In my pagan life memoir, I reflect on my journey towards embracing paganism as my spiritual path. Growing up in a traditional religious household, I always felt a disconnect between the teachings of organized religion and my personal beliefs and experiences. It wasn't until I stumbled upon paganism that I found a spiritual path that resonated with me. One of the defining moments in my pagan journey was when I discovered the concept of polytheism. The idea that there are multiple deities, each representing different aspects of life and nature, was incredibly liberating. It allowed me to explore and connect with different gods and goddesses that spoke to my soul.
Macha holds Elder and ministerial credentials through The Covenant of the Goddess (CoG), the oldest and largest non-denominational organization of Witches in the United States. A member since 1981, she is a former National First Officer and has served the Covenant in many other capacities. She is on the teaching faculty of Cherry Hill [Pagan] Seminary in Bethel, Vermont, where she also serves on the Pagan Pastoral Counseling Advisory Panel.
A veteran of progressive movements who is deeply committed to bringing the techniques and creative power of spirituality to political activism, she travels internationally, teaching magic, the tools of ritual, and the skills of activism. Her magical practice is inspired by feminism and a concern for the health of our planet, and is informed by Celtic, Hindu and Tibetan practices, the sacred art of tantra, and the magic of enchantment.
It allowed me to explore and connect with different gods and goddesses that spoke to my soul. I found solace in deities of nature, fertility, and creativity, as they embodied the values and principles I held dear. As I delved deeper into paganism, I began to explore various pagan traditions and practices.
Julian: Rome’s Last Pagan Emperor (Ancient Lives) (Hardcover)
The tragic life of Julian, the last non-Christian emperor of Rome, by award-winning author Philip Freeman
Flavius Claudius Julianus, or Julian the Apostate, ruled Rome as sole emperor for just a year and a half, from 361 to 363, but during that time he turned the world upside down. Although a nephew of Constantine the Great, the first Christian emperor of Rome, Julian fought to return Rome to the old gods who had led his ancestors to build their vast empire.
As emperor, Julian set about reforming the administration, conquering new territories, and reviving ancient religions. He was scorned in his time for repudiating Christianity and demonized as an apostate for willfully rejecting Christ. Through the centuries, Julian has been viewed by many as a tragic figure who sought to save Rome from its enemies and the corrupting influence of Christianity. Christian writers and historians have seen Julian much differently: as a traitor to God and violent oppressor of Christians. Had Julian not been killed by a random Persian spear, he might well have changed all of history.
About the Author
Philip Freeman is Fletcher Jones Chair and professor of the humanities at Pepperdine University. His books include Hannibal: Rome’s Greatest Enemy , Alexander the Great , and Julius Caesar .
Praise For…
“This new biography of Julian, who made bold to deny the newly crowned Christian God, by experienced historian Philip Freeman comes as a very welcome addition to the literature on a prolific author whose imperial reach unfortunately exceeded his grasp.”—Paul Cartledge, University of Cambridge
- Biography & Autobiography / Royalty
- History / Ancient / Rome
- Biography & Autobiography / Religious
From Wicca to Druidry, I found myself drawn to different branches of paganism that offered unique perspectives on spirituality and the divine. I embraced rituals, spells, and meditation as tools of connection with the divine and as ways to manifest my intentions in the world. Nature played a significant role in my pagan life memoir. The reverence for the earth and its cycles became central to my spiritual practice. I celebrated the changing seasons, marked the solstices and equinoxes, and engaged in rituals to honor the earth and its elements. Spending time in nature became a form of communion with the divine and a source of grounding and inspiration for me. Throughout my pagan journey, I encountered many misconceptions and prejudices about paganism. However, I learned to embrace my spirituality with love and understanding, regardless of others' judgments. I found a supportive community of like-minded individuals who celebrated diversity and respected each other's spiritual paths. In my pagan life memoir, I reflect on the spiritual growth and personal transformation I experienced through embracing paganism. It brought me a sense of purpose, connection, and empowerment that I never found in traditional religions. Paganism opened my eyes to the interconnectedness of all things, and I strive to live in harmony with nature and honor the divine in everything I do. Overall, my pagan life memoir is a testament to the power of embracing spirituality that resonates with our true selves. Through paganism, I found a path that nourished my soul and allowed me to live authentically. It is an ongoing journey, filled with exploration, learning, and personal growth, but one that I am grateful for every day..
Reviews for "Magick in the Modern World: My Pagan Life Journey"
1. Sarah - 1 star
I found "Pagan Life Memoir" to be incredibly disappointing. The author's writing style was disjointed and confusing, making it difficult to understand the main points of the memoir. Additionally, the author seemed more interested in preaching their beliefs rather than sharing their personal experiences. I was hoping for a deep dive into the author's pagan life, but instead, I got a superficial and preachy book. I was highly disappointed with this memoir and would not recommend it to others.
2. Mark - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "Pagan Life Memoir" but ended up feeling underwhelmed. The author's storytelling lacked depth and failed to engage me as a reader. Additionally, I found the structure of the memoir to be convoluted and confusing, making it difficult to follow the author's journey. While there were moments of insight and interesting anecdotes, overall, I didn't feel emotionally or intellectually connected to the author's pagan life. Unfortunately, this memoir fell short of my expectations.
3. Emily - 2 stars
"Pagan Life Memoir" failed to capture my interest or provide a compelling narrative. I found myself bored and disengaged throughout the entire book. The author's writing style lacked creativity and failed to evoke any emotions or reflections within me. Moreover, the memoir didn't provide enough depth or personal anecdotes to make me feel connected to the author's pagan experiences. Overall, I found "Pagan Life Memoir" to be a lackluster read and would not recommend it to others.
4. David - 1 star
"Pagan Life Memoir" was a disappointing read that left me feeling uninspired. The author's attempt to intertwine their personal experiences with pagan practices felt forced and unnatural. The writing lacked authenticity and failed to capture the essence of what it means to live a pagan life. Furthermore, the memoir lacked structure and coherence, making it a confusing and frustrating read. Overall, "Pagan Life Memoir" fell short of delivering an engaging and informative narrative about pagan life, and I cannot recommend it.
5. Jennifer - 2 stars
I was hoping for a deeper exploration of pagan spirituality and practices in "Pagan Life Memoir," but unfortunately, it fell flat. The author's writing style was dry and lacked the passion I was expecting from a memoir about pagan life. Additionally, the memoir lacked a clear focus and failed to provide enough personal anecdotes and insights to make it relatable or thought-provoking. Overall, it was a mediocre read that failed to deliver on its promises, and I would not recommend it to others.