About.com Paganism / Wiccan

Prehistoric Burial Ground Found in Skye

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:50:42 +0000

Archeologists say they have unearthed a half dozen slab-lined graves and several cremation pits have on the Sleat peninsula in Skye, and they say it's one of the most significant finds in the area. Although there are bones in the graves, they appear to have been damaged by the tide. Flint urns and tools were located at the site, according to researcher Mary Peteranna.

Two short, slab-lined graves were uncovered during the initial dig, and "further excavations revealed a monument with an arc of three standing stones enclosing another cist, which was covered by a two-tonne capstone." Peteranna said that the first two graves were from the Bronze Age, and the center one is probably from the Neolithic era.

The site appears to have been used exclusively as a burial site, and the center grave most likely held the remains of a person of importance.

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Prehistoric Burial Ground Found in Skye originally appeared on About.com Paganism / Wiccan on Friday, November 6th, 2009 at 20:50:42.

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Forums Temporarily Down

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:47:51 +0000

Important Note: As of 8 pm on 11/04/09, many of the About.com Discussion Forums are down. This is a sitewide issue that our Forum provider, Mzinga, is working on resolving. To the folks who have emailed me asking if you've been blocked - you haven't. It's a technical glitch, and hopefully it will be fixed soon! Thanks!

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Forums Temporarily Down originally appeared on About.com Paganism / Wiccan on Wednesday, November 4th, 2009 at 21:47:51.

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Google Sued for Religious & Sexual Discrimination

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:12:20 +0000

A former employee of Google is suing the search-engine giant saying he was treated in a discriminatory way by a supervisor, based in part upon his Wiccan beliefs. James Bara says in his claim that Pam Sohn, a manager in Google's Atlanta office, made numerous jokes about the sexual orientation of a transgendered employee. Bara says he spoke to Sohn about the matter, telling her that the remarks were inappropriate. Soon afterwards, he says, she began making inappropriate statements about Bara's religion.

The complaint goes on to describe "a series of escalating human resources complaints and alleged workplace retaliation... [Bara] charges that he began being treated differently in the office and was required to be in the office when female workers were not. He claims he and other male workers were not allowed to work from home whereas female workers were granted that privilege." Although Bara attempted numerous times to resolve the issue both by meeting with Bara and by speaking with the folks in Human Resources, he claims that his workplace environment became downright hostile.

Bara says that despite an outstanding work record in his three years at Google -- much of which was endorsed by Pam Sohn -- he was terminated in "an obvious, transparent, and classic case of retaliation." A Google spokesperson says, "After a thorough investigation, we have no reason to believe James Bara was discriminated against or treated unfairly, and we'll defend ourselves vigorously against these charges. Google values a diverse and respectful workforce and does not tolerate discrimination."

In the past, Google has been one of the companies at the forefront of respecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender rights. You can read the entire complaint here: Bara v. Google

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Google Sued for Religious & Sexual Discrimination originally appeared on About.com Paganism / Wiccan on Wednesday, November 4th, 2009 at 13:12:20.

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Pagan Republican Wins Election

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:56:30 +0000

In what may have been the first event of its kind, an out-of-the-broom-closet Pagan candidate has won a seat on New York City's city council. Dan Halloran, who is a Theodsman, had a tumultuous candidacy when his opponents tried to link his Heathen belief system to racism and white supremacist groups. Halloran, a Republican, defeated opponent Kevin Kim by about 1300 votes.

While I wouldn't go as far as to say this is the beginning of some new enlightened political era, in which Pagans and Christians all hold hands and sing Kumbayah on election night, it's certainly something of a milestone. Halloran's campaign had to spend half their time defending his religious beliefs and putting out fires fueled by allegations that he was part of a racist white-power cartel. Now that he's got his seat in District 19, though, it may make things just a bit easier for the next Pagan or Heathen who decides to run for a major political office.

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Pagan Republican Wins Election originally appeared on About.com Paganism / Wiccan on Wednesday, November 4th, 2009 at 10:56:30.

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Fun Witchy Book for Your iPhone

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:59:35 +0000

OK, so this doesn't officially have much to do with modern Pagan religions at all, but it's witchy and it's fun, so I just had to share. Children's author and illustrator Elizabeth O. Dulemba has written a book for kids called Lula's Brew, and it's available as an app for your iPhone. Download it and your kids can touch-screen their way through the rhyming story, which is read aloud by the author.

Lula is a little girl who wants to be a chef, instead of a witch like her aunts. She hates to fly on brooms, and would rather cook than cast spells -- so naturally, there's a neat little magical twist to the tale. It looks just adorable - what a neat idea. If anyone does download it, share it with your kids and then stop by and tell us what they thought! You can visit the author's website here: Lula's Brew

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Fun Witchy Book for Your iPhone originally appeared on About.com Paganism / Wiccan on Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009 at 13:59:35.

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Egyptian Animal Mummies

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:18:05 +0000

If you don't have a subscription to National Geographic, now's a good time to go pick up the latest issue -- there's a great article on the animal mummies of ancient Egypt. It's an interesting piece that looks not only at the mummies themselves, but how the Egyptians viewed immortality. Check it out if you get a chance.

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Egyptian Animal Mummies originally appeared on About.com Paganism / Wiccan on Monday, November 2nd, 2009 at 12:18:05.

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Join Me at Pagan Unity Day!

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:06:10 +0000

If you're in the Charleston, South Carolina, area, stop in this coming Saturday at Pagan Unity Day in North Charleston. I'll be there presenting a workshop on Coming Out of the Broom Closet, as well as doing Tarot readings and selling books. This amazing event is hosted by Lowcountry CAST, and it should be a great time for everyone!

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Join Me at Pagan Unity Day! originally appeared on About.com Paganism / Wiccan on Monday, November 2nd, 2009 at 10:06:10.

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Mourning Moon November 2

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 08:05:33 +0000

It's a little chillier each day, the skies are a bit grayer, and it's the time of year we call the Mourning Moon. This post-Samhain season is often considered a fallow time, a period in which we rest and rejuvenate. It's also the beginning of a new year for most Pagans and Wiccans - why not use this month to plan your new beginnings for the coming year?

Correspondences this month include colors that match the changing skies -- grays and blues and silvers. Gemstones for this month continue the theme with topaz and lapis lazuli. Take the time this month to honor deities of the dark season like Isis, Bastet and Hecate. This is a time to wash away your old bad habits and baggage -- get a fresh start for the new year. Dump those toxic relationships that are dragging you down with negativity, and work on strengthening your connection to the Divine and to Self.

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Mourning Moon November 2 originally appeared on About.com Paganism / Wiccan on Sunday, November 1st, 2009 at 08:05:33.

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A Blessed Sabbat to You All!

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 06:58:05 +0000

It's Samhain, which means it's time to celebrate the witch's new year! The veil between the worlds is thin and frail, the earth is dying a bit each day, and the nights are getting longer. It's my favorite time of the year -- I can smell burning leaves in the air, and there's a crispness to the night that reminds me that winter is on its way. This year, I've celebrated by taking my kids trick-or-treating, hosting a family Halloween party, and attending a Samhain party and ritual. I'll also be participating in a dumb supper, which is something I recommend everyone try at least once, because it's just amazing.

Take a few moments to reflect on the things in your life that have changed over the past year, since the last Samhain. What have you put aside as no longer needed? What have you nurtured and grown? You may also want to pay tribute to your ancestors on this night, as the spirit veil is fragile.

If you're one of our Southern Hemisphere readers, you'll be celebrating Beltane at this time of year. Spring is trying to get a jump start, and greenery is beginning to come alive. It's a time of new life and fertility, of passion and energy. It's a season to start growing new things in your life.

Whichever one you may be celebrating -- whether you're observing the beginning of life or the end of it -- I wish you and yours a happy and blessed Sabbat!

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A Blessed Sabbat to You All! originally appeared on About.com Paganism / Wiccan on Saturday, October 31st, 2009 at 06:58:05.

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Interview With ABC News

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:37:43 +0000

Yesterday, I spent a half hour chatting with Russell Goldman of ABCnews.com, and the result was a nice article about the increasing number of Wiccans and Pagans in the United States -- naturally, tied into the Samhain celebrations this weekend. Other than the fact that Russell calls me middle-aged (which I'll let him slide on, since I didn't mention to him that I'm only 41), it's a good piece that looks at many different aspects of the upcoming sabbat. Check it out here: Real Witches Practice Samhain: Wicca on the Rise in U.S.

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Interview With ABC News originally appeared on About.com Paganism / Wiccan on Friday, October 30th, 2009 at 14:37:43.

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