‘Shinto is essentially a religion of gratitude and love.’
– W.G. Aston Shinto, the Way of the Gods
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Shinto is the indigenous “religion” of Japan. It is not a “full” religion in that it has no written scriptures and is not a way to explain the world. Shinto teaches ethical practices but has no commandments. Shinto: Way of the Spirits was originally presented by Allen Reed for White Oak Grove CUUPS September 2, 2018. ©2018 Allen Reed
A flame within a chalice, first deigned by Hans Deutsch in 1941, is a primary symbol of the Unitarian Universalist faith tradition. Many of our congregations kindle a flaming chalice in gatherings and worships and feature the chalice symbol prominently. What does this have to do with the greek Goddess of Home and Hearth? Continue reading “Hestia Symbolism in the Unitarian Universalist Association”
“I know that I hung
on a wind-battered tree
nine long nights,
pierced by a spear
and given to Odin,
myself to myself,
on that tree
whose roots grow in a place
no one has ever seen.
No one gave me food,
No one gave me drink.
At the end I peered down,
I took the runes—
screaming, I took them—
and then I fell.”
(Havamal verses 138 – 139, “The Poetic Edda” translated by Jackson
Crawford)
“I believe in everything until it’s disproved. So I believe in fairies, the myths, dragons. It all exists, even if it’s in your mind. Who’s to say that dreams and nightmares aren’t as real as the here and now?”
―
Get ready for Beltane by perusing our May Pagan Traditions Pinterest Board!
We will gather Sunday, May 5, 2019 at 12 PM at Rockford Unitarian Universalist to celebrate the fae spirits of awakening, fertility and rebirth. A fae-focused Beltane ritual that will include laughter and a May pole! Beltane is also a great time for hopes, dreams and aspirations to be wished on. We will prepare a community wish box to be buried in the rich soil of Mother Earth. The ritual should take about an hour and light refreshments will be served.
If you’re trying to learn Witchcraft—or anything really—a base of know Potion, brew, philter, bath, infusion, sachet, charm or mojo bag, Witch’s bottles and jars—there are so many different kinds of things Witches seem to make, aren’t there? Well, they don’t call it “The Craft” for nothing. Witchcraft and spells often involve actually crafting and enchanting different types of items. Continue reading “Magical Concoctions,Brews and Teas”
