Disaster and a Crisis of Faith?

Once again we are awash in images of disaster, the deaths of innocent children, lives have been cut tragically short. These portraits of suffering become etched in our minds, reminding us of the fragility of life. Sacred innocence has been lost, unpreventable as a result of what the public calls “An act of God”

In the above statement we are confronted with some of the most profound questions of human existence. How do we reconcile the existence of divinity with events that clearly represent the very antithesis of what we believe divinity to embody?  What place does our collective belief have in events that lead to tragedy for the most vulnerable among us?

We are clearly confronted with the realization that the monotheistic theory of omnipotence of divinity has little role in these incidents. These insights lead us to ask where is divinity in such events?  We come face to face with the fact that the equal opportunity destroyer that is nature is blind to human suffering.

So where is divinity in the wake of this crisis in Oklahoma?  As a disaster responder who has carried the bodies of children, I would argue that divinity arrives at the site of the disaster with those that respond and those who survive. In their resilience, resolve, generosity and willingness to reach out to those suffering divinity is manifest.

For those who believe in the Gods there is no acceptable answer to the quandary of suffering. If we realize that divinity suffers, sheds tears and grives at our side in our response, than true compassion and willingness to sacrifice self is manifested and we begin to see divinity in the resulting actions of compassion. .

In my belief system, we are all parts of the grand dance that is divinity. Everything interconnected. What happens to one of us happens to all of us. Tragedy geographically removed is personal. If we all contain the spark of divinity it follows that what happens to one part of the body of divinity happens to us all.

Over the years I have seen responses to disaster that transcend what I would have ever thought possible. In Haiti convicts who escaped when the prison collapsed were re arrested while assisting in the search for survivors. Entire community’s suddenly become united in the face of disaster, concepts such as, race, politics, economic status and privilege suddenly collapse and humanity is united by their internal sparks of divinity.

So where are the Gods in the face if disaster? Inside humanity, contained in our collective desire to act as one, in the actions of teachers protecting their charges, in the funds donated to the effort, in the hearts of the first responders and in the incredible courage of those facing loss on an unimaginable scale.

Yes, there are the moments when disaster calls our thoughts to considering the very existence of the Gods. Such thoughts are soon washed away in witnessing the power of divinely manifested compassion and unity in the resulting response. These are the real “Acts of God(ess)”    

Dianics, Evolve or Perish

Over the course of the last couple of years the community has witnessed the evolution of belief among mainstream Dianics towards an ever-widening view of inclusivity, equality and developing a tradition that will continue to empower women to find their voices.

These changes however have not included individuals who are acknowledged as national voices within the Dianic community. Increasingly this isolated group of so called “leaders” have begun to engage in power over, patriarchal and escalatory tactics and language in order to promote an extreme view of the community that promotes discrimination, exclusivity and hate towards the transgender community.

Their arguments boil down to the same old tactic taken by all those that have opposed civil rights advances; namely, granting rights to others infringes on our rights. This is the same argument that the women’s movement opposed in establishing the rights of women. Essentially, the former leadership of the movement has become the very thing they have opposed for over 40 years.

On the other side of the equation are the vast majority of Dianics who are caring loving individuals who support the traditional values of the movement and are able to embrace weaving a new thread into the diverse fabric of social justice. Individuals such as YsheRabbit Matthews and Devin Hunter are great examples of this ethic manifested. These individuals and groups represent the real leadership of the Dianic movement. With time their voices will be acknowledged as representing the future of this important tradition within the Pagan community.

The larger community has begun to speak about Dianics in defamatory terms, citing their beliefs as hateful and archaic.  Such statements should be viewed with caution. Painting an entire tradition with the brush of bigotry only embraces the idea that all Dianics hold discriminatory beliefs and ignores the evidence that many Dianics no longer consider the traditional leading voices as relevant to the direction of the Dianic community.

Yes, the traditional national leadership is going to evolve or perish.  All evidence seems to indicate that they have chosen the path of self-destruction. These individuals can be now be viewed as a sub group within the Dianic community who some are now calling Z-Dianics.  While labels are often not helpful, in this case there is a clear need to differentiate between those beliefs that represent discrimination and those that embrace inclusivity.

Lets return to a place where we respect the Dianic community for all they have achieved. It follows that it is also time to view the minority of Z-Dianics who have become what they have traditionally fought against as a sad relic of great ideas corrupted by extremism and power over patriarchal leadership structures.

As someone who has been partnered to a Dianic Witch for more than a dozen years, I am saddened by current events.  I know most Dianics to be loving and supportive of social Justice to include finding a place for transgender inclusion. It is time to embrace these individuals in dialogue and ignore those who refuse to evolve. After many conversations with members of the Dianic community it is clear an evolution is taking place: Lets embrace those who will move the community forward. 

Note:

To those within the community who believe that reasonable and open discussion and accommodation will lead to inclusiveness and equality for the transgender community please feel free to comment here. Your concerns are important, weaving threads into the fabric of social justice is hard and requires open and respectful communication.

To those who wish to engage this post with name-calling, hate or accusations. I have no more interest in providing a platform for you than any other hate group and your comments will be deleted.  

Pagan Intolerance

Over the course of the past few years I have observed an emerging pattern of Pagan intolerance of divergent viewpoints on issues of importance to the community.  Again and again writers expressing their opinions are subjected to being called names, shamed for their views and subjected to “othering” as a result of expressing a simple personal viewpoint.

What is most alarming about this pattern is the communities’ relative acceptance of these behaviors. The most recent manifestation of this dynamic is the current editorial in Witches & Pagans magazine.  Individuals are threatening to discontinue their long-standing subscriptions to the publication due to an editorial, expressing a personal view.

Instead of taking the opportunity to openly enter into discourse of the presented topic a few in the community jump at the opportunity to take offence, make threats and “other” the author. 

The communities acceptance of such behavior has the consequence of encouraging those who write to avoid any topic that could stir controversy, which if given credence will result in a  “Pagan lite” approach that will leave us with nothing more than a new age, white washed writing ethic that will feature “goodness and light”.

Those individuals willing to tackle topics that call the community to introspection deserve not only our support but deep gratitude for providing us an opportunity to process important trends, develop deeper understanding of issues and acknowledge the importance of free and open discourse.

As part of my personal practice I hold those opinions and individuals with whom I disagree in what I call “Sacred Regard”. They provide me the opportunity to dig deeper, develop compassion and understanding, acknowledge the diversity in community and more clearly define my own understanding of the nature of the divine and my relationship to the Goddess.

Today I am calling for the community to stand for reasonable and respectful discourse. Engage in debates with a clear focus on the spark of the divine that exists within those with whom we debate. Confront those that engage in name-calling or threats. Most of all to relinquish the tendency to take offence in recognition that such behaviors have negative consequences for our community.

My experience is that those with whom I disagree are some of my most valued teachers, friends and guides. Blessings upon all those who are willing state their truth in a respectful manor.

 It is those who are willing to stand at the center of controversy and debate whom I most respect and whom manifest the most positive change in our community.

Coming Out, A Pagan Rite of Passage

Within our community there is a long-standing ethic that rites of passage manifest new responsibilities. Children participate in community coming of age ceremonies and emerge young adults with new privileges each associated with new responsibilities. Crones and Sages take on the role of wisdom keepers, with the respect their position entails comes a heavy burden to be our guides, mentors and orators of reason and community balance.

With the recent International Pagan Coming Out Day event another rite of passage has occurred. Those newly out have acquired new Pagan “Super Powers”. Each individual now faces many choices as to how they will engage their ability to influence society, change attitudes in the broader population and manifest positive changes in themselves. These individuals have taken a giant leap of trust, in confident knowledge that the tribe will support them in their new roles within the community.

For those newly out, a multitude of choices present themselves as to how and when to engage their new public stance on religious identity. Does an individual present themselves early as Pagan or do they engage in establishing them selves as a positive role model, then revealing their beliefs; establishing with the public that Pagans are community servants, teachers, firefighters, community volunteers etc?

It is tempting to shout from the highest mountain new found freedom, yet the new responsibilities associated with being a public representative of our community stirs a sense of caution, measured action and being part of something larger than ourselves.

To all those that urged others to “Come Out” now is the time to recognize our responsibility to provide support, council and loving community to those who have newly proclaimed their true selves to the world!!

To all the courageous individuals who came out last week; Your decision to take up the responsibilities and risks of this “Pagan rite of passage” also means that the community is accountable to assist you in the possible decisions and struggles that your new responsibilities may entail. As with all rites of passages, you now stand upon a precipice, rely on the love, support and wisdom of others as you peer over the edge at this brave new world.

For all those involved in Pagan Coming Out Day, this is a process that requires our continued attention, love, compassion, and trust in each other. It may be a one-day social media event, but coming out is a lifetime commitment, lets make sure our actions reflect our values in supporting our Pagan brothers and sisters

Pagan Coming Out And The Storm Of Intolerance

Pitter patter, pitter patter, rain falling while at a Beltane festival, hundreds of Pagans awash in the giving life of spring, Gaia is nourished, while we await the clearing that will inevitably come. Yes! Florida Pagan Gathering is drenched in the blessed moisture that feeds all life upon Gaia.

It is the eventual clearing that has me thinking on this International Pagan Coming Out Day. The storm will pass, skies will lighten and the blessings of the sun will irradiate the attendees. For many Pagans, however there is a dark cloud hanging over their heads, a cloud bursting with hate, misinformation, economic injustice and fear of living their true path in public.

I would put to you that Pagan Coming Out Day provides an opportunity for Pagans who only take a moderate risk in “coming out” the opportunity to be of profound service to the members of our community who are oppressed by an intolerant society to the point of fear.

As each member of our community proclaims their spiritual truth they set an example, provide a conduit for the broader society to learn that our community is like any other, filled with incredible people doing important work in service to divinity. In turn,  these examples set the stage for more community members to take the step towards openly living as their true selves.

So consider these questions today.  Is my broom closet just providing me with a convenient sanctuary and no longer necessary for self-protection?  Will the little risk I take in coming out be worth the rewards that my community will reap?   Will stepping from the shadows bring a more enlightened understanding to my community?

The individual can only answer these questions after self-reflection. To those who choose to come out, I applaud you!  Each of you is contributing to the manifestation of the day when those who still must live in the shadows for safety can step forward and be embraced by their community as “true self”.

One day soon may the cloud of intolerance clear, may the light of divinity be never again covered by an imposing cloud of bigotry that keeps our fellow community members from proclaiming from the highest mountain their truth!

The Overwhelmed Activist

Sometimes all the information and causes we are bombarded with leave us feeling overwhelmed, unable to focus our energy and efforts. We don’t have to do it all.  We can just take a single issue and make a difference!

Climate Change                                    Oil Sands Pipeline

Killing of Wolves in the West              Attacks on Witches in Florida

Witch Hunts in Africa                          Transgender Discrimination

Vanishing Polar Bear Habitat               Hungry Children

Cholera in Haiti                                    Coral Reef Degradation

Inner City Violence                              Nuclear Power

Police Corruption                                 Illegal Arms Trade

African LGBT Laws                            Marriage Equality

Sonar Killing Whales                            Sexual Violence

Pick One and DO SOMETHING!

This message brought to you by the Society of Former Procrastinator Activists!

Discrimination and Bigotry 1860-2013

1860

If Negros are set free the white southerners will loose all they have built.

 Load of BS!

1919

If women gain the right to vote the rights of men to lead their families’ will be diminished.            

Load of BS!

1964

This civil rights act will remove the rights of business to decide who they will employ or do

 business with.                                   

 Load of BS!

1970

 If we allow interracial marriage we will destroy the American family as we know it. 

 Load of BS!

1985

Allowing women to join men’s only clubs will abandon the right of free association. 

  

 Load of BS!

2010

Allowing gays to marry will erode the rights of traditional couples across our country. 

 Load of BS!

2013

Allowing Transgendered women access to women only events will infringe on the rights of other women.                                                     

                                

 Load of BS!

Each of these arguments are cloaked in the idea that establishing the rights of some somehow diminishes the rights of others, This line of reasoning has always claimed no bigotry, discrimination or hatred is intended, only the protection of “others” rights.

Our country has never given credence to this argument; inclusion, love and acceptance have a track record, after long efforts, of wining the day. To the many who embrace this line of reasoning and believe they are not engaging in bigotry. I urge each of you to gain insight before you find yourselves forever assigned to the historical trash heap of haters, bigots and defenders of the establishment!  

  

Heroes And The Images Seared In Their Minds

Americans have rightly responded with an assemblage of praise for Police, EMT’s Firefighters and civilians who responded with such instantaneous effort after the recent bomb attacks in Boston.  What few know is most of these individuals do not consider themselves heroes, they long ago committed to a profession that requires the willingness lay ones life on the line in service to their community. Simply stated they feel they were doing their job!

This is not to say they do not deserve the accolades that they are currently receiving, only to point out that across our country there are thousands of individuals who have a similar ethic of selfless service even when facing personal loss of life.

The effects of responding to such a tragedy can be long lasting and include sleeplessness, terrifying dreams, increased use of mind altering substances and relationship disturbances. These symptoms are related to Critical Incident Stress Disorder. This condition can be of short duration if debriefings that allow safe expression of issues to be fully disclosed and discussed. Without intervention these symptoms often lead to a permanent condition known as PTSD.

Our first responders are in need of support and a caring environment to process the images burned in their minds eye as a result of this incident. To often responders ignore these symptoms and move forward expecting time and distance from the event to provide relief.

Our brave first responders pay a price for their commitment and actions in saving lives during a horrific event like this. On a personal note, this writer suffered similar symptoms after responding to an international disaster. Now is the time to encourage organizations in Boston to follow through on assuring the services that these responders will need.

Now is also the time to engage our local first responders and thank them for their service, for surely they would and will respond with as much professionalism, bravery and skill should an event occur in our communities.

Are our First Responders Heroes?  Yes, the day they signed up for the job they became agents of compassion, trust and service, truly examples of divinity manifested among us. Let us insure resources are available to them in their time of need.

Whales and Sonar Testing-Guest Post By Kimberly Wolf

Imagine the beginning of your average day; driving to work, sitting down to breakfast with the kids, or if your one of the lucky ones, you’re still in bed.  Unbeknownst to you, someone is getting ready to begin their day a bit differently. Apathetic and mildly aware of their surroundings, a group of people are getting ready to perform a mundane exercise that will create a deafening blast of noise that will assault your city.  Twenty minutes later, as you’re arriving at work, finishing breakfast, or still in a sleepy oblivion, it happens. The sound is so loud and persistent that you can’t even think straight let alone continue your morning.  Your city is in chaos. 

Once the noise dissipates, the aftermath is devastating, with thousands suffering permanent damage ranging from hearing loss to bleeding in the brain. Hundreds eventually succumb to their injuries.  Hundreds more take their own lives because they were unable to endure the maddening noise and tumult.  These people could be your parents, your kids, brothers and sisters and close friends; perhaps even you.  Media would be in frenzy around the world, demanding those responsible be brought to justice and account for their actions. 

It seems unimaginable that something like this could actually happen, but it’s a reality that many are have and continue to deal with.  Communities all over the world have experienced this devastation with some even abandoning their homes, fearing a reoccurrence, which also happens. The people responsible face no disciplinary action and are free to continue without interference.  This is a heartbreaking situation with mass casualties, so why haven’t you heard of this happening before? The problem is that those it happens to don’t have a voice to protest against the atrocities committed against them and few people are aware that it happens at all.

The communities affected by this reside in the ocean.  The victims are marine life, namely whales.  Those who are responsible are human beings.  Because of sonar testing conducted by the U.S. Military, whales have been exposed to the above mentioned scenario with frightening regularity. Many resort to washing themselves up on shorelines just to get away from the noise. One might wonder just how loud this noise must be if a creature would risk its own life to escape it.  To give you an idea, sitting in your car in busy traffic is 85 decibels (dB).  A loud rock concert begins at 115 dB and pain in your ears begins at 125 dB.  Short term exposure to levels at 140 dB (the sound of a jet engine) can cause permanent damage.  Finally, the death of hearing tissue occurs at 180 dB. The sonar that we are exposing our sea life to puts out 235 dB.

This is far beyond what a human being can tolerate, so why expose other creatures to this torture?  What is the purpose for it and why is it even legal?  The exercises that use this sonar are defensive ones, of which many believe are crucial to maintain and strengthen the safety of our country.  The argument that it is important to protect our country is a valid one, but the methods of how we conduct those exercises are unnecessary and inhumane. While it would be a long road to achieve the abolishment of these exercises, there are measures that can be immediately implemented to ensure the safety of the whales.  Before the sonar exercises are conducted, ships can drop specialized microphones into the water to listen for sea life in the immediate area.  This way, the U.S. Military can avoid harming whales in the surrounding area by making sure that they are a safe enough distance away.  These exercises are legal for a couple reasons; there isn’t enough knowledge about this issue available to people to create change and a lot of people do not feel that protecting whales is as important as protecting human beings.  What better qualified group than the Pagan community can articulate and represent the need to respect every living thing and their right to a safe environment? The answer is no one should be able to represent the plight of these creatures or any living thing without a voice better than a Pagan. 

Now that you know about this problem, it’s up to you to promote change. You can:

*Write your state senator. Don’t know who it is? Find them here: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

*Hold a peaceful protest en masse. Here’s a well written how-to guide: http://www.foe.co.uk/resource/how_tos/cyw_59_protest_law.pdf

*Petition for change: 100,000 signatures are needed to warrant a response from the white house by April 15, 2013  in regards to this issue. In two minutes, you can create a free account and sign this petition and put it one step closer on its way to the white house. Sign here:

https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/prevent-further-deaths-halt-usage-sonar-areas-populated-whales/LqZZ6qSL0

*Alert local media outlets such as your local newspapers and television stations.

These are only a few ways to gain the attention of a nation whose concerns are often too numerous for one alone to be heard.  Every single effort counts; encourage everyone you know to follow your example and be proactive in making the dangers of sonar usage to our marine mammal population known.  Your actions can be directly responsible for saving the lives of families and their communities.  We are representatives of the Earth and her inhabitants; it’s time to practice what we preach.

Thank You to Kimberly Wolf for this important statement.