I keep hearing about change all the time, beginning with at the commuter station where I take the train home from work - there's always someone there asking for "change."  But in the US, this is a presidential election year, and this time especially we're hearing candidates talking about "change".

It's not that it's particularly political.  In many of the mainstream churches, there's so much change back and forth that those who are long-time members might not recognize what they one thought was their church.  And in business and in the military service, I saw several instances of change for change's sake , especially if one of the bigger bosses was replaced.

Let's  make one thing clear: there are many situations in which nobody in their right mind is going to like the status quo.  But, there are some things that need to be done if change is going to have any quality. 

Is there a goal?  Is there a plan?  Do we know that we're actually on the path we think we're on?  Are we going to make enemies as a result?  Have we thought of everyone involved?

Words can sound really pretty and they can be very inspiring, but credible specifics to show how something can be accomplished - where are they?

Consider this a timely exercise in practical theology.

Blessed Be!

For this podcast's 100th show, I wish to make a "modest proposal" in quiet seriousness.  I would like to propose February 20th as Tempest Smith Day.

How many of our traditions, rituals, holidays and even deities have the Christians borrowed from us?  Therefore, I consider it fair exchange if we borrow something from them.  With the exception of John the Baptist (who is an acknowledged reincarnation), the day to honor a Christian saint is the day on which that saint crossed the bridge. 

Tempest Smith was a victim of not only bullying, but religious persecution because she was a Wiccan.  I see her as a martyr, and I feel comfortable in referring to her as an Ascended Master.  She crossed over on February 20, 2001 and so I feel that February 20th is appropriate to set aside as a day in her honor.

And so, what should someone do to honor Tempest Smith on her day?  There are some ideas that come to my mind, all of which have something to do with the fact that she crossed over because she could no longer deal with the torment.  There are any number of things appropriate, and some of them offer opportunity to accomplish something in a postive direction.  We're not just talking about stopping the bullying here, but also making sure we're not dehumanized in the eyes of some people.  You might see what I mean.

I didn't coordinate this with anyone.  In fact, I didn't even tell Lady Stormy about this "crazy idea" until I had already recorded the show.  But I want to offer this idea, for better of for worse.

She walked a path that some of us can remember walking. 

I know what I'll be doing in her honor on February 20th.  Want to join me?

Blessed Be!

A point which so many miss.  And such a basic point.  And do you know what happens to those who don't get it?

Quite often, those people spend their entire spiritual lives accomplishing little more than repeating the slogans someone taught them.  And sometimes they were taught by someone who was only able to repeat the slogans that they were taught.  In some instances, some might get paid very well for how they repeat the slogans that they were taught.  But then again, that is not the purpose of spiritual pursuits, is it?

It's a basic point, and an obvious one.  Of course, the fact that it is so obvious might make it obscure to those who have their own particular agenda.  But for those with open eyes, it's plain as day.

It can even be found in the sacred writings used by the people who criticize us the most!

If you've been listening to this podcast for any length of time, this particular point is a familiar one to you, and there's a good chance that you're fairly comfortable with it.  And some of you might accuse me of doing what Christians call "preaching to the choir."  But once choir practice is over, the choir members do have go out into the world and be part of it.  And in dealing with the world, affirmation can be nice.

The point which so many miss is so basic, but it can seem so elusive to those who haven't looked it in the eye.

Maybe that's why so many miss that point.

Hey, it's Imbolc!

One of the more overlooked  Sabbats of the year.  Well, there's a secret to Imbolc, and it's a secret that perhaps some people don't want you to recognize and appreciate. 

The people who do appreciate Imbolc are those who appreciate the land and nature, and pay attention to it.  It's especially appreciated in places where winter is strong enough that spring and summer are appreciated all the more.  It's the middle of the dark time, and it's the time for blessing seeds and consecrating agricultural tools. 

And in that, you can see Imbolc's secret - and power.  Imbolc is the time when we are shown that the promise made will be fulfilled.  There's no quibbling over the Divine's will.  There's also no discussion about the Divine's time - we know the schedule.  And it will be.

There's a word which so many Christians use without much understanding.  Almost like a theological "over and out", to use past decades' two-way radio lingo to describe it.  What does "Amen" actually mean?  The same thing as a phrase so common among those of us who are Wiccans!

And there is the secret of Imbolc.  Find it, and enjoy it!  It has been waiting for you!