spring planting in the fields. Now, picture the phallic symbolism of the Maypole, around which all the villagers will be dancing on Beltane. Sticks and poles are about as phallic as…
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Forsythia Folklore and Magic
Sometime between Ostara and Beltane, you’ll probably start to see the bright yellow blooms of forsythia plants appearing. This early spring flower is associated with the sun, thanks to its yellow flowers, and it seems to have an uncanny ability to blossom without any care or tending whatsoever–it’s not uncommon to find random forsythia plants in full bloom at properties long since abandoned. According to some legends, once the forsythia flowers begin to bloom, it means you’ll still have three more snowfalls before the winter is truly over. During the Victorian era, flowers were assigned special meanings, as part of a “secret language of flowers.” The forsythia is associated with…
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What the Heck is an Aura, Anyway?
In many metaphysical practices, you’ll hear people talk about auras. But what exactly is an aura, and what is its significance? Depending on whom you ask, there can be a variety of interpretations and definitions, but in general, an aura is considered to be a luminous energy field that surrounds all living beings. Many people believe that they can see colors in someone’s aura, as well as the aura’s strength. Although the existence of auras hasn’t been scientifically proven, some people claim that the use of special cameras allows us to take photos of a person’s aura. You may encounter these occasionally at metaphysical fairs, where vendors will offer to…
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The Myths and Magic of Violets
According to Maud Grieve’s Modern Herbal, there are over two hundred species of flower in the violet family. This leaves a lot of room for interpretation when it comes to magical workings. We’ll just take a look at violets in general, without going into details about specific members of the family. In Roman myth, the first violet sprung from the spilled blood of the god Attis, who killed himself for Cybele, the mother goddess. In other legends, Jupiter changed his lover, Io, into a heifer to protect him from the jealous rages of Juno–and violets sprouted up in the field so Io would have something to eat. It is believed…
