Every so often it's good to watch a few inspirational videos. Here are some wonderful video I feel fit the theme of my more popular post!
1. The Dugger's article is by far my most viewed article. Though rather disturbing topic, it has that train wreck effect, you don't want to see it, but can't look away. I try to look on the bright side, at least the former TLC reality sitcom would inspire such satire.
Kid Farm
2. Although my Fat Shaming article didn't make the top ten, it had a recent increase of viewing, upon seeing this remarkable video, I felt inspired to share!
Why Fat Girls Shouldn't Wear Bikinis
3. Although this video doesn't represent any one particular article, Charlie Chaplin's speech at end of "the Great Dictator" was breath taking my beautiful. Hear in his words transformed into visual gratification, called
The Greatest Speech Ever Made
4. My Fraggle article is still my favorite. Yes it may seem silly, but I do believe in the philosophy in much of the work of the Jim Henson Corporation.
Let Me Be Your Song
5. My last article, Aging Pagan; Our Personal Autumn Equinox became very popular, thanks to the sharing of a kind, wise and respected elder on her page. This video series, is a reaction channel, exploring the differences between generations.
Elders React
I hope to continue to write for you and thank you for reading. Expect more articles coming soon!
In the spirit of the upcoming Equinox, I feel it's time to talk about age and death. For fourteen years I have worked in health care, some of that time as an EMT, but mostly as a Home Health Aide. I'm not a doctor, nurse or lawyer. What I'm is a witness. I'm there when the nurse leaves, in the patients home, where few doctors venture. I have seen courage and fear. The stories I could tell you could equally break your heart or inspire a greeting card. I'm here merely to give my personal advice and strongly suggest you seek your own legal counsel. I share with you some suggestions, as well address concerns. Please use both knowledge and free will.
1. Some wise advice from his holiness the Dahai Lama.
This holds true, especially for those who suffer from conditions that affects memory. Don't live with regrets, make amends if you can and patch up damaged relationships. Be kind and thoughtful as often as you can. Your fancy toys won't fit in your hospital room, but images of your past will dance in your head. Make those memories special. Remember kisses, hugs, sun rises/ sets, butterfly's, songs, good cheers, merriment. Let go of your arguments, disappointments, scratches on pride and low point's.
2. Please heal past traumas. I can not stress this enough. An elderly person I knew witnessed the sexual assault of a friend, both were very young at the time. This resulted in many nightmares and as the patients mind deteriorated she relived the experience unable to understand this was no longer a threat.
3. Study the effects of advance aging, as well as your families medical history. Make the decisions of what you are willing to go through and what you are not. Seek legal counsel, realize DNRs (Do Not Resuscitate) only prevent medical professionals from any attempts of restarting the heart, they will often go to great lengths from preventing the organ from stopping. I suggest you not stop with documents, but video record your feeling's on this issue. This means brainstorming on some of the most horrific of situations. As difficult as this may be, its far worse being in these situations without your wishes honored.
4. Be kind to the young. To your children or younger family members, never forget these will be the people determining what happens to you and your estates. The children of today will be your caretaker's and world leader's when you become more vulnerable. Think about the world you leave behind.
5. Obviously, eat right and exercise, but stay mentally active as well. Do that crossword puzzle while you eat your yogurt and drink coffee without sugar. Socialise, date and be sexually active. Find some social hobbies and take on several. As an able body person, you may want to start a program that encourages others with physical limitations to be physically active. You never know, you could one day be benefiting from the gifts you gave others. So volunteer at the hospital, make crafts, fix old cars, learn a new language, take a class, play on a team, dance even with just your eyes.
6. Celebrate age. Crown yourself the Crone or the Wise one. Own your age and be the person you want to be. Enjoy your free time and appreciate the wisdom you have gained. Believe it or not it will serve you better than youth.
7. Remember, just because you're retired doesn't mean everyone else has stopped working. All your free time could consume you and lead to feelings of neglect. If you want to be closer to your family, try to get to know them and find an interest you could share. You may not fully understand the newer generation, doesn't mean you can not connect in some way. Be a friend. Please don't forget how difficult life can be. Understand life's circumstances when frustrated by youth.
8. Determine your final interment and the details of your last ceremony. Following religious and spiritual customs tends to make the transition more peaceful. You don't have to follow the traditional route of a funeral home, Death Doula's are an option in most if the USA. Pagan funeral options are also becoming more available. Military Viking Funeral.
9. Assistant living facilities and nursing homes hate change! Some have not adjusted to the fact most of their residents grew up with rock and roll. A music once despised by the generation before. They are also of the mindset of pushing Christianity onto their residents. Too often a prayer said by the director ends "in Jesus name." Offensive to pagans, atheist. Jews, Muslims and other ideas outside this one religion. This is not the time to be intimidated or weak. Stand up for your rights.
10. Know when to stop driving. As we age, our sight goes, our mind may wander, we might nap randomly, all serious dangers while we drive. Please, you don't want to be responsible for the death of another person, know when to let go. Its often better for seniors to live where there is decent public transportation.
11. Down size! You don't want to waste your energy cleaning a big empty house. Stairs are lovely, but are your enemy! Trust me! You might want to consider an apartment or condo over an entire house. When looking for a final home, you want to consider a few things.
You have to think ahead.
A. Where's the closes hospital and do you like it?
B. What access to public transportation is there available? Just because you can drive now, doesn't mean you will in the future.
C. How close are there stores for food, clothing and other area's? Are there dangerous roads, intersections, insufficient space for safe travel by walking or wheelchair?
E. Home maintenance coverage, utilities and security coverage.
F. Activities to do in the community.
G. Avoid stairs! Your knees will thank me. Also don't go with narrow hallways, doors and rooms. Make sure to look for big bathrooms with spacious showers or walk in tubs. Either have a large bedroom or get a smaller bed.
12. When you're dead your will can be contested. If you have something special you want to give to a special person, give it to them before you die. This way you can enjoy their happiness, while ensuring the item goes where you want it.
13. If you need further advice, watch the Golden Girls. Believe it or not, these four women, through comedy covered many of complex issues of living longer.
14. Keep your favorite music from your youth handy!
The final year's of your life does not mean you are no longer an adult, but a sacred one. Ancient story teller. Our living past and gift to the future. Appreciate the treasure you are!
I was born in the summer of 1980. To me Sesame Street has always existed, for I never knew life without it. At that moment in time all four Beatles were still alive. Reagan was in office, making racist remarks about African Americans to increase his vote.
Long before the internet, people were excited about music television and being able to watch, rewind and fast forward movies from their homes with VCRs. Access to knowledge was limited to your library and catalogs. Your memory held about a dozen phone numbers by heart, which you had at one point dialed in a phone booth. The world was a different place, not in a change in behavior, but man state of ignorance has long been shattered with the interconnection of the world wide web. Something the younger generations will take for granted, much like our generation did for television and with the generation before that it was radio and so on....
Eleven years before then, in 1969 Sesame Street starring Jim Hensons Muppets, aired its first episode on the Children Television Workshop. Its main objection was to educate inner city children, who often couldn't attend preschool, basic learning skills for entering elementary school. The alphabet, counting, colors, shapes, early science and social studies were made available to children with access to public broadcasting. Not only was this educational, but fully entertaining. Sesame Street made learning fun, with lovable characters like Big Bird and Groover, who had a child like demeanour that both entertained and related to common stresses a small child would understand, but an adult would not. They had fun parental figures like Gordon and Susan, who gave direction and security to all children and Muppets alike. Education was drilled into us with song and dance.
In just four short year's, the show will be celebrating fifty years on the aire. To just think, those children who first appeared on the show are not only already grown, but likely grandparents or entering that time period in their life. Imagine how old the adults are now. Loretta Long (Susan,) Bob McGrath and Caroll Spinney (Big Bird) are three of the remaining performers of the original show. I remember when Maria ( Sonia Manzano) had an African American boyfriend named David (Northern Calloway) and I was confused to why she was suddenly marrying Luis. It was the first time I ever saw an interracial relationship and I believed this short term relationship affected my generation enough to help change society
Classic Sesame Street is considered outdated, for example they teach children how to use a pay phone. It's also considered controversial, using the word Ash can as an example for the letter A. During the story line, Gordon is walking with a young girl who was new to the neighborhood. He openly talked about bringing her to his apartment, where his wife Susan served milk and homemade cookies. Back then this was completely innocent. This was the actions of good neighbors. Now a days, people are extremely cautious. No one wants to be accused of anything, communities began neglecting their children. It's not something I would advise allowing your child to watch unattended, due to social and technical differences. When watching the first episode with my daughter, I explained that this behavior has changed. No longer could you trust a stranger who is so friendly. Yet I feel tomorrows generation could stand to learn from an obvious mistake we are currently making. It is not we should fear, our neighbors, but know them. Nothing is full proof and even a family relative could be that monster you fear. I say, let us bring back the idea of community and the people in our neighborhood.
Throughout the year's many talented, inspirational, influential and even historical people have either appeared or worked on the show. Sesame Street often brought out a more gentler side in an individual. Many great people who have since died have their way into this show. Historical Sesame when watched in order will show you our evolution in society.
Another often frowned upon aspect of the show was the encouragement of imagination, including imagery friends. I support imagery car rides, pretend cake at tea parties, finding images in clouds and day dreaming.
I believe in children playing outside, singing songs and looking at world through lenses of the future, not present. I support encouraging children to improve upon things, not keep things as they are. Maria and David's relationship had to end, when Sonia became pregnant in real life. David being her boyfriend was pretty controversial during that time, but no one wanted it to go further. So they broke up David and Maria, hooked Maria up with Luis, then they had a short engagement, marriage and then the Maria is pregnant story line came, with the birth of her daughter later on. The show has long since evolved, but let us not forget this lesson.
Gina in the role of the Maiden.
Gina with her adopted son Marco, now she is the Mother!
The show also first at the time to have a single mother character, now Gina a character who came in to replace the maiden down the street (character Maria once was, who then was the Mother and has since retired a Crone,) became a single mother, though adoption and is still at the Mother figure today.
Maiden, Mother, Crone
To avoid repeating the past, one should know about it. However, take a tip from Sesame Street and find a more interesting way to learn your history. Watching the Sesame Street from your childhood will help you relate better to your parents generation and go back further if you can, and further generations. Also I love Sonias imitation of Charlie Chaplin and how Forgetful Jones always forgets the next line. It's those little moments that are special so, scattered throughout the show. We all who watched the show had them. I ask you, what were your?
Old school Sesame Street is also a great way to introduce your children to the music you grew up with.
Giving you a trip down memory lane, while giving your children a history lesson, yes history! One of the greatest aspects of watching these old episodes, is it makes the older generations more approachable. Something about watching your parents generation play as you did, in such an intimate a setting Sesame Street provides breaks a barrier between generations, which I hope out last my lifetime. Our children have parents who grew up and loved many of the same characters they loved. Though the show will have to change, people retire, die, technology and social structure change, the goal to make education available and fun has been the greatest gift Sesame Street has provided.
I hope one Saturday morning you wake up early with your little ones, pull out the bowls, milk and cereal. Break the rules and have a feast in your living room together. Put on some old school cartoons and shows and don't forget your Classic Sesame Street. Tell your kids stories, fill them in on the outdated stuff, point out the old technology, hair styles, clothing, cars, etc... Remind your children that you were once like them, don't be afraid of that common bond.
I have a confession to make, I've never celebrated Lammas as a holiday. Then I realized, I rarely celebrate any of the holidays in the literal fashion. I do preform actual rituals, when I feel like it. I'm just not a traditional hands-on person in the spiritual sense. I wasn't brought up religious, so it's not second nature for me to conform to these traditions. I like most adults wasn't brought up pagan, my parents were Christian in the looses sense. After childhood my family stopped practicing most holiday traditions and even big holidays like Christmas became just another day. As an adult I struggle with the basic efforts for the required holidays. Decorations don't go up themselves nor will they be put away. I would like to be more festive, but is it really worth the dusting? Will Martha Stewart maintain the up keep and put this stuff away when the season ends, or am I stuck cleaning up even more of a mess than I usually put up with? I'm too practical to go completely nuts.
So what is my relationship with holidays? I have always been a solitary pagan. A quality I enjoy. By my late teens, I was already accustomed with my family's neglect in festivities. At this moment in time I began to question the need for the material objects during rituals and ceremonies. What does it matter which color the candle is and why bother with it at all? The candle doesn't have the power, I do. As I rediscovered rituals can have their meanings without all the colorful stipulations, I rediscovered magic and myself. I shouldn't force some energy for something that has always come naturally, so I stopped caring. The same concept applies with the holidays.
Another reason is I don't belong to a coven or any direct community. Because of this, there really isn't any incentive. Mind you, all the powers behind Christmas usually fails in their manipulative ploy of marketing affairs to engulf me with desires for material items made to make me feel less desirable. I entertain that I'm, sparing these groups an abundance of aggravation. Samhain, Yule, Imbolic, Spring Equinox, Beltane, Summer Solstice, Lammas, Autumn Equinox can be wonderful holidays to celebrate, but because most of us are no longer farmers, many of these traditions need to be reexamined. Samhain, Yule and the Spring equinox have adapted to modern context. Halloween, Christmas and Easter, knock offs, but a step in the evolutionary latter in preserving these traditions.
Holidays like Imbolic, Beltane, Summer Solstice, Lammas and the Autumn Equinox didn't adapt as well as three other popular holidays. Mostly because of their strong ties to farming, once the most common profession, now one of the least.
Imbolic a time to order seeds and set up location for crops becomes pointless. Yet, we could take a step back and see there is more to this tradition to starting up a farm. What I have come to realize it is no longer the planting I need to be focusing on, but my future. For me, this wasn't a time to create a Bridget doll and cradle. No need to light a red candle. I do not need to focus on a bride, but what the bride represents, the future. This could be checking out colleges or the want adds. It could be contacting that realtor about looking for a new place. Joining that gym to reach your weight goal. Have a dream? This is often a good time to create and set a plan in motion.
As the wheel slowly moved to the Spring Equinox, where having lived up north, I had a healthy appreciation for the first signs of spring. Be it a sprout of green peaking from a snow bank or buds covering the barren tree's, always brought me a feeling of hope. Living in Florida has changed my perspective. I have learned I am more successful nurturing and growing ideas better than plants and they too will suddenly grow. Planning a wedding, well where is your planner? Got that essay to write for that scholarship, get to it! Pants feeling looser? Before you dive into that chocolate cake, invest in a juicer. For me, if you can't celebrate
Beltane with bonfires and debauchery, you can celebrate it by trying out different ideas or concepts. It may suck not enjoying Beltane in the traditional sense, you can at least make the best of it by embracing some of its meaning. For example, this is certainly a good day for trying something new. It could be a new food to a new experience like sky diving.
Summer Solstice, the peak of the length of days. A time to embrace the divine masculine, which is often measured through aggressive assertions of dominance. This is a time to show your peacock feathers to the world. Be confident, look people in the eye. Embracing the strength you have earned from your hard work and discipline.
Lammas, a time of the first harvest for farmers. It's a time to reward yourself without undoing your goal. It might be a good time to splurge on an expensive item or fattening treat. It's a time to feel good about yourself. Come the Autumn Equinox,
our mortality becomes the subject of debate. As the seasons change from the peak of life, to the crippling fall in death, our own life we cycle played out year after year. As time goes by, your list of dead loved ones out number the living strangers amongst you. Grandchildren not yet born handling your affairs. This is a time to not fight, but accept your mortality. Samhain has always been a spiritual time. I love dressing up and trick or treating. I've been Medusa, the grim reaper, Charlie Chaplin and much more. Even as a child, I saw magic everywhere that day. Something I never let go. Although I don't believe one day a witches broom shall grant my flight, my Charlie Chaplin costume caused me to connect with an older generation. This led to each others happiness. Although I'm sure those gentlemen, I encounter that day have passed away, I'm convinced this has resulted in just another door to the land of the dead I have access to. To me the power in Samhain is about dressing up.
Winter Solstice/Yule, is the longest night of the year. Next to Samhain, it is my most celebrated holiday, especially now as a parent. My daughter is still young and between four grandparents, she has managed a gift giving holiday that spans five days. What I try to do to compensate, because I do not have the funds to compete against the grandparents, is to spend time with my daughter around this time. Most often we are making gifts. For me, this holiday could last over two weeks. Even before I was a parent and this time of year just meant overtime, I always reminded myself to be more giving.
In the end, the Holidays are there to serve you, to help plan your year and your life. Use them wisely and don't be ashamed for not openly celebrating what you choose to practice.
This group is accredited with the movement of modern day Asatru. They have existed since the summer of 1972 and as of March of this year began working on the first Asatru "Hof" temple, in Iceland in over a thousand years. This is cause for celebration, sadly there is always someone to rain on your parade. Alsherjargooi (high-priest) Hilmar Orn Hilmarsson, has reported Ásatrúarfélagiðhas been receiving hate mail, including threats of vandalism to the hof.
Hilmar Orn Hilmarsson 2009
This wasn't any outsider like a monotheist group becoming out of hand, but from Asatru groups, primarily from the United States. These angry groups and individuals are upset over Ásatrúarfélagið acceptance towards homosexuality and the hof being used to conduct same gender marriages. This has been a touchy issue in the United States and conservative anti marriage equality organizations are rather upset with same-sex marriage being officially legal in all 50 states earlier this year. Icelandic law has been providing gender neutral marriage documents, since June of 2010. It was voted unopposed and immensely popular amongst Icelandic citizens. Credit to Ásatrúarfélagið, they have been performing same-sex marriage ceremonies since 2003. The cultural differences between most European countries and the puritanical United States is staggering.
The word Asatru, is really an ancient term for "belief/faith in the gods," is currently referred to those who follow the gods of Norse mythology and traditions. Much of what we know about this culture and it's religion was from Christian monks in the dark ages. These accounts are clouded under the churches prejudices, leaving out female warriors, leaders and clergy for example. It wasn't until recently re-examining of remains on old battle fields was it discovered that the Nordic people had inter-sex military. Asatru, is often misunderstood by today's society. It is intertwined with the image of the Viking. Although many Vikings were followers of the Nordic God's, not all whom honored the gods were Vikings. These were a proud and determine ancient people, who battled harsh winters, constant war, disease and death of as a part of their regular life. Most died young and only the strongest survived. It was a hard life in a roughed society.
In surviving text and documents from monks, Asatru appears to be a primary patriarchy society. Patriachy usually looks down on femininity as weak and undesirable. Using references of feminine traits as mockery. When it came to male homosexual sex, being penetrated meant you were the defeated one. It's difficult to separate the actual context to the Christian influence of the time. Christianity was not the only patriarchal society, by no means. It is likely the Nordic tribes shared similar views, but went about their theology through different methods. Where the early churches was quick to kill any strong willed, dominant, disobedient or appearing masculine, women, the Norse encouraged this behavior. To be masculine was to be stronger, therefore better than feminine.
Nordic people, along with the Celtics and Saxons, had fought many bloody campaigns against the Roman Empire, who were known for their sexual appetites, including men and boys. If taken as slaves, it was expected for all the women to be violated, but their young men and boys too. A great insult of feminization by penetration. Some cultures are even harder on male rape victims than female. The behavior of an enemy is often demonized and associated as an act of evil. This is called rape and pederasty, not homosexuality, but is often mistaken as such.
This is not the same-sex relationships the Ásatrúarfélagið are involving in their hof in this modern time. Just as a modern civil heterosexual marriage shouldn't be compared to marriage by murdering most of a family and raping the young girls to birth children and be their slaves. If one can acknowledge the difference in a modern heterosexual marriage, certainly the same may be applied to same-sex marriage.
Now I may not agree, but I do respect a persons right to their opinions and practice according to their personal faith, including their discrimination, whether I agree or not. All groups have some restrictions about who may join and may not. There are traditionalist who wish to remain with this old mentality. I do not deny them that right, no more than should they deny another's the right to have their personal evolution of Asatru due to modern advancement. There are groups of Folkish Heathenism which could be an individual who chooses to personally only honoring God's and traditions of their heritage, to those who would go as far to exclude people from their hof over race. Thousands of years later, the quarrel between tribes of Europe have reincarnated themselves into football games. I'm not sure it's less bloody, but it gets their aggression out of the system without the mass death toll. People are not only surviving birth, but even living past 80. It's time these ancient mentalities have past. In order for anything is to survive, it has to evolve. Evolution simply means change over time. The concept isn't limited to just science, religions too evolves, including Asatru. Homosexuality isn't any more harmful than any other relationship or groups of individuals. All groups have their share of individuals who do horrible acts. Knowing the difference between a groups current stance on a topic, verses their classes of fools, creeps and bigots. The Ásatrúarfélagið understand this concept, even if a small but vocal minority refuses too.
Most people understand the difference between a heterosexual, a homosexual and the offensive comparison to a pedophile. It's rather offensive that a man raping a boy is somehow worse than a man raping a girl. Hurting a child is wrong, not the consensual actions of adults, which is really a part of their life that doesn't at all concern you.
Then suggesting bestiality will be legal. Explain how an animal is able to be held to a contract? Remember essentially, that is all a marriage is legally.
Today's modern concept of marriage is extremely different. Arranged marriages and/or marriages of convenience are no longer the main reason people marry, it's love.
Being unable to produce children is not at all a logical argument. Many couples who marry are unable to produce children naturally. Medical problems, age, sterilization, etc... would mean children are not always possible in the traditional sense. Adoption is an option, foster care, even modern technology making biological children through modern medicine, for both, both gender couples to same gender. Then there is the reality not all couples want children.
In the end, an out cry from Asatru and other tribal, spiritual, pagan, Wiccan, etc groups have rallied together in support. They are the flora which bloomed from this fertilizer.
In honor of the blue moon, here s an array of songs you and your children may sing together. Music a simple medium to introduce magic to a child.
"Moon Greeting Song" From It's a big big world
Hello moon
Yellow moon
You tell me it's bedtime soon
So we sing this mellow tune
Goodnight, goodnight
Keep a watch
Overhead
When we all go to our beds
Baby frogs and marmosets
Goodnight, goodnight
Tell the tides that I said Hi
When you go by the sea
And from the sky your lullaby
Will wash over me
So here's to you
My shiny friend
I'll enjoy the time we spend
Till the surgery comes up again
Goodnight, goodnight
Goodnight, goodnight
Goodnight, goodnight
Once at a friend's house, I noticed a picture of a Sumo wrestler wearing a ballerina outfit on her refrigerator door. This was done to mock my friend, not by bullies in school or even a heartless sibling, but by an adult family member. This unacceptable behavior from anyone, but especially coming from close adult family member, must have been both hurtful and embarrassing to my friend.
In my twenties, while taking a young teenage girl shopping, her mother made it clear, not to allow her daughter to buy short skirts. Now I agree, a fourteen year old girl doesn't need to dress sexy, but her mother changed the entire context by completing the sentence,
"....because she has chubby legs." Right there in front of this beautiful girl, her mother's actions were harmful and cruel. Our children deserve better. Let us abandoned theses disgraceful methods, in favor for more positive changes.
In this very judgemental world, where everyone's self-esteem is brought through the ring of fire at one point in their life. This unavoidable part of life, where society pokes and prods at our insecurities. Anything will be used against the person, be it their weight, acne, family, lifestyle, financial status, disabilities, etc... It's a painful fact of life and how we deal with with theses individuals and situations often define our character. Yet the world is already filled with bullies and well meaning hard asses, the last thing any person suffering from any problem needs is to it down by those they love.
We as parents are suppose to be protectors from harm, to our children. We know we can't prevent every mishap in their childhood, however both you and your child are able to stand up to bullies.
Build up your child's self-esteem, but don't let it become arrogance. Instead teach yourself and your children build up others around them. Teach your children to appreciate the joys of life, including the people they encounter.
Accept when your child is at fault. No one is perfect, especially our children. Rather than pretend the problem isn't there, address it. If you aren't sure your child is guilty or even if you are convinced they are innocent, it wouldn't hurt to go over the subject, including acceptable behavior.
Don't be afraid to confront teachers, parents, principles, etc... over the treatment your child receives. Children should not be taught to just live with this behavior. This kind of abuse could follow them into their work life, condemning them to victimization. Still, be civil and open to the other side.
If two children don't seem to get along, their parents should arrange a lunch between the two families, to try to figure out what the problem may be. This could give both children a chance to understand each other, rather than just deal with the behavior problem.
When in doubt, no reason not to seek some help. Finding a counselor for advice or even just to talk, can help you and your child work out any skills which need to addressed.
Be open to accept respectable criticism. Sometimes people speak up to tell us an unpleasant truth because they care. They need not be the one to say it to your child and should have the tact to speak their concerns to the parents in private. Maybe your child is putting on weight and you should then talk to your pediatrician about the matter. Sometimes your child will need to gain extra weight, especially right before and the early stages of puberty. If the weight is a concern, work out a diet and exercise plan in you chicks schedule. There is no reason to make the issue abusive. Children just need your support, your love, but not the baggage of failed methods.
Sadly our society focuses a great deal over appearances than we do in intelligence, kindness, education, family or most, pressing social and goble issues. We pay beautiful more to the point, it's an asset. It's an unfortunate reality of life, but as parents it's a reality we have the power to change. To change ourselves and how we raise our children could alter the world in a generation. Let's grow past this shallowness and give our children something more than skin deep.
Same-sex marriage is officially legal in every state!
Congratulations from
Proud Pagan Parents!
(Expect a post on this joyous subject in the near future.)
While this cause for celebration, no rainbow forms without a storm. The lightening tongue of many religious leaders who swore they would set themselves on fire in protest, if this the marital laws changed. Low and behold, nothing so far. Protest has been apart of our society since we first established government. When someone commits suicide as their protest, it definitely brings it up a notch. The fact that there is a cause so great a person is willing to die for and never reap the reward of their sacrifice. Naturally this will draw attention.
Self-Immolation is the act of suicide for a cause or belief, often by fire and it's quite effective. It leaves a lasting impression by those who either witnessed or heard of the death.
By no means do I suggest anyone actually do this, but one has to wrap their head around the notion of the immense pain of burning to death is like .
What would drive a person to do this?
Often when someone from a richer country, like the USA, set themselves on fire, often a suicide or an attempt. Though I'm not to saying suicide isn't an issue, it is simply a different reason for the same action. To choose to end your life for a cause is literally giving yourself completely away in one of the most excruciating ways in doing so.
This action is far more common in countries with high poverty and less technological advance. More common than not, these people have nothing else to lose and burning to death symbolizes the pain in life they suffered. Then in extreme rare cases, a person who has a considerable well life, based on their countries definition, who are so empathetic to the pain of others that they end their happy life to try and change what they see as a great wrong. These people could be wealthy in many ways and not always with money. They were happy and comfortable, whatever that is, from a mansion to the biggest tent of the tribe. That whole camel through a needle idea.
This not an action a coward could perform. So what reasons would someone do this?
These were individuals, for better or for worse, who believed in their cause. Which is not something I can say about the multitudes of religious individuals threatening to actually go through with such an action over same-sex marriage. Even those who threatened to end their lives over the supreme court ruling, realize that the threat they preach from the pulpit isn't worth their own life. Some might have believed their words, but actions naturally leads to cold feet. That is millions of years of self preservation one would have to over come to do this.
The fact is, same-sex marriage isn't a real threat to anything but their pride. That sting these oppressive people feel when reminded they have to share their country with other people. They hid behind claims of morals to discriminate against consenting adults sexual rights. They have caused long term same-sex partners to be separated by medical staff when one gets ill. They have prevented children in the foster care system, from finding legally adopted homes with same-sex parents. These are not the behaviors of selfless individuals standing up for what they believe in, but opportunists capitalizing on the moment. They have caused much pain and suffering to others, but are not willing to suffer themselves.
I honestly hope these individuals learned a lesson about the commitments they make. Maybe instead of being willing to threaten their own life over a subject that doesn't actually affect their lives and get over it or live up to their promise.
You know the rhyme, first comes love then comes marriage and then comes a baby carriage. A little over a year ago, I posted my first blog, "Why I refused to Baptize my Child." A year later, my blog is slowly improving. Now I wish to return to the subject of naming ceremonies.
Naming Ceremony
Not to be confused with the Jewish B'rit Bat tradition. Pagan naming ceremonies have existed in many forms. Naming the child, give recognition of the new person, a key component of their identity. This ceremony is done often to a small child or infant. Many cultures had a waiting period before such ceremonies, in case the baby did not survived. This was sadly a common occurrence when these customs began. Now a days, naming ceremonies are as much about the celebration of birth as well as the life itself.
A baptism is an act that is believed to wash away original sin, i.e. sex from a their biological parents. Most pagans do not recognize original sin. Sex is not deemed as sinful. Hence this concept is actually insulting as well as unnecessary.
Naming Ceremonies are a commitment parents make, not a commitment for the child. Parents in naming ceremonies may commit to certain methods and ideas in raising their children, but the child is not committed to a religion. Where baptism.often commits the child to Christianity.
"How old should my child be for the ceremony?"
Spiritually, I hold to the belief, that scab on the cord should fall off before the naming ceremony is done. I believe that natural act helps separates the child from the birth mother. Which is fairly young. Ancient families would often wait nearly a year before naming the baby. Today,unless you choose a group of some sorts with certain rules regarding age to conduct the ceremony, any age is usually fine. I wanted to do the ceremony while my daughter was still a baby. Some people choose to wait until the child is old enough to remember the ceremony. In adoption situations, the child could be any age and is receiving a new last name at least and a new family. This child could be a new born to a young adult teenager.
"Why have a naming ceremony, especially if I'm not religious?" It's great way to introduce your new child to family, friends, coven, church, fellowship, community etc... Life is about moments of of celebration. Nothing like the celebration of a new child.
Naming Ceremonies can be secular, as well as religious. They aren't required, but it's nice for the child to know they brought celebration to the family. It is a way to celebrate your new child as well as leave images of the joy you as parents felt in having this child.
My personal circumstances involved my husband family, mostly Catholic, meaning we will be attending lots of christening ceremonies. I didn't want my daughter to feel left out, but I wasn't going to allow a baptism. We didn't do things exactly the same way, but it shows how much she was loved as a baby.
"What commitment will I have to make?"
It depends, what commitments are you able and willing to make? If you are doing the ceremony through a church, fellowship, coven or any sort of group, it will likely be to their methodology. Hence you should study up what this organization teaches and expects.
If you aren't going through a group, you can simply write your own vows. You can vow to offer guidance, love, discipline, etc... You can also vow to give your child the right of freedom of thought and expression. Whatever matters to you.
"Who will conducts the ceremony?"
If you are pagan, a priest and / or priestess of similar beliefs, can conduct a spiritual ceremony for you. Certain churches and fellowships are helpful with ministers able and willing to conduct pagan ceremonies. Unitarian Universalist and military chaplains are able to preform the ceremony.
If you are looking for a more secular or casual ceremony, friends and family saying a few things in an informal service will often do.
"Where would you have a naming ceremony?"
Location is based off what your limits are. If you can afford a catering hall, with a garden , by all means do so. If money isn't so bountiful, there are many economical options. See "Locations pros and cons" in the article "Keeping Birthdays Special."
"How do I dress my child, family, self and ask of guests?"
It can be as casual to fancy, as you want. You can have the infant naked, while everyone else is wearing jeans and T-shirts in your BBQ backyard celebration, to your great grandmother's antique silk christening gown, at a catering hall, with a banquet feast.
I chose to go a bit fancy with the dress for my daughter. I got the dress second hand, but it was stunning. I didn't go with traditional white, but a light pink. The service at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Stony Brook and reception at my home. Pizza and cake were served.
"What gifts should one bring or suggest to bring for the ceremony."
If the guest is of similar path as the parents, a spiritual gift is acceptable. Age appropriate and safe jewelry of spiritual significance. Many pagan parents will welcome most spiritual gifts, as long as it isn't abusive.
(I do discourage Christian crosses and crucifixes, because to many spiritual paths is a symbol of death.)
If the parents or guest aren't spiritual, I suggest books. I did this with my daughter ceremony. I told guest, if they insist on bringing a gift, a book they themselves read and were positively effected by. To share that joy to my child. Of course people brought clothes and toys as well. Bless them!
Traditional nonreligious keepsakes are welcome, like little boxes for baby teeth and hair clippings. Picture frames, fancy stuff toys, clothes, shoes, little comb and brush sets, and other little gifts that are special.
Btw grandma and grandpa, family tree scrapbooks are precious treasures!
God/s/Spiritual Parents
If you are polytheist, I suggest the term godsparents. However spiritual parent or family also works. This concept has been around for thousands of years. Often the spiritual parents adopted the spiritual children, in the event of the biological parents death. This was a very real concern, with disease, war, famine, etc... killing thousands, having a back up family was practical. Today, legal practices are required to set up a will, to make your wishes known. Now god parents don't have to be the one person you entrust your children up bring, but people you want your child to have connection with.
You also don't have to be traditional. You can have same sex spiritual parents, you can have just one or more than two. I gave my daughter a spiritual sibling. I asked my flower girl to be my daughter spiritual sister. Both are only children, so I gave her a little sister and she gave my little girl a big sister.
Spirit of Life, come unto me.
Sing in my heart all the stirrings of compassion.
Blow in the wind, rise in the sea;
Move in the hand, giving life the shape of justice.
Roots hold me close; wings set me free;
Spirit of Life, come to me,
Come to me.
Blessing stones: take quartz or other precious stones and have all attendances hold a stone, sending positive energy towards the child. You can make the stones into beads and string them into a necklace or chain. Or you can keep the stones in a jar, bag or box.
Keepsake book, picture frame, card, etc...: people names and well wishes. Give your child a little physical contact with the past.
Video, photos and scrapbooks: Recorded memories. Faces, voices, sounds, artistic expression of love. Never undermine such gifts.
Planting a tree, bush or flower garden: If possible, planting part or all of the child's placenta from their birth with it. Make sure it's in a place where it won't be cut down and try to avoid dangerous areas like flood areas, fire areas, etc.....
Donations: if the child has or had a medical condition, you may want to donate to a cause or the hospital the assisted the child.
Blessing upon you and that of your family .
May your child's naming ceremony
bring you fond memories,
