web analytics
Occasionally I wandered in where I was not wanted and gave truthful answers.
Sometimes I even did it deliberately. A little disruption now can prevent disaster later.

How we treat the Other

The trust we share among ourselves and how we use that trust is really what defines our community. I've said that how we treat the Other may be the defining characteristic of a great human civilization. I stand by that.
— NeoWayland, Characters
Comments

Related to who?

Sorry about that. I wasn't going to load the new stuff until I had all the changes made.

Read More...
Comments

NeoNote — This tragedy does not reflect on Heathens.

“In which John compares and contrasts Greek civilization and the Persian Empire. Of course we're glad that Greek civilization spawned modern western civilization, right? Maybe not. From Socrates and Plato to Darius and Xerxes, John explains two of the great powers of the ancient world, all WITHOUT the use of footage from 300.”

Read More...
Comments

❝A thing is right…❞

A thing is right when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability and beauty of the biotic community. It is wrong when it tends otherwise.
— Aldo Leopold
Comments

❝Conservation is getting nowhere…❞

“In which John presents Mesopotamia, and the early civilizations that arose around the Fertile Crescent. Topics covered include the birth of territorial kingdoms, empires, Neo-Assyrian torture tactics, sacred marriages, ancient labor practices, the world's first law code, and the great failed romance of John's undergrad years.”

Read More...
Comments

On that Pagan community thing

If you promised to be someone else’s “one and only,” you’re off limits. Honor demands nothing less.
— NeoWayland, sex rules
Comments

Okay, rain break over

We're people, not legends.

Read More...
Comments

Building

“In which Mike Rugnetta continues our unit on pantheons with the complex Indian pantheon, focusing on stories that were written in Sanskrit. We start with a violent creation story. We talk about the concept of Brahman, and the personification as three deities: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Then, the goddess Durga teaches us how to behead a buffalo demon while riding a lion.”

Read More...
Comments

How easy it is to join

See, the internet is an equalizer of sorts. If I am in a "community," my statements have the same weight as the flakiest member who joined just last week. The chances of anyone sticking around and making that community actually worth something is inversely proportional to how easy it is to join.
— NeoWayland, Flake off
Comments

Flake off

It always worries me when I can hear the capitals in what other people say, even if it is only what they are typing on a computer screen.
Comments

Observing what others think of “Pagan Community”

Douglas Adams Passing Day

Read More...
Comments

Communities

You don't build communities by excluding people you don't like.
     — NeoWayland, Solitary
Comments

Solitary

Do I think I can change the universe? I already have. Can I make it better? Maybe.
     — NeoWayland
Comments

Characters

Thinking by blogging

The decline of the written language

Read More...
Comments

Community and being a Proper Pagan

Refuge

Read More...
Comments

Terms of understanding

This is a page from the third version of Technopagan Yearnings. There are some formatting differences. Originally published at www.neowayland.com/C410060794/E20091226123859

I know what to call Book People now

This is one of those months I wish I could rip out and forget. I'm thinking things are going to get better by the 12th, but I am not totally sure.

Anyway, some things did go right. Early this morning while thinking about what may become chapter five, I solved a nagging problem that has been bothering me for months.

So working from "The story is not the journey," I've settled on terms.

You see, almost every word I used to describe the book people sounded pejorative. The one I've settled on isn't perfect, but it's a lot better. Here's what I'm using.

Sojourner - experienced faith, active, focused on their own journey.

Wonderer (not Wanderer) - Seeking, but no clear direction or method. "They hear the call, but they haven't found their path yet.

And finally…

Pilgrim - revealed faith, "the answers could be in the very next book." The fable happens to them as they seek to manifest the story in their own lives.

And no, this isn't necessarily about religion or faith.

This also has application to the profile notes I talked about before. I added the descriptions to =profile5 - special interests to use as I need.

Hmm, while I'm "in the neighborhood," I'd like to make another point. I have the same thing for Religion, Clubs or volunteer efforts, Politics, and Community. Let's look at one.

Clubs or volunteer efforts? -
Official? - Active? -
How? - Importance to person? -


Obviously I copy/paste as need. But what the heck do I mean by "official" and "active?"

Official is what they call themselves. "I'm a Rotarian" (there aren't as many as there used to be). Active is how much they put into it. It's the difference between a benchwarmer who is there for the social stuff and the one who stays late to help clean up. For some, the label is the most important part. Others may not even be "official" but they're more than willing to pitch in.

Posted: Sat - December 26, 2009 at 12:38 PM

Comments

Revisiting writing the book

If it’s bad when the People of the Book do it, then why on Earth is it a good idea when neopagans do it?

Read More...
Comments

The Authority Problem

Juliaki wrote an pretty good piece on teachers and students in the Craft

Read More...
Comments

Groups

I don't bow unless I respect

Read More...
Comments

On Being Not

How important is it?

Read More...
Comments

Harassment: Avoidance & Confrontation

Adding practicality to my Beltaine

Read More...
Comments


Sunfell Tech Mage Rede Nine Words Serve The Tech Mage Best Keep What Works Fix What’s Broke Ditch The Rest

A narrow slice of life, but now and again pondering American neopaganism, modern adult pagans & the World.

2019       2018       2017       2016       2015       2014       2011       2010       2009       2008       2007       2006       2005