During the Summer Solstice and other liminal times of the year, it’s common for those who teeter between worlds to cross over. As my grandmother has just made this transition, I thought it appropriate to talk about the animist tradition of keening and lamenting. What are Keening and Lamentations? Some say keening and lamenting are […]
Category Archives: spirituality
Celebrating Father’s Day When Your Dad Isn’t The Greatest Guy
Today is Father’s Day. Some of us are making joyous memories with our families. Some of us are trying to forget the wounds of our childhood and wishing we had different fathers. So how do you celebrate Father’s Day if your dad isn’t the greatest guy? Well, if you want to transform your past, read […]
How To Practice Panism
So, you want to be an animist and you don’t know where to start. We’re glad you’re here. This article can help you on your journey! The first thing to know is that Panism is a lifestyle that flows from your beliefs. It’s not the beliefs themselves. So essentially, it’s a way to just be […]
Responsible Group Ritual Leadership
Ritual space is sacred space. Leading group ritual requires responsibility. The leader’s job is to make sure that everyone who participates knows what is going on, is healthy enough to participate, and is appropriate for the group. Additionally, the leader needs to know what each person may bring into the group setting so that he […]
Your Summer Solstice Celebration
Summer solstice is upon us! What are you doing for your summer solstice celebration? No clue? Don’t want a public drunken, rowdy bonfire? Here is a suggestion that will keep is sacred and simple. Plan Your Altar Prepare by gathering what you want for your altar. Think about what this time means for you. Summer […]
Do No Thing
I was talking to a woman about my long drive to work, and she asked, “Do you listen to podcasts? Music?” When I told her no, she replied, “Do you plan your day?” Again I replied no. I could tell from the look on her face that she didn’t understand and thought I was wasting […]
Why We Celebrate Memorial Day
It might not seem logical for Memorial Day to be something that animists observe. We already have two ancestor days – Ancestor Day and May Day. Is honoring our fallen soldiers a spiritual practice or a personal one? Is it appropriate to honor soldiers at all? If you have these thoughts, read on and see […]
Things Happen When You’re Quiet
This morning while on my walk, the forest was so silent. The carpet of pine needles kept my footsteps quiet. So, it was easy for me, and everything around me, to just Be. I was looking at the hollow of an old oak tree and almost didn’t notice it. I am not sure what caused […]
If a Tree Falls and No One Hears It, Does It Make a Sound?
“I hope you have your hiking shoes on,” he said. I looked at him quizzically and responded, “Why, do I need them?” He replied, “There is a downed tree ahead. You can shimmy over it if you are adventurous, but I’d turn back.” Curious, I strode on. I could smell it before I saw it. […]
Am I a Shaman?
Have you read or heard something and now you are asking yourself, “Am I a shaman?” You are the final authority on your reality. No one can answer that question for you, however, let me provide you with some things to think about that might help to make this clearer. What Is a Shaman? “Shaman” […]