NMR ISSUE 54
Aspect in
Astrology
Bardic Source Book
Because I am a
Witch My Love
Blessing for a
Child
Complete Book of
Spells, Curses
Earth Magic
Fetish Stones
Finding Your
Totem, Discovering Your Guardian
Gleanings 54
How to Use Magick
with a Straight Face
Kingdoms of the
Faerje Realm
Language and the
Doctrine of Signatures
Mountains, Meadows
and Moonbeams
New Twist on
Tinctures
On the Invocation
of Eris:
Pagan Nudity
People of the
Earth:
Shapeshifter Tarot
Teen Witch:
The Great Spirit
Goddess
The Lore of the
Oak
The Samhain Host:
Remembering the Dead
The Sun Goddess:
The Well of
Remembrance:
To Light a Sacred
Flame:
Worship of the
Goddess: The Lost Art
Articles
Authors
Rituals
Book
Reviews
NMR Issues
NMR
Covers
|
Merry Meet,
Welcome to the long lost edition of New Moon Rising! Our regular readers must have thought we went into the void. Alas, having gone through many trials and tribulations, (staff changes/desertions, moving and computer system crashes and rebuilds) we are happy to present your with the current issue. We pray the Olds Ones will stand firm with us so we may continue to bring you a quality cornucopia of magickal pagan delights.
These are indeed exciting times as we see more and more people discovering the pagan spiritual roots of western society. However, more and more people are buying into the void practice of intermediary religious practices. Discerning seekers are discovering that the Old Ones are only a heartbeat away always willing to guide, inspire and teach. Worship is a practice of honoring our gods and goddesses. It is a human practice and invention. It cannot be dictated nor can it be extracted. Only from open and willing heart can honor and respect be given.
Although it is wonderful to see this rebirth of pagan spirituality, I see a very dangerous trend emerging. There seems to be a compelling urge to create pagan religions in the image of the Christian churches; formalizing rituals, establishing hierarchies, establishing dogmas, demanding adherence to creeds and codes of practice. We are in a renaissance, a rebirth, a period of creative discovery. The most dangerous thing that could ever happen is to give into that age-old desire of humanity to let someone else tell us what is true. Turning our spirituality over to some priest or priestess. It hasn't worked in other religions and I dare say it will not happen in the new pagan churches and religions. I am sure these words of mine will upset many. My reply would be to suggest a good healthy dose of honest research into the history of religions on this planet.
A more positive approach might be to recognize the vitality and variety of the pagan expression. We can come together in networks and open circles. This is not a new idea. The effort has been going strong in various parts of the US and Europe for decades. Listings of such networks and events are regularly posted on the Internet or from Circle Sanctuary (a noble leader in this approach). To support this non-sectarian approach we are dedicating regular space in New Moon Rising and on our website, www.nmrising.com, to free network listings and group descriptions. But ultimately, only you, the seeker, can discern your path.
We here at NMR are committed to bringing you fresh and thought provoking articles. Some might even venture into strange and uncharted territory. They are presented in a hope that they will aid in one way or another in individual growth. Our concern is not with groups or institutions, but with the health and well being of the global family: Father Sky, Mother Earth and Life their child.
Bright Blessings,
Nuin Macdonald, Editor |
