Column: We, the Magi

Today is Christmas and many people in the Christianized world will celebrate either the birth of Jesus, the arrival of Santa Clause or a combination of the two. In both cases, there is likely gifting. For the secular, Christmas is presents, trees, and jingle bells which I believe all people, can find joy. For the religious, Christmas is the birth of a savior, a messianic prophecy come true. It’s complicated, and maybe even smothering for us over here in the Solstice/Yule club who are not, ‘in that trad’ to use popular Pagan colloquialism.

A very Pagan Christmas

TWH –There is now an annual tradition of pointing out Pagan elements in Christmas traditions on the internet. Depending on who’s doing the posting, the tone is either accusatory (look at all those terrible Pagan elements in Christmas!) or jubilant (see, I told you Christmas was Pagan first!). In one group in particular, those online arguments are met with bemusement: Christian Pagans. Perhaps only Jews for Jesus generates more confusion than Christian Pagans. To many Christians, the idea flies in the face of the belief that Jesus is the only god.

The Satanic Temple continues its fight for religious liberty on multiple fronts

The Satanic Temple (TST), based in Salem, is well known for its ongoing actions to enforce religious freedom laws and regulations. As is explained on its site, TST is “a religious organization with deeply held beliefs that engages in political activism in the realm of separation of church and state.” That mission has earned them multiple headlines since September, with several coming to a head only in past last two weeks. Baphomet tree topper stolen
SAN JOSE, Calif. — The Baphomet-head tree topper found on the the Satantic Temple’s (TST) holiday display at San Jose’s Christmas in the park was stolen in late November.

Column: Yule in Mexico

Spanish Version
Mexicans, religious or not, usually refer to the holiday season as Guadalupe-Reyes. It starts with the Virgin of Guadalupe Day December 12 and ends with Día de los Reyes Magos (biblical Magi) January 6.  This often includes a feasting and drinking marathon. Therefore, Pagans and Witches usually celebrate the winter solstice before the exact solstice date because we are busy with family gatherings or we are on vacation. Conjuring up my first Yule always puts a smile on my face; it was the first ritual I participated within a coven. I will never forget the High Priest opening the door, welcoming me with a warm smile, and the smell of pine, cinnamon, rosemary and myrrh in the house.

Columna: Yule en México

English Version
Los mexicanos, seamos religiosos o no, usualmente nos referimos a esta temporada de fiestas como Guadalupe-Reyes, que inicia con el Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe el 12 de diciembre y termina con el Día de los Reyes Magos el 6 de enero, y comúnmente alude a un maratón de comida y bebida, por lo que los paganos y brujos usualmente celebramos el solsticio de invierno antes de la fecha exacta del solsticio, ya que después estamos ocupados con reuniones familiares o salimos de vacaciones. Siempre me hace sonreír el recordar mi primer Yule, fue mi primer ritual en el que participé en un coven. Nunca olvidaré al sumo sacerdote abrir la puerta, darme la bienvenida con una cálida sonrisa y el olor the pino, canela, romero y mirra que salía de la casa. Todos me saludaron con palabras gentiles y por fin pude entender lo que ‘feliz encuentro’ realmente significaba. Al mismo tiempo, todos tenían una expresión de curiosidad preguntándose qué hacia ese niño de 16 años ahí, a lo que el sumo sacerdote les diría “no juzguen a la gente joven por sus edad, la mayoría de las veces son más sabios que nosotros.” Aunque no me sentía nada sabio; al contrario, sentía que no sabía nada y que quería aprenderlo todo y participar en todo en lo que pudiera en el ritual.