Core Values and Contemporary Paganisms
Jeffrey Albaugh
September 24, 2023
I think we can all agree that contemporary pagans have a problem when it comes to getting along. Wars and other schisms between contemporary pagans seem to come and go. However, since the advent of the internet and the rise of hyper-individualism, there seems to be further fragmentation. How do we find a way forward so that we can work together? And when we work together, what sorts of social and environmental ills will we be able to intervene in? In this six-part video blog, I will be looking at some basic ways of relating to one another, the environment, and to spirit that may be useful in forging relationships.
Recently, a colleague was telling me a story about his interaction with an American indigenous woman years ago. She told him that, although she admired what contemporary pagans were attempting to do in terms of nature religion and honoring spirit, she also observed that we had no idea of how to interact cohesively as a tribe. I think this is significant, especially in light of some comments made by Aboriginal scholar Tyson Yunkaporta during the most recent episode of "Sounds of Sand," a podcast about Science and Nonduality (https://we.scienceandnonduality.com/podcasts/sounds-of-sand). Yunkaporta discusses identity not in contemporary terms of the individual, but in the more collective terms of the larger groups to which an individual belongs. As contemporary pagans of a variety of stripes and spots, we are in need of a solid set of ground rules to facilitate cooperation. These would, incidentally, also be ground rules that would facilitate growth and spiritual development, the change in our traditions as we go forward in time, our relationship with the land and the way that we use it, and our interactions with the spirit world.
Lyla June (https://www.lylajune.com/), in another "Sounds of Sand" podcast (https://we.scienceandnonduality.com/podcasts/sounds-of-sand/episodes/2147965400), talks about the core values many authors have identified that drive indigenous systems (and have been adopted as guiding principles in indigenous education) as respect, reverence, reciprocity, and responsibility. She suggests that if our inner systems are focused on these notions, these will then be reflected in our outer systems of a relationship with one another, the world, and spirit.
In the next installments of this particular video blog, I will be discussing respect, reverence, reciprocity, and responsibility, the ways that these sacred relationships might lead us forward into a better world for ourselves, our communities, and our world. It is in gratitude and respect that I look to this collection of ideas; I am not looking to appropriate another culture, but rather to look at the ways that other cultures have been successful in living sustainably in the world in an effort to find a way forward.
Balancing Individualism and Connectedness: A Journey Through Human Evolution
Jeffrey Albaugh
September 17, 2023
In the distant past, long before the complexities of modern civilization, our ancestors roamed the Earth in groups, akin to chimpanzees or bonobos. They understood that their very existence hinged upon the support of their troop, relying on relatives, mothers, aunts, brothers, and fathers for protection and sustenance. In those ancient times, the concept of unity was ingrained in our species' identity. We were not isolated entities; we were interconnected and interdependent.
As time flowed onward, our species underwent transformations. We eventually settled into communities and villages, but the core understanding remained the same: our survival depended on our tribe, our clan. We knew who we were, and our shared existence mattered profoundly. However, as history marched on, our perspective began to shift. The rise of city-states and sprawling metropolises introduced a new paradigm. While kinship still held significance, we started viewing ourselves as separate, distinct, and different. We were slowly losing touch with our natural interconnectedness.
Then came the industrial revolution, marking yet another significant shift. The close-knit bonds of clans and extended families began to dissolve, paving the way for the rise of nuclear families. In these smaller family units, parents cared for their children and their aging parents, ensuring their well-being and success in the world. But the winds of change were blowing, and the counterculture of the 60s, along with the continuing ascent of American individualism, shook the foundations of family dynamics.
With the advent of the Internet, the trend continued. Nuclear families fragmented further, and the elderly and the youth were left abandoned in the world, often untended and uncared for. We started sending our elders to homes where they would live out their days with minimal attention or care. Meanwhile, children turned to the Internet for learning and companionship, finding what they should have received from peers and caring adults in the digital realm.
It's essential to clarify that advocating for individualism isn't inherently negative. However, like all things in life, it requires balance. If we take individualism to the extreme, we risk turning into self-absorbed beings, caring for no one but ourselves. Extreme individualism can easily tip into narcissism, and the consequences of that are evident in our society today.
So, where do we find the equilibrium between extreme individualism and the collective spirit of our ancestors? For me, the answer lies in emphasizing connectedness. We must acknowledge our shared humanity, the space between us where our actions, perceptions, and interactions converge. Each of us possesses a unique perspective, autonomy, and a rich personal history. This space between should be governed by principles of respect, reciprocity, responsibility, and reverence.
Many contemporary pagans hold a belief that each person is an aspect and iteration of the divine. Shouldn't we all honor the divinity within ourselves and within the world around us? If we recognize that all of reality is interconnected, woven together by threads of spirit, soul, psyche, consciousness, and matter, shouldn't we cherish and protect every part of this intricate tapestry?
In conclusion, our journey through human evolution has seen us swing between individualism and connectedness. While individualism has its merits, we must not lose sight of the importance of our interconnectedness. Balancing the two is essential for a harmonious society where respect, reciprocity, responsibility, and reverence guide our interactions. By honoring the divinity within ourselves, others (human, animal, invisible) and all of nature, we can strive for a world where both individuality and connectedness thrive in harmony.
Thoughts on Social Media
Jeffrey Albaugh
In the digital age, mastering the art of social media has become a crucial skill for organizations of all kinds. As I delved into the world of developing a robust social media strategy for COMPASS (Commons of Modern Pagans and Spiritual Seekers), I couldn't help but notice a recurring theme in most courses and resources I encountered: the ultimate goal of social media is often perceived as guiding your audience toward taking action, typically involving the exchange of money for goods or services. This is an understandable set of strategies for the for-profit sector. Social media in the non-profit sector, however, does not exhibit any differences in this regard. Rather than sales it shifts the goal toward donations, so it still has money in its sites.
Before we dive deeper into this topic, let me make one thing clear: I fully understand and appreciate the necessity of revenue generation for both businesses and non-profits. Paying the bills and sustaining our organizations is a fundamental requirement. However, my frustration arises from the fact that our vision for COMPASS extends beyond mere participation in the money-making machine.
As of now, COMPASS is operating successfully, thanks in part to the funds raised through events like the Virtual Symposium of Pagan Thought & Practice and our latest addition, the Southern California Divination Conference. Our operational costs are covered, and we have the opportunity to explore new avenues and projects that can enrich our community. In light of this, I believe it's crucial to redefine the role of social media within our organization.
For us, social media should not primarily focus on accumulating wealth but rather on achieving a more profound set of objectives. To me, 'action' in the context of our community means something more than financial transactions. It means ensuring that your voice is heard, that you have the chance to meet new people who share your interests, that you're exposed to innovative ideas and practices, and most importantly, that our Pagan communities are nurtured, invigorated, and empowered.
So, what does this shift in perspective mean for our social media strategy? It means a renewed emphasis on:
1. Raising Awareness: Social media becomes a tool to introduce our community to a wider audience. It's about providing venues for sharing our values, beliefs, and practices and promoting intrafaith cooperation.
2. Encouraging Participation: Instead of just aiming for monetary contributions, our goal is to foster engagement. We want our followers to actively participate in discussions, events, and activities that align with our mission.
3. Providing Education: Social media can serve as a platform for learning and sharing knowledge. We can use it to educate our community about various aspects of Paganism and spiritual seeking.
4. Connecting the Community: Building a sense of belonging and interconnectedness within our community is vital. Social media can help us bridge geographical gaps and connect people who share similar interests and beliefs.
In conclusion, while fundraising and financial stability are important, they should not overshadow the true essence of our mission at COMPASS. Social media, in our context, should be a means to create a vibrant, informed, and tightly knit community. It should be about amplifying voices, fostering relationships, and inspiring positive change within our Pagan and spiritual seeker communities. So, let's redefine our social media strategy to reflect these values and ensure that our actions align with our broader goals.
Embracing Andragogy: The Key to Effective Spiritual Instruction
Jeffrey Albaugh
Introduction
Spirituality is a deeply personal and transformative journey for individuals seeking inner growth, meaning, and connection with something greater than themselves. Spiritual instruction plays a vital role in guiding and supporting individuals on this path. While many instructional approaches exist, one that stands out for its effectiveness is andragogy. Derived from the Greek words "andra" (meaning adult) and "agogos" (meaning leading), andragogy emphasizes the unique needs, characteristics, and self-directed nature of adult learners. In this blog, we explore the importance of applying andragogy principles to spiritual instruction and the positive impact it can have on the spiritual growth of individuals.
Recognizing the Unique Characteristics of Adult Learners
Unlike children or adolescents, adults approach learning with a different set of characteristics and needs. Recognizing and respecting these qualities is fundamental in creating a conducive learning environment for spiritual instruction. Some key characteristics of adult learners include:
Self-directedness: Adults prefer to take responsibility for their own learning and participate actively in the process. Spiritual instruction should provide opportunities for exploration, reflection, and self-discovery.
Relevance and practicality: Adult learners seek knowledge and practices that have immediate applicability to their lives. They value instruction that helps them address real-life challenges and cultivate personal growth.
Experience-based learning: Adults bring a wealth of life experiences and prior knowledge to the learning process. Effective spiritual instruction should honor and integrate these experiences, fostering a sense of continuity and relevance.
Individualized learning: Adults have unique learning preferences and styles. Instructional approaches should be flexible, allowing learners to engage with material in ways that resonate with their personal needs and interests.
Applying Andragogy Principles in Spiritual Instruction
Engaging the Learner: In andragogy, the instructor serves as a facilitator rather than an authority figure. Encourage active participation through dialogues, group discussions, and reflective exercises. This approach creates a collaborative and supportive learning environment.
Relating to Real-Life Situations: Connect spiritual concepts and teachings to practical situations that adults encounter in their daily lives. Relatable examples and case studies help learners see the relevance and value of the instruction in their personal journeys.
Encouraging Self-Reflection: Incorporate activities that encourage learners to reflect on their beliefs, values, and experiences. Journaling, meditation, or contemplative exercises can deepen self-awareness and facilitate spiritual growth.
Emphasizing Application: Provide opportunities for learners to apply what they have learned in practical ways. This can include exercises, rituals, or community service projects that allow individuals to integrate their spiritual knowledge into their lives and make a positive impact.
Individualizing Instruction: Recognize and accommodate diverse learning styles and preferences. Offer multiple learning modalities, such as visual, auditory, and kinesthetic, to cater to individual needs. Flexibility and personalization enhance engagement and facilitate deeper understanding.
Benefits of Andragogy in Spiritual Instruction
Increased Engagement: By honoring the autonomy and self-directedness of adult learners, andragogy promotes active engagement, curiosity, and motivation. This leads to a deeper investment in the learning process and a greater sense of personal ownership over spiritual growth.
Relevance and Applicability: Applying andragogy principles ensures that spiritual instruction addresses the real-life challenges and needs of adult learners. By making teachings directly applicable to their lives, individuals can experience immediate benefits and positive transformations.
Integration of Prior Knowledge and Experience: Andragogy recognizes the value of learners' prior experiences and knowledge. By integrating these elements into instruction, individuals can build upon their existing spiritual foundation and establish meaningful connections between past and present.
Personal Empowerment: Through self-directed learning
Pagan Teachers Commons
The Commons of Modern Pagans and Spiritual Seekers has a discussion group comprised of instructors that teach spiritual practices related to Wicca, Witchcraft, and Contemporary Paganisms. The goal of this discussion group is to share best instructional practices, including techniques for online instruction. If you are interested, you can join the group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1162116331850946
What is a SpiritWalk?
Imagine a gathering of people who come together to represent the spirit world, and walk as a group, during the darkest part of the year. They walk to emphasize the dark during the "season of light". Not a Halloween concept, but a Yule one, the spirit walk honors the beings of the winter solstice: elves, fairies, ancestors, house spirits, Krampus, Bels nickel, land wights, and yes, even St. Nick. Dressed as spirits, they carry lanterns and trudge silently toward the winter solstice and through the bustle of holiday shoppers, a quiet reminder of the "spirit" of Yule.
Although costumes and masks are often associated with Halloween, folklore holds that this is only the beginning of the season in which the spirits are restless. Those of us abroad on long winter nights might come upon a strange procession. Spirits were believed to race through the countryside, visit the homes of the living, and ride through hidden forest hollows. The most active time for this phenomenon was around the shortest day and longest night of the year: the winter solstice.
Join us as we bring folklore to life and process through the streets of Ventura and Ojai. On November 12 and 26, 2022, there will be mask making workshops at 5200 Valentine Rd., Ventura, CA 93001 from 11:00 to 1:00 PM. These workshops are free and will include materials needed to create a suitable mask. In the first workshop on November 12 we will shape and form our masks, and in the second workshop on November 26 we will add paint and other decorations. If you missed the first one, feel free to join us in the second!
The Ventura Spirit Walk on December 3, 2022, will gather in the alley behind the parking structure on Santa Clara and Main St at 5:00 PM, and will walk in silence to the Ventura Mission and back.
The Ojai Spirit Walk on December 16, 2022, will meet at the post office on Ojai Avenue and Signal Street, at 5:00 PM and walk in silence east to Montgomery and back, through the Arcade.
Please register for the series of mask making workshops. Anyone can show up for the spiritwalk events. Wear a mask and join in the silent revelry! To register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/443032230327?aff=efbneb
Date: December 16, 2022 5:00 PM-7:00 PM
Location: Ojai Post Office, Ojai Ave. | Ojai Ave. and Signal Meet in front of the post office!, Ojai, CA 93023 | 805 279-8199
Admission: This is a free event!
Croning for M. Macha NightMare
On September 17, 2022, in Fairfax CA, family and friends gathered to celebrate the croning of M. Macha Nightmare. Macha is a long-time member of the Pagan community. She is one of the founding members of Reclaiming Collective and member of the American Academy of Religion. Macha is known for her involvement with interfaith work and the Marin Interfaith council. She has authored several books and co-authored of the Pagan Book of Death and Dying with Starhawk. Macha’s croning celebration was attended by friends and family of all genders, with several guests in attendance via the internet. During the celebration Macha’s considerable accomplishments were shared, and it was evident that she is still an active member in the Pagan community. It was our immense pleasure to honor Macha by proclaiming September 17, 2022, as M. Macha NightMare Day. Macha’s is currently working in conjunction with the Commons of Modern Pagan Spiritual Seekers (COMPASS) on the development of a support network for individuals involved in providing services to incarcerated Pagans and a group that supports individuals that work with death and dying. Our Pagan communities are woven together in ritual, work, and celebration. The recognition of our elders—those individuals who have paved the way for our freedom to walk our chosen spiritual path—is an integral part of that community.
What is a Commons?
Lilith Pearson
May 2022
A Commons can be defined as “the cultural and natural resources accessible to all members of society, including but not limited to natural materials, like water and air. These resources are held in common and not privately owned.” In medieval Europe, shared land had rules for how it was developed by the community. Over time, the term ‘commons’ has taken on several meanings, most generally, referring to a broad set of resources, natural and cultural, that are shared by many people.
These are resources available to everyone. Resources readily available to Pagans of all paths and spiritualities, and many do not know about them or how to access them, the Commons of Modern Pagans And Spiritual Seekers, COMPASS, seeks to host a repository of these resources and connect our community to providers. From creating shared sacred spaces, to connecting with teachers, to rituals, to the wisdom of an Elders quorum to books, music, and artists, COMPASS hopes to facilitate the coming together of our community. By fostering and sustaining the diverse paths of spirituality and religion and we hope our community will thrive as we continue to grow through Pandemic, in preparation for the world blooming on the other side.
COMPASS will continue to provide access to conferences, classes, online events, virtual and in-person shared spaces, archives, interfaith, and intra-faith activities, and other resources held in common by our community and available to our people either for free or at a low-cost and affordable fee. As a non-profit, we do not seek to profit from the coming together of people.
For more information, please continue to visit our website. 