Early Black Magic

A group of people belonging to a merchants guild carried an evergreen bedecked with artificial flowers to the marketplace, danced around it, then set fire to it. This seems to be a combination of the Christmas tree as we know it and the Yule log.

Santa Claus is also pagan. There is even a book out now called When Santa was a Shaman. Many attribute him to St. Nicholas, who was a bishop in Asia Minor. But he is never depicted in the clothing of a bishop, but that of a cape or great coat. The name Old Nick is also a nam

I call the Elements, then the Gods, and then I finish casting the circle, but other folks cast their circle first, then they invite everyone in. And others will call the Elements, cast the circle, the call the Gods. Theres no wrong way to do this, just ways that feel more natural than o

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Yule is also unique in that a lot of our Western modern secular Christmas traditions have their origins in older folk traditions that celebrated Yule. Hanging evergreens, decorating trees, kissing under mistletoe, wassailing, and even Santa Claus have their origins in earlier practices. This season is rich with cultural and family traditions, and its a great time to gather and reminisce around a warm hearth and crackling fire. In earlier times, the winter feasts and celebrations held at Yule were ways of alleviating the boredom of the cold times, as well as making sur

Ironic Intolerance of the Supernatural in Pagan Society
It just had to be said: many modern Pagans do not really believe in the supernatural. I will freely admit it: I began my study of the occult (I use occult - the practice of magic -- to distinguish from Wicca - a religion that practices magic) because I was looking for the special effects stuff. You know what I mean -- the ability to move an object, .

How to Include Physically Challenged People in Group Rituals
This article examines an important modern Wiccan/Pagan issue from both angles. Coven and group leaders can learn how to best accomodate members with disabilites, and the differently-abled are given some ideas for how to make their participation in group events easier for everyone..

Paganism and the Division of Community
Things such as “eclectic” “traditionalist” “reconstructionist” “Witch” Wiccan” “Fundamentalist” “Christian” or any other “title” or denomination used to segregate, label, categorize the people (or anything else for that matter) is not a good thing because most people take it too far. It’s one thing to say I’m this….” because it allows others to easi.