Given that I practice Norse paganism, some may be surprised to learn that I primarily venerate Selene (the Greek personified Moon) rather than Máni (the Norse personified Moon). The truth is, Selene was the first pagan deity I ever connected…
#PaganUPG Episode 4: Freyja
I feel that Freyja is too often reduced to something more akin to a sexual fantasy than a divine power. In my experience (and in the mythologies!), Freyja shares quite a bit in common with Odin, from claiming half of…
#PaganUPG Episode 3: Odin
The energy of Odin could not differ more from the energy of his son Thor, who I discussed in my previous UPG post. Unlike Thor, Odin does not always appear or answer my prayers; unlike Thor, Odin’s presence does…
#PaganUPG Episode 2: Thor
Thor’s energy feels, above all else, protective. Okay, that’s not entirely UPG—Thor is the Protector of Midgard, after all. But what I mean is that Thor is not just the powerful warrior who fights fiercely in battle & slays…
#PaganUPG Episode 1: Gaia
For some context, I tend to fall into the category of polytheistic pagans known as “hard polytheists,” meaning I believe there are many gods that are real and distinct (rather than archetypes, as “soft polytheists” believe). My one exception: Mother…
Introducing the #PaganUPG Series
(Note: You may have seen this series before over on the Mage By Moonlight Instagram. Given the extremely positive response, I have decided to share it here on the blog as well. Enjoy!) I am very excited to announce the start…
Joining the Ancient Order of Druids in America
On the morning of the Summer Solstice, I completed my initiation into the Ancient Order of Druids in America. The timing of this worked out quite perfectly; my application to the Order was accepted four weeks ago, and it took…
Easy Summer Solstice Herb Focaccia Recipe
Blessed Midsummer! This weekend I celebrated the arrival of the longest, lightest day of the year by whipping up a few homemade goodies packed with ingredients that are traditionally associated with the Summer Solstice, like herbs, honey and edible flowers….
Midsummer Ritual for Prosperity & Vitality
Midsummer, also known as Litha, is a pagan festival celebrated on the Summer Solstice (around June 20 – 22 in the Northern Hemisphere and December 20 – 22 in the Southern Hemisphere). It is the longest day and shortest night…
Paganism: An Antidote to Cultural Appropriation in Spirituality?
Cultural appropriation (noun) – the act of taking or using things from a culture that is not your own, especially without showing that you understand or respect this culture.
Paganism Is Our Sacred Birthright
Paganism is our sacred, ancestral, and primal birthright. We are all born wild and in harmony with Earth, just like the river, the tree, the sky, the bird, the bear, and the bug. We are all born Pagan.
Ostara Ritual for Balance & Renewal
Ostara is a pagan festival celebrated on the day of the Spring Equinox (around March 19th-21st in the Northern Hemisphere and around September 21st-24th in the Southern Hemisphere). The energy of Ostara is joyful, hopeful and ripe with fresh possibilities.
