There are a number of festivals and practices which are considered traditional in the United States that are not celebrated in Australia. However, thanks to the wonders of the silver screen and cable television, many people in Australia (and indeed the rest of the world) are at least aware of what goes on in the United States. One of the incredibly enjoyable festivals that we miss out on in Australia is Halloween.
I experienced my first Halloween in 2004 in a quiet residential suburb not far from Columbus, Ohio. I was impressed by the effort that many people went to in decking out their houses. I was stunned by the inventiveness of the children’s costumes and the obscene amounts of candy they accumulated. I found myself (more…)
posted by Tony Mierzwicki @ 4:46 pm
filed under: Events, Tonys Mishmash
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Growing up in Australia I had a strong sense of being isolated from the rest of the world. One of the really exciting things about living in the United States is that I can meet the authors of many of the books I have enjoyed over the years.
I envy those people who are happy with the spirituality of their parents and those others who seem to chance upon their spiritual path as soon as they start seeking. In my case, it took many years of searching before I finally arrived where I am now.
To paraphrase the sixth century BCE Chinese Taoist philosopher, Lao-tzu,
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” This indicates just how important the first step actually is.
When I think back over my own path, every time there was a change of direction, there was always that all important first step. A crucial part of my journey involved studying the Qabala. The first book I ever read on the Qabala was Simplified Magic: A Beginner’s Guide to the New Age Qabala by Ted Andrews, an internationally recognized author and mystic. My well used copy dates back to 1989. For someone coming from a Christian background, the Qabala with its biblical names for God and the angels had a sense of comfortable familiarity. (more…)
posted by Tony Mierzwicki @ 11:55 pm
filed under: Events, Pagan Issues
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While it would be wonderful to compile all of the reviews of Graeco-Egyptian Magick (GEM) in one place, the next best thing would be to provide links to them. The following may not be an exhaustive list, but the best I can come up with using Google Search.
Most of the reviews of Graeco-Egyptian Magick (GEM) are to be found on Amazon. At the time of writing, there are twelve reviews on Amazon.
Amongst the Amazon reviews is one by Peter Paddon, traditional witch and author, owner of Pendraig Publishing and host of the Crooked Path podcasts.
Mark Williams, Brother and Yonah Sophian Bishop of Magdalene Circle, (more…)
posted by Tony Mierzwicki @ 2:53 pm
filed under: Books, Tonys Mishmash
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Spanish director Alejandro Amenabar’s movie, “Agora,” is based on the story of Hypatia (born between 350 and 370 CE) a Greek pagan woman from Alexandria, Egypt, who was a scholar, philosopher, mathematician and astronomer. In March 415, she was falsely accused of inciting religious turmoil. Hypatia was then set upon by a Christian mob led by a man called Peter, probably Peter the Reader, who was the assistant to Bishop Cyril. Hypatia was stripped and dragged through the streets, only to have her skin stripped off with potsherds, and was then burnt to death. Bishop Cyril was rewarded by being canonized
By way of definition, an agora was initially an open “place of assembly” in ancient Greek city-states for free-born male land-owners to discuss politics, current events, and philosophize. Later, it served as a marketplace where merchants kept stalls or shops
The movie, Agora, was awarded the Alfred P Sloan Foundation Feature Film Prize as it serves as (more…)
posted by Tony Mierzwicki @ 7:14 am
filed under: Tonys Mishmash
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Jo-Ann and I attended the eleventh annual Los Angeles Pagan Pride Day (PPD) on Sunday 4 October 2009.
The event was organized by Brian, Patricia, Hope, Linda and Gina along with a number of volunteers. There were a number of rituals, lots of musical entertainment, and a large range of workshops to choose from. I presented my workshop, “The Practice of Ancient Greek Religion Today.”
While I made myself available to talk about Cherry Hill Seminary (CHS), as I usually do, I was beaten to the punch by Covenant of the Goddess – Orange County Local Council, who were getting the word out with CHS brochures.
While the Los Angeles PPD is a bigger event than San Diego PPD, it has a very different feel to it. Attendees tend to spend the entire day at the San Diego event. However, at Los Angeles, they tend to breeze in, enjoy the activities and stalls for a couple of hours, and then breeze on out. This translates to more potential sales for stall holders.
posted by Tony Mierzwicki @ 12:51 pm
filed under: Events, Pagan Pride Day
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On 22 September 2009, Matt Latimer, a former speechwriter for George W Bush, released his book, “Speechless: Tales of a White House Survivor.”
Latimer has some interesting things to say about the politics behind awarding of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which is the nation’s highest civil award, being presented to individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, or cultural endeavours.
White House officials under George W Bush refused to give the Presidential Medal of Freedom to author J K Rowling because they believed her Harry Potter writings promoted the practice of witchcraft and sorcery. Publicly, the Bushes were vocal in their praise for her books.
J K Rowling is the pen name of Joanne “Jo” Murray, OBE. Her Harry Potter books have sold more than 400 million copies, have been made into popular films, and have garnered her numerous awards.
What is so often forgotten is that before the first Harry Potter book came out, illiteracy was a major concern, particularly amongst children. The real miracle of the Harry Potter books is that they caused millions of children around the world to read (and re-read) them voraciously. (more…)
posted by Tony Mierzwicki @ 12:20 am
filed under: Pagan Issues, Politics
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