It's a shame the person who wrote the critique of Starhawk pagan event did not attach their name to it. The anonymous writer has a number of peeves with the pagan water ceremony, including 1. Stawhawk, 2. disrespect of native culture, 3. playful pagan ritual costumes, and 4. "lack of genuine relationships".
I'll address the last, first. If you are genuinely trying to build genuine relationships, why not include your real name on your critique? What you said was pretty mild. Why not have the courage of your convictions and add your name?
With regards to Starhawk, she is a giant in the pagan community. She has written many best selling books and she is a long time social activist. I attended the ritual because I have enjoyed her books and I was excited about participating in the spiral dance, which is one of Starhawk's signature rituals. The writer seems to dislike Stawhawk for some reason. Perhaps the writer is unfamiliar with her books and her decades of activist work.
Regarding the writers comments about native culture, the people who organized the free pagan event invited members of the Mi'Kmaw community to participate in the ritual and their presence was very welcome. It was wonderful to meet them and enjoy their speeches and drumming. This is the essence of genuine relationship building - showing up with an open heart and an open mind, and honoring each other.
The writer seems to be most peeved by the playful, bright, flamboyant costumes and regalia worn by many of the pagans in attendance. All religions have specific rituals, customs and ways of dressing to create sacred space. Many pagans like to dress up when celebrating together. The writer did not specifically say this, but I suspect he was uncomfortable with the spiritual aspect of the event. He is very likely an atheist and he was offended by the open practice of pagan spirituality. Too bad he was unable to appreciate the ritual, the dancing, the drumming, and the joyful community building.
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I'll address the last, first. If you are genuinely trying to build genuine relationships, why not include your real name on your critique? What you said was pretty mild. Why not have the courage of your convictions and add your name?
With regards to Starhawk, she is a giant in the pagan community. She has written many best selling books and she is a long time social activist. I attended the ritual because I have enjoyed her books and I was excited about participating in the spiral dance, which is one of Starhawk's signature rituals. The writer seems to dislike Stawhawk for some reason. Perhaps the writer is unfamiliar with her books and her decades of activist work.
Regarding the writers comments about native culture, the people who organized the free pagan event invited members of the Mi'Kmaw community to participate in the ritual and their presence was very welcome. It was wonderful to meet them and enjoy their speeches and drumming. This is the essence of genuine relationship building - showing up with an open heart and an open mind, and honoring each other.
The writer seems to be most peeved by the playful, bright, flamboyant costumes and regalia worn by many of the pagans in attendance. All religions have specific rituals, customs and ways of dressing to create sacred space. Many pagans like to dress up when celebrating together. The writer did not specifically say this, but I suspect he was uncomfortable with the spiritual aspect of the event. He is very likely an atheist and he was offended by the open practice of pagan spirituality. Too bad he was unable to appreciate the ritual, the dancing, the drumming, and the joyful community building.