Yes, there was a time when I decided to quit praying. 

After becoming a Wiccan, I still didn't pray.  As a Wiccan Priest and for my first few years as a Wiccan High Priest, I did not pray.  There were many, many of other things that I was doing in relation to the various deities in my life.  I would give energy for or about something or someone, I would do rituals, and I would address Gods and Goddesses directly.  But I wasn't praying.

So what was I doing then?  I came to the realization that I was doing the same thing, but without the label.  When I was a Christian, I had issues with what seemed busywork while I was supposed to sit on my you-know-what and wait for their God to get off of His You-Know-What, and that was assuming that I was praying about something that I was supposed to pray about, and that also assumed that what I was asking for was in accordance with His Will.  See why I quit?  See why I did so much by getting rid of the label and its associated "baggage" for a while?

There are some things that do indeed get in the way.  Here's my list of the worst of them, and how to get past them.

On schedule for next week:  Maybe I can stir something.  And it will be appropriate for the coming holiday.

This was one of the easiest shows I've ever put together, and also one of the most difficult.  It was easy because the words just came out.  It was difficult because I got emotional while I was preparing it. 

This weekend includes Fathers' Day.  At least, that's when it is in the US.  Something similar might be at other times in other places.  And if there is so such designated day where you are, you're welcome to borrow this one! ;->

If you've heard me mention my Dad before, then I think you know that I miss him.  And, I'm a Dad with two children who are grown and on their own.  And I miss them, too. 

Let me point out that if you think that my Dad and I spent the time we had together as some special incarnation of Ward and Wally Cleaver, guess again.  But we did come to share something that was priceless.  And I'll share some of that with you.

And so, a special offering on the subject of Dads.

Fathers' Day.  A special day to celebrate and honor Dads.  And for those of us who are Dads, a special day.

Thanks, Dad!

Seeing what causes most of the arguing among Wiccans and Pagans, this is likely to be the most controversial show I ever do!

You've probably heard my personal theory that a person's spiritual development can be measured in terms of what they fuss about.  What does that mean in a practical sense?

Is there a point that you have to "get" before you move beyond a certain level?  If so, is it something uniquely Wiccan, or is it something that applies to all fails, religions and spiritual paths?  Here, I'll break the usual "rule" and answer that question - it is a point that applies to anyone, regardless of their spiritual path, denomination or religion.  And so, now the bigger question:  what is this point that so many don't get?

That's what this episode is all about! 

For those who already get the point, this will be an affirmation that what others might be nit-picking you about is, in fact, only a problem because they don't get it and you do!

One of the perpetual complaints among Wiccans and Pagans is that of the books available, there are so many primers and so few advanced books. 

Meanwhile, I have a personal theory that one of the ways to measure a person's spiritual development is to look at the level of things that they fuss about.  If someone is fussing about the style of robe a priest chooses to wear while someone else is trying to tackle a real issue, might that be a clue?

If you want some advanced stuff, there is one author I will recommend to anyone who is ready for him.  One book in particular is a challenge - but it is worthwhile.  It opened my eyes.

And what would you look for in an "advanced book"?  And what makes it so advanced?

Some will think that there's a "magickal book" that separates the real ones from the wanna-be's.  On occasion, you'll come across someone seeking the "super-book" which will open new gateways to enlightenment.  They'll still be looking a long time from now.  That sort of accomplishment comes from within - not from a book. 

But, there is a book that helped me change the way I looked at things, especially spiritual things.  It let em see new doors to open and explore, and it also got me to go back and look into doors I thought that I had already seen - and re-open some that I had thought I needed to close.

Powerful - if you're ready for it.