Winter Reflections of Shared Values

Several years ago, I was thoroughly immersed in the Craft, teaching Wicca 101 and other metaphysical workshops, managing the Silvering Coven, and ritualizing with the 3d Room Circle.  There was so much magick going on, you'd of thought you were living in a Ren Fair.
In those days, my mind was closed off from other religious forms of growth. Please don't get me wrong.  I was still aware of the same basic tenets contained within all religions and accepted the overall teachings that seemed to resonate with my own spiritual path.  It was just a very focused time for me, a very necessary time. Wicca was my life, my very breath.  I wouldn't hear of including anything even remotely Christian to my Holiday activities.  I made sure the only songs I heard were either the original pagan versions of some of today's most loved Christmas songs or specifically wiccan-themed holiday music.  I refused to say "Merry Christmas" to anyone and opted for the politically correct "Happy Holidays"...or in some pressing instances, "Happy Solstice".  I even spent one holiday season making sure that all the local pastors that liked to chastise and mock the pagan folk were set right about the actual birthdate of Jesus.  I went so far as to make sure that they were unable to "solicit" in any of the local businesses.  Sounds kind of Grinchy of me, huh?  Well...there are times in our lives when the pendulum must sway and stay to one side in order for lessons to take hold.  Spiritual growth sometimes relies on zealous approaches to provide a balanced, positive and realistic awakening.
This year has brought me one such an awakening...to a wiser, more gentle, peaceful place.  It is a state of knowing, of being, of living in the spirit of this time of year.  Yes, it's Christmas, with its beautiful nativities, angels abounding, Holy Mary with the Child of Promise.  Yes, it's Kwanzaa, with it's celebration of heritage and culture, the 7 principles, community, unity, and faith.  Yes, it's Hanukkah, with it's elaborate Festival of Lights, inspiring rituals, and show of faith and tradition.  And, yes...it is the Winter Solstice or Yule, the longest night of the year, the birth of the Light from Darkness, when Winter's icy grip is released from this world and the Earth Mother is nudged to awaken.
In truth, the Spirit of the Season never changes.  We only celebrate it differently.  The heart of Christmas is love, peace, understanding, faith, charity, and joy...the most important being "Love".  For it is through Love that this universe continues to spiral and the promise of Spring becomes a reality.
So, when someone wishes you "Merry Christmas", return this heartfelt greeting with a smile and a "Merry Christmas".  Do the same for Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Bodi or any other tradition your neighbor may follow.  And remember, this is the only time of the year your lighted pentagrams won't get a sideways glance.


"There is no ideal Christmas; only the one Christmas you decide to make as a reflection of your values, desires, affections, traditions". -Bill McKibben, Author & Environmentalist


May the holiday blessings of love and good cheer
Remain with you through the coming year.


All Blessings Be.  )O(

Nativity...Whhhaaaaattt?

Pittsburgh's life-size creche downtown

Yes...crazy as it may sound, Sun God (or Son of God) myths have been with us since the beginning. I always thought that the virgin birth story of Jesus was unique to Christianity, but I know differently now. The story of Mithra, the Persian God of Light, is nearly identical to the story of Jesus and 5,000 years older.

Mithra has the following in common with Jesus:

• Mithra was born on December 25th of the virgin Anahita.
• The babe was wrapped in swaddling clothes, placed in a manger and attended by shepherds.
• He was considered a great traveling teacher and master.
• He had 12 companions or "disciples."
• He performed miracles.
• As the "great bull of the Sun," Mithra sacrificed himself for world peace.
• He ascended to heaven.
• Mithra was viewed as the Good Shepherd, the "Way, the Truth and the Light," the Redeemer, the Savior, the Messiah.
• Mithra is omniscient, as he "hears all, sees all, knows all: none can deceive him."
• He was identified with both the Lion and the Lamb.
• His sacred day was Sunday, "the Lord's Day," hundreds of years before the appearance of Christ.
• His religion had a eucharist or "Lord's Supper."
• Mithra "sets his marks on the foreheads of his soldiers."
• Mithraism emphasized baptism.

Despite this revealing information, let us not forget the miracle of this season. It allows us the darkness for reflection, the chance to examine and cast away the "sins" of the past, and to welcome a new beginning as the sun grows in strength. As we celebrate the changes in the seasons, we begin to understand our place in the "grand scheme", as well as our own divine purpose.

All Blessings Be & Happy Holidays. )O(