Paganism

The future of Nikwasi Mound

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ASHEVILLE, NC – Nikwasi (Nequasee) Indian Mound is one of some 50 ancient mounds found throughout the westernmost counties of North Carolina. The mounds  are attributed to the Mississippian (800 C.E. – 1600 C.E.) and Woodland (500 B.C.E – 1000 C.E.) periods. Similar mounds can be found throughout the midwestern and southern states.  

Nikwasi Mound is within the town of Franklin, North Carolina.  It is not only in the town center physically but has also been at the center of a controversy over who should hold ownership and be responsible for maintenance. The exact history of Nikwasi Mound is unclear; but it appears on maps dating back as far 1544.  It also appears in British colonial records in 1718.

Paganism

Uncovering the Past: Irish Ancestry, Queen Nefertiti, Honey Locust Tree and more!

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As some Pagans and Heathens attempt to revive ancient or indigenous religions they often rely on the work of historians, primary texts and archaeologists. For this reason, when something new pops up that challenges long held academic ideas on cultural or religious practice, we pay attention. Here are some of the new(er) finds making waves in archaeological circles. Ireland was inhabited earlier than thought… A knee bone from a brown bear had been sitting in the National Museum of Ireland since the 1920s.

Living

Giving Thanks through Ancient Wisdom

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In the growing darkness of November, the sacred fires are lit by the wisdom keepers of our age! It’s Sunday again. Last week, I wrote about the growing popularity of one U.S. holiday – Halloween. Now, a week has passed and, collectively speaking, America has turned its attention to yet another holiday – Thanksgiving. With that shift come new decorations, sacred family traditions, and most importantly, a squeaky-clean mythos involving a big ship, a bunch of Pilgrims, and of course, the “Indians.”

With that in mind let’s consider reversing the thread from last week’s post in which I examined a spiritual holiday going secular.