I've been hearing enough about divination lately that I feel the need to say something.  Then again, there is always something being said about divination.  But now, someone very unexpected said something favorable about it.  The problem is, this person is a supposed theologian, but I sometimes wonder if this person understands some concepts that I consider extremely basic.

And I do have a couple of issues with divination - not with divination itself, but how people understand it.  Between dabblers and wanna-be "fortune tellers", it's a wonder people remember what divination is!

Not only that, but some of the people who are so quick to condemn divination should take a look at their own spiritual roots!

Blessed Be!

Some time ago, I described ignorance as being the "One True enemy".  The one mistake I made with that is that if something is called "the one true..." it makes an impression that that is the only issue we need to confront.  It's not that simple.  The problem can take many forms, and each form can in and of itself be an issue.  Such is the case with ignorance.

And, there is one particular manifestation of ignorance that can take several forms, and be anything from irritation to the cause of yet more problems.

Let's look at it and see how we might be able to deal with it!

Blessed Be!

I noticed on one of my favorite places to see how the secular world sees things spiritual, that death seems to be a favorite topic among some secular people.  Especially if those are people who write books, produce movies, or develop other exercises for otherwise idle minds.  But it is not so popular among those actively involved in religion- of any denomination or tradition.

Part of the reason probably is the combination of how much we don't know, how much some folks just conjecture, the shallowness of the sayings of what some call "bumper-sticker theology", and the fact that those who are theologians who dare say something are so often trounced upon by their peers.

It's obvious what we need to seek: better answers for the questions we've always had.  Where do we find them?

Blessed Be!

You may have noticed over time, that I came to have an "attitude" about holidays which purport to honor those who are serving or who have served in the armed forces.  It was the result of experience.  But, there can be more than one kind of experience.

I took a principle that I've spoken about many times in the context of spiritual matters, and successfully got to see days like Memorial Day in a bit of a different light.

And I think that this is something that a number of people can put to use where a number of matters are concerned.  Think of it as a form of healthy selfishness!

Blessed Be!

If we're going to talk about prayer, it might be an idea to spend some time considering how to say a prayer.  There are, in essence, two kinds of prayers:  the ones someone wrote and you want to pray, and the ones which come from your own heart.  Both are a challenge, each in its own way.  If someone else wrote the words, like for a ritual, you want them to sound like they're yours, don't you?  And if you a doing something that's absolutely your own, you want to get the point across, right?

Let's explore how you can make that be!

Blessed Be!

Last time, we talked about a place to pray.  This time, let's look at getting your prayers on-target.  And here, I draw on a comparison to artillery, because there is a fair comparison.  Not only does the round have to be fired, not only does the round have to reach the target, it also needs to reach the correct target.

And there's enough there to think about if you really thing about that old adage "Be careful what you pray for, you might get it!"

So, let's see how we can make maximum use of this to make our prayer really effective

Blessed Be!

In my commentary last time, before I got into Beltaine, I asked for some spiritual action, including prayer.  There's a problem and I believe that it is the kind of problem where that sort of action is called for.  The question for some will be how to bring it about.  And, for some, part of the problem will be not just how, but where.  Some are fortunate and have a place more or less set aside.  What about those who don't, or who share a roof with people who don't appreciate that part of your needs.

Once again, secrets in plain sight.  Let's see how to fnd such a place, and how to put it to use!

Blessed Be!

Much can be said about Beltaine, and much has been written.  For this episode, I want to look at what Beltaine is about.  many write about the customs, the food, the celebrations and all of the Sabbat's goings-on, but let's look at what is at the heart of Beltaine!

At the heart of Beltaine is something that eludes many people, many of whom come here or to similar places for satisfaction.  Well, the satisfaction is in the fulfillment, and that's the secret of Beltaine.  No quibbling, no hedging, just fulfillment - in abundance.  Look and see!

Blessed Be!

And while we are looking at problems and difficulties, let's looki at something that we all face from time to time: the dilemma.  It's bad enough that we see such a situation as offering no completely "right" or "wrong" choice.  It's made worse by the fact that there will be those who think that there is a black-and-white solution.  And then, of course, there are others who will harass you about the choice you made, just for the sake of having something to harass about.

Some of the subjects involved might be well-known, some not.  But I can guarantee you that for as many who react as you think they will, there will be someone who who turns the other direction. 

The answer is in plain sight.  Let's see what it is that you can do about facing a dilemma.

Blessed Be!

Why would I follow an episode about getting along with an episode about spiritual warfare?  Because it happens so often, there are so many victims, and it seems to happen regardless of the spiritual path you're on!

From the person in your house who keeps interrupting your prayer to the store clerk who tells you your card is "declined" when the truth is she doesn't like your religious jewelry, to the faction fights in various religious groups, it happens.  What are we going to do?

A look at the problem might provide some answers which we can all put to use!

Blessed Be!