Beltane: Thoughts of Spiritual Atheism:

For some people, today is simply May 1st, 2013. For other people it is a religious holiday, one of five such important dates throughout the year (nine if you count the equinoxes and solstices). For pagans, Wiccans, and those who still follow the old Celtic traditions, Beltane is the time when Spring, fertility, and new crops are celebrated. It is a fire festival and the activities vary from bonfire jumping to Maypole weaving. It is a time to reconnect with nature after a long winter.

I recognize Beltane and I am an Atheist.

It was this fact about me, and a facebook post, that prompted this writing. Most of my friends and family know I'm an Atheist (or a Heathen as my sister lovingly refers to me), but many are surprised when they find out I recognize and celebrate many pagan holidays. How can this be? How can I be a pagan and an Atheist? Simple. I'm not a pagan per se, I'm a spiritual atheist.

What is this nonsense?  Well, don't be too surprised. It is not impossible to be spiritual and an Atheist. Buddhists are technically atheists and they have holidays, festivals, prayers, chants and ritual. Most likely, this is where the confusion lies on the whole matter. Many people think that Atheists denounce all superstition, ritual, or supernatural. They think that science is the only way for an Atheist, and frankly, the worst offenders for this type of thinking are the Atheists!

What people tend to forget is the very definition of Atheism. To be an Atheist simply means you do not believe in god. You do not believe there is a higher power(s) that needs to be worshipped. Because of this, most Atheists reject religions that worship a god and in turn, they reject the doctrines and dogmas of those religions as well. But some Atheists have turned to science in the fervor that theists turn to scripture. I usually refer to these people as Fundamentally extreme Atheists, and often they are no better than the Bible thumpers they enjoy seeking out and arguing with. I generally roll my eyes at both groups.

If there were a continuum with Theists at one end and Atheists at the other, I believe that Spiritual Atheism would be smack in the middle - in perfect balance. Spiritual Atheism is the ability to know that science hasn't figured it all out and the supernatural are powers we just have not been able to explain yet. Spiritual Atheists tend to be in tune with nature and understand that we are all connected in some way. Life is a balance (any Biologist or Chemist can confirm that) and for every action there is a reactions (hello Physics!). But the fact some of us Spiritual ones tend to perform ritual to make a connection to the planet, and other life that resides on the planet, doesn't make us less Atheist. The planet is not a god to us, it is a living organism filled with other living organisms that demands our respect. That's it.

But what about this prayer business? Well, fundamental extremists on both sides will hate this, but it really is about channeling energy. When one meditates and recites a sutra, or casts a circle and chants a spell, it is another way of focusing all attention and energy on whatever outcome you seek, whether it be inner peace or the strength to complete some task. Again, this has nothing to do with god, so our Atheist card is still safe.

Finally,  in my opinion, Spiritual Atheists tend to be more tolerant. Maybe it is because we cherish ritual as much as science. Maybe it's because extremist views have not clouded our objectivity. Whatever the reason, I am happy that I can comfortably walk into a mosque, church, or temple and maintain an open mind about the celebrations that occur there. I can also comfortably reside in a laboratory and read a scientific article about evolution, neuroscience, astronomy, or biology and know that the methodology was sound and it doesn't conflict with my spiritual beliefs. I am not in conflict with anyone  unless they try to force their beliefs on me - then we will have a problem.

But for now, there is no issue. I am secure in my beliefs and at peace with myself. On this beautiful May 1st, I hope that whatever traditions you follow leave you happy and content.

Blessed be.

Keep the Internet Free

"Cruelty and injustice, intolerance and oppression. And where once you had the freedom to object, to think and speak as you saw fit, you now have censors and surveillance coercing your conformity and soliciting submission."

"How did this happen? Who's to blame? Certainly there are those who are more responsible than others [...] But again, truth be told, if you're looking for the guilty you need only look into a mirror." 

-Excerpt from V's revolutionary speech

The United States Government is again attempting to control and censor the internet. The Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act has just recently passed the house. 

This bill would allow major internet entities such as Facebook, Twitter, and Google to voluntarily share your personal information with the U.S. Government. This will not only affect users in the United States, but also anyone with an account with these companies. 

This upcoming Monday, April the 22nd, we invite you to join Anonymous in a internet blackout. We encourage all web developers and website owners to go dark on this date. Display a message as to why you are going dark, and encourage others to do the same. 

We hope, just like the successful protest over the Stop Online Piracy Act, we can encourage the senate to stop this bill.

-Message from Anonymous 

If you are not aware of CISPA then I fear you have been effectively distracted. Take a moment and read up on the Bill the US House of Representatives passed while all eyes were on Boston.

Hopefully Obama will keep his word and vetoes the Bill. Hopefully. Nonetheless, if you are concerned about your on-line privacy, then perhaps a show of solidarity tomorrow is in order.

Go dark for a day... the internet will still be here when you get back - at least for now.

Terror at your door? Welcome to the Rest of the World.

We live a pretty coddled life here in North America. We can freely complain about our leaders without fear of secret police showing up in the middle of the night to drag us away. We can protest a myriad of issues (usually) without being tear gassed, shot, run over by tanks, or beaten by police in riot gear. We can also freely walk down the street, go to work, or eat in a cafe without the fear of being bombed... well, until recently.

The "Boston Marathon Bombings" have rattled our sense of security and slapped the United States awake. If someone wants to hurt you, they can, and quite easily. Weapons are easy to make. Humans are ingenious when it comes to thinking up ways to kill each other. This is not new. What is new is that it is happening on North American soil. The war is here and we are shocked, appalled, and terrified. Really?

It always surprises me when people are shocked about bombings on US soil. How long did we think we could allow our governments to bomb civilians overseas without feeling the repercussions? You think the World Trade and Boston was scary? Try living in a place where that is a daily occurrence. Then you will know terror.

How entitled are we to believe civilians from other countries would not eventually retaliate? You can call them terrorists, insurgents, or fanatics. But in the end they are people who have been seen loved ones perish, and their governments and economies crash at the hand of a foreign power. They are people who want to send a message in anyway they can. 

Don't get me wrong, I have no love for people who target civilians to send a message - but that includes ALL people and ALL governments that resort to these tactics. For me, there is no such thing as a sanctioned attack against innocents. There is no such thing as collateral damage. It is all murder.

I also understand that incidents here at home have a greater impact on us. Of course it is normal and natural to feel empathetic and shocked by tragic incidents that hit "close to home", but people should not lose sight of what is happening across the world. Bombings happen everyday in the Middle East, Asia and even parts of Europe. Are your thoughts and prayers with those people? If not, maybe you should really examine why.

Do we really believe an American, British, French, Israeli or Canadian life is worth more than a Pakistani, Afghani, Iraqi or Iranian life? Do people in Libya, Syria, and Egypt deserve their civil unrest and the death that has ensued? Why is North America's social media wrought with thoughts and prayers for the 3 people killed in  Boston this week, but not the 27 people killed in a Baghdad cafe bombing?

So while you are glued to CNN today waiting to see if they capture or kill the second bombing suspect, ask yourself these two questions:
1. How many others are out there waiting to wage attacks on US soil, and why?
2. As your government becomes more of a security state, who is the real loser in all this?

"I tell you, freedom and human rights in America are doomed. The U.S. government will lead the American people, and the West in general, into an unbearable hell and a choking life." 

-Osama bin Laden, October, 2001 (quoted in NewsMax.com 2/1/02)

Now that's a scary thought. Let's pray that he wasn't right.