Raising Avalon, began as New Avalon in 1996. I had a dream where folks of various religions and demoninations could find a common ground. In my journey of life, I have seen so much discrimination, based on who you are, what you look like, what God you worship, what you eat, what you don't eat. It's hard not to turn sour in the face of so much hate. I even find it in literature. Why is God capitalized, but gods, and goddesses aren't? And that's the least of it. I've always had a belief that if you live a good life, and have faith, what does it matter the deity you're referring to? I've been walking my path since the mid 80's. I came out as a Pagan in 1991, I lost some friends over it, but I didn't give up. I made new friends. I tried so hard to remain tolerant of everyone, and be open minded, but have hit so many road blocks based on who I am, and what I believe that it became difficult. I found myself slipping into that trap of becoming intolerant. So I went solitary. I stopped hanging around the Pagan community, stopped communicating with my online community. Faith and Magic became once more something I practiced in private, at my own altar or with my family.
So...why am I writing about it now? This is me working towards being more open again. The blogs may change in content from day to day...there may be days without blog posts. Spirituality will play a heavy part of it I'm sure. But not just mine. The reason I was so capable of having an open mind in the first place, was because I looked into other religions and paths. I don't claim to be a scholar by any stretch but I know enough of other cultures and belief systems, that I can make an educated choice towards mine. What I ask, is that you open your own minds. If you are a person who looks down their nose at something because it's different, try to look at it from another point of view. Put the "hater-ade" (get it...gatorade for haters?) away. If you feel the need to continue to be a hater, I wish you no ill, and hope you have a great life, but don't let the "door" hit your ass on the way out. In other words, leave now.
About the Graphic at the top, since I've been asked, and because folks that don't know may wonder what it all means...I'll explain.
The 3 phases of the moon, represent the Triple Goddess. Yes, I worship the Goddess...as well as the God. In the triple moon, she is shown in her 3 aspects, l. to r.; the Maiden, Mother, and Crone respectively...
The Wolf, Raven and Panther are 3 of my strongest Totems. Animals that I feel a special affinity to. Panther came first when I was very young, he introduced himself to me in a dream. Panther represents that hidden side of myself, mysterious, easily made invisible.
Wolf came later at a moment of turmoil. He showed me the security you can find in your "pack" stability, security, nurturing of a family.
Raven, a trickster, that side of me that enjoys a good joke, and shiny objects. Raven also is a symbol of knowledge, longevity, and dreams. He speaks to me in both the physical and the astral, a messenger that moves between both worlds.
The stars? They're just cool. :)
And on that note...I'm outta here, hope you enjoyed the first of hopefully many posts...
