Ever since Sir Arthur Evans publicized the bare-breasted women in Minoan art in the early 20th century, academics and the public alike have assumed that women figured much more prominently in Minoan art and society than men did. This assumption has formed the basis of theories suggesting that ancient Minoan women held an authoritarian position similar to that which men now hold throughout much of the world. However, the few items that Evans focused on are not representative of the whole of Minoan art and give an inaccurate view both of the art and of women's place in Minoan society. A careful investigation shows that there is, in fact, an almost exactly equal representation of male and female figures overall. Using this more accurate data suggests that, rather than a female-dominated society, the Minoans were most likely a gender-egalitarian culture.
The fifteenth century philosopher George Gemistos Plethon led a small, secret group worshiping the Greek gods. He hoped to establish a universal Pagan religion based on Ancient Greek Paganism and Neoplatonic theology. His ideas inspired Renaissance mages such as Marsilio Ficino, thus reviving ancient Pagan thought in Western Europe and awakening Hermetic and Neoplatonic spirituality and magic. In this talk I will present an introduction to Plethon's religious rituals and spiritual ideas, as presented in my recent book, "The Secret Texts of Hellenic Polytheism: A Practical Guide to the Restored Pagan Religion of George Gemistos Plethon" (Llewellyn, 2022), which explains and includes the first complete English translations of the parts of his work that survived destruction by his Christian enemies.
Modern botanical science has finally reached a point where the hidden lives of plants are not so hidden. Plant ecologists have been studying their behavior, strategies, and cultures for hundreds of years. But recent academic research on plant intelligence has allowed us to understand them as a unique group of species with agency. Add a dash of animism and what you discover is a rich accounting of their incredible lives and their full potential as partners. This presentation will shed light on the hidden lives of plants by focusing on their ecology and discoveries in the new field of plant intelligence. It will end with a discussion of recently published books by botanists, and their reporter fans, who may or may not know that their work is infused with animism. Works that provide valuable insights and offer an animism grounded in both the spiritual and scientific realms.
Many people grew up reciting nursery rhymes about the collapse of famous bridges, children with their thumbs buried in baked goods, or the market practices of talking pigs. What they may not know, however, is that a great many nursery rhymes also have their roots in occult charms designed to predict the future, ward off bad weather, grant wishes, or work other magics. This session explores how many rhymes have their origins in magical charms and predictive rituals of bygone ages. We will also spend some time with old Mother Goose herself, who has some particularly spooky and supernatural origins as a witch-figure from European folklore (and possibly even a belly-slitting goddess named Perchta from German mythology).
The aesthetic emphasis in modern paganism often takes precedence over substance. Many pagans center their aesthetics around pop-culture projections as opposed to authentic lineages. As a result, others de-emphasize aesthetics to pursue a deeper essence. However, the more we sacrifice spiritual expression, the less translatable our work. How can we rectify this conflict between flare and substance? The answers lie with a tenth-century Tantric philosopher named Abhinavagupta, whose influence extends beyond his role as a guru, as he was well-educated in the humanities. He believed aesthetics were fundamentally spiritual, born of the intersection between spirit and emotion, and (vibration/resonance), described as the very basis of reality. By applying Abhinavagupta theories to pagan practice, we may imbue our aesthetics with the spiritual depth of the rasa, thus counteracting the superficiality of these expressions by anchoring them not to the contrived projections of popular culture, but the soul itself.
This paper offers a transnational feminist interpretation of the 21st century pagan voice. A multiple minority within a minority religiously, the concept of religious voice can only be taken . Articulated by Charles Taylor, Talal Asad, and Homi Bhabha in 2021, through their commentary on ethnic-religious minorities with further critique and examination of several models including a post secular and dialogical model, an anti-secular traditionalist model, and a pro†secular and vernacular model,recent events emphasizes how Pagan voices need to be re-examined in the light of how pagan, Heathen, and polytheist views are presented through highlights of intersectional aspects of identities that appear in contemporary society. Through this lensthis article looks at how utilizing several models to dispel stereotypes of neopaganism in concert with the continued rising popularity of non-monot
In this workshop we will examine and discuss: Good versus evil, black versus white, male versus female, light versus dark. In America today, we are all too familiar with these moral absolutes, aren't we? We may be a diverse mix of folks here, but the dominant cultures from which this patriarchy emerged ”the British Isles, and European Christianity”built moral codes on stories of good vs evil. These codes have dangerous repercussions as they are used to ascribe moral value to ideas, things... and even people. Who helps us to examine this state of juxtaposition, this friction? Artists. Poets. Storytellers. Taking inspiration from a collection of “Hanged Oneâ€_x009d_ tarot cards, and exploring the artists' interpretations, we will examine concepts of flipping, of being upside down, of turning absolutes on their head.
Hans Dieter Betz, editor of the Greek Magical Papyri in Translation (PGM), proposes that “In its Hellenistic transformation, the Egyptian religion of the pre-Hellenistic era appears to have been reduced and simplified, no doubt to facilitate its assimilation into Hellenistic religion as the predominant cultural reference. I argue that in contemporary Paganism, revival and reconstruction continues this process. In 1999, I was an experienced Wiccan ritualist and magic worker who read the PGM. Eyes opened to a faraway time and magical culture, I was eager to try a PGM ritual for myself. I chose the copper cup divination from PDM XIV: 395-427, and with the overconfidence of youth, performed it at a public ritual in my local area. Focusing on this case study, I will demonstrate that the rite was reduced and simplified in an attempt to facilitate its assimilation into the Neopagan framework of the early 21st century CE.
Let's trace the history of prosperity magic from its earliest textual roots to today. Along the way, we will explore humanity's evolving attitudes towards wealth and how they influenced magical practices that span the centuries. Spiritual beliefs and wealth often seem to be at odds. Can modern practitioners bridge the gap between the two?
Most Modern Pagans and Witches regard their practices as either ancient practices handed down secretly through centuries, or as intellectual reconstructions of those practices based on ancient records and archaeology. James Grimes, also known as Embreis23, argues that the truth is that Modern Paganism was created through the efforts an array of philosophers, witches, artists, and madfolk, to create by Magic something new: a path to human liberation and survival through the re-enchantment of the world.
Explore the remarkable journey of Mary Magdalene, a figure whose legacy has transcended time. From her early recognition as a divine equal in religious sects to her mischaracterization as a sinner by a pope, Mary's story reflects a dynamic transformation that resonates within pagan communities today. Discover how pagan practices are redefining Catholic saints into goddesses, with Mary Magdalene at the forefront of this movement. Join me as I delve into key historical elements such as Gnosticism, the intriguing roles of the Knights Templar and Cathars, and the influential tenets of Catholicism. We will also consider various mystical traditions, including the Rosicrucian Order and the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, examining their connections to Mary and the Divine Feminine. Furthermore, this exploration will shed light on her profound impact on the New Age Movement, modern witchcraft, and feminist magic, illustrating her enduring significance in contemporary spiritual practices. Embark on this extensive journey tracing Mary Magdalene's adoration from the first century to the present, and gain insights into how her legacy can be woven into modern rituals and magic. Enrich your understanding of spirituality and the evolving role of female figures in history.
