Belief and Doing the Work

One of the most raging debates in Western spirituality over the last few centuries has been the old “faith vs. works” argument. It was a core reason for the Protestant Reformation, and was argued by Roman philosophers even before that. The question is simple: What matters more to the Divine and makes us better followers …

In Support of a Pagan Laity

"Clergy" is a loaded term for any faith, but it becomes especially problematic when coming at it from a Pagan perspective. Definitions vary, but for me the difference between "layperson" and "clergy" is fairly basic. Most people focus their spiritual practice on themselves. Their spirituality is largely self-contained, and their personal spiritual fulfillment comes from …

Covensteads and Clergy

During a recent series of conversations with a Pagan group I was strongly reminded of a quote common in polyamory circles: "Love is infinite, but time is not." We were discussing the treasured dream of establishing a "Covenstead". Dedicated ritual space, meditation gardens, shrines, classrooms, accommodations, the whole deal. Parts of the discussion even started …