Consider some of these core concepts when learning about the Tao.
Everyone must walk his or her own path in life. While this is a sentiment that most are familiar with to a degree, it is the governing force behind the idea of the Tao. You may have heard this word b…
The Pagan Origins Behind Common Christmas Traditions
Decidedly pagan origins are the foundation of some of the most popular Christmas traditions.
With the winter months come a collection of holidays such as Advent, Christmas Day and Epiphany. However, many of their beloved Christmas traditions in the West have decide…
Baron Samedi: Haitian Guide to the Afterlife
Baron Samedi’s main functions is to excavate the graves of the newly departed and meet their souls as they rise and then guides them to the afterlife.
As humans, we naturally want to know what happens to our friends and loved ones after they die. That’s probabl…
Ravens and Crows: The Pre-Christian History Behind These Spooky Birds
How did ravens and crows get such a bad reputation?
When asked to picture ravens and crows, what comes to your mind? If you think of images such as the unsettling visitor from Edgar Allen Poe’s famous poem “The Raven,” you’re not alone. Unsurprisingly, …
Who Can Be a Heathen? Race Issues in Modern Germanic Neopaganism
Who has the right to call themselves a “Heathen”?
Contemporary Germanic Neopaganism goes by a few different names: Heathenry, Odinism and Asatru, just to name a few. Although there are a large variety of variations between these belief systems, they all borrow …
Witch Trials: Falling Under Salem’s Spell
More than 200 people were accused of practicing “the Devil’s magic” during the Salem, Massachusetts witch trials of 1692.
Mention Salem, Massachusetts, and you’ll likely conjure up images from one of the darkest episodes in United States history: its infamo…
Pagan Symbolism and Thanksgiving Traditions
Thanksgiving remains a time to reflect upon that which is dearest to the heart.
American Thanksgiving is a holiday with very specific roots. When the pilgrims first landed in America and faced incredible hardship, they relied on the indigenous peoples of the countr…
Magical Thinking: Facts About Modern Paganism
Here are some of the more interesting beliefs surrounding modern paganism.
Modern Paganism is a belief system with ancient roots. In fact, most people do not realize that a majority of pagan rituals predate religions like Christianity and Islam. A large number of t…
Dharma in Buddhist Teachings
Dharma was the name of the force that gives order to the universe.
Buddhism is a religion that has shifted and changed a great deal in the thousands of years it has been around. Despite all of these changes, many concepts have lingered and remain somewhat similar. …
Facts Surrounding Día de los Muertos
Honor your departed relations and friends on Dia De Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead.
Día de los Muertos, known to English speakers as the “Day of the Dead,” is a holiday usually celebrated on November 2 across North, South, and Central America. Though this is …