Editorial
Merry Meet!
I would like to welcome you to the Ostara / Beltane issue of New Moon Rising. It's a little late and for that I am responsible. You see its not that easy to pick Up where Scot left off in six short weeks. So who am I, you might ask. Well simply put, I am your new editor.
We are again at the crossroads. New Moon Rising has been through several shifts and changes throughout the years; yet, it keeps on coming through. I hope to keep up that record and with the Olde Ones blessings, help bring it to new heights.
Thialia and I come to you as ones that love to share and spark up a good conversation. We have been involved in the Pagan & Occult community for most of our adult lives. We are extremely committed to the work we take on and clearly see the evolving Pagan Renaissance as a vital and necessary step in the evolution of western spiritual awareness and the very health of our home, Earth. In New Moon Rising we hope to continue to explore, encourage dialog, debate and nurture the Pagan spirit.
In keeping with this emphasis, our subtitle has changed to A Magickal Pagan Journal. While we are still a journal of magick and paganism for the New Aeon, we needed something a bit more succinct. Speaking of changes, this year will be full of them as we try some new ideas in format and content. Although we have already made the biggest which is in our size, paper and layout. A journal like this cannot be static. It must evolve, as we must. A slight difference is that you have a hand in its evolution. This is the keynote, your feedback and participation. Please let me know what you think. If you just can't stand that picture or if you really got something out of that article. You can reach anytime me by post, email, fax or voicemail.
I have mentioned our commitment to what we call the Pagan Renaissance. This will very much be a reoccurring theme in our work here. We are essentially a Pagan publication and very proud of that fact. We will be exploring the roots of the western pagan experience. Most especially we will be seeking and presenting quality material which will deepen our understanding of prechristian paganism. Also there will be an effort to explore paganism in general without the judeao-christian influence.
A simple thing to think about in these times of millennial neuroses is just what is this all about? We are all talking about a great event/turning point. Is it planetary alignments? Perhaps it is the coming fulfillment of ancient prophecy? Still it might be the impending doom of shortsighted programmers unable to anticipate a date beyond 1999. Or is it the mass psychology of the Christian community exerting its influence again in our lives. After all, it is simply a convention of dating founded upon the birth of a sungod. It is true that we can recognize the cyclic and spiralic nature of the event. Cycles are a given in nature. It is her way. And just perhaps, this might be part of the energy behind this millennial obsession. However, it is a prime example of how deep the Christian influence is. Many of our supposedly pagan ideals, rituals and structures are inspired more Christian ideals than pagan concepts. Why? Perhaps it is because practically all of us are living in a culture that is predominately Christian. The tides are changing. Now we are the people of the catacombs. The Olde Ones have surfaced again in our hearts, minds and souls. We are called back to heal the earth. We are called to live in harmony with nature. The sounds of distant drums are beckoning us to journey to the Otherworld to learn anew who we are. Let us sing, let us dance, and let us celebrate the return.
Bright Blessings!
Nuin Macdonald | 
