Speak, for the cup of hemlock is not yet on your lips.

Sun: 09'Cancer
Moon: 16'Aries
Last Quarter Moon

In the United States, we are very fortunate that the Constitution protects our freedoms of both religion and free speech: of all the objections raised to the original writing of the document, the rights of free speech, press, religion and assembly were the first to be preserved specifically to the populace by the Bill of Rights.  Religious fundamentalism of any stripe is at odds with both of those rights.  Christian fundamentalists attack both the freedom to believe as one wills and and the right to say it (the brainless claim that non-Christians are waging a "War on Christmas" rings a bell here) within our own country.  Islamic fundamentalists (and others) do the same elsewhere.

It is a courageous few, comparatively, who stand up and speak for all by saying they wish only to be left to their own beliefs in peace.  This blogger in Bangladesh was almost murdered - and still lives in fear for his life - for no reason other than the fact that he believes (or, more accurately, does not believe) as he chooses and speaks about it.  And his words are the title of this post, which I quote in respect.

What cowardice could motivate a person to attack from the shadows, to murder or attempt murder in defense of a theology that claims God (by any name) is all-knowing, all-powerful, all-present and created all things (including the one being murdered), and then slink back into the shadows convinced that God will protect and absolve that crime, the theft of the life and free will of another of His creations?

Speak, for the cup of hemlock is not yet on your lips.  Speak for those who cannot speak for themselves, and if those around you are silenced, let their voices join yours and roar defiance at those who would silence freedom forever in the name of religious tyranny.

The Cult of the American Flag?

Sun: 28'Gemini
Moon: 00'Scorpio
Sun Trine Moon - Waxing Gibbous

I will make no friends with this post, I am sure.  It is a mix of both theological thought and politics, fair warning, but it should be said despite the common convention.  (After all, you came here, and it's your choice to keep reading or not.)  And there's no better time to explore the deep-seated psychological thoughts and urges than under a Scorpio Moon.

What defines "sacred?"

This question came to my mind after noting the incident in which rapper Lil' Wayne stepped on, or was perceived to be stepping on, the American flag. 

Now, I normally don't give a flying rat's ass about what goes on in popular culture, and the rap "scene" is just really not my thing at all.  However, this caught my eye as both a Pagan and an active servicemember.  And my thoughts are not precisely what one might expect from either perspective. 

Was monotheism really that much better than polytheism?

Sun: 07'Gemini
Moon: 00'Aquarius
(Mars: 28'Taurus, conj. fixed star Algol)

I found a fascinating link this afternoon over at Free Thought Blogs: was the advent of monotheism truly that much of an advancement over polytheism?

Find it here, and jump below the break for my thoughts (and perhaps, hopefully, a discussion)...

The Boston Marathon Bombing

15 April 2013  2105
Sun: 26'Aries  Moon: 2' Cancer

I would simply like to say that my heart goes out to all those who have been directly affected by the senseless carnage wrought today at the Boston Marathon: I will keep those injured, or who know someone who has been injured, in my prayers.  Santa Muerte, take those who are dead and dying into Your gentle hands, help them to let go and be at peace.  Isis, enfold the survivors and the loved ones of the dead and the injured in Your wings and help them come to terms with their losses, ease their pain and suffering.

I also do sincerely hope that Boston, which was once the cradle in which America's revolutionary ideals of freedom were born, will not now become the grave of those same ideals and the freedoms to which they gave rise in this new and horrifying Boston Massacre.  At this time my prayers also go out to those in power in America, that the twin lights of mercy for the victims and swift, uncompromising justice for the perpetrator(s) shine true and in unison as a double star to guide them.

Santa Muerte - "Saint Death"

Isis