Medicine Wheel by Ravynne Phelan ©

The Physics of First Principles

In my book, Pagan Metaphysics 101, I share some of the basic foundations of thought behind Metaphysics as a philosophy. Recently I’ve delved into this topic with others who label their path as Metaphysical, but after discussion were not aware of the origins of Metaphysical thought. And in particular, that their views of a “Christ Consciousness” as the foundation of Metaphysics is actually a fairly new evolution of Metaphysical philosophy.

But is that concept accurate? Do these principles come from the essence of Christ teachings? Or are they based in older Pagan concepts? Or could they be even older than that?

The typical path by some I’ve had this discussion with is to start by complaining about yet another spiritual path taking from pagan origins and re-branding it. It’s not the first time nor will it probably be the last time others modify something to fit their views.

Nor is it the only instance of others trying to distance themselves from what has been known before and practiced by pagans long ago. Trying to get away from the “negative” or “dark” practices of paganism isn’t uncommon, even if it’s misconceived. But I don’t think complaining or trying to vilify others is an effective way of educating misconceptions.

Everyone has a right to evolve their thought and views. But it’s also important to remember and understand where those views originated or came from. What inspired them and who brought them into the context in the first place? That’s where I like to begin the journey of Metaphysics. Continue reading →

Smile When You Don’t Feel Like It

Carry Your Happiness With You

I meet people all the time in person, through email or messages, and they share their personal stories of struggle and challenge with me. They talk about feeling lost, feeling as though they’ve hit rock bottom, constantly sad and filled with anger. Not knowing where to turn or go to in order to find help or answers.

I’m blessed with seeing many, if not most of these people go through their “ah-ha” moments as they work forward through issues they never thought they could overcome. They start reading and learning. They begin turning their lives around and making significant changes not only up front in the beginning, but over the long haul with time and effort as well.

I shared something this morning with someone and a little voice said, there are others who need to hear this today. So if you’re one of those people who has had an “ah-ha” moment or you still face challenges and feel that you’re struggling with turning things around in your life, this is for you. Continue reading →

What you don’t like about someone else,
Look In A Mirror.

What Encounters Teach Us

Everyone one of us has had moments during a week, or in a single day when we feel like we’re wearing a sign around our neck that says “Piss me off”. Comments from complete strangers that push a button and cause us to feel hurt, attacked or self-conscious about something. And it could be about anything, even things that don’t even make sense later on.

Sometimes we say wave a hand and tell ourselves we’re being overly sensitive. Sometimes we actually let the comments get under our skin and truly get angry. Other times we pretend we didn’t hear the comment, ignore it, but play it over and over in our head.

As one of my very wise Shamanistic teachers once told me “It’s not all about you. You’re learning to be a Shaman, stop crying about your little hurt feelings and use your head and your heart to help those who are coming to you and screaming for compassion”. Yeah I didn’t like that comment much when he said it to me, but I’ve come to understand what he meant.

I’ve also learned that this perspective isn’t only for the “ministers” in the world. It’s for everyone walking a spiritual path. And maybe even those who aren’t. Continue reading →