tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-217397854921843769.post5174752926822580519..comments2022-08-16T07:31:22.212-04:00Comments on Bird's Eye View: How did it come to this?Raven Grimassihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455669967847585309noreply@blogger.comBlogger68125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-217397854921843769.post-73778743215184050202021-09-30T10:54:23.422-04:002021-09-30T10:54:23.422-04:00Everything has its value. Thanks for sharing this ...Everything has its value. Thanks for sharing this informative information with us. GOOD work<a href=" www.digitalitfixer.com>Visit new social bookmarking sites list 2019</a>SEO Experthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09045754158696944763noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-217397854921843769.post-85098240136580930652021-09-30T10:52:21.747-04:002021-09-30T10:52:21.747-04:00I feel very grateful that I read this. It is very ...I feel very grateful that I read this. It is very helpful and very informative and I really learned a lot from it <a href="https://www.jackleathers.us/" rel="nofollow">leather racing jackets</a>mehwishseoexpert@gmail.comhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12114811841755921670noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-217397854921843769.post-90276102644298678972020-03-20T07:30:02.260-04:002020-03-20T07:30:02.260-04:00Thanks for sharing 안전토토Thanks for sharing <a href="https://mt-112.com" rel="nofollow">안전토토</a><br />bomb It Onlinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09160119337816885368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-217397854921843769.post-27955763177214982432020-02-12T10:06:58.458-05:002020-02-12T10:06:58.458-05:00사설 토토사이트 을 사랑 하는 베터분들은 안전사이트 의 메이저사이트 대해서 아무리 찾아 보...사설 토토사이트 을 사랑 하는 베터분들은 안전사이트 의 <a href="https://mt-112.com" rel="nofollow">메이저사이트</a> 대해서 아무리 찾아 보셔도 오랫동안 이용 하기란 많이 힘듭니다. 우선 베팅사이트 를 이용 하는 베터분들에게 한마디 드리겠습니다.bomb It Onlinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09160119337816885368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-217397854921843769.post-4876895579371395932020-01-06T04:49:12.543-05:002020-01-06T04:49:12.543-05:00You made such an interesting piece to read, giving...You made such an interesting piece to read, giving every subject enlightenment for us to gain knowledge. Thanks for sharing the such information with us to read this... <a href="https://oculab.org/" rel="nofollow">Best eye specialist doctor in lahore</a><br />workinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06040979762412043113noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-217397854921843769.post-82664404464095001712012-05-18T22:37:32.192-04:002012-05-18T22:37:32.192-04:00Of course what is considered "the mysteries&q...Of course what is considered "the mysteries" seems to be a bit subjective. For instance as a person who has some understanding of Orphic mysteries from mentors in Hellas (aka Greece) I can say that the material of these is significantly different and more indepth in even in smallest parts that what I have found in initiation traditions. So I would hazard to say that Hellenics (not even specifically just Oprhics) in general may have a different understanding of what the mysteries are and mean. And I imagine this may be the case among various traditions that get unceremoniously lumped under the pagan umbrella.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-217397854921843769.post-55701869233431446902012-05-18T22:28:10.557-04:002012-05-18T22:28:10.557-04:00The badly researched is my biggest complaint. Alot...The badly researched is my biggest complaint. Alot of statements particular of the ancient gods without any resources, proper citations....and most often utterly made up. And to have people just eat that stuff up and regurgitate it to others is enough to put me off. It is the main reason why I don't interact much with the overall pagan community, don't go to forums, and tend to spend my time with only fellow hellenics who are at least close on the same page. I put a lot of work into my book Crowned with Nine Rays: A guide to a modern worship of Apollon with years of hard research and putting my BA in history to use with said research...but it is a good thing I didn't write to make money lol, because this book while I have sold nearly 50 copies, it doesn't make a lot of money because it is really an indepth intermediate book for Hellenismos and therefore not very marketable and couldnt' even get published by a pagan publisher since it didnt' have a drop of witchcraft in it to meet up with their lineup. So my book is one among many in my own community that is self published (and therefore unfortunately not graced with the benevolence of a good editor so small errors in grammar and spelling may be found if I missed it on one of my many many editings) and typically on read by other Hellenics. Quality books are out there, but fluff tends to sell and much gets rejected. And I am not the only one who just refuses to put witchcraft into my book just to get it published. A book on witchcraft doesn't automaticaly make it a valuable book, and value can be found in spiritual book without the witchcraft element if any cared to take a look at them.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-217397854921843769.post-64042456239456196472012-05-18T22:01:25.089-04:002012-05-18T22:01:25.089-04:00First off I must state that I don't belong to ...First off I must state that I don't belong to a "craft" religion, rather I follow Hellenismos and learned Orphism from mentors in Hellas and in my own studies. I have been part of initiate traditions when I was younger and found them unsatisfying and that most of the initiate material was stuff that I already knew from my own research and therefore didn't bring any depth to my understanding and yet that others cared less about classical history and mysteries and therefore were uninviting towards my insights. <br />"Pagan" publishing is an issue, but you must realize that most people who are in non-craft polytheistic religions often must resort of self-publishing because no one wants our books. Publishers reject them for not being in the same vein of other books they are putting out and so "don't match their lineup." This is very discouraging to Hellenists who have decades of experience with their gods and research who can't even get their material to be fairly looked over by an editor. My own book was not rejected because of any problems with the book or with the content itself but more or less because it wasn't a witchcraft book. The result is that publishers are only putting out a certain selection of books and entirely alienating segments of the so-called "pagan" audience. Our books become insulated in our own communities and are rarely carried by local bookshops...in fact I would venture to say that they never are.<br />These leads me to comment on what you are saying about local pagan shops...ideally we would all love to put our money in our local economies but realistically when a spiritual store does not carry anything that would even remotely attract a worshiper...well then there is nothing that draws our money there. Non-witchcraft practing individuals who are lumped under the pagan umbrella are not going to feel inclined to purchase things for magic and most statuary in those stores are targeted towards wiccans and witchcraft associated traditions. Again not something that appeals to those ofus not of that inclination. Therefore we are swept aside and we take our dollars elsewhere. I put money in my local economy but I will be the first to admit it is not at a local pagan shop...rather it is an import shop of arts of india because most of these are more applicable in my worship practices.<br />So the problem goes a little deeper.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-217397854921843769.post-59544006023065526692011-08-11T16:34:43.964-04:002011-08-11T16:34:43.964-04:00Swannie, you make some excellent points, thanks. ...Swannie, you make some excellent points, thanks. I remember once suggesting in a forum that the community pull together and light a "need fire" to renew a situation (as they did in Days of Old). I proposed some sacred woods to be used for the fire (another ancient tradition). But what happened is that people began arguing about which woods to use, and arguing about traditional lists of woods in a "I'm right you're wrong" way. And the idea of the healing needfire itself disappeared.<br /><br />I later received mean-spirited emails attacking me, saying "Who are you to say we should a light a needfire". Wow....Raven Grimassihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15455669967847585309noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-217397854921843769.post-67033802774113799642011-08-11T15:31:05.628-04:002011-08-11T15:31:05.628-04:00Raven , Thank you for writing this insightful pie...Raven , Thank you for writing this insightful piece . Although I do not completely share your prognostication , I do see a great deal of truth in what you have written . I am a solitary by nature these days , but experiences in the pagan community have contributed to my solitary path as well . So be it , that is where I am meant to be , and I am deeply content in my path. I am not looking or seeking another path , and I am also deeply grateful for that . <br /> Part of what I see happening around me and what I have seen and experienced in the past is not only a lack of anything new to say on the part of many pagans , but as you said a lack of anything of substance . I wish that were the only thing I have seen but I have to say I have also experienced outright hostility from some pagan communities . I have also experienced loving and caring and shared experiences but those have seemed fewer and rarer than the former .<br /> One example I can give you is the reception at an unnamed online pagan community that I received after announcing that a pagan classical composer from the UK had written a neo- pagan symphony based on an experience I had at Stonehenge ; and I had participated in the writing . The Symphony Of The Stones is a four movement classical beautifully written piece , in which at one point there is a part that sounds like a pagan drum circle drumming with a symphony orchestra. In my naivete and excitement at having participated in this work , I announced it at a certain community . I received the most scathing hostility ,criticism and ostracism I think I have ever experienced on line . I was embarrassed that I had introduced my friend to that place and never went back . FYI the music is not now and never has been for sale , but is free to the public as a shared experience . I understand this response as a result of a closed knit community with group think , but that is not the only community where that dynamic prevails , and that is just part of the problem.<br /> I am one of those pagans who had no formal training , but what I also see are pagan groups emulating the structure of many of the churches of already organized religions around pagan deities. and I find this as restricting as the original religions , but maybe that is just me . <br />Perhaps many of the seekers have left for pastures with more instant gratification and what we are experiencing is more of a consolidation than disintegration .<br /> I for one am not going anywhere the GODDESSS doesn't take me ;) Also, I am in the process of writing a small book on a new perspective on pagan astrology , so I hope you think I have something worthwhile to contribute when I get it published.Swanniehttp://www.cygnusradio.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-217397854921843769.post-61577606736916273382011-08-04T15:01:46.018-04:002011-08-04T15:01:46.018-04:00Most of the Pagan books (most NOT all) are all jus...Most of the Pagan books (most NOT all) are all just rehashed Magick 101 books. They all say the same thing. That's not what I'm looking for. Occasionally I do find a book that has something new and interesting to say, and then I buy it. For the most part, though, I just stick to periodicals. They are much more relevant to me now that I'm not in the Magick 101 stage anymore.Desireehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16321512084660810610noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-217397854921843769.post-65974871636463204272011-07-31T22:26:56.653-04:002011-07-31T22:26:56.653-04:00S.L Aeris, your intelligent reply to this topic an...S.L Aeris, your intelligent reply to this topic and your insights into community are profound...oh, wait a minute, no, you're a moron, so never mind.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-217397854921843769.post-35715243019932147252011-07-27T23:49:02.547-04:002011-07-27T23:49:02.547-04:00YawnYawnAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-217397854921843769.post-9756060385526169432011-07-25T15:23:24.828-04:002011-07-25T15:23:24.828-04:00Popping back in to say that I think this dialogue ...Popping back in to say that I think this dialogue is great. I am intrigued by GreenFlame's comment about saving money to buy a rain barrel. It strikes really close to home and, I think, to the heart of where some Pagans are right now. The rituals and spells and deity systems are good and true and right for some people, but the magic of the seasons and nurturing the earth is a HUGE part of modern Paganism and perhaps those who wish to be purveyors of Pagan goods could latch on a bit more to those concepts. Just a thought...Not Hannahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17817871438213291396noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-217397854921843769.post-13741063181281997882011-07-25T14:56:42.685-04:002011-07-25T14:56:42.685-04:00"Local communities have withdrawn their monet..."Local communities have withdrawn their monetary support of local New Age and Witch Shops, and all across the country many are going out of business. This is a yet fully realized tragedy for these communities. While it is true that you can buy a book cheaper on Amazon.com, or buy a candle cheaper at a discount store, Amazon.com and the Discount store don't care about your spirituality and won't take the time to council you in a crisis, or help you network with others of like mind. Saving a dollar or two that results in losing your local shop seems counterproductive."<br /><br />This is quite true, that so many of our local shops, the places that we often tended to frequent, have gone away, and still are. It is great that I can shop online, and find the same items, in their virtual shops, but its not the same as when you can get to touch-and-feel, know the energy of the item, chat with the shop-keeper, etc. Then again, there have been far too many places that I have gone, that the "shop-keeper" behind the counter knows little more than a typical cashier, and has less people skills than many cashiers. <br /><br />This seems to be true of most stores, of any type, today, when you think about it. Its like going into wally-mart to buy your American Flag, because its cheaper and more convenient than anywhere else now, only to find they are all "made in china". Too sad when we would rather buy a less expensive tool, mass produced, than say, a handcrafted wand or athame. When so many of the shops now have those mass produced items, and canned knowledge to dish out, and are really trying to get you to buy the spell kit rather than give advice on how to create your own way... well that is why things are drifting away from Spirituality. <br /><br />When we can recognize that it is just as important to support our local artisans (just as much as it is to support the local farms for our food sources), and not look for the "easy way out", maybe we can start to find a resurgence in the Spiritual Path. <3Divine Creative Inspirationshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04527091204799751135noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-217397854921843769.post-49863454553481494712011-07-25T14:48:12.993-04:002011-07-25T14:48:12.993-04:00in relation to this blog post of yours here, this ...in relation to this blog post of yours here, this one by Dr. Brendan Myers may be of interest to you. He says it is a reply to yours.<br /><br />http://www.brendanmyers.net/blog/2011/07/supporting-your-beyond-101-writers/Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-217397854921843769.post-77020920139679096092011-07-25T13:54:21.311-04:002011-07-25T13:54:21.311-04:00And of course you cannot and should not write the ...And of course you cannot and should not write the Witch Crap (great phrase). You must write what They tell you to write.<br /><br />At the least, I'm glad to see all this come up in dialog on this, and other blogs and commentaries.GreenFlamenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-217397854921843769.post-80361669677453335212011-07-25T13:04:55.978-04:002011-07-25T13:04:55.978-04:00Raven, I respect you and have enjoyed reading a co...Raven, I respect you and have enjoyed reading a couple of your book, but I think you've missed the mark here. Sales of these books aren't related to lack of interest, but rather lack of money. Repetitive information from the same authors doesn't add value to the market and experienced readers grow weary, of course their going to tell potential readers to not bother. Rather than write a very long comment, I posted my thoughts on my own blog. http://moonbearmagick.blogspot.com/2011/07/how-could-it-end-up-any-other-way.htmlAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-217397854921843769.post-16522422334273617962011-07-25T12:53:18.182-04:002011-07-25T12:53:18.182-04:00GreenFame, I agree with you on many points. Thank...GreenFame, I agree with you on many points. Thanks for posting. I agree that things have been over saturated, which was one of the points in my blog here. And yes, we need to be creative in these hard times.<br /><br />As to my books themselves, I learned long ago that what I have to share is not as popular as the syrupy books and therefore do not sell anywhere near as well. In principle, Fast Food places always do more business than do fine restaurants. I accept that, but I'm not willing to write Witch Crap books in order to try and survive economically.<br /><br />I also know that my material is often misunderstood by many people, and when it's not, it is more often misrepresented on the Internet forums. That's a bit harder to accept, but that seems to be the way of things.<br /><br />The best any of us can do, in the final analysis, is to do what we believe is best for us and those around us. The worst we can do is step back and let others try to take care of things and then hope it results in something beneficial for ourselves.Raven Grimassihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15455669967847585309noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-217397854921843769.post-9219439053499287252011-07-25T12:33:13.143-04:002011-07-25T12:33:13.143-04:00Like with most things that are in a state of growt...Like with most things that are in a state of growth, I think the Pagan community is growing and this brings about much change. Each generation (much like you said) has a different set of skills and conditioning. The newer generations of practitioners are bound to be different in some ways than those of their elders. This is not just a Pagan thing. If some of my ancestors saw the way that the youth were acting today, they would gasp. I think the elders also have to work towards a place of understanding and both sides need to find the medium in between. This is the growing pains of a growing community.<br /><br />As for festivals around the world, I am not sure of the attendance at different places but out here in California, Pantheacon was booming and attendance continues to rise. <br /><br />Blessings.Crystal Blantonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15425202278926947223noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-217397854921843769.post-24973131926459672252011-07-25T12:04:12.974-04:002011-07-25T12:04:12.974-04:00I support what the previous "Anonymous" ...I support what the previous "Anonymous" just said. (And I just turned 50, must be a trend.)<br /><br />I think one of the major issues in our community, with goods and stores and classes and such, is simply that we are on "overwhelm." I speak for myself, but based on what seekers are telling me, I am not alone. When I look at the sheer volume of what's been published (whether good, bad, or mediocre): how can someone possibly keep buying and reading all these books; when will they get time to actually practice and absorb what the books are teaching? Answer: NEVER, especially if, like most people, you hold down any kind of job, go to school, act as parent or caregiver, or have any kind of mundane life.<br /><br />Raven, these deeper books you have been publishing -- I hate to tell you this, but they're going to appeal to a much smaller audience because there just aren't as many people who are ready to do this deeper work, and even at best their numbers are not likely to grow by much, because what I am seeing is that even the best seekers and most dedicated people are struggling to maintain their spiritual life in the face of daily life activities (or one very busy job), parenting, caregiving, commuting, etc. Despite common belief, the number of people who are really swamped by life is greater than the number of dilettantes who can't make spirituality a priority.<br /><br /><br />Similarly, with no disrespect to store owners who feel unsupported: folks, any given Witch only needs so many oils and incenses and crystals and altar items and other Pagan tchotchkes. I love our local stores. They are AWESOME. They generously support the small festivals our trad puts on twice a year. But I look around at my house, and we already have more magickal stuff than we are ever going to use. Then I feel guilty for not buying more, but I'd rather spend my money on rain barrels to conserve water, putting in a new garden, and building a retirement account.<br /><br />The same applies to classes, workshops, festivals, and so forth.<br /><br />This dizzying explosion took place largely under Pluto in Sagittarius. Witchcraft has a significant Underworld component so I think our movement is especially sensitive to this planet. Pluto in Capricorn is providing painful, but probably necessary, Saturnian correction to the Jupiterian overabundance we saw from 1995 to 2008. It's affecting the rest of society, too, and like it or not, we're embedded in that society.<br /><br /><br />At the same time, our religion has more than a typical share of highly creative people producing art, music, writing, liturgy, oils, incenses, etc. Of course we all acknowledge creativity needs support in order not to flicker out. I note that Saturn, which is supplying correction to so many years of Jupiter exuberance, is also currently in Libra, the sign of balance, which is associated with creativity and relationship. <br /><br />Now our challenge is to figure out how to create and sustain community under these Saturnian conditions; how to maintain good meeting places and really come together to support each other outside the context of leisure or consumption. And how to support our artists and authors when we ourselves are struggling to give ourselves the time, space, and energy to have a meaningful spiritual life.<br /><br />Instead of berating ourselves and our community members for failing to ante up the money, perhaps we need to acknowledge that the old models aren't working right now; trust that this is a necessary part of the cycle, just as Samhain and Winter are necessary parts of the Wheel of the Year; and begin to brainstorm on newer, more sustainable models that will help us become a stronger and deeper community over the next couple of decades.<br /><br />Any Winter is a scary time, and while we celebrate Death in our Mysteries, when the Ferryman comes knocking we are loath to answer the door. Let's be gentle with ourselves and each other through these difficult times.<br /><br />~GreenFlame<br />Eternal Harvest TraditionGreenFlamehttp://www.eternalharvestwicca.orgnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-217397854921843769.post-86424949347028933252011-07-25T11:48:40.776-04:002011-07-25T11:48:40.776-04:00Tattooed Witch, I agree, but the good news is that...Tattooed Witch, I agree, but the good news is that there are several good Course of Study programs online operated by seasoned practitioners. Yes, people have to pay (gasp) and have to do the work (double gasp) but it beats stumbling around in the dark looking for the light switch. :-)Raven Grimassihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15455669967847585309noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-217397854921843769.post-38279202876686111312011-07-25T11:31:01.012-04:002011-07-25T11:31:01.012-04:00Many solitaries would love to have access to a cov...Many solitaries would love to have access to a coven or a mentor. There just don't seem to be enough of them to go around. Some covens are too wrapped up in the politics of it all, or are too elitist for solitaries to get close to. We are willing to learn, who is willing to teach?Tattooed Witchnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-217397854921843769.post-81019811104096705342011-07-25T11:30:39.931-04:002011-07-25T11:30:39.931-04:00I think feelings of guilt arise within people due ...I think feelings of guilt arise within people due to whatever wounds still seep within them, and not because of any specific statement someone might make in their presence. Whenever someone tells me that I made them feel angry or guilty, I always reply "No, you did that yourself. Without intent, I just incidentally opened the door to where you store it".<br /><br />There are basic truths, tribal truths, that exist within any society that is to survive. The primary one is support the tribe, help each other, and stand together in adversity. If that is undue pressure, or even something we regard as pressure, then we are worse off than we can imagine.<br /><br />For myself, as a writer, I am putting out deeper material each time I produce a book. My forthcoming book 'Old World Witchcraft' is one example that presents not only fresh material but things rarely seen in publication.<br /><br />I understand that some people want to keep me frozen in time and hold me accountable now for things I believed and wrote about decades before. But even authors can grow, mature, and evolve.<br /><br />I think the point of my blog is becoming lost in a series of knee-jerk reactions to sensitive feelings that people are holding on to, but which have little to do with my posts. My point is that we need to pull together and support each other. My point was not to try and shake people free of their money and pressure them to buy books. My core concern is about what I see moving to the endangered species list in our community.Raven Grimassihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15455669967847585309noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-217397854921843769.post-67837769372309503942011-07-25T10:44:57.160-04:002011-07-25T10:44:57.160-04:00I am a Pagan Woman soon to turn 50 and although yo...I am a Pagan Woman soon to turn 50 and although your points are valid to a certain degree there are things that I have to also point out. It is not just New Age shops closing down due to lack of support. Many small businesses have closed down over the past several years. So the economy is a major factor. You also have to take into consideration people like myself who know the spiritual value of creating your own tools, spells and so forth instead of buying them all the time. Not everything you can make, but when you can, it is best. <br /> I am a writer myself and know how hard it is to get your work out there and to sell. If the demand for it is not there, then perhaps it is time to change with the times. You speak of people tired of reading about the same stuff and thinking there is nothing else more beyond that. Then perhaps writing about the deeper and beyond the common knowledge is something for you to put out. <br /> As far as people posting about their vacations, movies and etc. You can not hold people accountable for the way they spend their money and post blame that it is because this type of behavior causes a decline in our community.<br /> People of all religions from time to time become non-practicing. It doesn't mean they gave up their faith. Christians throw guilt trips on their members when they don't go to church all the time and pressure them into money offerings. Let's not become like them. People should want to buy books, go to New Age stores and purchase items on their own. Not out of pressure, or guilt that they are not supporting their Pagan community.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com