Articles
I've been writing about pagan spirituality since the Spring Equinox of 1997. While my path has taken many turns over the course of my life (including a visit to Christianity from April to June 2005 to pick up a couple of lessons that I'd missed), most of what I've written is on paganism, both the witchcraft and shamanism, as a spiritual path. For your convenience, each article is accompanied by a bold font label to let you know the spiritual focus of the particular article.
2008
The Bigger Picture (
pagan)
July 7, 2008
Dream teaching, Hopi prophecy, visions of the future, insight from indigenous peoples, eco-villages, urban gardens, tribal marketing plans, and how all of those pieces not only somehow fit together, but begin right here.
Following in a Shaman's Footsteps (
pagan)
June 30, 2008
During the first stop on their honeymoon, Briana and Jeffrey follow ritual hidden ritual sites that end in a cave used by ancient spiritual leaders of the Native peoples.
A Joining of Souls (
pagan)
June 30, 2008
Jeffrey and Briana celebrate their union as husband and wife in a pagan ritual attended by friends and family.
The Line Between the Worlds (
pagan)
April 10, 2008
An immersion ritual in a mountain snowstorm brings Jeffrey to the doorstep of the spirit realm.
Because This Isn't Hollywood... (
pagan)
March 31, 2008
Briana and I head to the Pacific Ocean to complete my cold water ritual, only to discover I'd been led there for another reason.
Don't Try This At Home (
pagan)
March 21, 2008
Spring Equinox marks the eleventh anniversary of Old Ways, Jeffrey's twenty-first year on his path, and an opportunity to share an approach to deep inner work.
Why Magick Doesn't Work (
pagan)
March 12, 2008
The mystical principles that prevent us from working Hollywood-style magick - and how to move beyond them.
The Importance of Seeing Clearly (
pagan)
January 22, 2008
Clarity of sight when engaging in shamanic journeying or working with channeled material is more than just a matter of seeing clearly - it's also a process of letting go.
A Field Guide to Humankind (
pagan)
January 17, 2008
Looking at ourselves, not as flesh and blood, but as spiritual beings who are experiencing this lifetime in human form.
Spinning in Circles (
pagan)
January 4, 2008
What happens when we cast a Circle, how this approach mirrors the construct of reality and why it's integral to the pagan concept of working magick.
2007
Offering the First Seed (
pagan)
December 26, 2007
As a spiritual teacher the first thing I do is challenge a student's boundaries - not how far they can stretch, but the boundaries they're holding onto.
The End of Our Days (
pagan)
November 20, 2007
Three approaches that will help ease the sense of loss we feel when a loved one moves on from this lifetime.
The Biggest Secret in the Craft (pagan)
November 6, 2007
It's not ancient texts, arcane rituals, or even the keys to other realms that hold the biggest secret within the Craft.
Why I Don't Believe In Karma (pagan)
October 23, 2007
The concept of spiritual evolution and the debate between whether spirituality is an environment of love or a process of cause and effect.
A Final Breath (pagan)
September 18, 2007
A reoccurring period of personal darkness sheds light into various portions of Jeffrey's wider path.
A Midnight Stroll (pagan)
September 3, 2007
Waking to find otherworldly footprints strolling down the bedroom wall.
Rules of the Road (pagan)
September 4, 2007
Four simple guidelines to keep in mind as your spiritual practice grows and evolves.
Me and My Shadow (pagan)
April 28, 2007
The importance of honoring and accepting darkness, especially when it's your own.
Enrolling In Earth School (pagan)
April 22, 2007
Understanding the process of spiritual growth from a multiple-lifetimes perspective.
A Funeral for the Trees (pagan)
April 12, 2007
Encountering a clear cut awakened grove in the midst of the wilderness and the ritual to release the spirits of the trees.
I Love You More Than You (pagan)
April 5, 2007
The power of love and its ability to not only change our lives, but empower our magick.
How I Pray (pagan)
March 29, 2007
Using prayer as a way to manifest energy and shift broad themes in our lives and on our paths.
2006
Children and Magic (
pagan)
March 18, 2006
Teaching paganism to children through our family's approach to the solstices and equinoxes.
Tests, Ritual, and Our Pack of Wolves (
pagan)
January 13, 2006
Three tools for consciously manifesting specific emotional energy in our daily lives.
Winter Solstice (
pagan)
January 6, 2006
Jeffrey shares his sunrise Winter Solstice ritual that was held on the Oregon Coast.
2005
A Trio of Ghostly Tales (
pagan)
October 28, 2005
Three real life "ghost stories" from Jeffrey's path to honor the thinning of the veil at Samhain.
Core Elemental Energies (
pagan)
October 23, 2005
A look at the energy at the center of each Element and the implications of its use in our rituals and magic.
Interpreting Dreams (
pagan)
October 16, 2005
How to use the symbolism held given to you in the Dreamtime to find direction for your path.
Seeking Direction and Turning Keys (
pagan)
October 8, 2005
Using shamanic journeying as a method of seeking spiritual direction and finding oneself calld to work with a goddess.
Stones, Spirits, and Shamanic Journeys (
pagan)
September 28, 2005
Working with the energy of stones and using that energy as a doorway to find spiritual teachers and begin shamanic journeying.
Going Back To School (
pagan)
August 6, 2005
The tools that Jeffrey employs when approaching his own lessons and spiritual path.
A Lifetime of Lessons (
pagan)
July 18, 2005
Understanding the perspective that the events, people, and energy of our lives were intentionally manifested to aid us in our spiritual growth.
Touching Base (
pagan)
July 10, 2005
After a period of significant personal and spiritual transformation, Jeffrey gears up to resume teaching.
The Gospel of Mark: Chapter Eight (
Christian)
June 5, 2005
Considering the concept of reincarnation from a Biblical and historical perspective.
The Gospel of Mark: Chapter Seven (
Christian)
May 29, 2005
We see the implications of the power of love and witness a shift in Christ's ministry.
The Gospel of Mark: Chapter Six (
Christian)
May 22, 2005
The disciples return from their ministry and Jesus teaches us by example the meaning of love through His compassion for the crowds that come to Him.
The Gospel of Mark: Chapter Five (
Christian)
May 15, 2005
Jesus casts the evil spirits out of a demon possessed man and, in doing so, demonstrates what it means to truly be the embodiment of love.
Where to Put Our Faith (
Christian)
May 15, 2005
The necessity to use love as a filter when studying the scriptures.
The Gospel of Mark: Chapter Four (
Christian)
May 8, 2005
Jesus continues to teach in parables and calms the storm.
Cultivating Our Hearts (
Christian)
May 8, 2005
Using the Parable of the Sower as a guide for spiritual growth.
The Gospel of Mark: Chapter Three (
Christian)
May 1, 2005
Jesus changes His approach to His ministry and begins to teach with parables.
The Gospel of Mark: Chapter Two (
Christian)
April 24, 2005
Jesus continues a message of spiritual freedom founded in love and begins to sacrifice Himself on our behalf.
The Gospel of Mark: Chapter One (
Christian)
April 17, 2005
Jesus begins a message of spiritual freedom founded in love.
Seeing Clearly (
Christian)
April 11, 2005
Discovering God by seeing Him reflected in the natural world - regardless of where that ecosystem might be found.
Finding Your Soulmate (
pagan)
March 18, 2005
The concept of soulmates and theories on how to connect with your other half.
Little Witches (
pagan)
February 26, 2005
Guidelines to consider when teaching pagan spirituality and concepts to young children.
A Spiritual Litmus Test (
pagan)
February 13, 2005
How living intentionally and establishing standards, not only for our actions, but for what we integrate into our lives, can have a profound impact on our spiritual path.
Spiritual Implications (
pagan)
January 18, 2005
Another perspective on how our actions and intent influence spiritual reality.
Finding the Path Before Us (
pagan)
January 3, 2005
When embarking on spiritual journey, it's important to understand the reasons why we're embarking on that particular path.
2004
The Importance of Spiritual Growth (
pagan)
December 6, 2004
How personal growth and spiritual evolution are as important to our ritual work as any technique we learn.
A Spiritual Ecosystem (
pagan)
November 22, 2004
Exploring the concept that all of reality is alive and has a spirit of its own.
More Than Just a Religion (
pagan)
November 8, 2004
A look at the need to connect with and understand the energies and patterns of the natural world.
Sometimes Simple Is Best (
pagan)
September 11, 2004
There are times when reducing a ritual down to its core elements is the best approach to take.
Navigating Your Path (
pagan)
August 14, 2004
Learning to hear the voice of spirit and how to allow yourself to be guided along your path.
When The Student Is Ready (
pagan)
July 30, 2004
Guidelines to keep in mind when studying with a teacher of the Craft.
Prayer (
pagan)
July 16, 2004
Learning how to pray from a pagan perspective.
A Relationship with the Divine (
pagan)
April 2, 2004
Using prayer and thankfulness as tools to build a relationship with the divine.
The Power of Prayer (
pagan)
March 19, 2004
The power of prayer to transform our lives in simple concrete ways.
Perceiving the Divine (
pagan)
March 12, 2004
Understanding that our perspective of the divine shapes our beliefs and our personal practices.
Searching (
pagan)
March 5, 2004
Jeffrey goes through a spiritual mid-life crisis and realizes he's searching for a deeper relationship with the divine.
Spring Cleaning (
pagan)
February 13, 2004
How to ritually cleanse a new home.
Moving (
pagan)
January 16, 2004
Jeffrey prepares to move into a new home.
2003
Spellwork (
pagan)
December 19, 2003
How to measure the successfulness of your spellwork.
Community (
pagan)
December 11, 2003
The need to develop a sense of community with our fellow pagans.
A Matter of Faith (
pagan)
December 5, 2003
Learning to step through the doors that Spirit opens along our path.
A Culture of One (
pagan)
November 26, 2003
How The Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Special initiated an examination of one witch's practice.
Toddler Samhain 2003 (
pagan)
November 11, 2003
Adapting a magickal rite to incorporate two young children.
Beauty (
pagan)
August 22, 2003
Finding inspiration from spiritual and natural beauty, even in the darkest of times.
2002
Laws for Traditions (
pagan)
August 22, 2002
Five simple guidelines for use in founding a pagan Tradition and keeping the path viable and strong.
Starting From Scratch (
pagan)
July 27, 2002
Jeffrey finds it necessary to resets his spiritual path and start again from scratch.
That Old Time Religion (
pagan)
July 25, 2002
When a witch approaches spirituality, there is a simple and specific path laid out before them. Join us on an exploration of the synthesis of magic and spiritual growth.
"Daddy, Can We Play with the Magick Stuff Tonight?" (
pagan)
July 18, 2002
When is the right age to begin training a child in the Craft? Jeffrey finds it necessary to answer this question when his three year old daughter expresses interest in learning to be a witch.
2001
The Mystical Side of Life (
pagan)
August 4, 2001
A look at déjà vu and spiritual dreaming.
Spiritual Diversity (
pagan)
July 18, 2001
The importance and power in honoring the diversity of our spiritual beliefs.
2000
What is Witchcraft? (
pagan)
December 21, 2000
An overview of modern witchcraft.
Students of the Craft: Pagan Student Unions (
pagan)
February 21, 2000
A survey of pagan groups at U.S. colleges and universities.
Magickal Names (
pagan)
January 20, 2000
An indepth look at magickal names, their significance, and how to find your own.
1999
The Divine (
pagan)
September 21, 1999
A look at the pagan concepts of the divine as compared to other religions from around the world.
Being Pagan (
pagan)
June 21, 1999
Jeffrey does his best to explain the importance of pagan beliefs to a non-pagan audience.
Birth Magic (
pagan)
June 21, 1999
A look at Jeffrey's personal magic and lore surrounding labor, child birth, and early childhood.
Esbats (
pagan)
June 21, 1999
Jeffrey spends a night with his Coven and discovers the magic of the moon.
In Mother Earth's Arms (
pagan)
June 21, 1999
Jeffrey reports on the burying of Sparrow's umbilical cord, a way of connecting a newborn child with the earth.
When Crafting Goes Awry (
pagan)
June 21, 1999
What do you do when crafting goes wrong? Here's Jeffrey's solution when he encountered problems while working on the naming bowl for his daughter's blessing ritual.
A New Member of the Family (
pagan)
March 21, 1999
Explaining paganism and coming out of the broomcloset, a step Jeffrey found necessary with the birth of his first child.
The Pagan Community (
pagan)
March 21, 1999
How to connect with the pagan community and thoughts to consider before starting your own Coven.
Preparing for a New Child (
pagan)
March 21, 1999
A look at the ritual preparations involved in naming a newborn child.
1998
A Day Outside of Time (
pagan)
October 31, 1998
Ideas and traditions to observe at Samhain.
Samhain / Halloween (
pagan)
October 31, 1998
An overview of the Sabbat that traditionally falls on October 31 on the modern calendar.
The Faerie Realm (
pagan)
September 21, 1998
A look at the fae and the concept that their realm is interconnected with the health of our environment.
Natural Energy (
pagan)
September 21, 1998
Methods and philosophies on how to connect with natural energy.
Non-Linear Time (
pagan)
September 21, 1998
The applications of time in magic and spellwork.
Simple Steps Along a Magickal Path (
pagan)
September 21, 1998
A pagan approach to living green.
The Burning Times (
pagan)
June 21, 1998
A look at the factors behind our perception of the Burning Times and parallels to modern events.
Our Animal Kin (
pagan)
June 21, 1998
An editorial focusing on the innate value and interconnectedness of life.
Working With Trees (
pagan)
June 21, 1998
Concepts and techniques for working with the energy of trees.
The Sabbats: Part II (
pagan)
March 21, 1998
An overview of the Sabbats, including the story of the God and the Goddess as it is reflected in the solar year.
1997
Elemental Correspondences Of The Pentacle (
pagan)
December 21, 1997
A look at the historical association of certain elements with different points of the pentacle.
The Sabbats: Part I (
pagan)
December 21, 1997
An explanation as to why pagans celebrate specific dates in the solar year.
'Tis the Season (
pagan)
December 21, 1997
Jeffrey shares the concepts and techniques behind making your own ritual tools.
Faces In the Flames (
pagan)
September 21, 1997
Jeffrey's personal reaction to going over a registry of witches executed during the Burning Times.
Dancing the Wheel of Life (
pagan)
June 21, 1997
Using the symbolism of the Goddess and the God to aid in your personal growth.
Connecting With Nature (
pagan)
March 21, 1997
Another approach to experiencing and connecting with natural energy.