PENTON PAGAN MAGAZINE

http://www.penton.co.za

ISSUE NUMBER 45 - DECEMBER 2009
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Hekate: Threeformed Images

by Sorita d’Este

When we examine the myths and legends of the many cultures and religions of the ancient Mediterranean, the Goddess Hekate stands out from the rest. There is simply no other Goddess like her, with evidence stretching back into time, but also crossing the boundaries of tradition, religion and pantheon in rather remarkable ways. Her mysteries are open to all, and her magic to those who have the wisdom to see and who are able to put fear aside in order to cross the boundaries and learn from her.

Queer Spirit & the Craft

by Graeme Shackleford

For many LGBT people, Paganism provides a welcoming, safe, and non-judgemental spiritual environment, something not offered by many of the mainstream religions from which many of these LGBT people have come. Certainly they are offered ‘salvation’, but it is at the high cost of having to forfeit something I believe to be a fundamental part of the human experience, something to which every person has the right: to love another and to be loved by another. Love, I feel, is one of the most basic and beautiful aspects of life.

Bitch Craft

by Morgause Fonteleve

How often have your nerves been jangled by the use of the term “Bitchcraft” when referring to Witch wars, forum squabbles and factional arguments? As if Witches were no more than a two-legged canine species who are beyond any sort of self-control or of acting responsibly upon the power of reasoning, incapable of discernment and who engage in rip-roaring altercations where all that is requested of one is to bark louder than the next, yap and bite with the aim to injure the opponent, come what may, in any manner possible, no matter what, without any regard, respect, compassion or common courtesy for whom it is we might be dealing with?!

Witchcraft: superstition or religion?

by Damon Leff

How should actual self-identified Witches in South Africa, who seek to retain our right to continue to self-identify as Witches, respond to the accusation of superstition against Witchcraft? Do we remain silent about our existence and risk the prejudicial characterization and suppression of our beliefs and magical practices, or do we advocate for recognition of our existence and for the recognition of our belief system as a bone-fide religion? Irrespective of whether you view our spiritual beliefs and magical practices as bad religion or bad science, Witchcraft remains and thrives in broad daylight.

Parliament of the World's Religions

by Ed Hubbard

In the world of Interfaith relations, where religions, faiths and traditions seek to find cooperation and peaceful coexistence, the labels and definitions and how they are used are important. Descriptions of faith practices are the way interfaith speakers share information that leads to greater understanding, and the clearer the language used, the better chance all parties will be able to find common ground.

The Copenhagen Charade

by Bronwen Griffiths

If you take nothing else away from reading this article, then take this at least, green issues are no longer fringe issues that only really wacky people consider as being a requirement to normal life. Rather, being conscious of your impact on the wider environment is becoming something that is the sensible thing to do. Your motivation itself is less of an issue, you can believe that sustainability is a good idea for a range of reasons no matter how weird as long as your actions lead to a measurable increase in sustainability.

PENTON REVIEW

Khepera Rising

written by Nerine Dorman

A masterfully crafted piece of fiction that I thoroughly enjoyed reading; I couldn't put it down. I almost thought I recognized some of the characters fabricated by Dorman. The plot is sound and credible, even believable. If you hate wading through endless pages of fluff that has nothing to do with the actual story being told, you'll appreciate the fact that Dorman wastes no time or space following this story to its conclusion.

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