An episode of “Martha Speaks” (Design Studios, 2008 - ), a PBS children’s program, discusses guilt and shame. In “Martha and the Canine Caper” (107a), Martha, the dog, accidently helps some stray dogs commit a crime. The words featured in this episode are “blame, conceal, confess, distressed, and shame.” When Martha discovered that these dogs ( Read more... )

Guilt and its sibling emotion of shame are emotions that I feel are generally useless. Most of my experiences with this emotion can be summed up in the title of Manuel Smith’s book, “When I Say ‘No’, I Feel Guilty” (1975). I usually view guilt as a form of manipulation: something people do to get you to do what they want you to do.

In studying what ( Read more... )

Although the goals of a Pagan ritual (1) and a United Methodist Church (UMC) (2) service differ, they do have similar guidelines for the conduct of their participants (3) (4). In the UMC, people silently enter and meditate. Talking is discouraged, since everyone is preparing for the service to begin. To enter into the sacred space and time, people ( Read more... )

1. Goals of Pagan Ritual

“The Intentions of Druidic Ritual”

To rectify and empower the souls of the worshippers.

To serve Gods, Goddess, and Spirits.

To bless the Folk of the Land.

“What is Ritual?”

Ritual is a repeated pattern of things done, things said and things thought.

Spiritual ritual uses those things to link ordinary human ( Read more... )