Beyond black and white – the new pink Ouija board

Two years ago the Hasbro Company released a pink version of the classic Ouija board, presumably to revitalize Ouija’s appeal and help it remain a slumber party mainstay. A recent story by Fox News seems to have catapulted this “pink portal to the other side” to the forefront of Christian and non-Christian consciousness alike.

The buzz seems to mostly consist of Christians condemning the product as a “dangerous spiritual game” and non-Christians responding with snark (some of which is pretty entertaining – see the “reviews” link below).

Some snippets of product reviews I found at amazon.com, followed by my take on it all:

I guess it’s an indictment of the level of science education in the U.S.A. Ouija board simply works on kids pushing the marker to the letters. –reviewer Joseph P. Klein

There is inherent in using the board the possibility of demonic contact and influence, since dead people cannot be contacted. The effects are real when it “works.” –reviewer Former Astrologer

Deuteronomy 18:10 states ‘There shall not be found among you anyone who…CALLS UP THE DEAD. For whoever does these things is detestable to the Lord.’ –reviewer common sense

Based on personal experience, the first two reviews contain little bits of truth (though overall they miss the mark). Here are my thoughts on Ouija:

Q: Who (or what) moves the Ouija board’s marker?

A: Kids trying to either scare or impress their friends.

A: A discarnate spirit on the astral plane. This could be someone who’s recently passed and has not yet progressed to the higher planes of existence, but is more likely an unevolved spiritual entity. Some may dub these beings “demons,” but it’s important to understand that the Abrahamic Religions have perverted the meaning of this word, which simply meant “unclean spirit” originally. However this is precisely why Ouija can be dangerous – in using it, those without the required knowledge or respect essentially make a “phone call” to a room full of strangers, any of whom could “pick up” and some of whom may have malicious intent.

Q: If I had a child, would I let them play with a Ouija board?

A: Generally speaking, no. Though the board itself does not cause harm, the fear surrounding its use might. This fear, now embedded in our society’s consciousness, is exactly what attracts the unevolved spiritual entities I described above (and keeps them around).

Q: What qualifies me to these questions, and why do I disagree with the reviews quoted above?

A: Personal experience. On several occasions friends and family members have spontaneously visited me after passing, often with messages for me or for me to relay to others. Contacting (or being contacted by) those who’ve passed is indeed possible, and I feel strongly that ruling this out simply because one hasn’t experienced it (or worse, judging someone without “walking a mile in their shoes“) is spiritually and emotionally immature. The universe is bigger than any of us can comprehend, and there is plenty that can’t be explained by either religious doctrine or empirical evidence.

I find it ironic that zealots on each side of any religion vs. science debate seem to share the same weakness – the conviction that everything in the universe can be neatly categorized as religion or science/belief or fact/black or white/good or evil. Though it might seem desirable to live in a world where everything is so cut and dry, it would rob us of the opportunity to experience the freedom that humility brings – that quality we embody when we admit there are more questions than answers.

The Theology of Service – an Interfaith Perspective

After high school and before college, I volunteered for an organization called Community Service Volunteers in London, England. For six months I lived with four developmentally delayed young men and assisted them with things like grocery shopping and preparing meals, and accompanied them on social outings. It was a period of immense personal growth on many fronts, and I will always remember those men and my time in England fondly. Years later, immersed in the busyness of everyday life, I had forgotten how important and empowering it is to serve others. This concept was recently brought back to the forefront by someone I wouldn’t normally cross paths with – a Roman Catholic nun.

Last week I volunteered at Sojourner Place in Seattle, a transitional home for women who’ve left bad situations and are beginning to rebuild their lives. It was a humbling experience assisting other volunteers with the prep, serving, and clean up of a meal for the eleven women that live there. Even more cause for personal reflection was the conversation we had with the house leader, a nun by the name of K.C. Young.

K.C. didn’t look like I expected her to – no habit, no rosary. If you met her on the street or at a social gathering, you’d encounter a nicely dressed, well-spoken woman who emanates personal strength and quiet calm. K.C. has been a nun since early adulthood and has spent the last 45 years serving those less fortunate in every corner of the world.

When we arrived she gave us a tour before inviting questions about herself and/or Sojourner Place. When asked how the Roman Catholic Church views service, she replied by explaining the Church’s “theology of service.” She said that God favors the poor and destitute, and that the more fortunate among us are obligated to care for those who have trouble caring for themselves. She went on to say that this philosophy extends beyond people to include the care and preservation of all Creation. Seeing this woman’s strength, compassion and dedication, in addition to the similarities between the “theology of service” she described and the Wiccan Rede, inspired deep respect and admiration.

As many who’ll read this already know, those who walk the Overgrown Path strive to live by the Wiccan Rede, which invites us to do as we choose provided none are harmed by our choices (including ourselves). In Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner, Scott Cunningham explains that “This is more than survival. It also ensures that you’ll be in good condition to take on the tasks of preserving and bettering our world.”

I’m grateful for the reminder that the “tasks of preserving and bettering our world” are shared among many who walk various religious and spiritual paths. This has given me both a new perspective on people like K.C. and her religion, as well as a lot of hope for the future.

A Witch Alone by Marian Green: Introduction

I recently picked up a copy of A Witch Alone: The Essential Guide for the Solo Practitioner of the Magical Arts by Marian Green. The book has 13 chapters for the 13 moons in a year. I plan to work through one chapter per lunar cycle beginning just after the new moon, as Green recommends. Interestingly enough, the next new moon is on February 13th, which also marks the beginning of a new year on the Chinese lunar calendar. After 13 chapters, 13 moons, and one lunar year to the day, I will have completed Green’s course. It seems the book came my way at exactly the right time! If you come across this post before the 13th and would like to share in this synchronicity, get the book and make the journey with me! Throughout the coming year I’ll be posting thoughts on the readings, exercises, and outcomes for discussion.

A quote from the introduction:

None of the paths of magic leads away from the world, setting you free from life’s troubles at a stroke; they lead you deeper in. They show you with unveiled eyes the reality of situations, relationships, and the need to come to grips with your own problems and solve them.

How many would-be witches confuse fantasy with reality, and become disenchanted when they discover the Craft is neither easy nor glamorous? How many give up and move on to a less demanding path when they realize it takes more than the waving of a store-bought wand to create the lives they want? Apparently enough that Green thought it warranted mentioning.

I appreciate the reminder that walking a sacred path – any sacred path – requires dedication and commitment, and that by taking my spiritual growth seriously I honor the Old Ones as well as myself. I’m looking forward to the coming year of learning and growth, and again extend an invitation to any who’d like to share in the journey.

Imbolc: reflections, gratitude, and inspiration

Merry Imbolc all! May the flame upon your candle burn unwavering as light returns to the world.

As I begin to emerge from the dark womb of winter, I realize my rest was fitful and filled with dreams borne of the unresolved anger I harbor for organized religion and those who seek to harm others with it. The writings of a wise and gentle friend have helped me see this clearly, and for that I’m grateful. Though I’ve allowed this anger to keep me from writing much lately, (and to color what little I’ve done), I’ve resolved to put this hurt to rest in this time of new beginnings.

Perhaps you too have a similar burden, one that has prevented you from living the life of joy you’ve always known was your destiny? If this rings true, join with me in replacing the cloak of the victim with that of the compassionate warrior.

It strikes me that, now more than ever, self-responsibility and compassion are the currencies that will buy our collective future. Here’s to hope and new beginnings!

Thank you Pat Robertson

…for hastening the demise of mainstream evangelical Christianity.

As more Christians realize the extent of your arrogance, insensitivity, righteousness, and general asshattery, many will undoubtedly hasten to distance themselves from you and your rhetoric. If I were a Christian, I’d certainly be embarrassed to be associated with you.

[The earthquake in Haiti] may be a blessing in disguise.

Would you say the same if someone you love was there at the time of the quake, still missing and likely buried under rubble?

[The Haitians] made a pact with the devil, [and] have been cursed ever since.

You’re a jackass, Pat Robertson. You’re insulated by wealth and privilege and are completely out of touch with reality as a result.

Legalized rape in Afghanistan?

I admit I don’t pay as much attention to the news as I should, (it’s typically so depressing), so it came as a surprise when I learned via the 2009 Harper’s Magazine Yearly Review that in August of last year, a law was passed in Afghanistan allowing wives who refuse their husband’s sexual advances to be starved. No, we haven’t fallen into a time warp and landed in the middle ages. And yes…I said starved.

From an article I found at the U.K.’s Guardian:

The new final draft of the legislation also grants guardianship of children exclusively to their fathers and grandfathers, and requires women to get permission from their husbands to work. It also effectively allows a rapist to avoid prosecution by paying ‘blood money’ to a girl who was injured when he raped her.

Many things ran through my mind while I read this. One of the first things (and something I call on everyone reading this to consider) is my belief that the opinions and actions of the men who endorsed and passed the bill, the fundamentalist Shia leader Ayatollah Mohseni and Afghanistan’s president, do not represent the majority of those who follow the Islamic faith. (This is reasonable as only about 20% of the country’s population regards Mohseni as their spiritual leader.) These two (Mohseni especially) are conservative religious freak shows who have elevated themselves places of power and influence, similar to the Pat Robertsons, Dick Cheneys, and Anita Bryants of America’s past and present. What’s so unfortunate is how much harm the whims of two men are inflicting on Afghanistan’s 15 million+ women.

Does anyone know what the status of this law is today? Is it still in effect?

Other interesting and informative links:

Women’s Learning Partnership – Afghanistan

Total population of Afghanistan and population by gender (use filters to sort): NationMaster.com

Fear

A woman wearing a mask similar to these sat next to me on the bus this morning. After she settled in, she pulled out a small bottle of alcohol-based hand sanitizer and applied some to her hands.

Soon after I began to feel the woman’s fear and anxiety, which seemed to intensify as the bus filled. It struck me how much she was living in fear of sickness, and how this fear would likely draw to her exactly what she’s trying so hard to avoid. If there’s anything I’ve learned over the past few years, it’s the universal law of “like attracts like” – that our thoughts and beliefs about reality create our experience of it.

I’m grateful to her for this timely reminder.

Affirmations for Appreciation

A p p r e c i a t i o n

I appreciate myself.

I appreciate my time, my energy, and my uniqueness.

I attract and surround myself with people who appreciate me.

I acknowledge and appreciate everyone I encounter.

I attract situations in which I feel appreciated.

 

These affirmations were inspired by the teachings of Orin as written by Sanaya Roman.

Affirming our Purpose

I am here for a purpose – a concrete, unique, and joyful purpose.

I watch attentively as this purpose continues to unfold before me.

I have the clarity, wisdom, and courage to follow my higher purpose.

I surround myself with those who support my higher purpose.

I acknowledge that everyone I encounter also has a special and unique purpose.

This affirmation was inspired by the teachings of Orin, as written by Sanaya Roman.

A Simple Candle Ritual

I’ve taken to reciting the following each day before beginning my morning meditation, as I light a candle on my altar. I’ve found it quite moving and profound, in spite of its simplicity:

May I be like this candle – a gentle and unwavering light in the world, radiating warmth and illuminating truth.

And So It Is.